Table Saw Tilt

[Edward Weingarden]

I'm looking to buy a new table saw. Some are listed as "left tilt". Is there a reason to have a left tilt vs right tilt? Thanks.

[glenn bradley]

"Tastes Great" versus "Less Filling". Either will work. I prefer left tilt. Bevel cuts are the main driver for me. I use a tablesaw for so much more than ripping and crosscutting. Your use will probably drive your "tolerance" for a right tilt.

This subject can yield near-endless discussion but, here's a link that will supply you some use data: https://www.finewoodworking.com/2007/05/01/left-tilt-vs-right-tilt-tablesaws

You will also find many threads here on the subject: right tilt, left tilt site:www.sawmillcreek.org

[Ben Rivel]

Eh, come see, come saw. I went with left tilt since thats what SawStops are ;)

[Edward Weingarden]

Thanks for the links Glenn

[Vince Shriver]

Maybe if the left wing of the saw was replaced with a miter slider, the right tilt blade might seem more ergonomic.

[Von Bickley]

My table saw was a gift so it will be my last table saw. It is a right tilt and I can honestly say that I would never buy a right tilt table saw. I don't even know why they make a right tilt. Watch some woodworking television shows and see what they are using.

[Dan Jansen]

I prefer left tilt after owning and using both.

[Osvaldo Cristo]

According to PTI the fence would be at the same side of blade tilt for better safety... so if you prefer to rip with the fence to the right of your blade, look for right tilt blade, if you prefer to rip with fence to the left of the blade, go to left tilt saw blade.

It makes sense when you think about backslash.

All the best,

[scott spencer]

There are pros and cons to both tilt directions, and it really boils down to a matter of preference. Right tilt bevels toward the fence on a standard bevel cut, which is considered less safe than if it beveled away from the fence. You can move the fence to the left of the blade for safer bevel cuts, but that makes it a non-standard operation, which is still not quite as safe as a bevel cut on a left tilt saw. On Left tilt saws the blade bevels away from the fence with the fence on the right of the blade (standard location), which is considered safer.

The downside of a left tilt saw is that any changes in blade thickness will skew the zero reference on the tape measure because the left side of the blade registers on the right side of the flange (the same direction as the tape measure reads). This can be adjusted by recalibrating the cursor, always using blades of the same thickness, using shims as spacers, or just measuring by hand. Blade thickness changes make no difference with a right tilt saw because the right side of the blade registers against the left side of the flange, so changes in blade thickness don’t impact the tape measure. Another difference is that the arbor nut on a right tilt saw gets applied from the left side of the blade and uses a reverse thread orientation, which is typically done with your left hand. The arbor nut on a left tilt saw goes on from the right side (easy for right handers) and uses a normal thread orientation.

[Matt Day]

Scott is right on (not a pun!). Some other responses had me scratching my head.

I think most people make beveled cuts (and when I say beveled I mean over 30 degrees when the blade could pinch the wood) about 0.005% of the time. It’s such a small percentage of cuts I don’t think it really should be a factor. And on top of that, just move the fence to the left of the blade and poof, no “safety issue”.

I’ve never said “wow I really wish I had a left tilt saw right now”, and yes I have had left tilt saws. I think the left tilt is safer thing is mainly hype to make you buy a new saw.

Keeping the zero mark on your fence ruler is a nice benefit too especially if you change blades a lot.

[Marshall Harrison]

Thanks Matt. I knew he arguments that Scoot made but I'd didn't realize that it was only for cuts greater than 30 degrees.

[Von Bickley]

If your fence is on the right, and you have a right tilt saw, your work piece will be trapped between the fence and the blade.
If your fence is on the right, and you have a left tilt saw, your work piece and the waster piece can move freely.

[Matt Day]

Thanks Matt. I knew he arguments that Scoot made but I'd didn't realize that it was only for cuts greater than 30 degrees.

My point was that if you only tilt the blade a minor amount the whole trapping the work piece thing is moot. If you’re cutting a 45 degree cut yes there is a chance it could pinch, but, keep pressure against the fence and it’s fine.