Mark Jerde wrote:



Engineers -- would hydraulics spin a table saw blade?



How about a (former) hydraulics technician?

Yes, hydraulics would turn a saw but I don't think it would be cost
effective or practical. At least not at the speed it would need to turn
a small (10") blade. Maybe in an industrial setting.

A drive system doesn't get much more efficient or simpler than a belt
and two pulleys.