Bench Power Tools
Tool Choice:
When planning a project, you need to have the right tools for the job. Whether the work requires cutting, sanding, drilling or other operations, selecting the proper tool is the first step to success. Mastering a tool is like adding a useful partner - a partner that will help lead you to your desired end result.
Cutting
Saws are invaluable at achieving the correct measurements and dimensions for any project. Master the size and shape of your materials and easily cut them into the exact form you need. As veteran tool users know, not all saws are designed for all jobs. Detailed work, cross-cutting, fine lines, cutouts and more - all of these styles are available by choosing the correct saw for the job. Blade size, as well as the number of teeth on a blade, are other factors that must be considered in order to get optimum results. Stay sharp and ensure that your projects have the straight edges, smooth curves and precision cuts they require.
Mitre Saws
For work that requires extreme precision, rely on a mitre saw. Mitre saws make accurate crosscuts and mitre cuts, as well as bevel and compound cuts, and are extremely effective for picture-frame moldings, door and window trim, crown moldings, framing lumber and more. The three types of miter saws are basic, compound and slide compound. A basic model makes crosscuts and mitre cuts. The titling blade of a compound mitre saw adds the ability to make bevel cuts. A slide compound mitre saw combines the functions of a mitre saw with that of a radial arm saw, and can cut wider stock than other saws.
Cross cut capacity is a function of blade size and the design of the saw
Let the saw come to full speed before bringing the blade into the work; let it come to a full stop before removing it from the cut
Positive stops are factory-set points on the mitre saw table that allow precise cuts on specific angles
Mitre blade selection:
For 8.5" blades, choose a 24- to 30-tooth blade for rough work, and a 60-tooth for finish cuts
For 10" blades, use a 40-tooth blade for rough work; 60- to 80-tooth for smooth cuts
For 12" blades, use a 60-tooth blade for rough cuts and an 80- to 96-tooth for finish work
Carbide-tipped blades stay sharper longer, especially when working with hardwoods; steel-tipped blades will dull sooner than Carbide-tipped blades
Table Saws
Table saws allow users to make all styles of conventional cuts, including rip, crosscut, mitre, bevel and compound. A circular blade protrudes through a slot in the table; the work is pushed into the blade. You can choose from two types of motors: direct drive and belt drive. Direct drive motors are linked directly to the blade and transfer all of the motor's power to the blade. Belt drive motors have a belt that brings power from the motor to the blade; with this type, the motor can be offset away from the sawdust produced during use, allowing the motor to last longer.
The diameter of the largest blade the saw can use determines its size; the most common sizes are 8" and 10"
8" blades work especially well for thinner materials
10" blades supply the extra depth required for angled cuts and thicker materials
Belt driven systems require regular checking of the belts for wear and proper tension
A saw with the motor mounted on cast-iron brackets reduces vibration
Additional cuts are available by utilizing various accessories, including dado blades for dado cuts (flat-bottomed recessed cuts), tenoning jigs for making and batch-cutting tenons, and spline-mitering jigs to cut slots for splines used to join corners of a frame
Radial Arm Saws
Radial arm saws perform crosscutting and ripping, can be tilted and turned to cut mitres, bevels, or both, and can do dado work with the right blade. Radial arm saws feature an arm that supports the saw carriage and a yoke that holds the motor and blade, allowing for multiple degrees of rotation. The saw arm can be raised and lowered and swung from side to side to adjust the depth and horizontal angle of the cut. The blade can also be replaced with shaping cutters, disc-sanders and other accessories for increased versatility.
The yoke controls bevel angles, with adjustments from 0 to 90 degrees, and also allows the machine to be configured for either crosscutting or ripping
A 10" model is appropriate for most jobs, and is capable of cutting up to 2-3/4" deep at 90 degrees, 2-1/2" at a 45-degree bevel and crosscuts 16" at 90 degrees
Some saws are designed to be used on a bench, but many have legs that let you set up your saw free-standing