Best Portable Table Saw in 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

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Having a portable table saw can be extremely helpful when you have limited space or you need the ability to take your saw on the go. Portable table saws can range from compact travel friendly models to larger models like what you might see on a wheeled stand.

When you are in need of a portable saw, you want to spend your money wisely right? That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a list of the best portable table saws on the market to share with you. We will share our top picks as well as a complete buyer’s guide to help you settle on a portable table saw for your needs.

Check it out!

Best Portable Table Saws Buyer’s Guide

Best Table Saw Under 1000 in 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide
640Image by romyrwood from Pixabay

In our opinion, an important element of picking out a table saw is understanding what to look for and how to really break it down. There are two parts to this. You need to understand what determines a quality table saw but you also need to have some basic idea of your own needs too. All of this works together to help you find the best solution for yourself.

In this section, we will share some basic portable table saws knowledge with all of the pertinent details to simply give you some basic knowledge about table saws. From here, we will dig a little deeper into specific details that you may want to keep in mind or at least pay attention to.

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What Exactly is a Portable Saw?

Bosch Vs Dewalt Table Saw
Image by annawaldl from Pixabay

First things first, what is it that makes a table saw portable? Most people instantly think of a saw with wheels but that is not necessarily the case. You will find that a portable saw may not have wheels or a stand but is still designed for easy portability.

Saws like the compact table saw are smaller and designed to sit on a benchtop or work surface but they don’t usually have a stand. However, they can typically easily be loaded up and ported around to wherever you might need them.

Whether you’re in the market for jobsite table saws or just something simple you can move around as needed, you’ve got several different options.

In this case, a portable table saw could be anything from a jobsite table saw to a compact model and even some options in between. We wanted to provide you a variety of solutions so there would be options out there for every need.

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How Will You Use Your Table Saw?

One of the determining factors for the table saw you choose very well might be how you plan to use it. Do you want this to be a portable jobsite table saw or do you simply want something that is easy to set up and then move around for storage purposes because you don’t need it all of the time?

Maybe you’re looking for something small and easy to pull out in your workshop when you need it. Or maybe, you want something heavy-duty and made for heavy use.

These are all questions you should be considering before you really decide what it is you want in a table saw. In the end, these factors will make a difference in the type of portable table saws you should be really keeping an eye out for.

All the table saws in this guide are certainly portable options but it doesn’t mean that each one was designed for the same time of use.

Related Review: Track Saw Vs Table Saw

Safety

Finally, as we wrap up the buyer’s guide, safety elements are perhaps one of the most essential details to consider when it comes to your saw table choice and design.

These bad boys may be compact or small in some cases but they will still have a lot of cutting power in them. Tool reviews don’t always give you a lot of information about the safety features of a powerful table saw but you can usually find those details when you dig in.

Every table saw is essentially built with blade guards and a riving knife. In fact, riving knives are a required feature now so if you’re buying a new saw and it doesn’t have that – the saw is out of compliance with regulations.

From there, your saw might have added features meant to contribute to safety. You might find something like anti kickback pawls or perhaps even a push stick. These are added safety details that the best table you choose may or may not have.

The safety details of saws range quite a bit but all the saws do have safety elements to just be sure to check it out and see what each one has to offer and whether it will be effective at keeping you safe.

How to Choose the Best Portable Table Saw

How to Choose the Best Portable Table Saw
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Now, let’s talk about narrowing down the options and actually picking out a saw. What sets one table saw apart from other saws on the market? What is it that might make a saw the best when it comes to portable saws or compact table saws?

Well, the answer is – it depends.

There certainly are some details and features that we always pay attention to. For example, you want the rip fence to be accurate and adjustable, you want dust collection, and you want the saw blade to move with reasonable speed and power right? You probably want a good ripping capacity as well as bevel abilities.

You see all of these table saws are designed to do the same things but some of them are better with certain details than others.

This part of our guide is designed to give you some insight as to what you might want to look for. Whether you’re looking at a contractor table, a compact table, or a jobsite table saw, you can use these details across the board.

Power

You will find that with any of our guides, we consistently tell you that the power of table saws matters. Your saw has to be powerful enough for the tasks you throw at it. When that spinning blade is put up against the wood, is it going to be able to cut like it should?

This task doesn’t lie just on the saw blade but also on the saw motor.

A saw at a lower price point sometimes won’t have as much power but we think you will find that for portable saw types, a motor that runs on 15 amps or more is really the best. Some compact saws might have slightly less but even most of those will have a minimum of 15 amps.

If you’re looking for the best contractor table in a portable model, you might want a little more power than that if you can find it but 15 amps will generally be sufficient even for that.

Fence System

Next up, another incredibly important detail of the only saw you need is the fence! Now, we’re not going to say that a specific fence is better than another. If the fence locks and the fence is accurate, it’s going to get the job done.

Some systems have a fence extension. Some have a simple locking fence that is just straight and simple. Other table saws will have a full rack and pinion fence design, which is slightly more fancy when compared to some of the other fence options.

You want your fence parallel and accurate and that’s really the important thing to look for. When you’re cutting wood, you need accuracy and square fence setup.

Be advised that you may have to do a little bit of initial work with any fence to get it accurate and set but hopefully that little bit of upfront work will be sufficient.

Cutting Capacity

Next up, don’t skip looking over the cutting capacity of the saw. The rip capacity is generally measured in an inch rip capacity detail so always look for that. Rip cutting is one of the most prominent uses for table saws.

You can find these details in tool reviews but it will also probably be one of the first descriptions you find about each saw you look at.

Again with this detail, you just need to know it’s going to work for your needs.

Keep in mind this capacity refers to the rip measurement but it will also refer to the depth measurement. The table depth means that is how deep of a material you can work with and the saw blades and saw design will be able to do their job.

You might need to consider whether your saw can work with a dado blade or has a bevel lock lever for angles. You might also need to think about rough materials dimensions in case you aren’t working with a solid set piece of material all of the time.

Dust Collection Port

Finally, let’s talk about the dust factor. This really could fall into the same category as safety but it’s a detail we don’t want you to overlook. Again, you will see a lot of different variables when it comes to the dust collection of a table saw.

For example, a jobsite table saw might just have a port that you connect a bag or a vacuum hose to.

Other saw models might have something more sophisticated like an active dust collection guard.

Again, there might not be a right or wrong answer here, unless you have a preference. However, you definitely want to make sure your table has SOMETHING when it comes to the dust.

Dust ports are designed simply to help keep dust out of the blade guard assembly but also out of your way and out of your line of visibility while you work. It’s better for accuracy but also for safety in the end.

If dust is piling up, your throat plate could get jammed with dust. Your blade could get overloaded or even overheated from the dust piles. You could not realize that your push stick is not aligned or that your cut isn’t accurate. You might not be able to see well enough and end up making mistakes.

It’s great for cleanliness but also for both safety and accuracy.

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The Best Portable Table Saw Options Reviewed

Contractor Table Saw Vs Portable Saw Vs Cabinet Saw
Image by Cleyder Duque on Unsplash

Now, let’s get down to business, shall we? We’ve talked about some important details leading up to choosing the best portable jobsite table and now it’s time to figure out what is going to work for you. We’ve searched and researched to narrow down the market.

We’ve made every effort to provide a variety of options to fit a variety of needs and budget constraints.

We hope you will find the best portable jobsite table for your needs here!

1. Best Overall: DeWalt Table Saw DWE7491RS Portable Saw

DeWalt Table Saw DWE7491RS Portable SawCheck Latest Price

Specs:

Saw Type: Portable on wheels
Ripping Ability: 32.5 inches
Fence: Rack and pinion fence rails
Motor: 15 Amps
Weight: 90 pounds

First up, we have our best overall pick – a DeWalt table saw with a complete rack and pinion system. This best portable jobsite table saw is built sturdy on wheels and packs the power behind the saw blade to do just about anything you need.

For the price and the power, you really can’t beat this table saw. It serves you up to 32 1/2 inch rip capacity thanks to the blade position and the extendable fence rails. The rolling stand is really unique because it folds down to roll but it does not set on wheels when fully lifted, giving you more stability overall.

It’s a powerful saw with a cast iron table top. It also has great safety details with a no load speed so the motor doesn’t tire out too easily. You can use a push stick if you feel the need but this does have a very nice modular blade guard system that works really well.

You can use this table with dado blades if you like or just with your standard blades. It sports a built-in miter gauge plus that anticipated riving knife so you are all set to work hard and work smart with this popular, highly-rated saw.

Key Features: (Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)

  • Power: 10
  • Portability: 10
  • Rip: 10
  • Safety: 10
  • This is one of the most popular jobsite table saws you will find
  • Strong and sturdy design with plenty of power
  • 32.5 inch rip capacity is large for this size of saw
  • Compatible with dado blades as well as bevel use
  • Blade speed 4,800 RPM
  • The blade guard does not always stay in place securely

Why We Like It: This best table saw has a lot to offer when you look at the details. It’s heavy-duty and portable with a rolling stand. It has plenty of power and a massive rip capacity when you compare it to similar saws on the market. You will find it’s one of the best in all of these areas, and it’s affordable too which is always a plus!

2. Budget Pick: DeWalt Compact Saw for Job Site DWE7485

DeWalt Compact Saw for Job Site DWE7485Check Latest Price

Specs:

Saw Type: Compact
Ripping Ability:24.5 inches
Fence: Rack & pinion
Motor: 15 Amps
Weight: 54 pounds

For our budget pick, we have another really great DeWalt saw to share with you. This best table saw is a compact model that really won’t steer you wrong. The biggest difference is this does not have a stand but is made to be small and mighty. It has that roll cage so it’s sturdy on a jobsite and can handle heavy use and abuse from you as well.

You should notice right away that while this is a compact saw that is lighter weight, it still has 15 amps which is plenty of power. The rip fence gives you 24.5 inches for ripping, which is pretty great for a compact model like this.

This simple saw is powerful and awesome and also really easy to use. It has a miter gauge built into the table saw and it’s made to be absolutely heavy duty. The cast iron design is something some initial saws don’t always offer but this rigid tool really delivers. It even comes with a carbide blade rather than one of those disappointing stock blades.

This saw also has the safety elements like the blade guard and riving knife, both of which are an essential aspect of the tool that you simply should never work without. The smart guard system is great for that added element of protection. Finally, the control box houses a safety switch so you can’t accidentally turn the saw on when it shouldn’t be on.

Key Features: (Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)

  • Power: 10
  • Portability: 10
  • Rip: 9
  • Safety: 10
  • Plenty of power for any task
  • Comes with a great blade
  • Anti kickback pawls are handy additions
  • No load speed helps prevent overload
  • The best table for the price on a budget
  • The coating on the table scratches easily

Why We Like It: When you’re looking for something small and powerful, you can’t really get much better than this tremendous compact table. It’s certainly small but mighty but it also is budget friendly, which is always a positive factor in our book!

3. Best Value: Bosch Portable Jobsite Table Saw

Bosch Portable Jobsite Table SawCheck Latest Price

Specs:

Saw Type: Portable on stand
Ripping Ability:30 inches
Fence: square lock
Motor: 15 Amps
Weight: 94 pounds

Next up, if you want a good bang for your buck, the Bosch table saw is a good pick. It’s strong and sturdy with a gravity rise stand that is easy to use and adjust. This gives you the perfect portability for any jobsite and makes moving it around very easy as well.

It has a smart guard system that protects you, your work, and the blade. It also has the standard riving piece. This saw has a load speed that helps to prevent overload and a rip capacity that is pretty great for the size of the table saw.

This table has soft start circuitry so you won’t blow a breaker when you put it to use with its full power. This has plenty of power for the size and it’s stable and portable to boot. When it comes to the price, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The square lock fence is pretty great too and once you get it set up, it’s square and accurate. You will have to do a little bit of pre-work to get it set up just right. This saw also has some onboard storage, which is pretty great and gives you instant and easy access when you really need it. It’s all about power, portability, and convenience.

Key Features: (Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)

  • Power: 10
  • Portability: 10
  • Rip: 10
  • Safety: 10
  • The blade guard assembly manual is easy and quick
  • The rip fence is square once you get it set
  • Includes a built in miter gauge
  • Placed on a gravity rise stand
  • Powerful, reliable, and durable for the jobsite
  • The gravity rise stand can be challenging to get into place because of the weight of the saw

Why We Like It: We like this particular saw because it’s a good value for the money. It’s got power, ripping capability, and all of the functionality that you need when you’re working on the job site. It’s an essential design that you can depend on.

4. Skilsaw SPT99-11 Heavy Duty Saw with Stand

Skilsaw SPT99-11 Heavy Duty Saw with StandCheck Latest Price

Specs:

Saw Type: Portable on stand
Ripping Ability: 30.5 inches
Fence: Rack & Pinion
Motor: 15 Amps
Weight: 94 pounds

if you’re looking for a premium saw, you won’t want to miss this option. It’s a truly heavy-duty saw that is perfectly portable and really built to last. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other saws we’re sharing here but we’re pretty sure the price won’t disappoint. Skilsaw is a great tool brand that is popular and reliable so we think you’ll be pleased with this option.

Something that really sets this particular saw apart from others is the worm drive table motor. This motor gives you more power that is operated in a more sustainable manner so you can run longer and smoother with the full access to the power. The worm drive motor will lead to extended motor life as well, which means you’re getting a long-lasting saw.

The table extension gives you a little bit more room to work with when you’re set up and need some space. The rack & pinion fence rip fence is also pretty great here as well because it fully adjusts with the table. You’ve got your miter gauge, the safety enhancements, and the portable cart and stand that makes it easy to take this saw anywhere you need it.

This saw is rugged and powerful by design. It’s perfectly portable with the wheeled stand and it’s perfectly powerful and built to last as well thanks to that worm drive motor that you won’t find on many other saw options like this one in the market.

Key Features: (Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)

  • Power: 10
  • Portability: 10
  • Rip: 10
  • Safety: 10
  • Rip fence is adjustable and extendable
  • Supreme heavy duty
  • Portable with large wheels for easy movement
  • Worm drive motor lasts longer
  • Powerful and supreme design
  • Some of the levers and attachments are made with inexpensive materials and don’t always hold up well

Why We Like It: This saw is certainly different from others when you compare the overall build and design, particularly with the worm drive motor that is built to last longer. While it has some imperfections, it’s powerful and portable and the motor is made to last for the long haul.

5. Skil TS6307 Table Saw

Skil TS6307 Table SawCheck Latest Price

Specs:

Saw Type: Portable on stand
Ripping Ability: 25.5 inches
Fence: Rack & Pinion
Motor: 15 Amps
Weight: 51 pounds

Finally, take a look at this lightweight and portable saw from Skil. It’s a simple saw but it’s a popular option on the market. It’s got 15 amps of power, plenty of room to work and it’s also on a stand that simply just folds up.

The folding stand is unique and the saw is light enough that it’s not a major hassle to fold up and carry. Just be prepared for the fact that this does not have wheels for transport. This is a smaller saw that is more about the size of a compact saw but it still has plenty of room for ripping and plenty of depth to work with the majority of your needs too.

The saw has a 15-amp motor, which is every bit as powerful as some of the larger saws. It’s strong and sturdy with all of the safety details that you would be looking for but it’s also simple and easy to work with.

You get everything you need with the saw, including a pushing stick and the tools required for blade changes and adjustments. Some of the levers are made with cheaper materials but overall it’s a good saw to work with.

Key Features: (Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)

  • Power: 10
  • Portability: 9
  • Rip: 9
  • Safety: 10
  • Simple and efficient saw
  • Lightweight to make portability easy
  • Comes on a folding stand
  • Includes all needed tools and accessories
  • Some of the parts, like levers and locks, are made with less durable materials and may not hold up over time

Why We Like It: If you’re just looking for something simple and yet effective, you’ll find it right here. This saw is affordable and simple and yet still portable and built on a stand so you don’t have to worry about finding a good place to work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Portable Table Saw on the Market?

Our favorite table saw that is portable is the DeWalt DWE7491RS model. It’s got massive rip, plenty of power, and all of the features that you could possibly need in a saw. Rip away and get to work with a stand that is heavy-duty and stable.

Are Portable Table Saws Any Good?

Portable table saws are incredibly useful, especially when you need something that is easy to move around or can easily be taken to a jobsite and put to work. There are many different types of options in the portability category and they all point to convenience.

Who Makes the Lightest Portable Table Saw?

It really depends on if you’re looking for something on a stand or something compact and portable by hand. In our guide, both the Bosch and the DeWalt models are pretty lightweight but the Skil model shared is the lightest on a stand.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a portable table saw, it’s important to pay attention to your needs when you check out the options. Remember that your needs may very well be different than the construction worker you were just chatting with.

We hope that this guide is a great resource for you for understanding essential elements of a portable saw but also helping you find the right saw to meet your needs.

Which portable table saw has your interest?

Expert Tip

If you have the room for a saw with a stand, we recommend going that route even with a portable saw. While compact models are also portable, you have to find a steady and sturdy work surface for them. The portable saw with a stand already has that for you and it typically folds up and sometimes even rolls away to make it all easily portable too.

Did You Know?

Just because a saw says it has that blade guard or safety essentials doesn’t mean the details are reliable. It’s not always just about having those features but rather about making sure they are quality details that are going to work when you put the saw to use. The last thing you want is for a safety feature to malfunction or not work properly when that blade is in motion.

Amazon Recommends:

Bestseller No. 1
SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Folding Stand- TS6307-00
  • RACK AND PINION FENCE RAILS - Ensures fence stays parallel to blade for fast smooth, and accurate cuts
  • INTEGRATED FOLDING STAND - Legs quickly fold in to provide portability and convenient storage
  • PARALLEL BLADE ALIGNMENT - Available micro-adjustment of blade so that it is parallel to rip fence and miter slot
  • 4x4 CUTTING CAPACITY - Cuts material up to 4x4 at 90 degrees
  • 2-47° BEVEL CAPACITY - Cuts between 2 positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees with quick release lever
SaleBestseller No. 2
DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity, Yellow/Black/Silver
  • Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, 2x blade wrenches, blade guard assembly manual
  • Other Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22inch | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2inch | Max width of Dado – 13/16inch | Arbor size – 5/8inch | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45inch – 2-1/4inch | Depth of cut at 90° – 3-1/8inch | No Load Speed: 4800 RPM
  • Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
  • Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
  • Features a 15.0A high torque motor with the power to cut pressure treated lumber and hardwoods
SaleBestseller No. 3
DEWALT Table Saw for Josites, 8-1/4 Inch, 15 Amp (DWE7485)
  • Included Components: (1) Dwe7485 8-1/4 In. Table Saw; (1) Fence; (1) Anti-Kickback Pawls; (1) Miter Gauge; (1) Push Stick; (1) 24T 8-1/4 In. Blade; (1) Non-Thru Cut Riving Knife; (2) Blade Change Wrenches; (1) Modular Guard System

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