Okay, everybody else, be honest: What do you do with portable table-saw blade guards? I knew it: Dumpster-ville. These guards are notoriously aggravating. Bosch, however, examined our table-saw habits and made some top-notch improvements in the 4100 series of table saws. You'll actually use the sectional blade guard — a design borrowed from high-end European shop saws. It works for thin rips; you can see through it; and, of course, it protects fingers. It even stows on the tool.

What's more, the system has a built-in multi-positional riving knife/splitter you can use with or without kickback pawls and with or without the guard; primo versatility. The knife/splitter adjusts with blade height seamlessly — you'll probably forget it's there — and it'll help prevent pinching and kickback big time. The 4100s come in three configurations (see below) one of which includes the industry's first digital rip fence, while two others include Bosch's bulletproof stand. Bottom line: No matter which version you select, you'll get the performance and safety right for you. This is smart design of my favorite flavor — born on the jobsite.

4100DG-09 (includes digital rip fence and Bosch's Gravity-Rise stand) $679
4100-09 (does not include digital rip fence, but does include Gravity-Rise) $599
4100 (just the saw) $499

Bosch Tools