The contractor-style saw is far larger than the traditional table saw, usually with about 30 inches of diameter blade size. These types of systems are normally powered by a 15 to 20 horsepower motor and designed for heavy-duty use. Read more here what causes on kickback table saw. The dado blade on a contractor saw is usually about 1 inch thick and can generate up to about 4 horsepower under load - enough for cutting through virtually anything. The smaller table saw usually has anywhere from 3/8 to 1-1/4 inch thick blades that are used for crosscutting materials, such as a picture frame joint.