Everything You Need to Know About Table Saws — And Why the Shopsmith Table Saw Is a Cut Above
- Shopsmith
- May 2
- 3 min read

When it comes to woodworking, few tools are as versatile and essential as the table saw.
Whether you’re building furniture, cabinetry, or home improvement projects, a table saw is
always at the heart of the action — delivering power, precision, and repeatable results. But not
all table saws are created equal.
In this article, we’ll break down what table saws are best used for, what to consider before using
one, and why the Shopsmith MARK 7 table saw is one of the smartest choices you can make
for your workshop.
What Is a Table Saw Good For?
Table saws are the go-to tool for accurate, straight cuts in wood and sheet goods. Common uses
include:
Ripping boards to width (cutting along the grain)
Crosscutting to length (cutting across the grain)
Miter cuts and bevel cuts (with the right table tilt and miter gauge settings)
Cutting plywood and sheet goods
Joinery prep like dadoes, rabbets, and tenons (with optional dado blade)
Thanks to their flat surface and adjustable fence, table saws offer unmatched control and
precision — essential when consistency matters.
What to Know Before Using a Table Saw
Like any powerful woodworking tool, table saws demand respect. Here are a few things to keep
in mind before you flip the switch:
Know Your Cuts: Ripping and crosscutting require different setups and safety
considerations.
Use Safety Gear: Always wear eye protection, and consider a push stick, featherboard,
and riving knife.
Blade Selection Matters: Use the right blade for your material — ripping blades for
efficient cuts along the grain, crosscut blades for super smooth, chip free cuts across the
grain or for miters, or combination blades for utility work in either grain direction.
Check Alignment: A square miter gauge and properly aligned table and rip fence make
all the difference in both accurate results and absolute safety.
Watch Your Hands: Keep fingers clear of the blade and maintain full control of your
workpiece at all times. A safety grip on the miter gauge and push stick or push block
along with upper and lower saw guards keep your hands away from the saw blade while
making cuts.
Whether you're a beginner or experienced woodworker, practice and patience are key to
mastering safe table saw use.

Why the Shopsmith Table Saw Stands Out
Here’s where the Shopsmith MARK 7 shines. Unlike traditional table saws, the MARK 7 gives
you table saw functionality plus six more tools in one footprint — ideal for small workshops
or anyone who wants a powerful, flexible setup.
Here’s what makes the Shopsmith table saw great:
Precision Machined, Die Cast Aluminum Table – Flat and true for accurate cuts.
Rip Fence System – Self-aligning and double-locking for smooth, repeatable
positioning.
Variable Speed Control (with PowerPro motor) – Adjust the blade speed to match your
material and cut type.
Tilt Table Design – Unique to Shopsmith, tilting the table (not the blade) keeps the
motor and arbor always in perfect alignment.
Large Rip Capacity – Expandable table system for handling sheet goods and wide
boards.
Integrated Safety Features – Miter Gauge Safety Grip, Blade guards, anti-kickback
pawls, and riving knife compatible.

Table Saw Specs (MARK 7 with PowerPro):
Motor: Up to 2 HP
Max Rip Width: Up to 98" with extension tables
Max Rip Length: Up to 95” back-to-front support with extension tables
Blade Size: 10" saw blade
Speed Range: 250–10,000 RPM (PowerPro)
Max Cut Depth at 90°: 3-1/4"
Max Cut Depth at 45°: 2-1/4"
A Table Saw That Grows With You
With the Shopsmith MARK 7, you’re not just getting a 10” Table Saw — you're getting a
complete woodworking system that can transform into a 16” x 34” Lathe, 16” Drill Press,
Unlimited Horizontal Boring Machine, 12” Disk Sander, High Speed Router and Shaper, and
more. It’s the perfect solution for woodworkers who want professional-grade results without
filling their entire garage.

Ready to Take the Next Cut?
If you’re looking to invest in your workshop or upgrade your current table saw, the Shopsmith
MARK 7 delivers the power, precision, and flexibility to build just about anything.
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