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A stationary table saw, also known as a saw
bench, is a powered cutting device consisting of a circular serrated
blade that rises out of a slit in the surface of a table. The material
to be cut is normally slid towards the rotating blade and then through
it, resulting in smooth and efficient cutting. Stationary table saws
are generally larger and heavier than the benchtop models and are
therefore more suitable for intensive cutting tasks. This saw can cut
through most dense materials such as hardwood, compressed lumber,
reinforced plastic, and even metal. This tool is capable of straight
perpendicular cuts of varying depths as well as angled cuts. Other than
slicing wooden sheets down to the required dimensions, the tool can
also be used for plunge cutting grooves and slots. Miter and bevel
cuts, which are angular cuts made in two pieces of wood that need to be
joined at an angle, can be easily executed using this tool. The saw is
also used for crosscutting and molding applications. While generally
being used by professional workmen, such as carpenters, masons, and
plumbers, these tools can be used at home by experienced ‘workshop
enthusiasts’ too.
Features and working of a stationary table saw
Stationary table saws are generally of two
types; contractor table saws and cabinet table saws. The cabinet table
saw is similar to a contractor saw, except that it has a cabinet
enclosing the motor below the table. A typical stationary table saw
consists of a Circular saw with a sharp serrated edge held firmly in a
shaft called an arbor. The arbor is connected to the unit’s motor,
which powers the tool and causes the rotational motion of the blade. A
13 – 50 amp motor is generally used to generate enough torque to enable
the blade to cut through exceptionally hard materials. Smoother power
transmission is enhanced with an intrinsic cog-belt drive. The
induction motor is sometimes fan-cooled to prevent overheating. The
incorporation of dual capacitors makes for more consistent performance.
This torque generates an output of around 5000 to 7000 revolutions per
minutes (rpm). The mounting of the motor has been judiciously arranged
to minimize tool vibrations. The cast-iron and steel body increases
rigidity. At 90 degrees, the tool offers a cutting depth of
approximately 3 1/8 inches.
The blade used is approximately 10 inches in
diameter and is usually carbide-tipped, which is known to increase the
versatility of the blade to cut through varied materials. The depth of
cut can be controlled by raising or lowering the blade. Higher the
protrusion of the blade through the table, deeper is the cut.
Similarly, the angel of the blade can also be changed. Accuracy is
enhanced with a rip Fence, which is an adjustable guide running
parallel to the blade that helps the user guide the workpiece towards
the blade. A splitter is an appendage that keeps the material being cut
from changing direction, which could result in a kickback. The tabletop
is machine-provisioned and has a powder-coat finish to prevent wear and
tear due to friction. An arbor lock helps the user change the blade
quickly, as and when required.
Sliding partitions of the table enable the
table surface to be extended to facilitate some tasks that require
larger support, such as crosscutting jobs.
What to look for in a stationary table saw
Cutting precision is enhanced with a T-Square
fence system. To prevent overloading and subsequent burnout of the
motor, the tool is provided with a constant response circuitry that
maintains the torque at a stable Level, irrespective of the power
demands. As with any cutting tool, a lot of dirt and sawdust are
emitted. A vacuum-powered dust collector helps to clean the environment
for the user and also prevents the duct from entering the tool and
damaging the internal components. A soft start feature prevents a large
build-up of torque at startup, thus avoiding sudden jerks.
A tenon jig is a useful accessory, which
helps to hold the material vertically, thus facilitating tenon cuts. A
cross cut sled holds the piece at right angles, enabling crosscuts to
be made. A miter gage provides stops at commonly used angles such as 45
and 90 degrees. For enhanced safety, a see-through blade guard is
included in the tool.
Some reputed manufacturers of stationary table
saws include Bosch, Delta, HTC, Porter-Cable, Powermatic, Ryobi, Skil,
and TD Industrial.
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