A table saw stand should be strong enough to withstand even the heaviest of woodwork operations. A good one should have a sturdy design, and be easy to transport and store.
These qualities allow you to use a table saw from whatever location, whether around the house or at a job site. That’s why cast iron stands stand out.
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Why Use a Cast Iron Stand for a Table Saw?
A cast-iron table saw stand enhances the stability of the table saw. Most importantly, it reduces the vibrations on bearings, trunnions, and arbor assemblies when the saw is running, which results in a more accurate cut. A table saw with a cast iron stand can easily cut thick wood with little vibration to affect the saw’s alignment and settings.
Below are four advantages of cast iron stands:
1. Lower Vibrations
Cast iron is heavier than alternate table saw stand materials. This heft results in less vibrations as the saw is making its cuts. As a result, fewer vibrations makes for a much more accurate cut.
It might be hard to believe that something like your saw stand can affect the precision of your cut, but it will make a difference.
2. High Heat Tolerance
A cast iron stand can withstand extreme temperatures. It can hold up to very high heat without warping and maintains a steady temperature more than any other material.
3. Easy to Maintain
You can use a cast iron stand without any worries since it’s relatively easy to maintain. Therefore, you spend more time cutting wood, which is the primary function of a great table saw, even an affordable one.
4. Longevity
The life expectancy of cast iron is quite long. A cast iron table saw stand will last for a long time, thus saving on costs. It is also very tough.
Which Cast Iron Table Saws Are Worth Buying?
When purchasing a cast iron table saw, consider any of these three:
- GRIZZLY G1023RL
- DW 745
- Bosch 4100-09
GRIZZLY G1023RL
This table saw has a solid cast iron table, making it very durable. Its main features are:
- It has large handwheels that ease arbor movement.
- It has a dust collector under the table for effective waste collection.
- It comes with an efficient quick-release blade guard and a Poly-V Serpentine drive belt.
- It offers rapid change between the splitter and the riving knife.
- It accepts Dado blades up to 13/16”.
DW 745
A DW 745 table saw, built by Dewalt, is ideal for professionals because of the many great features it has. It is quite a piece of art, which explains why Dewalt is a top table saw supplier. Getting one will not leave a dent in your pocket since it is very budget-friendly.
The main features of a DW 745 are:
- It has precise scales that are relatively easy to use.
- It is fitted with a powerful motor of 1850 watts.
- It has a portable table saw fence system that allows a rip capacity of 610 mm that cuts large materials to size.
- It has rails that make the fence easily adjustable smoothly and accurately.
Bosch 4100-09
Bosch 4100-09 is equipped with a smart guard system comprising a riving knife system, anti-kickback pawls, and a modular blade guard.
Below are the main features:
- It has a square lock rip fence that is easy to use.
- It comes with a storage tool for saw equipment.
- It has eight wheels that facilitate smooth maneuverability.
- It has a smooth and quiet start and maintains the speed even when under load.
- It has an arbor lock that eases single wrench blade changes.
- The tabletop has handles that help in portability.
How Do I Stop My Cast Iron Table Saw From Rusting?
Cast iron table saw tops will rust over time, and the best way to prevent this is by covering the surface with a piece of wood or MDF.
To clean rust off of a table saw top , follow these steps:
- Scrub the surface with synthetic steel wool and mineral spirits or 400-grit sandpaper.
- Clean up the surface with a clean piece of cloth; redo this if necessary until the surface is smooth and shiny.
- Do not use paraffin wax to scrub because the cast iron may stain and continue to rust.
What Should I Coat the Table Saw With?
Paste wax is the best lubricant for a table saw. It enables smooth sliding of the workpiece while making cuts. Apply a light coat of paste wax and cover every area of the table saw that comes in contact with wood.
After 10 minutes, the wax will have dried; buff it out with a clean piece of cloth in circular motions and your table saw top will look as good as new. Johnson’s paste wax is the most preferred by woodworkers.
Conclusion
A table saw with a cast iron stands is a worthy addition to a woodworker’s tools. The importance of a table saw cannot be downplayed because of the table saw’s nature of operations. I hope this stability information I have shared helps you understand why you should have a cast iron stand for your table saw, even if you’re a beginner.
