10 of Our All-Time Favorite Woodworking Tips

10 of Our All-Time Favorite Woodworking Tips
Woodsmith magazine has been around since 1979 and ShopNotes since the early 90’s. When you factor in Workbench (which is celebrating its 50th year in 2007), that means there are literally hundreds of tips to choose from for this seminar. We left it up to Craig Ruegsegger, senior editor and videographer for all three publications, to whittle down the thousands of tips available to come up with his “Ten All-Time Favorite Woodworking Tips!”
What he came up with is a mix of timely tips for most of the major operations in a typical home shop. You’ll find tips for cutting panels down to size on the table saw, to simple ideas to make installing drawer slides easier. As an added bonus, he’ll offer some ideas for protecting your investment by documenting your shop with video and photos.

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Black & Decker BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill
Kit with 100 Accessories

black & decker 20 volt lithium-ion drill kit

 

Black & Decker BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit with 100 Accessories Black & Decker BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit with 100 Accessories
List Price: $99.00
Sale Price: $79.99
You save: $19.01 (19%)
  Eligible for free shipping!
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
5 new from $79.99  2 used from $68.99

Description

Lithium power, compact size, and ergonomic features combine to create a powerful, lightweight, drill/driver from Black & Decker. This drill/driver features lithium-ion battery technology and because of Black & Decker’s exclusive smart charge technology, can hold a charge of up to 500 days between projects...

Features

  • Lithium-ion battery is always ready and holds a charge up to 18 months
  • 24-position clutch prevents stripping and over driving screws
  • 100-piece assortment of accessories ideal for all your needs
  • Ideal for drilling through or screw driving in wood, metal, and plastic
  • Includes the drill, one battery, a charger, a ratcheting screwdriver and an accessory kit

Installing Crown Molding on a Cabinet

Nothing dresses up a cabinet like crown molding. The best way to fasten the molding is with glue and brad nails. Check out these tricks for keeping your crown molding installation neat and professional looking.

How to Tune Up a Circular Saw

Tuning Up a Circular Saw

DEWALT Bare-Tool DC390B  6-1/2-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw DEWALT Bare-Tool DC390B 6-1/2-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw
List Price: $197.00
Sale Price: $80.00
You save: $117.00 (59%)
 

Description

Whether building wood decks or dormers, bookcases or kitchen cabinets, the professional-duty DEWALT DC390B 18-volt, 6-1/2-inch cordless circular saw delivers cordless convenience without sacrificing power or performance...

Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Makita Bare-Tool BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
List Price: $218.00
Sale Price: $89.99
You save: $128.01 (59%)
 

Description

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees...

PORTER-CABLE Bare-Tool PC18CSL 18-Volt Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular-Saw with Laser Guide (Tool Only, No Battery) PORTER-CABLE Bare-Tool PC18CSL 18-Volt Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular-Saw with Laser Guide (Tool Only, No Battery)
List Price: $104.99
Sale Price: $29.99
You save: $75.00 (71%)
 

Description

The Porter-Cable PC18CSL Circular Saw is a professional-grade tool that gives you the performance you need to make precision cuts quickly and easily. With a heavy-duty 13 Amp motor, the saw is up to the toughest tasks you can throw at it...

Makita SH01W 12V max Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-3/8-Inch Circular Saw Kit Makita SH01W 12V max Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-3/8-Inch Circular Saw Kit
List Price: $298.00
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

Includes 12V Max Cordless Lithium-Ion 3-3/8-in Circular Saw (Open Box) - SH01W

DEWALT DCS390L 18-Volt Cordless XRP Lithium-Ion Circular Saw Kit DEWALT DCS390L 18-Volt Cordless XRP Lithium-Ion Circular Saw Kit
List Price: $508.00
Sale Price: $252.99
You save: $255.01 (50%)
 

Description

Designed specifically to meet the demands of professional contractors, the cordless DEWALT DCS390L circular saw kit is powered by DEWALT's 18-volt XRP lithium-ion battery for long-lasting power to get all your work done...

Black & Decker Firestorm 18 Volt FS18CS Cordless Circular Saw Black & Decker Firestorm 18 Volt FS18CS Cordless Circular Saw
Sale Price: $89.99
 

Description

2 Year Warranty, Increased run time, power, and capacity - 50 degree bevel capacity for increased verstaility of applications - On board adjustable laser for cutting guidance & accuracy - Enables the saw to cut 2 inch dimensional lumber at a 45 degree bevel- In-line blade design for additional control and straighter cuts...

Makita BSS610 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit Makita BSS610 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Kit
List Price: $598.00
Sale Price: $299.28
You save: $298.72 (50%)
 

Description

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS610 has a high-torque Makita-built motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2x material at 45 degrees...

Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw Makita Bare-Tool BSS610Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
List Price: $238.00
Sale Price: $145.99
You save: $92.01 (39%)
 

Description

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS610Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees...

Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw Rockwell RK3440K VersaCut Circular Saw
List Price: $149.99
Sale Price: $119.99
You save: $30.00 (20%)
 

Description

Rockwell’s RK3440K VersaCut is a powerful, multi-functional, ultra-compact circular saw that can cut wood, flooring, plastic, ceramic tile, slate, aluminum and even sheet metal. Its lightweight (four pounds) and streamlined design makes it easy to control with just one hand...

DEWALT DW9158 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Construction Saw-Blade Combo Pack with 18- and 24-Tooth Saw Blades DEWALT DW9158 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Construction Saw-Blade Combo Pack with 18- and 24-Tooth Saw Blades
List Price: $40.31
Sale Price: $20.87
You save: $19.44 (48%)
 

Description

The DeWalt DW9158 6-1/2-inch Cordless Construction Saw Blade Combo Pack with 18-tooth and 24-tooth Saw Blades is designed for cutting aluminum extrusions, copper, brass, and other non-ferrous metals and for general purpose wood cutting--including framing lumber, plywood, and various wood composites...



How to Set Up a Miter Saw to Cut Crown Molding

How to Set Up a Miter Saw to Cut Crown Molding

For many folks cutting crown molding can be a frustrating experience. This video will help the woodworker make better miter cuts and eliminate the confusion and frustration.

Hitachi C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw Hitachi C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
List Price: $263.34
Sale Price: $119.00
You save: $144.34 (55%)
 

Description

The Hitachi C10FCE2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw provides smooth, accurate miters and crosscuts in a variety of workpieces, including wood, plywood, decorative panels, soft fiberboard, hard board, and aluminum sashes...

DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Compound Miter saw DEWALT DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Compound Miter saw
List Price: $559.78
Sale Price: $197.00
You save: $362.78 (65%)
 

Description

Whether you're cutting baseboards or crown molding, the DEWALT 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw provides quick, accurate cuts for the job. Thanks to a powerful motor and convenient features, this compound miter saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter-cutting applications...

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
List Price: $629.00
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

The DEWALT DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw expertly walks the line between the rugged durability and fine precision that professionals need on the job site. From delicate woodworking to heavy-duty framing and deck building, the DWS780 provides the accuracy, capacity, and portability that cabinetmakers, trim carpenters, framers, installers, and contractors need...

DEWALT DW713 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw DEWALT DW713 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
List Price: $415.52
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

Whether you're cutting baseboards or crown molding, the DEWALT 10-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw provides quick, accurate cuts to complete the job. Thanks to a powerful motor, an easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle, convenient miter and bevel stops, and a tall fence for oversized decorative moldings, this compound miter saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter-cutting applications...

DEWALT DWX723 Heavy Duty Miter Saw Stand DEWALT DWX723 Heavy Duty Miter Saw Stand
List Price: $356.00
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

DEWALT's DWX723 miter saw stand is a heavy duty piece of equipment that expands the usage possibilities of a miter saw. As it works with most miter saw brands, this stand is ideal for a wide range of contractors, construction workers, carpenters, or home miter saw users...

DEWALT DW716 15 Amp 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw DEWALT DW716 15 Amp 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
List Price: $724.59
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

Whether you're cutting baseboards or crown molding, the DEWALT 12-Inch Double-Bevel Compound Miter Saw provides quick, accurate cuts to complete the job. Thanks to a powerful 15 Amp motor, an easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle, convenient miter and bevel stops, and a tall fence for oversized decorative moldings, this compound miter saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter-cutting applications...

Hitachi C10FCH2 10-Inch Miter Saw with Laser Hitachi C10FCH2 10-Inch Miter Saw with Laser
List Price: $324.99
Sale Price: $143.99
You save: $181.00 (56%)
 

Description

The Hitachi C10FCH2 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker provides smooth, accurate miters and crosscuts in a variety of workpieces, including wood, plywood, decorative panels, soft fiberboard, hard board, and aluminum sashes...

DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw DEWALT DW718 12-Inch Double-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw
List Price: $1,022.00
Sale Price: $445.00
You save: $577.00 (56%)
 

Description

Whether you're cutting baseboard or crown molding, the DEWALT 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw provides quick, accurate cuts to complete the job. Thanks to a powerful 15 Amp motor, an easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle, convenient miter and bevel stops, and a tall fence for oversized moldings, this saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter-cutting applications...

DEWALT DW717 10-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter-Saw DEWALT DW717 10-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter-Saw
List Price: $972.30
Sale Price: $434.89
You save: $537.41 (55%)
 

Description

Whether you're cutting baseboards or crown molding, the DEWALT 10-inch double-bevel sliding compound miter saw provides quick, accurate cuts to complete the job. Thanks to a powerful motor, an easy-to-adjust cam-lock miter handle, convenient miter and bevel stops, plus a tall fence for accomodating oversized moldings, this saw is ready for a range of crosscutting and miter cutting applications...

Hitachi C12FDH 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw with Laser Hitachi C12FDH 15 Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Miter Saw with Laser
List Price: $622.22
Sale Price: $259.00
You save: $363.22 (58%)
 

Description

The Hitachi C12FDH 12-Inch Dual Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker provides smooth, accurate miters and crosscuts in a variety of workpieces, including wood, plywood, crown molding, decorative panels, soft fiberboard, hardboard, and aluminum sashes...



Best Cordless Drill Reviews

Our Best Cordless Drill List contains only the top drills and drivers with exceptional performance and value. Great drills have balanced designs, and we only accept those with "excellent" or "very good" ratings in at least 4 of these areas: power, speed, weight, battery, and durability.
We then consider price and consumer satisfaction. Only those drills that are reasonably priced and loved by consumers make it to our final list.
Legend:

A-Excellent B-Very Good C-Good D-Fair F-Poor
Pwr-Power Dur-Durability Wgt-Weight Spd-Speed Bat-Battery

 

Best Cordless Drill: Light Use

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
Hitachi DS10DFL Cordless Drill Hitachi DS10DFL Best Value 93 A A A B A A Price
DeWalt DCD710S2 DEWALT DCD710S2 Best Value 90 A A A B A C Price
Milwaukee 2401-22 Cordless Drill Milwaukee 2401-22 Best Value 87 B B A A C A Price

 

Best Cordless Drill: Homeowners

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
Milwaukee 2410-22 Cordless Drill Milwaukee 2410-22 Best Value 91 A B A A A C Price
DeWalt DC930KA Cordless Drill DeWalt DC930KA Best Value 90 A B A C A B Price
Panasonic EY6432NQ Cordless Drill Panasonic EY6432NQKW Best Value 87 B B B B B A Price

 

Best Cordless Drill: DIYers and Pros

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
DeWalt DC720KA Cordless Drill DeWalt DC720KA Best Value 88 B B A B A C Price
Makita BDF452HW Cordless Drill Makita BDF452HW Best Value 87 B B A A B C Price
Bosch 36618-02 Cordless Drill Bosch 36618-02 Best Value 86 B B B A B C Price

 

Best Hammer Drill:

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
DeWalt DCD970KL Cordless Drill DEWALT DCD970KL Best Value 92 A B A B A B Price
DeWalt DCD950KX Cordless Drill DEWALT DCD950KX Best Value 89 B B A C A B Price
Hitachi DV18DL Cordless Drill Hitachi DV18DL Best Value 87 B B B A B A Price

 

Best Compact Drill:

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
Hitachi DS10DFL Cordless Drill Hitachi DS10DFL Best Value 93 A A A B A A Price
Makita DF030DW Cordless Drill Makita DF030DW Best Value 91 A A A A A C Price
DeWalt DCD710S2 Cordless Drill DeWalt DCD710S2 Best Value 90 A A A B A C Price

 

Best Impact Driver:

Drill Model Best Score Pwr Dur Wgt Spd Bat Price
Makita BTD141 Cordless Drill Makita BTD141 Best 94 A B A A B A Price
Bosch 36618-02 Cordless Drill Bosch 36618-02 Best Value 90 A A B A A C Price
Hitachi WH18DL Cordless Drill Hitachi WH18DL Best Value 89 B B B B B A Price

 

Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw

Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand
List Price: $1,170.00
Sale Price: $569.00
You save: $601.00 (51%)
 

Description

With first-of-its kind design features, the Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Stand (TS3000) is built for effortless, efficient, and accurate cutting that lets you deliver products faster...

Bosch 4100 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw Bosch 4100 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw
List Price: $1,126.00
Sale Price: $529.99
You save: $596.01 (53%)
 

Description

The Bosch 4100 Table saw offers radical new features and enhancements that make the 4100-series the most precise, durable and high-performing table saw in the category. The 4100 features the industry’s first-ever Modular Smart Guard System...

Factory-Reconditioned Bosch 4100-RT 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw Factory-Reconditioned Bosch 4100-RT 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw
List Price: $761.60
Sale Price: Too low to display
 

Description

This is a factory reconditioned product. Reconditioned generally means that the product has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the product back to like new condition. Some products may contain cosmetic blemishes...



Sawstop CNS175-SFA30 1-3/4 HP Contractor Saw

Sawstop  CNS175-SFA30  1-3/4 HP Contractor Saw with 30-Inch Aluminum Extrusion Fence and Rail Kit Sawstop CNS175-SFA30 1-3/4 HP Contractor Saw with 30-Inch Aluminum Extrusion Fence and Rail Kit
List Price: $1,749.00
Sale Price: $1,599.00
You save: $150.00 (9%)
 

Description

The SawStop Contractor Saw offers versatility and safety in the shop and stability and mobility on the jobsite. It delivers the performance you need with the peace of mind only SawStops patented safety system can provide...



The table saw is the heart and soul of most work shops. I thought it appropriate to share with you a review I recently ran across on ConsumerSearch.com. The review is quite comprehensive in that it review table saws that should meet all needs – from the most basic to the most accomplished.
You will also find that the prices for table saws on this site are considerably below the estimated price listed in the review. So feel free to shop.

Best Portable Table Saw
Bosch 4100DG-09
*Est. $820

Reviews give Bosch the lead among portable table saws, and say the newer Bosch 4100 saws are the best ever, with an improved blade guard system plus a true riving knife to prevent kickback. The most full-featured table saw in the line, the Bosch 4100DG-09, adds a digital rip fence for extra precision. Reviews praise the Bosch 4100 table saws for accuracy, convenient scales, easy blade changes, onboard storage and dust control. The soft-start 15-amp motor has electronic torque control to regulate the output to match the workload. Owners love the wheeled "gravity rise" stand that snaps open or folds flat in a single, lever-activated motion. The only safety feature missing on this portable saw is the flesh-sensing blade brake found on the more expensive SawStop Contractor Saw CNS175-SFA30 (*est. $1,600), but SawStop is the only company that offers this, and its contractor saw costs twice as much.

Fine Woodworking contributor Gary Katz provides the most detailed review of the Bosch 4100DG-09 contractor table saw, including photos that show how the new blade guard system works. Popular Woodworking, a publication with several articles about table saw safety, also tests the Bosch table saw. At Amazon.com, owners review and rate the Bosch 4100DG-09 as well as the less expensive Bosch 4100 and Bosch 4000-09 table saws. Earlier reviews at Consumer Reports and Fine Homebuilding cover the Bosch 4000-09, which lacks the improved blade guard.

Best Budget Table Saw
Ryobi BTS21
*Est. $250

Reviews recommend the Ryobi BTS21 as the best budget-priced portable table saw. It has a dust port plus a large cutting and ripping capacity (27 inches), a two-year warranty and conveniences such as onboard tool storage. Tradeoffs for the low price include a noisy, less durable universal motor, some loss of accuracy, and the lack of important safety features. If you can afford it, experts recommend a Bosch table saw. Even the low-end Bosch 4000-09 (*est. $460) has a better blade guard system, but the Bosch 4100DG-09 (*est. $600) is even safer, with a true riving knife to prevent kickback.

Most reviews cover the Ryobi BTS20, the similar but preceding table saw, rather than the Ryobi BTS21. However, at HomeDepot.com, owners review the current Ryboi BTS21. We found the best comparison tests at Fine Homebuilding. Tests at Consumer Reports are more recent, but much less detailed. Earlier comparison tests at Woodworker's Journal also cover the Ryobi older BTS20, as does the buyer's guide at Popular Woodworking.

Best Contractor Table Saw
SawStop Contractor Saw CNS175-SFA30
Est. $1,600

This long-awaited table saw incorporates the SawStop flesh-sensing blade brake that prevents losing a finger, plus a riving knife and excellent blade guard. These are the same safety features found on the top-ranked SawStop Cabinet Saw (*est. $3,470) but on a more affordable open-legged contractor saw. Reviews say it runs and cuts smoothly, with excellent dust collection through a four-inch port. Cast iron wings (*est. $190) cost extra. A mobile base (*est. $160) or handled jobsite cart (*est. $200) are also available. The warranty is for two years. If you can't invest this much in a contractor saw, the portable Bosch 4100DG-09 (*est. $820) has the same safety features except for the flesh-sensing technology.

Many comparison reviews of cabinet saws praise the SawStop safety features, but the SawStop Contractor Saw is too new to be included in tests of contractor saws – with the exception of an excellent review at Woodworker's Journal which includes a preproduction model of the SawStop. We found the most detailed single-product review of the final version of the SawStop Contractor Saw at Taunton.com, which also publishes an online video of the saw in action. The review at Toologics.com is by an experienced woodworker who's also used the SawStop Cabinet Saw. Earlier, Popular Mechanics gave the SawStop an award for safety features unique among contractor saws.

Budget Contractor Saw
Ridgid TS3660
*Est. $550

The Ridgid TS3660 is the most-recommended budget choice among contractor saws, with high-end features for its price. It comes with cast-iron wings and trunnions for stability, accuracy and low vibration. A Poly-V belt running on machined pulleys also reduces vibration. The three-year Ridgid warranty converts to an outstanding lifetime warranty as soon as it's registered. Some owners report problems keeping the blade aligned on the Ridgid TS3600, and the dust port is sized for a shop vac rather than a true dust collector. Safety features are even better on the Bosch 4100-09 (*est. $600), but this portable saw has only a minimal table.

Contractor saws aren't the most popular type of table, so the comparison tests are fairly old – covering the Ridgid TS3650, similar to the newer TS3660. The Ridgid TS3650 is the top budget choice, based on thorough comparison tests, both at Taunton's 2006 Tool Guide and in Woodworker's Journal. Woodworker Phil Bumbalough provides a more detailed single-product review at Benchmark.com, and we did find one owner-written review of the newer Ridgid TS3660 at HomeDepot.com. Owners provide some useful criticisms of the Ridgid TS3650 at the Ridgid Plumbing Forum and at Lumberpost.com.

Best Hybrid Saw
Steel City 35900G
*Est. $1,350 Compare Prices

The Steel City 35900G is the first hybrid saw to incorporate a true riving knife plus a heavy granite table top that's more stable than cast iron. This new table saw keeps all the features that reviews praise in earlier Steel City table saws, like a tool-free blade guard and excellent dust control. Reviews also praise it for ease in cutting sheet stock. Though expensive, reviewers say the 1.75-hp Steel City table saw could easily be the centerpiece of a workshop devoted to precision woodworking. The saw carries a five-year warranty, ten years on the granite top. The only safety feature lacking is the SawStop flesh-sensing blade brake found on the more expensive SawStop Contractor Saw (*est. $1,600).

Wood Magazine is the first to include the Steel City 35900G hybrid saw in comparison tests, even comparing it with the cast-iron-topped Steel City 35670. Single-product reviews of the Steel City 35900G in Popular Woodworking and Woodworker's Journal highlight new safety features as well as the granite top, and an article on safety features at Popular Woodworking makes note of the riving knife and blade guard system. Earlier comparison tests in Fine Woodworking and Tools of the Trade Online cover the Steel City 35601, now the 35670.

Best cabinet saw
SawStop Cabinet Saw CB31230
*Est. $3,470

Big and heavy cabinet saws provide more power and precision than other table saws. The three-hp SawStop cabinet saw earns top ranking partly for its unusual safety – with the flesh-sensing blade brake to prevent cuts, plus an excellent blade guard and riving knife. But reviews also say its performance, ease of use and dust control are unsurpassed. The only drawback (besides its price) is that it lacks castors. It's also available in a five-hp version, but reviews say a three-hp cabinet saw is powerful enough for almost every user. The warranty is for two years. The same blade brake is now available on the less expensive SawStop Contractor Saw (*est. $1,600).

We found the best comparison tests of the SawStop cabinet saw in Taunton's 2008 Tool Guide, which includes results from the annual survey of readers of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. Workbench, Popular Woodworking and Tools of the Trade Online also include the SawStop cabinet saw in excellent comparison tests. Detailed single-product reviews in Woodworker's Journal and Woodcraft magazine evaluate the SawStop saw not only for its unique safety features but for performance, ease of use and build quality as well.

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