Power Saws
Of course you want a
table saw. Consider portability and whether or not a cordless model is a necessity. Remember that freedom of movement will cost you power, which is what you will prefer when cutting heavy materials such as heavy timber, masonry, and thick metal.
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Portable vs. Stationary
Portable Table Saws: These space savers are transportable, making them ideal for framing and deck work. Their design facilitates making long, straight, accurate cuts. They don't accept many accessories.
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Stationary Table Saws: This permanent fixture is very versatile, accepting many different accessories, and it is the most powerful option. Best for dealing with heavy materials and large workloads.
'''Power!'''
As with drills, if your tool has a cord, you'll get more power and less transportability. Cordless models are heavier and require charging the battery, but it's nice to be able to schlep your tools around without tripping.
Blades!
Choose your blade size for
thin kerf.
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What Else?
Popular Mechanics says that traditional saws have 7 1/4" blades (bigger blades for bigger cutting and the converse), are rated at 15 amps of power (more amps, more power), and have the blade on the right side of the saw (known as a "sidewinder"). They cut at 45 and 90 degree angles and do better with thin-kerf blades. Check out the site for more tips.
