Thread: Comparing Table Saw Power Ratings??

If the motor is smaller you feed the stock slower and use a thin kerf blade. Mine is 2hp carbatec and I rip river gum, feed it at a speed that the saw can process. I'm happy with what it can do. I'm not a professional. For a hobbyist, I find it adequate.

Originally Posted by bushkarma

I've seen some members advise a minimum 2.5 or 3HP motor for a hybrid or cabinet saw to cut Australian hardwoods.

It depends on what size and length of stock you are going to be cutting. If you intend ripping often with a 12" blade then I agree with the above.
A 10" blade slow feed you can get away with a 2HP

I am considering buying a Laguna Fusion F2 rated at 1.75HP for the upgrades it would provide over a jobsite saw such accuracy, precision, cast iron top etc while still being not too heavy and 10amp power etc. However 1.75 HP equates to ~1300 watts straight conversion. Most jobsite saws are rated at 1500-2100w although this is maybe a peak power.

Am I comparing apples with oranges here? How would the power of a Laguna Fusion F2 rated at 1.75HP compare with say a Dewalt DWE7491-XE rated at 2000w? Which is the stronger saw?

Machinery HP motor ratings are usually "output" power while power tool ratings including that Dewalt will usually be input power.
Machinery motors will have the output power stamped on the motor name plate.
Power tools have a power/Wattage stamped on the side of the tool - this is the power drawn from the mains.

The difference between the input and output power is the motor efficiency. this can be as low as 60% for small motors and as high as >90% for large motors.
Interestingly the Dewalt says its 2000W but the blurb says its motor is only rated @970W

Thank you BobL..... you have answered my question.... I have downloaded the manual for the Dewalt DWE7491 and (as you've identified) the motor power input is rated at 2000w but the output is only 970w.... this puts it about 300w short of the Laguna Fusion F2 .... which makes sense. The Laguna does have a slightly slower no load speed but I'm going to consider this unit more closely now given its balance of features in relation to my anticipated usage needs.

So for any others out there shopping around for a first table saw: BEWARE of printed power specifications.... make sure you are comparing motor OUTPUT ratings