Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Jan 19, 2007 11:26pm | #1

   yep.

   yep.

   the difference is stock can bind up(kickback) between fence and blade on a right tilt, while this rarely happens on a left tilt, when the the blade is tilted.

   Expert since 10 am.

1. 
   wildcatblunt | Jan 19, 2007 11:39pm | #3

   thank you

2. 
   SVSander | Jan 19, 2007 11:38pm | #2

   I will offer about $.02 worth... (others will probably have more to say)

   For most the major difference is a safety issue and, probably to a slightly lesser degree, a quality-of-cut issue. If you are using a saw with the rip fence to the right of a right-tilt blade, when you cut a bevel the work is trapped between the fence, the blade and the table. This can easily result in a kickback situation. Depending on how flat and straight the stock is, it also often results in burned/rough edges where the bevel is rubbed by the blade.

   I learned to use a tablesaw *many* years ago while working for my father in his contracting business and it was a right-tilt type (I don't even know if left-tilt saws were commonly available back in the 60's). So I was very comfortable buying a right-tilt saw when I bought my first table saw years ago. However, I set up my that saw with plenty of room to rip to the left side of the blade so that I could tilt the blade away from my workpiece. My more recently purchased Unisaw also allows use of the rip fence to the left of the blade and this is the position I use most of the time when ripping a bevel.

   For my own work, and since I normally rip a bevel with the fence to the left of the blade, I have found no particular disadvantage to a right-tilt saw. Depending on work habits and needs, I am certain that others have a different conclusion for their own use.

   Good luck,
   Richard Baker

3. 
   Rich14 | Jan 20, 2007 01:59am | #4

   wildcat,

   You have asked a question that has probably occupied more threads here than any other and has generated more opinions on both sides than any question ever has.

   My synopsis of the sentiments expressed regarding this issue (about equal number of adherents in each camp):

   1. Right tilt is better.

   2. Left tilt is better.

   3. It doesn't matter which you have as long as you understand how to use it.

   Rich