When you buy a table saw, you should beware that there are two different ways of operating such a machine.​Either you draw the cutting head or you push the material and/or the table.

Most people have a method they prefer over the other, but there are actually technical differences, pros and cons to both techniques.

When you pull the cutting head…

You do not get wet fingers, for once. That can be nice working in a dusty environment. On top of this, it’s a particularly good way to cut (ceramic) tiles and long materials, among other things, because the bridge can tilt 45º or more. With this type of table saw you would mostly use a full-edged diamond blade.

When you push the material and/or the table…

You can cut material with bigger volume such as stone and blocks. This type of table saw is quite good at cutting to size. You can cut in a 45º or 90º angle, and very easily clean the machine afterwards, since the table top can be removed and thus give you direct access to the tub.