Best Table Saws

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The 12 Best Table Saws – Updated 2021

Table saws are tremendous investments for professionals or DIY enthusiasts who value excellent woodworking. They save time, woodworking expenses, and help make precision cuts. But with the various optimizations and capabilities, which table saws are the best? Read on.

Woodworking is an art and a big one for that matter. In the USA alone, approximately 937,500 people were employed in the forest products industry, with 428,500 being in the wood products sector in 2017.

A significant number of people indulge in woodworking for commercial purposes and personal consumption. Regardless of the job type, carpentry, lumbering, or home projects, table saws are largely utilized.

Table saws come in a variety of shapes, sizes, types, and features. Each is incorporated with a unique component with positives and negatives. Some of them are versatile and can be utilized for various tasks, but quite often, finding the right fit that augurs well with your preferences can be such an exhausting endeavor.

Luckily, you have come to the right place. The following is a review of the 12 best table saws to help you choose the ideal product that will meet your project requirements.

Top Table Saws – Review and Buyers Guide [Updated]

Top Rated Chainsaws Stars

1. Rockwell RK7323 Blade Runner X2 Portable Tabletop

Best Lightweight Table Saw for Basic Projects

Rockwell RK7323 Blade Runner X2 Portable Tabletop

Power: Corded Electric | Type: Benchtop | Power: 120 Volts | Weight: 17 pounds | Item Dimensions: 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches | Motor: 5.5 amp | Cutting depth: 4″ |  Arbor Size: 0″ | Table Height: 17″ | Table Length: 15.75″ | Blade Size: 4″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 4″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 4″ | Left Rip Capacity: 4″ | Right Rip Capacity : 4″ | Speed: 2800 RPM | Warranty: 3 years Limited

The Rockwell RK7323 Blade Runner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw has been designed with portability in mind. It is ideal for most basic projects, thanks to its ability to handle tasks such as scroll, cross, rip, and miter cutting.

This machine can be easily assembled, and blade change takes no more than a few minutes. I’d say it is the perfect choice for the beginner. It is made from strong black plastic with a stainless-steel plate.

While testing it, you will realize that the quality of the splitter, the rip fence, and the hold-down guard are all up to par with industry standards, making it ideal for those small tasks. However, the machine does not attach to the work tables as seen in other models. But that is a trade-off considering its effectiveness and capability.

Pros

  • Highly portable
  • Versatile
  • Easy to set up and handle
  • Build to last

Cons

  • Not great for professional tasks
  • Produces vibrations

 

Verdict

Overall, the Rockwell RK7323 Blade Runner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw is an incredible choice for DIYers and beginners. For many small projects around your home, I highly recommend it.

 

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2. DeWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw

Best for the Jobsite

DeWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw

Power: Corded Electric  | Type: Table | Weight: 90 pounds | Item Dimensions: 31 x 24.5 x 31 Inches | Motor: 15 amp | Max Width of Dado: 13/16″ | Arbor Size: 5/8″ | Cutting depth: 3.125″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 2-1/4″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 3-1/8″ | Blade Size: 10″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 22″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 32-1/2″ | Speed: 4800 RPM | Table Height: 36.5″ | Table Length: 26.25″ | Warranty: 3 years Limited

With a tremendous ripping capacity of 32-1/2 inches, this particular product is all you need to cut large sheets of wood with the utmost ease. It boasts unparalleled accuracy and efficiency for many types of projects, and if you are into serious woodworking, then this DeWALT DWE7491RS 10-inch Table Saw is what you should invest in.

DeWALT DWE7491RS 10-inch Table Saw is dado blade compatible, and its blades can be changed according to the wood type. It features a rack and pinion fence system, a dust collection port that connects to a vacuum for easy extraction of dust, and a rolling stand for convenient assembly and disassembly.

It is highly stable, providing you with smooth gliding for perfect cuts. With large tooth carbide blades, this machine is your best bet for cross-cutting, lumbar framing, and ripping wood.

Pros

  • Best for all types of woodworks
  • Large ripping capacity
  • Highly accurate
  • Features a rolling table for easy movement

Cons

  • Tedious parallel adjustment of blades

 

Verdict

That said, DeWALT DWE7491RS 10-inch Table Saw is your go-to product if your woodwork involves trim carpentry, deck building, cabinet, and hardwood floor installations.

 

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3. DeWALT DWE7485 8-1/4-Inch Table Saw

Best Compact Table Saw for Jobsites

DeWALT DWE7485 8-1/4-Inch Table Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type: Table | Power: 110 Volts | Weight: 46 pounds | Item Dimensions: 31 x 24.5 x 31 Inches | Motor: 15 amp | Cutting depth: 2.5625″ | Bevel Capacity: 47° | Arbor Size: 5/8″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 2.5″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 1.75″ | Blade Size: 8.25″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 12″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 24.5″ | Speed: 5800 RPM | Table Height: 12.875″ | Table Length: 22.75″ | Warranty: 3 years Limited

Designed to be an improvement from its predecessor, the DeWALT DWE7485 8-1/4-Inch Table Saw is powerful enough to handle all types of general woodworking. It features a compact design that is relatively easy to move and store.

With an adjustable ripping capacity of 24.4 inches and a speed of up to 5800 RPM, this saw is sufficient for knockoff hublot tourbillon skeleton titanium any plywood works and most home projects. Incorporating a modular guarding system for tool-free adjustments, a rack and pinion telescoping fencing system for accuracy and optimum performance, and an on-board accessories storage, this machine has everything you need for your wood projects.

The build is impressively sturdy, plus the manufacturer has thrown in useful accessories such as miter imitation givenchy hoodies gauge, pawls, push sticks, and more. I don’t know how you do it, but this is a unit I’d choose for long-term home tasks.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Compact, portable, and easy to store
  • Highly accurate
  • Onboard storage convenience

Cons

  • Blade sizes are a bit odd
  • Expensive

 

Verdict

All things considered, the DeWALT DWE7485 8-1/4-Inch Table Saw is a worthy investment with durable components. It may be a bit pricey, but it makes up for that with the impressive performance.

 

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4. Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw

Best for Contractors

Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type: Table | Power: 120 Volts | Weight: 124 pounds | Item Dimensions: 39 x 29.75 x 21 Inches | Motor: 15 amp | Cutting depth: 3.125″ | Bevel Capacity: 47° | Arbor Size: 5/8″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 2.25″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 3.056″ | Blade Size: 10″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 8.5″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 30″ | Speed: 3650 RPM | Table Height: 13″ | Table Length: 27″ | Warranty: 1 year Limited

In terms of reputation, Bosch products are strong candidates for woodworking tasks on the market today, and Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw is no exception.

The machine features a gravity-rise stand to save you time as you set it up, pneumatic wheels for easy movement, and an intuitive T-slot miter gauge that guarantees the right cuts every time. It can make rip cuts of up to 25 inches, and it boasts comfortable blade switches, thanks to the arbor lock mechanism.

Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw is extremely durable, and with the first-rate aluminum fence, it slides elegantly, giving you utmost precision and accuracy. For a machine with a 3650 RPM motor, it is quite pacey for beginner works, plus noise is not an issue.

Pros

  • Deliver superb performance
  • Features carbide blade for precision
  • Has arbor lock, SquareLock Rip Fence, and SmartGuard System for convenience and safety
  • Shrouded dust collection port

Cons

  • Not the cheapest saw
  • Not as powerful for professional tasks

 

Verdict

In a nutshell, Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw is worth the value of your money. It can achieve everything you set out to do, and if the convenience of the gravity-rise system is your thing, then this is a great buy.

 

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5. WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw

Best Versatile Table Saw

WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type: Table | Power: 20 Volts | Weight: 14.7 pounds | Item Dimensions: 15.71 x 16.89 x 7.13 Inches | Motor: 5.5 amp | Stroke Length: 3/4″ | Blade Size:  4″ T-shank jigsaw blades | Speed: 800-2800 RPM | Table Height: 15-3/4″ | Table Length: 17″ | Safety Switch: Yes | Adjustable Miter Gauge: 0 to 60 degree angled cuts, right or left | Warranty: 3 years Limited

If you are on the market looking for an affordable, yet portable table saw, then the WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw should be your top choice. It is suitable for beginners and everything from changing blades to storage has been designed for your benefit.

What I love about this unit is its flexibility. It comes equipped with distinct saws, each engineered exclusively for wood, plastic, metal, aluminum, and tiles. What this means is that you can own it and say goodbye to buying other tools for certain tasks.

At only 6.75-inches in height, the machine is a brilliant size for a user on-the-go. It is lightweight, easy to store, and quite attractive.

Pros

  • Doesn’t require any technical requirement to set it up
  • Has a safety switch in case of accidents
  • Ideal for cutting tile, wood, metal, or plastic
  • Suitable for rip and cross cuts

Cons

  • Not great for professional tasks

 

Verdict

Overall, WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw is a good product with lots of advantages for a beginner in woodworking and other projects. It is versatile and highly portable.

 

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6. SawStop PCS31230-PFA30 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw

Best Table Saw for the Safety

SawStop PCS31230-PFA30 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type:  Cabinet Table Saw| Power: 220 Volts | Weight: 430 pounds | Item Dimensions: 44 x 29.75 x 34 Inches | Motor: 3 HP | Cutting depth: 3.125″ | Max Width of Dado: 8″ | Arbor Size: 0.265″ | Bevel Capacity: 45° | Depth of cut at 45°: 2.25″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 3.125″ | Blade Size: 10″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 12″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 52″  | Table Width: 29.75″ | Table Length: 85.25″ | Warranty: 2 years Limited

For professionals and DIYers, the SawStop PCS31230-PFA30 10-inch Professional Cabinet Saw is a model that provides enough power to cut through several materials without a hassle. Better yet, with your safety being a priority aspect in choosing a table saw, this unit features a patented safety system to prevent unnecessary accidents.

With a superior dust collector that ensures your workstation remains clean, a solid cast-iron table with extension wings, a premium trunnion, and thick arbors, this particular machine rivals many other 10-inch saws on the market.

It is a dado blade compatible and can achieve true vertical elevation and smooth precise cutting. From the durable components, the 360-degree wheels to the blade-stopping safety mechanism, everything has been built to deliver the performance you desire.

Pros

  • Comes with a miter gauge and blade wrenches
  • Has adjustable legs, blade guard, and dust collector
  • Suitable for some industrial tasks
  • Patented safety mechanism

Cons

  • Short chord
  • Not easily affordable

 

Verdict

My verdict? SawStop PCS31230-PFA30 10-inch Professional Cabinet Saw is the table saw to get if you are looking to make a long-term investment. It delivers remarkable performance and is ideal for seasoned woodworkers and enthusiasts alike.

 

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7. Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw

Best for Accuracy

Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type: Table | Weight: 67 pounds | Item Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 15.3 Inches | Motor: 15 amp | Cutting depth: 3.125″ | Max Width of Dado: 13/16″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 2-1/2″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 3-9/16″” | Speed: 4800 RPM | Table Width: 24-5/8″ | Table Length: 22-1/4″ | Warranty: 1 year Limited

Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw features a semi-industrial design and is designed to give beginners a foot into the professional woodworking world. It is built to last and can be installed without necessarily using any tools.

The machine delivers 4,800 RPM using a 15amp motor, and it features adjustable side guards, a scale for accurate adjustments, dual anti-kickback pawls, and a riving knife cutting precision. The riving knife height can easily be adjusted with three positions you can choose from.

The tabletop is aluminum made, and the overall design of the table saw allows you to see the materials you are cutting. It also boasts a storage port for the popular items you need such as the safety guard, power cables, the saw blade, and more.

Pros

  • Guard doesn’t obstruct the cutting view
  • Has a strong build
  • Suitable for cutting large sheets of materials
  • The table remains flat due to its aluminum die-cast construction

Cons

  • Not easy to move around
  • Doesn’t come with a stand

 

Verdict

If you prefer a versatile and convenient product among the 10-inch table saws on the market, then Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw is a good choice. It is highly precise and accurate with the performance of a commercial unit.

 

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8. SKILSAW SPT99-11 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive

Best Rolling Stand Table Saw

SKILSAW SPT99-11 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive

Power: Corded Electric | Type:  Table Saw| Power: 120 Volts | Weight: 94.3 pounds | Item Dimensions: 52.6 x 29.53 x 35.08 Inches | Motor: 3 HP | Cutting depth: 30-½” | Max Width of Dado: 8″ | Bevel Capacity: 1° to 46° | Depth of cut at 45°: 2-3/10″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 3-5/8″ | Blade Size: 10″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 16-1/2″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 30-1/2″  | Table Width: 29.53″ | Table Height: 35.08″ | Speed: 5000 RPM | Warranty: 1 year Limited

Professional woodworkers whose sites are marred with debris or rough terrains need a table saw that can easily be maneuvered without straining. That is what the SKILSAW SPT99-11 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is all about.

It comes with a rolling stand equipped with large wheels for easy transportability. With a stunning 5000 RPM from a 15 AMP motor, the unit rips through various materials, including hard and softwood types.

It has a carbide saw with a rip capacity of 30.5-inches, with a spacious supply area to handle large materials that can be handled with a single operation. The rack and the pinion mechanisms ease the task of fence adjustment and precision cutting. Also included are a dust port, onboard storage, and an anti-kickback device.

Pros

  • Easily achieves large cuts, thanks to the left support and outfeed
  • Large wheels for effortless transport
  • Very powerful

Cons

  • Although it can be pushed to a workstation, it is quite heavy
  • Highly-priced

 

Verdict

All in all, SKILSAW SPT99-11 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is among the best choices in terms of power and portability. With it, you can bring fast, and precise cutting power to any workstation.

 

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9. DeWALT DCS520ST1 Cordless Track Saw Kit

Best Cordless Table Saw

DeWALT DCS520ST1 Cordless Track Saw Kit

Power: Cordless | Saw Drive Type:  Sidewinder | Power: 60 Volts | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Item Dimensions: 61 x 12 x 15 Inches | Motor: 60V brushless | Cutting depth: 30-½” | Max Width of Dado: 8″ | Bevel Capacity: 47° | Depth of cut at 45°: 1-5/8″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 2-1/8″ | Blade Size: 6-1/2″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 16-1/2″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 30-1/2″ | Battery: Lithium Ion | Speed: 4200 RPM | Warranty: 3 years Limited

DeWALT DCS520ST1 Cordless Track Saw Kit features remarkable components designed with convenience in mind. It is easy to control, thanks to the soft-start 12 AMP motor delivering 4000RPM.

Apart from the strong build and the simplicity in adjusting this machine, its base is magnesium-made, thick, and quite stable. It can be used to rip through a large number of wood materials using a 6.5-inch saw. However, replacing the blades is a bit tedious; it involves 8 steps, which beginners might not feel enthused about.

Nonetheless, this machine comes with an anti-kickback that deploys effectively when you release the knob. The 59-inch rail allows you to make long, precise, straight, and splinter-free cuts. The track saw is dual-edged, letting you achieve equal treatment.

Pros

  • Dual-edged tracks
  • Highly precise and accurate
  • Features a cutting system with zero clearance
  • Continuous anti-kickback mechanism

Cons

  • Difficult to change the blades

 

Verdict

All in all, I can tell you that DeWALT DCS520ST1 Cordless Track Saw Kit is your table saw if you want a good-performing cordless track saw. It delivers amazing rip and plunge cuts with a low-profile blade guard.

 

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10. DeWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Table Saw

Best for Use with or Without Power

DeWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Table Saw

Power: Cordless | Type:  Table Saw | Battery: Lithium Ion | Power: 60 Volts | Weight: 48 pounds | Item Dimensions: 12.9 x 23.8 x 23.8 Inches | Motor: 60V brushless  |  Arbor Size: 5/8″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 1 3/4″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 2 1/2″ | Blade Size: 8-1/4″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 12″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 24″ | Speed: 5800 RPM | Warranty: 3 years Limited

Torn between buying a corded or a cordless table saw? Not to worry, the DeWALT Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw is the machine you should get. Whether you are working in a job site with or without power, it is bound to fulfill your woodworking needs.

It utilizes a carbide blade with a 24-inch rip capacity. The table is coated for smoothing, gliding, and true cuts. Also featured is a rack and pinion fence that contributes to easy alignments and precise measurements.

Other than that, this DeWALT table saw comes with a power reset feature that prevents unintended restarts. This helps prolong its battery. It offers a power-less reset feature. At full power, the machine rips through plywood and OSB sheets with ease.

It is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, is relatively portable, and it comes with onboard storage for all the necessary tools, including a riving knife, fast charger, saw wrenches, a miter gauge, and a rip fence.

Pros

  • Power loss reset system
  • Ideal table saw for small to medium project
  • Can be used with or without power
  • Large ripping capacity

Cons

  • Does not support Dado cuts

 

Verdict

Conclusively, I can say that DeWALT Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw is a decent product that lets you build anything anywhere, with or without power.

 

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11. DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt 60V MAX Table Saw

Best Cordless Unit for Home Projects

DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt 60V MAX Table Saw

Power: Cordless | Type:  Table Saw | Battery: Lithium Ion | Power: 60 Volts | Weight: 45 pounds | Item Dimensions: 12.9 x 23.8 x 23.8 Inches | Motor: 60V brushless  |  Arbor Size: 5/8″ | Depth of cut at 45°: 1 3/4″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 2 1/2″ | Blade Size: 8-1/4″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 12″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 24″ | Speed: 5800 RPM | Warranty: 3 years Limited

DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt 60V MAX Table Saw is a cordless unit designed to deliver optimum performance with a stunning 5800 RPM motor. Although it has sacrificed the blade size to maximize power, it compensates for that with its high performance.

The table saw comes with a rip capacity of 24 inches for handling thicker wood and OSB materials. To achieve true measurements in your cutting, the DeWALT made it easy for the rack and pinion system to be snugly adjusted.

This unit also comes with a metal roll cage base for the ideal durability and stability. I particularly love the power-loss reset system, which prevents accidental restarts. However, its battery and charger are sold separately.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Powerful motor
  • Power-loss reset for safety
  • Easy to install and make adjustments

Cons

  • Highly-priced for that size
  • Battery and charger sold separately

 

Verdict

My verdict, however, is that although the battery and charger are sold separately, this DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt 60V MAX Table Saw is quite a bargain. It has all the premium features found on higher models, including on-board storage.

 

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12. General International TS4001 10″ Table Saw

Best for Value

General International TS4001 10" Table Saw

Power: Corded Electric | Type:  Table Saw | Power: 120 Volts | Weight: 43 pounds | Item Dimensions: 26 x 17.5 x 41.5 Inches | Motor: 13 Amp | Cutting depth: 3.3″ | Arbor Size: 0.675″ | Bevel Capacity: 45° | Depth of cut at 45°: 2-5/8″ | Depth of cut at 90°: 2-7/8″ | Blade Size: 10″ | Max Rip to Left of Blade: 12″ | Max Rip to Right of Blade: 12″  | Table Width: 22″ | Table Height: 14.5″ | Table Length: 27.5″ | Speed: 5700 RPM | Warranty: 2 years Limited

Although the General International TS4001 10″ Table Saw is incredibly affordable, it comes with features that are hard to ignore. Like most of the other premium table saws in this list, it features a 15 AMP motor capable of hitting 5700 RPM. That means the motor is quite powerful to handle most of your deep cutting tasks.

It can rip through pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, plywood among others. The table size is quite impressive with a capacity of 26-inches. This is more than enough to accommodate most of your woodworking projects.

The General International TS4001 10″ Table Saw can cut in different angles with utmost safety, thanks to the easily accessible security key removal mechanism and safety switch. Better yet, the machine comes with additional features such as a blade wrench, push stick, and spare blades.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Cuts at both 90 and 46-degree angles
  • Comes with a safety switch
  • Large tabletop capacity

Cons

  • Hard to assemble
  • Not the most durable

 

Verdict

If you are looking for a table saw for general use, then the General International TS4001 10″ Table Saw can be a good value for the money. It delivers pretty much all you need without breaking your bank.

 

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Table Saws Buyer’s Guide

Table Saws Buyer's Guide

Target Market

Table saws are largely designed for cutting, which means that they are meant for carpenters, saw millers, sheet plastic workers, construction managers or contractors, and bench joiners.

Types of Table Saws

Benchtop Table Saw

Benchtop table saws feature a blade-driven direct-drive motor and are popular among homeowners, wood enthusiasts, and DIYers. They do not come with a stand, and are lightweight in construction. However, some models are too heavy posing a problem regarding their mobility and maneuverability.

Contractor Table Saw

These types of saws were designed as alternatives to the cabinet-style table saws. They are stationary, come with powerful outboard induction motors and longer belts, and are a lot less expensive, and still more powerful than the new portable models. The ones available today are likely to be old models.

Hybrid Table Saws

Hybrid table saws mainly incorporate a closed design with a provision of the majority of features found in a premium cabinet saw. They usually have the same characteristics as the old contractor saws except for the inboard belt drive.

Hybrid saws feature open leg stands, but there are models with full enclosures for better dust collection.

Cabinet Table Saws

Cabinet saws are powerful enclosed machines, featuring superior components designed to be sturdy and durable to withstand heavy-duty use. They can last for decades and are mainly utilized in factories, schools, and professional contractor workshops. They are also very expensive.

Jobsite Table Saw

Larger than benchtop saws, jobsite table saws are robust and rugged in construction. They have stands, riving knives, dust collection facilities, and onboard storage. Being portable machines, these sawbenches are popular among contractors and carpenter who move from one job site to another.

Compact Table Saws

They have the same features as those of a benchtop sawbench such as a portable design and direct drive universal motors. What differentiates them are their tables and rip capacity; they are a lot smaller.

Mini Table Saw

These are the smallest types of table saws. Mini table saws usually come with a 4-inch blade utilized for things that too small or hard to cut. They are popular among model building tasks among other small projects.

Sliding Table Saws

These machines are often known as the European table saws. They are the largest types of table saws mostly found in large production cabinet shops. Sliding table saws, as the name suggests, have a sliding table attached to a folding arm installed under it. Designed for cutting sheets, panels, plywood or MDF.

 

Common Terms

  • Amps – The amps, or the current, refers to the electricity output of the table saw. A machine with higher amps is better suited to cutting heavier materials than the one with low current.
  • Blades – These are the parts that do the cutting. They usually feature carbide teeth, are circular, and particularly engineered for the purpose.
  • Electric Brakes – They reverse the flow of electricity in a table saw. This action stops the blade’s momentum instantly, preventing accidents such as kickbacks or skin to blade contact.
  • Blade Guard – This is a shield that protects you from the blade itself, and all sorts of debris, including dust. It also protects you from potential kickback.
  • Positive Stops – These are positioning mechanisms that align the saw blade at 90-degree and 45-degree angles to the table.
  • Depth Stops – Measures the depth of the wood.

Laser Guides/ Guide Lights

  • Fences – Also known as the rip fence, this component offers a cutting guide running from the front to the back of the table saw. It is parallel to the blade’s cutting plane.
  • Dust Chutes/ Blowers/ Bags – They collect debris from wood after cutting with a table saw. Mainly found in enclosed models like cabinet saws.
  • Shaft Locks – Also known as the arbors. They are the motor shafts where the machine’s blade is mounted to. The standard size for shaft locks is usually 5/8-inches.
  • Table Extensions – They expand the rip capacity of a saw while also increasing the stability of the working area.

 

FAQs

What is horsepower and why is it important?

Horsepower refers to the amount of power required to raise 550 pounds one foot in a second. In short, a table saw’s horsepower measures the amount of power generated by the machine.

The ability of a table saw to achieve a specific task depends on the power its motor produces. Most of these table saws usually come with motors that generate between one and five horsepower.

For many light tasks, which involve cutting material of a thickness of around two inches, you need between one and two horsepower motors. However, for hardwoods and other heavy cutting, you need around three to five horsepower table saws. It all depends on the task at hand, the speed at which you need certain tasks completed, and how much you’re willing to spend.

What is the blade size?

The blade size refers to the measurement of the saw – the part that does the cutting. There are different types of blades and sizes meant for specific tasks. These blades vary depending on size, teeth, and material.

The most common blade sizes, however, are eight, ten, and twelve inches – measured by the outer diameter. Of course, there are larger blades for particular tasks, but for most woodworking projects you need to handle, the three will pretty much suffice.

What is cutting depth?

The cutting depth or the depth refers to the thickness of the material the table saw can cut. Depending on the blade size and whether they are adjustable or not, cutting depth varies significantly. For instance, a 10-inch table saw allows you to cut a maximum of up to 3.5 inches deep. A 12-inch blade, on the other hand, can make up to 4-inches deep.

What is rip capacity?

The rip capacity of a table saw is the distance from the saw blade’s edge to the furthest distance the fence can get away from the saw. The three most common rip capacities are 28, 30, and 50 inches.

How does duct collection work?

Some models of table saws feature dust chutes, which work by capturing debris and dust using a stream of air that moves it via the machine’s ductwork to a collection bag. The collector utilizes an induction motor to spin an impeller – a type of fan – which generates a large volume of air that blows the debris produced from your woodworking table saw.

 

Common Table Saw Brands

DeWALT

DeWALT is a popular power tool brand.  Preferred by customers for quality made products, backed by a rock solid warranty.

Bosch

Bosch is a power tool and household appliance multinational and engineering company that also deals in hardware and software distribution, energy, and building technology. The appliance offer falls in its consumer goods department.

WEN

Known to sell highly reputable drills on the e-commerce platform, Amazon, WEN tools is the premium supplier of tools. It initially made its mark in the sector by marrying tools and electricity together. After attaining unparalleled expertise in the sector, it moved on to produce tools such as drills, miter saws, generators, and air compressors, among others.

HITACHI

Hitachi is a Japanese Global Corporation dealing in 11 different industrial segments, including the manufacture of military vehicles, automotive systems, construction machinery, components, and devices. It was the first to make the 4-kilowatt induction motor with five HP for copper mining in the country.

Stihl

Founded in 1926 by Andreas Stihl who was a key innovator in chainsaw production. Stihl is a German manufacturer of power tools, including chainsaws and other handheld power equipment such as trimmers and blowers.

 

Conclusion

The fundamental factor in choosing a table saw largely depends on the type of project you need to handle. For basic home projects and decorative DIY work, you need a small portable unit, which is convenient and inexpensive. But for serious woodworking, such as carpentry or construction, you will need a saw with premium features, a robust build, and a powerful motor. Always do your research and choose wisely. Happy shopping.

by James Millar
Hello, I’m James Miller, living in New York, USA, a qualified builder and completed CERTIFICATE IN BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION from NYU successfully. Besides the degree, I have completed Lead Renovator (RRP) Initial Certification, Construction Contracts 101, Cost Estimating for Construction, Building Code Residential, Basic Construction Management, Building Code Commercial, Building Materials and Methods for Construction courses. I have worked with BMC, CMM Custom Homes, Beacon Homes of NJ, JNR Custom Homes and ECS Homes more than 10 years. Also, I am a fan of writing, crafts, and outdoors. I’m also interested in gardening and DIY. Recently, I have started a tools review blog named Jims Tool Reviews. I was engaged in USA Brain Bee, Baseball and softball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Martial arts, Skateboard club, Blogging, UNICEF High School Clubs etc. social activities too.