Last updated on September 19th, 2021 at 10:56 am
In 2021, table saws have evolved a lot from what they used to be. Today there’re different types you can choose from, such as mini, portable, jobsite, hybrid, contractor, cabinet and even sliding table saws also known as horizontal panel saws.
Now there’re even cordless models that make use of battery. Something that haven’t always been available back in the days. Instead of plugging these into a power outlet, you just have to plug in a battery, and off you go, ripping boards with it.
That means you can use these even in remote jobsites with no access to electrical power or generators.
With the variety however, comes the difficulty in making the right choice. Which one is the best for your project? Which type should you choose?
After testing several types, we’ve selected 10 of the best ones from different brands, and we’ve compiled a list to help you make your choice.
Here Are Our Top Picks
- Best for DIY projects – Dewalt Flexvolt DCS7485B table saw
- Best for jobsite projects – Bosch 4100-10 table saw with gravity rise stand
- Best for workshop use – Sawstop PCS175-TGP236 Cabinet saw
Table of Contents
What To Consider When Buying A Table Saw
Blade size / Cutting depth
Blade size is very important when choosing a table saw, because it’s going to determine how far into the material you can cut, or the cutting depth.
Talking about table saws, blade size ranges from 7 inches to 12 inches. The most common blades sizes though are 10 and 12 inches.
With a 10 inch blade, you have a maximum cutting depth of 3.5 inches, while with a 12 inch blade, you can cut materials as thick as 4 inches.
A Good Straight Fence
The fence is one of the most important part of the saw, because the accuracy or positioning of the fence determines how accurate your cuts are going to be.
There’re different types of fences that come with table saws, such as rack and pinion sliding fence, T-square fence and the classic fence as found in Grizzly and Shopfox saws.
The fence that come with the one you choose should be easy to adjust to be parallel with the blade, in case it’s not parallel right out of the box.
It should also be strong enough to stay in position once locked in place. So, make your choice carefully and ensure the model or type you choose come with the right fence.
Rip Capacity
Rip capacity is another important consideration when buying a table saw. This is the distance from the saw blade to the maximum extension of the fence.
This determines how wide a material you can rip or cut with your saw. It also determines the type of projects you can handle with it.
Rip capacity for table saws range from as small as 18 inches for portable models to as high as 60+ for cabinet and sliding models.
If you want to work with really wide sheet goods, then go for a higher rip capacity. On the other hand, you can go for 18, 24 and 32 inch rip capacities if you’re not working with very large sheet goods.
Power
Table saws make use of electric motors which supply rotational force to the blades for cutting the materials you want to cut.
These motors come in different sizes and have different power ratings in horsepowers. You can find saws with motors rated from 3/4 horsepowers, 1 horsepower, 1.5, 2 to 5 horsepower and above.
How does this affect your choice? The higher the power ratings, the thicker the boards, and harder the materials you can cut with it.
With 3/4, 1.5 and 2 horsepower motors, you can cut lightly dense and thick materials up to 5/8 inches, and maybe a little bit more than that.
If you want to cut denser materials and make use of wider blades like 12 inch blades, going for machines with higher horsepower motors will surely be your best bet.
Size
Table saws come in different sizes, from small mini table saws to very big sliding types. This size is going to determine the type you go for.
The size of your shop is also going to determine the size of machine you can accommodate. If you have a very small garage, going for a small portable machine will be the right thing to do.
On the other hand, if you have a very large dedicated workshop, and you can afford a cabinet or sliding model, then you can go for it.
Dust Collection
If you’re working outdoors, dust collection might not be a priority, but if you’re working indoors in a workshop, dust collection is very important.
That’s why you need to ensure that the table saw you choose comes equipped with a suitable dust port you can hook to your shop vac.
You should take note of that because some portable benchtop models don’t come with dust collection ports. Using something like that indoors will surely cause a huge mess and make your shop uncomfortable to work in.
Safety Features
Safety is very important when dealing with these type of machines. Ensure you choose table saws that come with important safety features so you can operate the machine in peace.
The stop switch should be pronounced and conveniently located so you can easily turn off the machine whenever you want or in case of any emergency. You should not be looking for it.
It should come with blade guards, preferably transparent ones so you can see the blade position as you work.
1. Dewalt Flexvolt DCS7485B Portable Table Saw
Technical Info
- Blade size: 8-1/4 inch
- Speed: 5800 RPM
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Rip capacity: 24 inch
- Type of fence: Rack and pinion telescoping fence
- Power Source: Battery powered Flexvolt system / Cordless and corded
Features overview
Dewalt’s Flexvolt technology is no longer new, but it’s the type of tech that made this type of saw possible. The flexvolt battery is capable of changing between different voltages, powering 60 volts and 20 volts max tools, depending on the type of tool you plug it on.
This Dewalt DCS7485B is a 60 volts portable table saw. And although it does not come equipped with the battery and charger (they’re sold separate), you get a fully capable tool that operates on the 60 volts battery, but can also be powered through cord by plugging it into a power outlet.
The DCS7485B gives you flexibility to use the saw at any given condition. You get a battery powered tool, coupled with the peace of mind that you can always switch to corded whenever you want to.
If you’re out there on a remote jobsite, this is the kind of tool you bring with you. It’s portable, and it’s battery powered. On the other hand, if you’re in your workshop, you can always plug it directly to an outlet.
Most dewalt table saws make use of a rack and pinion fence, and this one’s no different. It makes use of a rack and pinion telescoping fence, which is quite easy to use and adjust as needed. It’s also very accurate right out of the box.
The Dewalt DCS7485B comes equipped with an 8-1/4 inch blade. This is not the largest of blades, but it’s the ideal one you need for DIY and jobsite rip cuts.
Although it’s small, it has a 24 inch rip capacity, which means you can rip down sheet goods like MDF and similar types of boards with great accuracy.
One of the best things about it is that it’s very quiet compared to other portable saws and even circular saws I’ve owned.
Setup is also straightforward and easy to carry out.
Related: 16 Tables Saw Accessories To Upgrade Your Table Saw
What I like about it
- It’s very portable.
- It’s quiet compared to similar saws of same size and range.
- Budget friendly.
- Flexible. You can use it with battery and also plug it into a power outlet.
- It’s easy to setup.
Where it can be improved
- It doesn’t come with a stand. It’s quite tricky to switch on. When released quickly, then tension in the red flap tends to turn off the saw again. Although, this might be a safety feature.
Related: The Best Track Saws For Making Long Precision Cuts
2. Bosch 4100-10 Portable Jobsite Table Saw
I really like the soft start of the motor. When you start the table saw, the blade does not just start spinning at top speed, rather slowly from rest. Needless to say, the transition from rest to top speed is separated by just a few seconds.
The Bosch 4100 table saw features what is called a Constant Response Circuitry. The Constant Response Circuitry performs a simple but important task of increasing the speed of the saw blade in proportion to the load it is under. This ensures that the speed increases when cutting harder woods and adjusts appropriately when cutting soft wood, ensuring that the saw is not overloaded in any way.
All the accessories that come with the table saw can be removed easily and stored under the table top. Each accessory has a good storage space under the table top specifically designed for it. So, you don’t have to keep the accessories somewhere else and risk misplacing or losing them entirely.
Although Bosch could certainly do better with the instruction manual that comes with it, setup is quite straightforward and easy.
Related: The Best Band Saws For Cutting Wood And Non-Ferrous Metals
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
Related: 10 Best Scroll Saws – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide
3. Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 Portable Jobsite Table Saw
If you are not familiar or have not experience the use of power tools that use worm gear drives, then the Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 will certainly give you a good taste of how they work.
Less speed more torque. That’s what it is. Worm gear drives makes it possible for you to achieve more power, more torque at a reduced speed. In terms of size, they tend to be small, but they pack a greater punch.
Along with the saw comes with the basic table saw accessories such as a miter gauge, an insert plate or splitter, a transparent blade guard, a push stick and of course, a table saw blade. The blade is a 24 tooth 10 inch blade which is just enough for making basic cuts. If you desire more precise neat cuts, a blade upgrade will definitely do the trick.
Skilsaw made using the saw very convenient by providing an onboard tool storage underneath the saw table, so that you can have your table saw accessories safe and available in the saw whenever you need them.
With a weight of only 49 lbs, the Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 can be said to be lightweight. The roll cage body beneath the table is made of steel, while the table is made of aluminum. This combination of steel and aluminum reduces the weight and makes it very easy to transport.
Related: 10 Best Circular Saws – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
Related: 5 Best Skilsaw Circular Saws For Professional Craftsmen
4. Wen 3720
The Wen 3720 got table extensions in either directions of the saw. Which is a really useful feature that creates a lot of support for the board you’re ripping and creates a lot of working space for you.
It’s got a good adjustable fence that rolls easily along the table. It’s easy to adjust and make cuts with it.
The Wen 3720 accepts a dado stack in case you fancy using your table saw to cut grooves for making joinery.
It comes with all the necessary table saw accessories, such as the blade, a tool free blade guard system, fence, a rolling collapsible table saw stand with wheels, miter gauge, push stick and a set of wrenches for making adjustments.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About The Dremel Ultra Saw
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
Related: 8 Reasons Why You Should Get A Track Saw
5. Sawstop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw
Sawstop prides their table saws as the safest in the market. This they have demonstrated several times using hotdogs in place of real fingers.
Unlike other table saws which will continue running if your body comes in contact with the blade, Sawstop saws will stop running within milliseconds. An inbuilt saw brake will cause the blade to stop instantly and recede under the table preventing any injury that might have occurred assuming it were another type of saw.
This is a really useful feature considering the number of table saw injury that occur every year as a result of inadequate safety features, equipment, instructions and improper handling of the machine.
Talking about the sawstop CNS175-TGP36, it’s not a portable jobsite table saw like the ones above. It’s a contractor saw which is quite different as you can see from the image above.
It is quite expensive, but the overall build of the saw is worth the money in all aspects.
The accessories that come with it are top notch. When you get your hands on the miter gauge, you’ll easily know that it was made with great attention to detail.
Assembling the saw is also very easy, provided there’s someone there with you to help you with some of the heavy lifting. Whoever wrote the assembly instructions for the saw is very thoughtful. Everything is clearly outlined down to a tee.
When all is said and done, the Sawstop CNS175-TGP36 is heads and shoulders above any benchtop or jobsite table saw you’ll ever come across. If you’re thinking of upgrading from a jobsite table saw, this Sawstop CNS175-TGP36 might just be the right fit for you.
Related: Track Saws And Panel Saws – Which Is Better?
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
Related: The 10 Best Reciprocating Saws – Reviews And Guide
6. Powermatic 1791230K Contractor Saw
The Powermatic 1791230k is one of the best contractor saws you can ever get your hands on today, no questions ask. It comes with cool features that makes working with it not only easy but satisfying in terms of the accuracy of the work.
It’s equipped with one of the best table saw fences, the Accu fence system which is usually found in cabinet models. The Accu fence system provides a 50 inch capacity which gives you enough capacity to rip wide sheet goods easily.
It comes equipped with a left tilt arbor which eliminates the need to use a sacrificial fence when working with the saw, and it also prevents your workpiece from binding with the blade.
The Powermatic 1791230k offers a very versatile table top which is made up of two cast iron extension wings and a melamine surface wood extension table, providing a large work area for you.
A quick release blade guard and riving knife does not only provide you with safety, but also affords you the ease to remove them easily without using a wrench.
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
7. Shop Fox W1819 Cabinet Table Saw
If you search for cabinet table saws, you’re definitely going to find many, but very few compare to the Shopfox W1819 cabinet table saw. It comes equipped with some of the best components to help you deliver your best work and provide you with the best user experience.
The table saw is equipped with heavy duty trunnions and arbor assembly to give stability to the table saw and to ensure that it holds up over time.
The table and extension wings are made of flat cast iron to provide a flat and balance surface for you to work on. And with a 29-1/2 rip capacity, you can reap large sheet goods easily.
If you decide to get this saw, include the optional mobile base so that you can easily move your it around when you need to.
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
8. Powermatic PM1000 1791000K Cabinet Saw
The Powermatic PM1000 1791000K is one of the best cabinet table saws we’ve tested.
It features a perfectly flat cast iron table, allowing you to carry out work that requires high precision with peace of mind.
Also featured is a very versatile miter gauge that pivots 60 degrees to both sides, which is really helpful when making complex cuts.
A poly-v belt drive system is used for power transmission, which helps ensure that, even though the table saw is powered with a powerful 1.75 hp motor, it remains vibration-free during operation.
With an arbor lock in place, changing blades is very easy because you don’t have to handle two wrenches with your two hand. You just have to lock the arbor, preventing it from rotating while you change the blade.
The whole setup is very heavy which is a good thing because it helps to dampen vibration during operation, ensuring that you work with a very stable machine.
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
9. Sawstop PCS175-TGP236
Although the main selling point of Sawstop saws is the blade breaking system that comes in them, these saws are not all about that. The safety is kind of the icing on the cake.
If you happen to get your hands on this Sawstop PCS175-TGP236 cabinet table saw, you’ll find out that it’s a heavy duty saw with highly machined and durable components, and that that its precision is top-notch.
A cast iron table and extension wings gives you a large surface area to rip through wide workpieces easily without any restriction.
The saw is powered by a 1.75 HP motor which supplies the blade with enough rpm to eat through whatever wood you throw at it.
Dust collection for the Sawstop PCS175-TGP236 is thorough engineered to ensure that 99 percent of the sawdust created during operation is collected efficiently. This is because dust is collected both above the table and below it.
The Sawstop PCS175-TGP236 is the ideal machine for both serious hobbyist and for professional craftsmen aiming to upgrade their tools, become more creative and have a more industrial looking workshop.
It’s got the power to slice through any wood, the precision needed for accurate repeated cuts, and the Sawstop safety system that will save your fingers if the need ever arises, giving you peace of mind while you work.
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
10. Jet 708675PK XACTA
Power, precision and good dust collection are some of the most important features of a good cabinet table saw. The Jet 708675PK XACTA cabinet saw have all of those features.
It comes equipped with a 230 volts 3 hp motor which provides the needed power to drive the poly-V belt drive system that spins the blade at a speed of 4300 rpm. This rips through hardwoods easily and effortlessly.
The Poly-V belt drive system ensures that the machine remains not only vibration-free but also very quiet during operation.
The wide cast iron table and extension wings provides plenty of work area for very large jobs to be carried out on the saw.
A left tilt blade ensures that cut offs fall freely on the table away from the blade and to prevent the blade from burning the work piece.
The blade is also well shrouded to ensure a very efficient dust collection which is essential for a clean workshop and a healthy work environment.
Heavy duty cast iron trunnions adds to the weight of the saw to improve performance and stability of the saw during operation.
What I like about it
Where it can be improved
Frequently Asked Questions
Why get a table saw?
One word, accuracy. Table saws help make more accurate cuts than circular saws, jig saws and miter saws. It comes equipped with an accurate fence that allows you to guide your material through the table, allowing the blade to cut through as accurately as possible. They also cut larger sheet goods too.
While you make just few types of cuts on other saws, on a table saw you can make different types of cuts such as rip cuts, bevel cuts, crosscuts and even daddo cuts. It’s a multipurpose cutting machine.
