The Table Saw Book: Completely Revised and Updated

If you are already a skilled woodworker, look elsewhere. The information in this book will be too basic for you. I am NOT a skilled woodworker; I did not have "shop" classes in high school (and man, in retrospect was I ever steered wrong!); and I'm determined to learn the right way to work with power tools. For someone like me, this book is perfect. Thanks to Mehler, I now know that I'm looking for SO much more than a motor spinning a blade. This book's discussions on table saw history, design, application, and safety are written with a wealth of first-person experience behind them. Mehler's style is relatively jargon-free, in that he explains the common terms used in woodworking when they come up. Mehler's clear exposition has persuaded me to pass up the $89 table saw at the local big-box store. My time, my lumber, and my fingers are all too precious to waste my money that way. What is remarkable, though, is that he has also persuaded me that I don't have to give up an arm and a leg (sorry!) purchasing a stationary home-shop saw. There are several good models at the high end of the portable saw market that will do everything I am likely to need, for about $500. (And yes, your mileage may vary--that's what this book helps you determine.) I did not find the comments on the advantages of European-style saws to be tedious. They served to educate me on what I should be seeking in my own table saw--and I would hope that American consumers would start demanding some of these improvements since they relate to safety and performance. Knowing what I was looking at, I noticed that some of the American saws on the market in the three years since this book was published now have some European-style features...and wonder of wonders, without an increase in price. What was taught in woodworking classes was "The Code"--how this stuff works and how to use it. I believe Mehler effectively teaches The Code to beginners like me through this book. I heartily recommend this clear text with its full-color illustrations to others who want to know how to purchase and use a table saw.

Several important points to note:Positives:1) Lots of pictures. Every concept has a clear picture and/or supplemental drawing. Much better than most books I've read that explain the technique, but don't show an example.2) Serious about the basics. It's an exhaustive study of all the basics, it assumes you know nothing, but is written using novice wording.3) Breadth. It covers many different examples of saws and attachments, rather than focusing on one saw in particular. Gives a good feel of what is out there, from basic stuff to pro tools.Negatives:Continually calls out how much better European saws are, from dust collection to riving knives to sliding table layout. Every other paragraph contains something like: "American saws do ____ poorly, but they are catching up to Euro saws, which have had this feature for years." Granted, he makes some great points, but it gets tedious.Overall: a fantastic reference book.

If you are a beginner - this is an excellent book to start. It describes different kinds of saws: portable, contractor, cabinet, etc. It also pays attention to important subjects such as safety, dust collection, blades and simple jig setup.The book provides a good description of a host of valuable accessories that you might want to either make or buy. In addition, a resource section with a list of the more popular manufacturers proved to be very useful.The author spent time and effort to write a book that is appealing to anybody interested in table saws, regardless of whether you are planning to spend $5,000 on your saw or $500.

Someone should convince all table saw manufacturers to include a copy of this book (and/or the matching video) with their saws. The book covers everything from alignment to maintenance and covers safety, usage, and a variety of jigs. Mehler is enjoyable to read and obviously knows his stuff. Especially recommended for anyone buying their first saw.