Compare The Best Table Saw Reviews For the Money

There are many types of table saws that functions specifically for various tasks, and you may feel overwhelmed with the options. However, selecting the best table saw that best suits your job requirements are simple. First, you must determine where and how the table saw will be used, then you must decide on what features and configurations will work best with your tasks. Most importantly, you will need to make an informed buying decision by having an understanding of the various kinds of the best table saw available. The main categories of table saws that you will need to know about are portable, contractor, hybrid, and cabinet saws. Being knowledgeable about these types of saws will help you the most when choosing the saw that is right for you.

What Type of Table Saw is Best for You:

PortableBenchtop/ Contractor Hybrid table sawsCabinet table saws

Portable table saws are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and store. They are also durable and can stand up to tough job sites, and the device is mainly used for small jobs and projects. Contractors and homeowners benefit the most with the portable saw.

See our Top Rated Portable Table Saws

Benchtop contractor table saws can tackle nearly any project due to their precision and heavy-duty design. The machine has a large saw and working surface, making them heavy and stationary. Contractors and homeowners typically use the high-performance table saw for their larger jobs.

See our Top Rated Benchtop Saws

Hybrid table saws combine different features from the varieties of saws, making them well equipped for nearly any task. They are sturdy with high-performance construction, and most are large but portable. Professionals, contractors, and DIY’ers benefit from the device’s substantial configurations and design.

See our Top Rated Hybrid Saws

Cabinet table saws are extremely powerful, and the most accurate table saw. They are stationary due to their bulkiness and heaviness. The machine usually comes with several safety features, and they are incredibly durable. Contractors, professionals, and cabinet makers utilize the cabinet table saw the most.

See Our Top Rated Cabinet Saws

The Best Table Saw: See our Top 7 from each category:

#1. The Best Jobsite Table Saw: DEWALT DWE7491RS

The DEWALT DWE 7491RS is the best jobsite table saw. It features a ten-inch blade and a thirty-two inch to a half an inch rip capacity that cuts a variety of large and small materials, allowing it to be used for narrow rip cuts. The table is large enough to provide superior support, and the onboard storage system gives easy access to the Site-Pro Guard Components. The job site table saw has a rolling stand design with sturdy wheels, making it stable and foldable.

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#2. The Best Portable Table Saw: Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch

The Bosch 4100-09 is the best portable table saw of its kind. It is designed to be easily transported to various work sites and has a gravity rise stand that allows the height to be easily adjusted, if necessary. The machine is collapsible and easily stored; and, it has powerful, efficient cutting capabilities, allowing for one-handed operation. The portable table saw also includes anti-kickback protection that gives it a significant measure of safety.

I ranked this number 2 only based on the higher price.

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#3. The Best Contractor Table Saw: Makita 2705X1 10-Inch

The Makita 2705X1 is the best contractor table saw available. It has a ten-inch blade and a “tool-less” modular blade guard that is easy to install and remove. The device also features a t-slot miter gauge that has grooves that accept commercial accessories with the similarly formed shanks for versatile cutting capabilities. Additionally, the Makita 2705×1 also comes with two onboard independent anti-kickback pawls that can be stowed away and a release lever.

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#4. The Best Compact Table Saw: DEWALT DW745 10-Inch

The DEWALT DW745 features a ten-inch blade and is the most portable table saw. The device is compact with a pinion mode that locks in the front and rear; it also has a clear scale and a cast table design that allows for more accurate cuts.

The DEWALT DW745 ensures performance with its overload protection, two blade spanners, dust port reducer, push stick, and blade guard. With the combined features and designs of the portable table saw, it makes it the best table saw for the money.

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#5. Best Budget Table Saw: SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch

The SKIL 3210-02 features a ten-inch blade and an extendable table for some additional workspace. The device has a heavy-duty steel stand design, making it durable and sturdy for tough jobs. It can be quickly set up and transported, making it ideal for on the go tasks; and, the SKIL 3210-02 has an EZ view measurement system that allows for precise measurements and settings.

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#6. Shop Fox W1851 Hybrid Cabinet Table Saw

The Shop Fox W1851 is the best hybrid table saw. The device is designed as a cabinet table saw and features a blade tilt of zero degrees to forty-five degrees. The ground cast iron table is built with extensions, allowing for more workspace. It also has a dual-position extruded aluminum rip fence and a dust port designed to channel airflow.

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#7. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Professional Cabinet Saw

The SawStop PCS 31230-TGP236 is the best cabinet table saw. It is equipped with the SawStop Safety System that helps prevent fatal accidents when the saw is in use.

The machine also has a thirty-six-inch adept system that provides smooth operation and precision measurements. Also, the blade guard has a dust collection feature, and the table saw has true elevation.

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Best Table Saw Reviews Buyer’s Guide You’ll Read:

If you’re a carpenter, framer or woodworker of any kind, a table saw will quickly become your favorite tool. Table saws cut through wood and other materials with ease and speed. They’re able to handle complex cuts, trim and all kinds of shaped cuts. Today’s saws have modern features that make them easy to use and safer than ever.

A table saw is a serious investment. It may be one of the largest and most expensive tools you buy. For that reason, it’s important to check out the features offered on various table saws to choose the one that’s right for you.

Types of Table Saw

The type of table saw you need will depend on the type of work you primarily do. Different types offer different features.

• Portable table saw. This lightweight version features a smaller motor and a smaller size that makes it ideal for onsite work. Because of their smaller motor, portable saws are fine for high-volume work that primarily involves straight cutting. But if you need more accuracy and the ability to do fine woodworking, give them a pass.
• Contractor saw. Weighing in at around 300 pounds, contractor saws allow some portability with more accuracy and power than portable saws. Contractor saws can cut through large amounts of wood. Contractor saws usually have a 2-horsepower engine or smaller. They are useful for trim work, basic carpentry jobs and uncomplicated furniture designs.
• Cabinet saw. Cabinet saws get their name from their design, which features a motor encased in a wooden cabinet. According to most table saw reviews, cabinet saws offer the highest durability, accuracy and power of all three types. They are the preferred choice for thick hardwoods, fine woodworking, and detailed cabinetry and furniture making. Cabinet saws have the largest motor of the three types, typically around 5 or 6 horsepower. You’ll need a 220 volt circuit to operate one. They weigh around 600 pounds.

Always Put Safety First

Almost all new table saws come with important safety features built in. The more expensive the saw, the more likely it is to have all of these safety features.

1. Riving knife. This is a protective metal shield that sits behind the saw blade. As the wood splits under the saw, the riving knife keeps them separated. The riving knife should be easy to put on and take off.
2. Blade guard. A plastic cover for the blade, the blade guard prevents you from touching the blade with your bare hands. Some professional woodworkers remove the blade guard because they find that it gets in their way. Don’t take that chance. Look for a saw that has an easy-to-use blade guard.
3. Anti-kickback pawls. Spring-loaded, toothed blades on the side of the wood are activated when the wood you’re cutting unexpectedly jumps up. The pawls hold it in place to prevent injury. Some woodworkers, however, say that using pawls can damage wood with a delicate finish.
4. Flesh-detecting blade brake. A new feature on table saws, this shuts the saw off and moves the blade away if it detects something that shouldn’t be there, like your finger.

Power, Accuracy and Performance

To get the most out of your table saw, you need at least a basic understanding of how its various parts work together. These include the arbor, the fence, the miter gauge and the output or rip capacity.

Arbor

This is the shaft that the saw blade spins on. It can be tilted, raised or lowered to change the cutting depth of the blade. The arbor is what makes the table saw a versatile tool that’s adaptable to any type of cutting.

If you are using a dado blade on the saw, you will need a saw with a long arbor and a longer throat plate that can accommodate the dado set. Some table saws come with dado throat plates that you can use to adjust the saw.

Table and Fence

A sturdy fence that locks true to the blade is essential in a table saw. You rely on the fence to ensure that the wood cuts cleanly and to keep you safe. The fence also needs to be easily adjustable.

A wobbly or weak fence, or one that’s difficult to adjust, makes every job harder than it has to be. It’s also dangerous. Be sure that the table saw you’re buying has a sturdy fence. Also keep in mind that if you already have a table saw, you can always upgrade the fence later on.

Rip and Output Capacity

The table saw’s rip capacity refers to the size of material you can feed into it. How much capacity you need depends on what you’re using the table saw for. If you’re a contractor doing framing jobs, for instance, you should look for a 24-inch capacity at minimum. That’s because plywood comes in standard 24- to 48-inch widths.

Some table saws can go as high as 35 inches in capacity. This is a good option for heavy-duty carpentry.

If you’re doing fine woodworking, you’ll need a smaller rip capacity. You should look for a table saw that has a 22-inch or smaller capacity.

• Miter Gauge This gauge allows you to guide the saw blade. It is the only way to ensure that you make clean, precise cuts. A miter gauge can be angled in any direction and used to make specialty cuts by attaching jigs.
• Throat Plate The throat plate is a removable sleeve that covers the blade. You’ll need to lift it off to change blades, move the riving knife or make other adjustments. A narrow space under the throat plate is preferable because it means you’ll get cleaner cuts.
• Side Extensions If you regularly work with large pieces of wood or metal, you might want to look into side extensions. Most table saws are set up to allow these add-ons that will extend your workspace.

Motoring Along

There are two types of motor you can find on a standard table saw.

1. Direct-drive saws. A direct-drive saw uses a universal motor to transmit power directly to the saw blade. This makes the saw fast and powerful. On the downside, direct-drive motors can be very loud. Most portable and contractor’s saws have direct-drive engines.
2. Belt-drive saws. In this type, an induction engine transmits power through a belt and then to the saw. These offer deeper cutting and are usually quieter than other engine types. Like belts in a car engine, belts in a table saw engine need regular maintenance to keep operating at peak performance.

Buying the Best Table Saw Blades

The blade is the most important part of the saw. The combination of saw size and horsepower in the saw will determine how much wood you can cut through and how quickly you can get it done.

There are different types and sizes that come on the typical table saw.

1. Standard. The standard size on a table saw is a 10-inch blade. On a motorized saw, this should give you a cutting depth of about 3 1/2 inches.
2. Dado blades. If you need to cut dadoes or rebbets, you will need a dado blade. You’ll also have to make sure that your saw has the power and the arbor to power a dado blade. That probably means you should look for a cabinet saw.

You’ll also need to consider the blade type. The number and spacing of the blade’s teeth will give you different types of cuts.

1. Ripping blade. This type of blade has fewer teeth that are evenly spaced and sized. A ripping blade is best for cutting along the wood grain.
2. Crosscut blade. With more teeth set closer together, this blade is best for cutting across the grain.
3. General purpose blade. Designed to cut many different types of materials, this blade has large, hooked teeth that will cut in any direction.
4. Combination blade. Varied tooth sizes and spacing make for a blade that does both straight cutting and cross-cutting.

On the Dusty Trail

Table saws kick up a lot of dust. All that dust is not just a pain to clean up, it could also damage the motor of your table saw. You don’t want dust clogging up the works. It’s also not a great idea for you to breathe all that dust into your lungs.

If you want to avoid leaving behind a big mess after you finish your big project, look for a table saw that has a dust collection feature. On a cabinet, this is usually a spout and funnel system that’s attached to the back of the cabinet.

If you’re using a contractor’s saw that doesn’t have a cabinet, you won’t need a dust catcher but you will have a pile of sawdust to pick up.

In both cases, your shop vacuum will come in handy to pick up the leftover sawdust.

Usage and Maintenance Tips for Table Saws

To keep your table saw operating properly and safely, you’ll need to keep it clean and perform periodic maintenance on its parts.

1. Clear the dust. After every use, clean the dust from the blades, motor and outside case. Use a small brush to sweep out corners and edges. Finish up with a vacuum cleaning.
2. Clean it up. Use light steel wool to remove gunk buildup and scratches from the table and fence.
3. Polish it. Once a month or so, use furniture wax to polish the table. This protects the wood and keeps it smooth. A smooth surface makes for a better work area.
4. Lubricate it. Once a month, use lubricating spray on all moving parts including the engine. Use a non-silicone spray because silicone can leave a sticky film on wood.
5. Check the alignment. Some experts recommend doing this every time you haul the table saw out to work. If you don’t want to do it that often, do it after every four or five uses.

To check the alignment, use a straight blade and leave the saw unplugged. Insert it into the table saw and run a test cut to make sure the verticals and bevels line up correctly. Also check that the riving knife and throat plate are in their correct spots.

Check the belts. On a belt-driven table saw, periodically check the belts for wear. If they look ragged, make a point to replace them as soon as possible.

FAQ’s for Table Saw Buyers

1. What’s the Best Type of Table Saw?

The answer depends on what your needs are. If you want a table saw that does it all, from heavy-duty hardwoods to fine details and dado cuts, you need a cabinet saw. For quick, straightforward jobs that don’t require high accuracy, a portable table saw will suit your needs. A contractor’s saw is a good choice if you want a good balance of portability and power and don’t need the ability to cut grooves.

2. What Type of Table Saw Blade Should I Use?

For most table saws, you’ll use a 10-inch standard blade. You’ll also need to decide if you want a ripping blade, a cross-cutting blade, a combination blade or an all-purpose one.

For the most accurate work, you’ll need to change out the blades depending on what you are cutting at the time and whether you are cutting along the grain or against it. General-purpose blades will cut almost anything, but you’ll sacrifice some accuracy.

3. Does the Number of Teeth on a Blade Make a Difference?

The number, size and spacing of teeth all make a difference when it comes to blades. If you need to make dado cuts and other specialty cuts, you will need a specialty blade in addition to the general purpose or ripping blades.

5. What is a Dado?

A dado is a type of specialty blade that’s used to cut grooves or dadoes in wood. Dado blades are available as stacked dado sets and wobble blades. A stacked dado set uses two blades separated by a series of chippers. A wobble dado is a single blade that can be set to differing angles. Both will get the job done, but most woodworkers find that stacked dado sets are more stable and give better results.

6. What is a Riving Knife?

Riving knives are safety features on table saws. They guide the blade and protect your hands from injury.

7. What is a Kickback?

Kickback is a frightening occurrence that happens when the wood you’re guiding through the saw hits the blade in the wrong spot. This causes the wood piece to fly up and off the saw.

It’s a dangerous situation because the wood can hit you as it flies and cause your hands to hit the spinning blade. The potential injuries could be extremely severe.

To prevent this type of accident, many table saws include anti-kickback pawls, which hold the wood or other workpiece steady if it snags or catches.

Get Started and Get Sawing

There are many features to consider when you’re buying a table saw. Read table saw reviews to get an idea of what’s out there. Your final choice depends on:

• the amount of cutting capacity you need each day;
• the site where you’ll be doing most of your work;
• whether you need portability more than accuracy, or vice versa;
• the saw’s ability to handle dadoes and other fine work;
• the safety features that matter most to you.

There are many excellent models of table saw available. Once you decide on the one that works for you, you’ll enjoy working with it. A table saw lets you work with more power, more precision and more speed that you ever imagined.