Cutting-Edge Table Saw Tips & Tricks (Popular Woodworking)

Beautifully illustrated, well written.

Not a comprehensive table saw book. About 100 pages (with lots of white space) if you don't count the Projects section.

Get it from the library. You'll enjoy mining it for useful tips.

This book is one that will prove, or disprove, itself over the stretch of time. Let me explain.

Burton does a very good job talking about the construction of the table saw and what this wonderful tool can and can't do. This alone is valuable information but the true value comes in the later chapters.

After covering the background and structure issues Burton separates a majority of the book to short chapters on types of cuts and their attendant jigs. This is where the overall readability slips a little bit but the long-term value goes up. These short chapters are excellent reference pieces and I will keep this book close by in the shop to use when I'm in a given situation. As far as I can tell, the list of cut types covered in these instructional chapters is pretty exhaustive. I think you would have to go pretty far afield to find a type of cut not covered. But, like most reference books, reading it from cover to cover like a normal book isn't the greatest adventure in reading. I can deal with that as long as I know that the book has the information available when I need it, and this book does.

I have not yet tried the projects laid out in the back of the book. A brief review leads me to believe that if I took it slow, I would be able to produce a replica with moderate effort.

Book has good ideas but possibly at least one shop plan is way off on dimensions or I am way off base on this criticism. On page 10 is pix of shop cart with its plans located on page 85. While I may be a novice/weekend wood worker, I studied the plan, cut the stock, then tried to piece it together and made a mess. Long apron "C" is the same length as long stretcher "E". OK - that works. I don't know why they have different names which is confusing. Then we get to the cross pieces: short apron "D" is shorter than narrow leg "B" by seven inches. Short stretcher "F" is 6 inches shorter than wide leg "A". There is no explanation why the lengths are different, however, after cutting all the pieces I found they do not fit; i.e., the bottom is seven inches wider than the top. I can't see that in the picture. So after trying to salvage scrap wood to retrofit, the cart came out somewhat useable but not as attractive. Maybe this is why I don't depend on cabinet making for a living????

The book is very detailed on the picture and descriptions. It provides with very good fixtures for different projects and it looks as a very useful reference. Still, it suggest the addition of some expensive blades and dadoes that may not be considered for you.

Plenty of useful ideas on how to operate a table saw. Has some interesting jigs, but not an excessive number. In my opinion, about the right number. A book solely on jigs might be good, but that is not what I bought this book for.

Also, only 3 projects or so. Again, I consider that a good thing. There are plenty of project plans elsewhere.

I bought this book on the basis of other positive reviews, and I concur.