The first big workshop purchase for most people is a tablesaw. Priced and sized between the large cabinet saws and small benchtop saws, a contractor-style saw is the logical choice for many. I surveyed several brands on the market, checking for flatness, runout, and whether the factory settings of the trunnions and motors were parallel to the miter-gauge slots in the tops. I also ripped and crosscut 8/4 white oak and hard maple to test the machines under load. All of the saws I tested performed well. The 2-hp motor on the Woodtek offered plenty of power, but the switch mount protrudes too far out from the front edge of the saw table.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

JessEm Mite-R Excel II Miter Gauge

The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.

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Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure

With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.

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DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

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