Purchasing a table saw is never easy, and being bombarded with so much information on how to buy one doesn’t help either. However, one factor you do need to seriously think about is a tool’s power requirement.
In this article, you’ll learn why this is so important and just how much power a table saw needs to run efficiently.
How Table Saw Power Is Measured
Computing for power can be done in several ways. Watts, Volts, AMPS, and Horsepower are just some of the terms you probably came across. And while all these are interconnected, each one means something totally different.
For instance, Horsepower refers to how strong a motor can be when running at full speed. Watts, on the other hand, describes the amount of power needed for a tool to be operational. It’s important to note, though, that a table saw requires more to start up before slowing down and maintaining a certain usage level.
For context, 1-HP usually eats up 745 watts of energy.
Now, at some point, after running for several hours, your tool’s motor will need to cool down. The electrical load it can carry across a particular amount of time is measured in AMPS.
This can also be used to gauge a motor’s efficiency. Typically, table saws with a higher AMP rating maximize power more effectively, are less likely to overheat, and encounter far fewer maintenance issues.
Finally, voltage indicates the amount of pressure yielded by a power source and is quantified in Volts. Most North American homes already utilize 120-V sockets, so it’s best to find tools that are compatible with that. Otherwise, you’ll need to rewire everything.
Choosing A Table Saw
Finding a table saw that fits your needs largely depends on the task at hand. So before even heading down to the local hardware or checking out that online shopping cart, identify first what it is you are planning to do.
Basic Woodworking Projects
For those who enjoy doing simple do-it-yourself projects at home, a table saw with a 2-HP motor is more than good enough. This is already capable of slicing through most types of wood, not to mention soft metals.
Assuming that your sockets are 120-V, and the brand you chose is between 13 and 15 AMPS, using it would require approximately 1,700 watts of power. Most workshops will be able to carry this load, even when the tool is plugged into an extension cord.
In terms of overall cost, table saws with these specifications are relatively cheap and come in a wide range of options. Operating them won’t cause your electric bill to shoot up, either.
Professional Jobs And Complex Tasks
It’s also not uncommon for users to invest in a heftier machine, especially if you’re planning on using it for longer periods and on much harder materials. In this case, a cabinet table saw with at least a 5-HP motor would be recommended.
Given this dynamic, expect to consume about 4,000 watts of power after every use. Assuming, of course, that your sockets at home are 120-V. Regrettably, though, there aren’t many choices available that fit those provisions; and those that are can be quite pricey.
To expand your search, it would be best to increase the pressure in your power source. Raising it to 220-V means your table saw is expected to run more systematically without sacrificing any of the cutting strength.
This way, you strike a careful balance of power consumed and productivity while keeping wear and tear to a minimum.
Increasing Your Voltage Supply
As mentioned earlier, table saws consume varying levels of power. Heavy-duty models require more, while weaker ones use up less. If you’re a hardcore woodworker who plans on putting up a full-scale workshop, consider increasing the voltage supply in that area.
Adding a couple of 240-V sockets means you’ll be able to use stronger tools. This increase in electrical pressure better suits motors with higher horsepower, allowing them to reach maximum speeds when running.
Of course, as you do this, make sure to go for table saws with a larger amperage capacity.
Anything below 13 AMPS will heat up fairly quickly, which translates to more breaks in between work. Not exactly the type of conditions you would want when working on bigger projects.
Aiming for a table saw that’s 18 AMPS is reasonable professional work, both in terms of price and performance. Your power consumption will be much higher, but at least the tool can achieve a maximum cutting strength of 5 HP. Good enough to rip through almost anything.
All in all, there are a lot of advantages to increasing the voltage supply in your work area. Just remember that it also requires a lot of time and money to set up and maintain. So be sure you’re serious about woodworking before tinkering with the power supply at home.
If not, then it’s perfectly fine to settle for 120-V table saws. The overall motor strength is capped, but at least it uses up less electricity and comes with fewer headaches. Ideal for the average, everyday hobbyist to operate whenever they please.
Number Of Sockets
When setting up a work area, a commonly overlooked aspect is the number of power outlets available. Personally, I only use one tool at a time. But for those who need multiple devices all plugged in simultaneously, going cordless would be the best option.
In terms of consumption, these typically use up more power. Especially when there are several battery packs that need recharging. What’s incomparable, though, is the flexibility of moving it anywhere.
Considering the additional electricity expense, it still costs far less than actually adding more sockets. And since I’m generally not a fan of using extension cords, this is a viable solution to consider.
Final Word
As you consider what to buy and how to set up your work area, it’s important to consider the correlation between motor strength, load, and consumption.
Multiplying the Voltages and AMPS of a device will give you the power requirement, which is measured in watts. This affects how much force the motor produces and, ultimately, what your table saw is capable of doing.
For menial tasks, a tool will typically consume 1500 watts of electricity, assuming it’s plugged into a 120-V outlet. Stronger models use up three times that amount and need to stay connected to a 240-V socket, at least.
Doing so will ensure that your table saw operates smoothly, leading to safe working conditions for all.
