Thanks! This explains a lot to me. Looks like the left-tilt is the best
choice for me.

Jack

Leon wrote:
"mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" "mywebaccts (at) PLUGcomcast.net" wrote
in message news
Table saws usually come (so it appears to me) with left-tilt mechanisms.
However, you can opt with many manufacturers to buy a right-tilt version.

Many of the left-tilt models will present the left-tilt as a "safety
feature" - implying somehow that the right-tilt is less safe. I saw some
writeup on this but it didn't make a lot of sense. However, there must be
something to it because so many manufacturers seem to bias towards the
left-tilt.

Can anyone explain this in simple terms to me? I realize that in theory,
one should be able to make a mirror image table saw, and that this would
require doing things (like ripping) in a mirrored-image fashion.

Is this simply a matter of preference or are there legitimate reasons for
getting a left-tilt over a right-tilt?


It is mostly the orientation of the fence to the tilted blade that makes the
left inherently less likely to trap wood. If a right tilt had as much fence
travel from the left side of the blade as does the left tilt does from the
right side of the blade and you used your fence on the left side of the
blade 99% of the time there would be no difference between the two when
considering wood being trapped.
From there, there are several things to consider which may or may not be the
case with all saws.

;~) The single most asked question in this group that I paste this rubber
stamp answer to.
Both saws will make all the same cuts. Some easier on the left tilt, some
easier on the right tilt. Strictly personal preference. But if you need to
be steered one way or the other,
Advantages:
Are you right handed?
Get the left tilt.
1. Commonly the Left tilt has the bevel wheel on the right side and is
easily turned with your Right hand.
2. Left tilt can rip a narrow bevel with out having to move the fence to the
left side of the blade.
3. Left tilt allows the blade arbor nut to be removed with your right hand.
4. Left tilt allows your to remove the arbor nut and turn it in the
direction that you would expect.
5. With a Left tilt, when both edges of a board are beveled, the sharp point
of the
bevel is up on the fence when cutting the second bevel as opposed to the
bottom of the fence where it might slip under.
6. RIGHT tilt if you are left handed. The bevel wheel is commonly on the
left side of the saw.
7. RIGHT tilt if you "must" use the fence distance indicator when using a
stacked dado blade set. The blades stack left, away from the fence. The
indicator remains accurate. On the left tilt, the blades stack towards the
fence and makes the indicator inaccurate. In this case use a tape measure to
set the fence distance.
8. RIGHT tilt allows you to remove the arbor nut with your left hand but the
nut must be turned clockwise to loosen. Bassackwards to normalcy.
If considering a cabinet saw, with wide 50" rip capacity.
The Left tilt will most often afford you the most storage room under the
right table extension. The RIGHT tilt has an access door in that location
that will demand room to open. The left tilt allows you to have access to
the motor and or the insides of the cabinet from the more open left side of
the saw with out having to crawl under the right extension table. Very nice
if you ever happen to drop the arbor nut inside the cabinet. If you are
considering getting a replacement saw and considering going to the opposite
tilt this time consider that the miter slots may not be the same distance
from the blade when comparing a left to right tilt saw. This may or may not
be of concern but something to consider.