SHOP FOX 10" Hybrid Table Saw (W1837)

The steel carcass is fully enclosed with a 4” dust port on the cabinet floor.  While this will contain dust much more thoroughly than an open cabinet, incorporating a vacuum solution is crucial so that dust can efficiently evacuate the unit.  See our recommendations for shop vacs here.  The 4” dust port is larger than the standard offering on jobsite saws so take that into consideration.  If you already have a shop vac but don’t have adequately-sized hoses, Cen-Tec offers a universal adaptor kit (Cen-Tec Systems 95237) that will ensure the dust levels in your shop are kept at a minimum.

Within the cabinet, cast iron trunnions support the motor and blade.  The resulting heft prevents vibrations that could impede delicate cuts.  Rather than using standard v-belts, the W1837 employs serpentine belts and pulleys.  Modern cars use serpentine belts to decrease noise and vibration while providing more power transfer; the W1837 takes a page from this playbook and executes well.  The unit is wired for the standard 120V power source, but can be rewired for 240V sources if desired.

Measuring 40” by 27”, the cast iron table offers ample surface for managing larger cutting operations such as full sheet plywood rips.  Outfeed systems are always recommended; consider using the W1837 to build an outfeed table or checking out Rockler’s Ball Bearing Stand.  Helping hands are often welcome but rarely available in the shop so outfeed solutions ensure that unwieldy operations are kept under control.  The table wings are adjusted with set screws, which can be a bit finicky to dial in.

The unit’s portability falls between that of a jobsite saw and a cabinet saw.  Weighing in at over 240 lbs, the W1837 stays put until the mobile base is deployed.  Heavy-duty casters are foot-actuated for easy mobility.  While moving the saw isn’t a difficult operation, it likes to find a home and stay close.  If you’re looking for ultra-portable solutions, consider checking out the DEWALT 7485 for maximum mobility.  

We appreciate that the included 40T blade is a step above the normal 24T offering.  The higher-toothed blade that provides smoother cuts along with inserts for both standard blades and dado stacks.  Cuts are deliberate and precise thanks to the included blade and accompanying power.

Safety features include a blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls.  Riving knives are our favorite table saw accessory and we’re glad to see their inclusion on the W1837.  To summarize their function in case you’re unfamiliar with their purpose: riving knives sit directly behind the blade and prevent just-cut wood from pinching the blade.  Wood grain doesn’t always grow straight and internal stresses inside wood can cause a cut to close back on itself right after it’s cut.  If a cut attempts to close back on itself when it’s passing around the blade, it can pinch the spinning blade, which will in turn throw the workpiece backwards towards the operator.  These kickback scenarios are incredibly dangerous and riving knives provide simple yet effective prevention measures against blade pinches.