Definition

Noun: A table saw is a stationary woodworking tool. It consists of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor, driven by an electric motor. The blade protrudes upward through a slot in a flat, sturdy table surface. The table provides support for the material being cut, allowing for precise, straight cuts.

Usage

The term table saw refers specifically to this complete, integrated tool. It is used to describe the machine itself, its function, or its presence in a workshop. - Always use a push stick when operating a table saw for safety. - The carpenter made a rip cut on the table saw. - His workshop is equipped with a powerful table saw.

Advanced Usage

• "Outfeed table": An extension attached to the table saw to support long workpieces after they pass the blade.
• "Fence": A guide that is attached to the table and can be adjusted parallel to the blade to ensure straight, consistent cuts.
• "Miter gauge": A device that slides in a slot on the table, used to guide workpieces at a specific angle across the blade for crosscuts or miter cuts.

Variants and Related Words

• Circular saw (n): A handheld power tool with a rotating blade. This is the cutting mechanism, but it is not mounted under a table.
• Bench saw (n): Another term for a smaller, sometimes portable, table saw.
• Cabinet saw (n): A heavy-duty, professional-grade table saw with an enclosed base (cabinet) that houses the motor and reduces vibration.
• Table sawing (gerund/n): The act of using a table saw.

Synonyms

• Sawbench (chiefly British English)
• Stationary circular saw

Related Phrases

• "Kickback": A dangerous situation where the workpiece is violently thrown back toward the operator by the saw blade. Safety features on a table saw are designed to prevent this.
• "Blade guard": A safety device on a table saw that covers the blade except where the wood passes through.
• "Riving knife": A safety component mounted behind the blade to prevent the cut material from pinching the blade and causing kickback.

Noun

1. a circular saw mounted under a table or bench so that the blade of the saw projects up through a slot