Buying a hybrid table saw for your woodworking projects doesn’t have to be a daunting task. All you need from the machine you are purchasing is quality performance. We have put together this guide to make your buying decision easier and provide insightful information about hybrid table saws.
Hybrid table saws are the answer to handling your DIY woodworking projects as well as jobs in the field. Compared to standard contractor saws, hybrid table saws tend to be quieter and have faster blade speeds. So, let’s dig a bit deeper.
What is A Hybrid Table Saw?
This type of table saws is the most powerful ones. They combine several functionalities and provide the most efficient results. Moreover, they are easy to use compared to other types as they feature some of the most durable construction designs.
How to Use A Hybrid Table Saw?
A hybrid table saw is a great choice if you want to achieve a high-performance level, smoothness, and more power. It falls somewhere between a cabinet and a contractor table saw. To use it, you have to plug it in the power plug, switch it on, and extend the worktable.
When plugged in, the motor will start running, and you can then take your wooden piece and push it towards the blade to slice it. You should maintain the piece securely against the fence to achieve accurate and precise cuts.
The top of hybrid table saws comprises of the circular blade, which is used to cut the wooden pieces. Also, it is equipped with a fence that keeps the workpiece intact and prevents movements. Furthermore, there is a handle for movement and a stand for holding the table in its place. A high-quality hybrid table saw also features a brake and switch to control how the saw operates.
Advantages of Using Hybrid Table Saw
If you have a woodworking business, then investing in a hybrid table saw would offer a great bang for your buck. Its internal moving parts are of high quality and tend to last longer compared to other types of table saws. While working, you want a comfortable environment. And for that purpose, hybrid table saws are made in such a way that they work without producing disturbing sounds.
Most hybrid table saws also come equipped with dust collectors that collect the debris in a container, so your workplace doesn’t get messy.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Table Saw
Price
Before you consider anything else, the price of a hybrid table saw comes first. Set aside the budget, and make sure to look for the machines that are within your range. You don’t need to break the bank and invest in the most expensive machine available in the market if you only want to do DIY household projects. Therefore, the budget should determine your spending.
Durability
The second thing you want to consider after the price is the durability of the machine. A durable hybrid table saw will guarantee the value for your money and last longer than you expected. However, you still need to take care of the machine to extend its lifespan.
You can look for a hybrid table saw of metallic alloy construction as this material promises durability.
Power
Whether you are buying the most expensive hybrid table saw or a simple one for easy use, it is important to consider the power it provides. A table saw’s power can be determined by the source of power and capacity of its motor.
Table saws that are equipped with double motors or high torque motors offer the highest power compared to the ones having a single motor. The higher the RPM (Revolutions per Minute) a table saw provides, the higher the speed will be.
Fence
Another top feature that you should consider in a table saw is its fence technology. Most hybrid table saws feature the T-square type of fence that provides a better hold on the pieces you are working on. If the fence is longer or extendable, you will get an even better hold and longer cuts.
A high-quality fence will prevent movements and shakes. Hence, you will end up making the most precise cuts on the pieces you are working on.
Dust Collection
No matter how expensive a hybrid table saw you purchase, if it doesn’t provide you option to keep your workshop clean, then you should reconsider your choice. A good table saw offers a dust collection feature that keeps your workplace neat and clean. Normally, a hybrid table saw is equipped with a 4-inch dust port for holding all the dust and debris in one place.
Blade Guard
This one is a safety feature that is essential to consider when buying a hybrid table saw. A blade guard helps keep your hands and fingers away from the high-speed blade, so you don’t hurt yourself. Look for a hybrid table saw that features the smart blade guard technology to keep you safe and prevent contact with the blade.
It also makes an essential safety feature when you are working with other people around.
Accurate and Smooth Cutting
The major purpose of buying a hybrid table saw is to cut wood smoothly and accurately. For this, you should ensure that the blade is of the highest quality possible so it can cut through wood without causing you any problem.
You should be able to make beveled cuts, crosscuts, and rip cuts quite efficiently and accurately. And for this purpose, the miter gauge and fence of the table saw should be accurate.
Horsepower
Along with the power (watts), you should also check out the horsepower of the hybrid table saw you are going to purchase. If you buy one that has lower horsepower than required, then you won’t be able to cut through materials as efficiently as you expected. On the other hand, a machine with more horsepower than required would be overkill, which might lead to loss of accuracy and even accidents.
A 1.5 or 2hp motor will draw about 14 to 24 amps. It can easily cut through a 2-inch thick piece of wood like butter. However, if the hardwood is any thicker than that, the motor would need more torque to do so. Therefore, if you want to work on larger projects, then consider getting a motor of 3 to 5 horsepower as it can easily handle 3-inch thick hardwood (or even more) without any problem.
Riving Knife
Kickback is the most common problem faced in a hybrid table saw. But a high-quality riving knife can eliminate the risk of kickback. Therefore, only opt for the machine that offers this feature. The riving knife of the table saw should have the same curve as the blade of the saw. Even if you rotate, raise, or lower the blade, the riving knife should maintain its relative position.
Getting a quick-release riving knife option in a table saw would be a great addition. However, it isn’t necessary.
Easy Adjustment
A good hybrid table saw allows you to adjust the alignment of the blade easily. Blades that can be adjusted according to the task at hand can provide accurate and smooth cuts that will ultimately improve the quality of your work. In addition to that, the bevel, fence position, and the height of the blade should be adjustable as well.
The parts should be easy to lubricate, and there should not be any friction while adjusting the parts.
Drive Belt Design
The motor and the blade of the hybrid table saw are connected by a drive belt. Hence, it is the main cause of vibration while the machine is being operated. So, for quality performance and enhanced stability, make sure the belt is of high quality.
Go for poly V-belts over regular V-belts and wedge belts as they produce much less vibration. Hybrid table saws that are designed for poly V-belts provide smooth operation of the saw. Also, a serpentine drive belt would be a great choice to go for as it delivers high power output as well compared to the rest.
Sturdy Construction
Sturdy construction is one of the most important qualities any product should possess. And hybrid table saws are no exception. Make sure the machine you are interested in buying has metal parts as they are much better than plastic in terms of durability. Cast iron is the real deal here. However, it can be quite heavier compared to steel or aluminum.
In addition to the metal construction, the machine should have sturdy legs and a flat and smooth surface so it can withstand any conditions.
Conclusion
We hope that you like this guide on hybrid table saws. You should only pay for the hybrid table saw that you feel comfortable with. Opt for the model that fulfills your requirements within your budget, and you will be good to go.