[.ca] The Table Saw Book: Completely Revised and Updated (ISBN 1561584266)

The Table Saw Book:
Kelly Mehler has a clear, concise writing style that is both informative and easy to understand. The book covers a fair amount of territory in word and uses pictures well. Topics range from table saw anatomy to jigs and fixtures for expanding the utility of this tool that has become the center of many a workshop. Now that I've read the book and used it's advice on setting up my new table saw it will become a valued reference for the future.

Clear and to the point, but enough about the Euro saws!:
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.

Cut It Out! Every table saw user should read this book.:
I was a self-started on the table saw. I took-off and learned as I went. That is, I learned every nasty, unsafe method possible. I was not a smart worker but didn't know it. That's where Mr. Mehler came in. Not only does his book instruct the reader how to cut cleaner and be more productive, he pushes safety all through the book. Because of Kelly (can I call him Kelly?), I have a cross-cut sled, a zero-tolerant throat plate, and two grip-tites. I have not taken another single kick-back to the head or lost another finger in over a year!

Great for a brand new woodworker:
I'm bought this book based on several recommendations from other woodworkers. I'm very happy now that I have. It covers a lot of ground that is probably "common sense" to a seasoned woodworker, but to a beginner is priceless information. Some of the area's that were important to me are the safety portion and the table-saw setup. I've recently purchased a table-saw and now I feel I have enough knowledge to get it setup and tuned up properly, and how to use it safely. I definately recommend it to novice woodworkers.

Excellent Book for a Beginner - And Fun To Read Too:
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.