What is the primary use of the tablesaw?

The primary use of a tablesaw is to rip stock to width, making option B the correct answer. Ripping refers to cutting a board along the grain, reducing its width while maintaining its length. This type of cut is fundamental in woodworking because it allows for precise, straight cuts that are essential for creating consistent widths of lumber for various projects.

Tablesaws are designed with a flat tabletop and a circular blade that protrudes through the surface, enabling users to guide the workpiece along the edge of the table and directly toward the blade. The design promotes accuracy and stability while ripping, making the task easier and safer for the operator.

While the other choices involve different types of cuts, they are not the primary function of a tablesaw. Cross cuts (option A) involve cutting across the grain, typically done with a miter saw for greater precision. Miter cuts (option C) are angled cuts that are generally performed with a miter saw or a radial arm saw to achieve more complex angles. Bevel cuts (option D) also require specific adjustments usually found in other types of saws. While a tablesaw can indeed be used to perform these other cuts with the appropriate setups, its main and most common use remains ripping stock to width