What the table saw is for

• Ripping timber (repeatable straight cuts along the length/grain)
• Cross-cutting larger pieces/sheets that are too big for the mitre saw

Limitations

• Hazardous to cut timber with nails, screws, or other embedded hard objects
• Cannot cut steel
• Some plastics can be cut and some can’t — check manufacturer guidance
• Max rip width is limited by the saw and fence capacity
• Long lengths need outfeed support (table or another person)

Anatomy (key parts)

• Blade
• Blade guard
• Fence (for rip cuts)
• Table
• Blade height adjustment
• Blade tilt adjustment
• Start/stop
• Riving knife (keeps kerf open to reduce binding/kickback)
• Mitre gauge (cross-cut fence) — used for cross-cuts; removed for rip cuts
• Dust extraction port