5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Table Saw

Before you drop $500–$600, learn from my sawdust-covered mistakes.

1. The Fence is More Important Than the Motor: You can have all the power in the world, but if your fence isn't perfectly parallel to the blade, your cuts will be crooked and dangerous. Look for a rack and pinion system (like on the DeWalt)—it stays locked in place.

   
   

2. "Portable" is a Relative Term: A "benchtop" saw without a stand is a pain to move and a hazard to use on the floor. If you don't have a dedicated, permanent workbench, get the rolling stand. Your back will thank you every time you set up.

   
   

3. The Blade it Comes With is Usually Junk: Most manufacturers ship saws with a "general purpose" blade that’s okay for framing, but it’ll chew up your nice trim. Budget an extra $50 for a high-quality finishing blade immediately.

   
   

4. Dust Collection isn't Optional: A table saw is a sawdust cannon. If you’re working in a garage, you aren't just cleaning the floor; you’re cleaning the top of every shelf and the hood of your car. If it doesn’t hook up to a shop vac, don’t buy it.

   
   

5. Space Behind the Saw Matters: Everyone thinks about the size of the saw, but nobody thinks about the 8-foot board coming out the back. Make sure your workspace has enough "outfeed" room, or you'll find yourself trapped against a wall mid-cut. (If you are working in the yard or on a jobsite, invest in good roller or flip-top stands to hold the board on the front end and catch the board on the back end.)