A hybrid table saw looks a little like a cabinet saw, but it's actually a cross between a cabinet saw and a contractor saw. A hybrid saw is an intermediate option for a home user who is ready for more stability than that offered by a bench top saw, but isn't ready for the full-power, or for the higher price of a cabinet saw.

Cabinet saws run on a 220 current. Contractor saws (also called bench top saw) run on a standard household of 110 currents. Hybrid saws also run on 110, so they can be used in a home shop without having to re-wire.

The hybrid saw does have a metal cabinet, like a cabinet saw. The cabinet gives the saw stability and allows the tool to have a dust collection port, which bench top models don't always provide.

A hybrid saw has a 1-3/4" HP motor. A standard cabinet saw has upwards of 3 HP. The way the motor operates is also different. A contractor saw has a direct drive system, meaning the motor is directly in line with the blade, as in the circular saw.

Cabinet saws and hybrid saws operate on a belt drive system. A 3 HP contractor saw uses three belts to keep it running. Since a hybrid saw has less horsepower, it runs on only one wide, grooved belt. The grooves match up to the grooves on a pulley system underneath the saw to reduce slipping.

A hybrid saw can support larger fences than a contractor saw, such as this industry standard T-square fence.

There are left-tilt hybrid saws. The blade tilts away from the fence for safety. Another safety feature of this hybrid saw is a large stop button that can be pressed using your knee.