Parts & Uses of the Table Saw

Base and Table Top

• The table top is attached to the top of the box that houses the motor for the saw. It must be flat and level. The wood is placed on the table and pushed through the saw blade protruding from under the table. Most table saws have metal legs attached to the bottom of the motor housing box. This gives the unit a sturdy solid base at a good height for cutting the wood.

Motor and Blades

• The motor is attached to the housing box just under and perpendicular to the table top. A saw blade is attached to the shaft of the motor. Controls on the front of the housing box allow the motor to be raised, lowered or tilted. This allows for different thicknesses and different angles of cuts to be made. There are many different types of blades designed for different materials and jobs.

Rip Fence

• The rip fence is a metal bar that attaches to the table. The rip fence needs to be aligned to the angle of the saw blade. A fixed ruler is on the front of the table top to allow the user to set the rip fence to the desired measurement. The wood is pressed against the rip fence while being pushed over the table top and through the saw blade. This ensures accurate cuts.

Miter Gauge

• A miter gauge is not standard with all table saws and may be purchased separately. On the table top there is a grove on each side of the blade. Its used to allow a miter gauge to slide towards the blade. The miter gauge, a “T”-shaped tool that can be adjusted for different angles, is used when you need to make angled cuts for the wood to fit into corners.

Safety Features

• There are two safety features that come with table saws. The blade guard is a clear plastic cover mounted on a spring assembly at the back of the table top. It covers the blade and moves up as the wood slides under it. You are still able to see the cut with less risk to your fingers. Table saws also have a plastic stick with a notch in the end. This is used to push the wood through it’s cut keeping your hands far from the blade.