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In the world of table saws, prices can range dramatically, from about $100 for a portable homeowner-grade saw all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars for professional shop saws. Most of us do our shopping at the lower end of that scale, which means we often end up with saws that have limited power and features. But having an entry-level tool shouldn't hinder your work. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your saw.

Work With a Helper

Large, expensive saws have huge tables to support the workpiece while you cut it. Small saws are designed to be portable, which means they lack a heavy table to support the work. Having a helper to handle material as it comes out of the saw will keep the weight distribution even and prevent dangerous situations, such as the saw tipping over or the wood kicking back.

Use Extendable Roller Stands

Though a helper is the best option for handling large workpieces, sometimes working alone is unavoidable. If that's the case, using a telescopic roller stand or two can quickly extend the reach of your saw's table. Be careful to ensure the rollers are set at the right height and are exactly perpendicular to the saw blade. A roller that is turned slightly can pull your work in one direction or the other, creating sideways pressure on your saw blade and causing binding—and in worst cases, a dangerous kickback. You can avoid that problem with high-quality ball rollers, which allow the workpiece to move in multiple directions.

Build a Temporary Table

With a few sawhorses and a couple sheets of melamine-coated particleboard, you can build a decent out-feed table large enough for lightweight sheet goods. This can be helpful when cutting thin sheets such as paneling or wainscot. Just be careful not to block access to your saw's emergency shutoff switch or other safety features.

Make Multiple Passes

Don't ask too much of your motor by trying to cut material that is too thick, large, heavy, or dense. Entry-level table saws often have comparatively low-power electric motors. Just because the blade on your saw extends 3 inches above the table doesn't mean the motor can handle cutting 3 inches of solid lumber, especially if the cut is long. (Short crosscuts are quicker than long rip cuts, which clog the blade and heat it up.) Make deeper cuts with multiple passes, raising the blade a little more with each pass. Just be sure to make each pass at a cutting depth that your saw can handle.

It's important to note that whenever the entire blade is buried in the workpiece, the saw must work harder to evacuate the waste material. In other words, just because your saw can easily rip through a 1 x 4 doesn't mean you can cut 3/4 inches out of 2-inch-thick oak in a single pass. Go easy on your saw. Not only will it last longer, but you'll be safer too.

Secure Your Saw

Most portable table saws have holes for securely fastening the saw to a stable work surface. Use them! By making sure your saw won't vibrate or move during your cutting operation, you're going to make your work safer, easier, and more accurate. It's only a few minutes' work, and it's easy to reverse when you're done for the day.


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