Some early models used small induction motors, which weren't very powerful, made the saw heavy, and caused a lot of vibration.

Jobsite table saws are slightly larger than benchtop models, and usually are placed on a folding or stationary stand during operation.

When compared to benchtop saws, many jobsite models have 3⁄4-inch (19 mm) miter slots, better fences, better overall alignment, sliding extension tables, larger rip capacities, and folding stands with wheels.

[1] This is the type often used by hobbyists and homeowners because standard electrical circuits provide adequate power to run them, and because of their generally low cost when compared to larger saws.

Contractor saws were originally designed to be somewhat portable, often having wheels, and were frequently brought to job sites before the invention of smaller bench-top models in the early 1980s.

Cabinet table saws are heavy (600 - 900 lbs), using large amounts of cast iron and steel, to minimize vibration and increase accuracy.

Cabinet saws offer the following advantages over contractor saws: heavier construction for lower vibration and increased durability; a cabinet-mounted trunnion (the mechanism that incorporates the saw blade mount and allows for height and tilt adjustment); improved dust collection due to the totally enclosed cabinet and common incorporation of a dust collection port.

It is common for this type of saw to be equipped with a table extension that increases ripping capacity for sheet goods to 50 inches (1.3 m).

These saws are characterized by a cast iron top on a full-length steel base, generally square in section, with radiused corners.

American-style cabinet saws generally follow the model of the Delta Unisaw, a design that has evolved since 1939.

Hybrid saws on the market today offer an enclosed cabinet to help improve dust collection.

Some hybrid saws offer a sliding table as an option to improve cross cutting capability.

Being a fraction of the size (and weight) of a normal table saw, they are much easier to carry and transport.

European models are sometimes available in multi-purpose tool configurations (Combination machine) that offer jointer, planer, shaper(Spindle moulder in Europe) or boring features.

In recent years, European-style sliding table saws have had a small following in North America.

They are usually either imported from European manufacturers such as Felder and its subsidiaries, Altendorf and Robland, Taiwanese companies such as Grizzly Industrial, or sold directly by U.S. based-companies such as Powermatic.

Miller's design featured a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor with a table to support the wood being cut.

Looking ahead, the future of the table saw will likely be influenced by new technology, like digital controls and sensors that can automate and improve cutting.

But a push stick, riving knife, and protective cover over the spinning saw can reduce the chances of accident.

[disputed – discuss] The extractor also reduces the risk of a dust explosion and facilitates a healthier working environment.

[10] The patented Grip-Tite is held to a cast iron table top or steel sub fence by high strength permanent magnets.

The advantage of a magnetic feather board is the fast setup time on any cast iron tool deck or steel faced fence.

The first is commonly expressed thus:[citation needed] "Only allow the blade to rise above the work by the amount of finger you wish to lose."

That is, the blade should protrude above the piece as little as possible, to prevent the loss of a finger in case of a sawing accident.

Another competing view is that the saw functions at its best when the angle of the blade teeth arc relative to the top surface of the workpiece is as extreme as possible.

[citation needed] This facilitates chip ejection, shortens the overall distance through which the teeth act on the part, reduces power consumption and heat generation, substantially reduces the peak pushing force required, thus improving control, and causes the blade's force on the wood to act mostly downward rather than largely horizontally.