For any novice carpenter, a table saw should be one of the first tools on your shopping list. It is your basic equipment that can help you complete a series of wood cutting tasks. However, if you want to maximize the power of your tools, here are 15 types of table saw accessories that you must have.
1. Saw blade
Regardless of the quality of the table saw itself, good saw blades are equally important. There are many types of table saw blades, including longitudinal cutting blades, transverse cutting blades, and versatile saw blades that can be used for both. By conducting thorough research and finding the most suitable saw blade for the job you need, the quality of work will be greatly improved.
2. High and low support mountains
Most table saws have a backing, but often the quality is not high. After the saw blade, this may be the most important additional equipment you can buy. Some people may even consider it more important than the saw blade itself.
3. Angle push handle
Like a backing, many saws have an angled handle, but most of the self equipped ones have low quality and accuracy. Some saws do not even have this configuration. If you want to make a series of accurate angle incisions, a good angle push handle is definitely worth the money.
4. Safety power switch
Table saws are inherently dangerous and one of the most dangerous tools in your workshop, but there is no need to be afraid of them. Because now a knee operated safety switch can quickly avoid such dangers. If your table saw has problems such as biting, rebound, or other issues, immediately cut off the power with your knees to avoid accidents.
5. Push rod
The other most basic item you need to safely operate a table saw is a push rod. So far, the most common type of table saw accident is finger contact with the saw blade. This means that when dealing with smaller pieces of wood, you should always use a push rod to push the wood instead of gambling with your fingers. Most table saws are equipped with push rods, but if your table saw does not have one, or if your push rod is lost or damaged, immediately replace it.
6. Push the block
The function of push blocks is similar to that of push rods, as they allow you to push wood through saw blades while minimizing the risk of accidents involving your hands. Compared to using a regular push rod, the push block allows you to grip the material you are processing more firmly and ensures that your fingers are not injured by the blade. They may be more expensive than simple push rods, but if you value high-quality craftsmanship and your hands, then buy them.
7. Featherboard
The design of the feather board is also to help you keep your fingers safe when pushing the material into the blade. Their function is to apply pressure on the wood and firmly fix it in place, allowing you to cut more accurately. If there is no feather board, you will need to apply this pressure with your hands, which increases the chance of accidents.
8. Fixtures and slides
If you want to expand your cutting range, you can easily do so by creating a set of fixtures and slides. These will enable you to perform cross cutting, oblique cutting, and even cutting circles of wood.
9. Zero gap protection plate
A zero gap protection board can help improve dust collection, reduce tearing, and prevent small pieces of wood from being thrown out.
10. Mobile base
Although some table saws, such as workplace table saws or mini table saws, are designed for mobility, larger table saws are difficult to move. If you value mobility, installing a mobile base for your table saw is a great solution.
11. Power type twisted link belt
The standard belt attached to the table saw will eventually wear out. They will become stiff, deformed, and uneven, which will ultimately affect the quality of your work. When replacing the belt, take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your equipment and install the power twist link belt. These belts have a much longer lifespan than regular belts and can also make your saw run smoother, improving your cutting quality.
12. DADO knife
For cutting grooves, mortises, and serrations, the DADO knife is another important addition to your table saw. For those who frequently need to perform such cutting, a good DADO knife is priceless.
13. Top protector kit
One of the keys to consistently achieving excellent results is to maintain proper maintenance and good working condition of your table saw. One part of it involves ensuring that your equipment does not rust, and this task becomes easier by investing in a good top protection kit. A kit should include rust inhibitor, abrasive pads, and everything else you need to keep your tools in perfect condition.
14. Angle measuring instrument
The ability to cut a series of precise slopes is very valuable for many carpenters, but sometimes the equipment at hand does not allow you to achieve the level of precision you need. Invest in a digital ruler. You just need to fix it on the blade to accurately read the angle, and then you just need to adjust the blade to the angle you need.
15. Divider
The divider on the table saw helps keep your material in the appropriate position, preventing sliding and movement, and eliminating the tendency of wood to clamp the saw blade when you cut. Squeezing like this can result in burnt edges at best and dangerous rebound at worst.
Unleash the full potential of your table saw
Although the basic operation of a table saw alone makes it an essential tool, with appropriate additional equipment, it can still do many things. If you want to unleash the full potential of your table saw, you can consider these accessory devices. But avoid impulsive consumption, only choose what you need the most.
