Let’s be honest – we don’t all have hundreds or thousands of dollars to drop on a table saw. If you’re just starting out or perhaps just don’t want to spend that much, there are a lot of great options for choosing a table saw that is more affordable and yet still of great quality.
In this guide, we are going to share with you the best table saw under 500, giving you several options to choose from. Each of these will be quality and affordable table saws that you can spend a little less on and not be massively disappointed with your choices.
We’ve also got some details for you covering how to pick out a table saw under 500 and a general buying guide with some details to be aware of before you pick one out!
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Buyer’s Guide: Best Table Saws
Before you get too caught up in the details, we wanted to share some hints for picking out a good table saw. You see, you don’t want to just pick the most expensive or the least expensive and you don’t want to pick based simply on a brand name.
You want to look at specifics like the build, the power, the capabilities, and these next couple of sections are designed to give you some input for knowing just what to consider and what to look at. In the buyer’s guide, we will tell you some things to consider.
Type of Table Saw
One thing we want to point out here is that when you’re looking for a table saw in this price range, you are probably going to need to stick to either a portable table saw or perhaps a benchtop table saw model.
These two types of table saws tend to be more affordable because they are generally smaller and maybe slightly less powerful. With that in mind, they still have power but they may be slightly more limited than if you were working on a cabinet saw or even a hybrid saw. You might be able to find a contractor or hybrid saw in this range as well.
If you’re not sure what type of table saw you really want, think about things like whether you need to be able to lug it easily to a job site. In this case, you will want to look for table saws under 500 that fall into the description of portable table saws.
A portable table saw will have wheels and its own stands so you just wheel it, set it, and go. You will find that some benchtop models can be portable as well but they won’t have wheels or a stand so that is your primary difference between the two.
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Safety Features
Safety will always be one of the larger considerations with any power tool, particularly something like inexpensive table saws. When companies are looking for places to make cuts to make something budget-friendly, sometimes the first thing they skimp on is safety features.
Many times, you won’t notice the skimping on safety features right away. Your table saw will still have a riving knife and a blade guard but they just might not be of great quality. This may or may not matter to you but it’s something to be aware of. Remember safety features are in place for a reason and you want them to work properly to keep you SAFE.
All the safety features serve a specific purpose so the goal is just to make sure they work as they are intended to.
Space
You need to know what kind of space you will be using your table saw in and how much space you have to devote to a table. If you’re using a portable table saw, your space will be a little bit more adjustable but you still need to be able to set it up and accommodate storage for the saw when it isn’t in use.
If you choose to go with a freestanding model or a benchtop model, you need to plan for the space it will take up and what is required for setup. Benchtop table saws are going to need a designated workspace. This is generally a work bench (hence the name benchtop) or a work table space.
Ultimately, they need a designated place for you to work, where a jobsite table saw can be moved wherever you want since most jobsite table saw models are made to be portable.
The good news is that if you end up with a small model or a benchtop model, you might be able to move it around a bit to accommodate your space if that is a challenge.
How to Choose Quality Table Saws
Now, let’s talk about the various features and specs of a table saw that might make it a good choice. This portion of our guide is designed to share with you some tips and information about specific characteristics that you might look for in a table saw.
Here is where we talk about the so many inch rip capacity, the dust collection system, and maybe things like the size or the telescoping fence rails. We’ve got a lot of details and this is just to help you know specs that you want to be aware of before you make a final decision.
Saw Power
One of the most important elements that define how table saws operate is their power. This is the power of the motor and it is very important to know how much power you are working with. Here’s the thing, when you’re checking out table saws under 500, power might also be less than what you would expect from a more expensive model.
On the same note though, this is a powerful tool and so it needs to have enough power to work appropriately – to make precise cuts and to be able to rip or cut some more challenging things. Now, you may not be able to do everything exactly the same as some of the more expensive and more powerful saws out there but you should have sufficient power to do most things.
Ideally, we recommend looking for a table saw that falls somewhere between 10-15 amps in this category. Some may be slightly less and that doesn’t make them a bad choice, just know they may be slightly more limited on what they can do overall.
The other thing to be aware of on the topic of power is that there are two different types of motors as well.
Universal motors are common for portable table saws because it tends to make them more powerful – it also makes them louder. The other is belt-driven induction and these use a belt to power the blade. They run more quietly and the motor tends to last longer as well. The only thing here is they may not cut harder materials quite as easily at times.
Accuracy
If you’re purchasing a saw, you want it to make precise cuts, right? This typically happens when the rip fence is square or perhaps even when you have a good miter gauge to pair with your saw.
Most saws will have some sort of fence system as part of the setup. You want to know the specifics of the fence and whether or not you have a preference as well.
For example, a self-aligning rip fence needs to truly align on its own without you having to square it up or realign it every single use. A square lock rip fence needs to truly be square so it can be accurate. Some rip fence systems also have added things like fence systems. A pinion telescoping fence rails system sometimes will extend to give you some additional rip capacity or space to work with.
With fence adjustments aside, the saw needs to give you precise cuts even without a spectacular fence system. If you can’t get an accurate cut of the machine, it’s not even worth less than 500.
With that in mind, you may have to make some adjustments or do some squaring up t get those accurate cuts but the saw should be able to deliver at least in that category.
Dust Collection
Using a table saw can be messy so you want to look for a dust port and know that it’s actually going to work well. Even job site table saws need to have a good dust system to help keep your workspace clean and to help keep the mess out of your way so it doesn’t impede visibility.
The dust port doesn’t have to be perfect but the whole point is that it helps reduce dust and keep the are around your saw blade more clear. It also will help protect your face from debris and flying dust more as well. Even the most compact design can incorporate a dust port of some sort to help you out.
The Best Table Saws Under 500
Ok now that you’ve seen some details to look at and look for, it’s time to check out the best table saw under 500 options and narrow it down so that you can find what will work best for you! While we will share the best overall, the best value, and even the best budget pick, it’s still up to you to determine what table saw you prefer or which one really meets your needs the best.
What we’ve done is sorted through all of the options to find a few table saws that are worth your look to find the best table saw under 500.
Here are our top picks!
1. Best Overall: DeWalt Table Saw, Compact, DWE7485
Specs:
| Fence: | Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails |
| Weight: | 54 pounds |
| Rip Ability: | 24.5 inches |
| Motor: | 15 amps |
Whether you need a portable jobsite table saw or you just want a compact saw, this first option is a really great choice. It’s built with a metal roll cage base so it can handle those tough jobs and being moved around but it’s also a compact design with 8 1/4 inches to work with.
The DeWalt table saw operates on 15 amps, which is pretty considerable for this size of a table. In addition, you get 5,800 maximum RPMs, which is substantial. You have a 24.5 inch rip capacity thanks to the rack telescoping fence rails. You can make fence adjustments fast and easily so you can just get to work!
The table saw is lightweight and portable so it can easily be moved to different jobsites as needed. You also can enjoy a good level range and the built in miter gauge for your tasks. This 8 1/2 inch portable jobsite table or compact saw hits all of the high points, which is why this DeWalt table saw makes it to our best overall spot on the list.
The 15 amp motor on this saw table gives you a compact table saw that is incredibly powerful and functions as a job site table saw or something completely different. Make your rip cuts with ease, count on the accuracy, and enjoy the blade guards and riving knife for your safety as well.
Feature Ratings (A Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)
- Rip Ability: 10
- Power: 10
- Durability: 10
- Safety: 10
- This small saw has a powerful 15 amp motor
- The bevel angle range gives you plenty of versatility
- Great for a job site table or use in your workshop
- Die cast aluminum top is sturdy table material
- Steel roll cage protects the saw should it be dropped or knocked over
- The coating on the surface does scratch pretty easily which may not look as pretty
Why We Like It: This DeWalt table saw has all the features, all the power, and is one of the top table saws you will find for under 500. From tool storage to adjustability, it doesn’t get much better than this for an affordable price.
2. Budget Pick: Goplus Table Saw
Specs:
| Fence: | Rip Fence self aligning design |
| Weight: | 46 pounds |
| Rip Ability: | 26 inches |
| Motor: | 15 amps |
This next option may not be among the top power tool brands that you are familiar with but it is a table saw under 500 and it’s another choice worth looking at. It’s highly rated thanks to the all steel base, the provided stand with stable legs, and the minute details of the saw as a whole. If you want an affordable table built for a budget, take a moment to look at this one.
This saw sports a 15 amp motor. It can be a job site table saw but it really is designed to be more stationary with the built in stand. Goplus Table Saw is built to be heavy duty and even has a double bevel range with some versatility. You can also use a dado blade and accomplish most tasks.
You get accurate cuts plus the added features of things like a miter gauge and a rip fence that is easy to use and adjust. The saw comes equipped with a 36-tooth carbide blade but can also be adjusted if needed. This 10 inch saw gives you a 26 inch rip capacity with a self-aligning rip fence that you can depend on.
Some of the things on the saw are very manual, like the hand wheel that allows you to adjust your saw blade by lifting it or lowering it. All you need is a push stick to be able to do everything from ripping to straight cutting to bevel angles. Did we mention the miter gauge as well?
Feature Ratings (A Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)
- Rip Ability: 10
- Power: 10
- Durability: 9
- Safety: 9
- Includes safety things like blade guard and riving knife
- Great rip capacity of 26 inches
- Makes accurate cuts
- The modular guard system works efficiently
- 15 amp motor that is powerful
- It is unclear whether or not this saw has dust collection of any kind
Why We Like It: This table saw stands out to us because it’s almost too cheap so you question whether it’s really any good. But it really is! It’s a great saw that offers stability, ripping, versatility, and safety all in one valuable package. You can rely on the power and the quality to deliver when you need it.
3. Best Value: Skil 15 Amp Motor Table Saw
Specs:
| Fence: | Rack and pinion fence system |
| Weight: | 51.2 pounds |
| Rip Ability: | 25.5 inches |
| Motor: | 15 amps |
If you’re looking for the overall best bang for your buck, check out this table saw from Skil. This 10-inch portable jobsite table saw is a great option for stability on the jobsite or set up in your workshop. Not only does it come as a portable table saw with legs that can be folded down for transport but it also has that metal roll cage to protect it from hauling or heavy work use. It stabilized the saw for you.
The adjustable rear feet allow you to adjust to whatever you need for height and stability but all of the legs can actually be collapsed as well. It’s an integrated folding stand, which makes this 10 inch portable jobsite table perfect for portability too.
The rack and pinion fence rails are great for aligning your fence and getting your setup just right to make accurate cuts. You have a bevel capacity of 2-47 degrees and a full 4 x 4 cutting capacity as well. The dust port has an elbow so you can divert to a dust bag as needed. Your blade alignment will be parallel and can even be micro adjusted.
Finally, we really like the oversized blade guard here that gives you some extra safety without hindering your work. It’s a great setup and a really great price for the power and the capability as well. Just grab your push sticks and get to work on this well-designed portable jobsite table saw.
Feature Ratings (A Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)
- Rip Ability: 10
- Power: 10
- Durability: 10
- Safety: 10
- Folding stand legs that can be adjusted and make your saw portable
- Operates on a battery so you don’t have to fight a cord
- Can be used with dado blades
- Smart guard system offers superior safety
- Best table saw under 500 value for the money
- Some users had issues with the fence lock breaking or malfunctioning
Why We Like It: This table saw is great for a job site or for stationary use. It offers a good 25 inch rip capacity, which is pretty good for a saw this size. The legs for the stand are one of the best features, particularly since they can be folded up for transport or if you don’t need them.
4. DeWalt Flex Volt 60 V Max Table Saw DCS7485B
Specs:
| Fence: | Rack and pinion telescope system |
| Weight: | 45 pounds |
| Rip Ability: | 24 inches |
| Motor: | 12 amps |
If you’re a fan of DeWalt's 60V max line, then this is the table saw for you. It falls into that lineup so you can use your existing 60V Max batteries with this saw and just add it to your lineup. It’s a great portable option, like many table saws you will see here in these reviews.
Take note that this doesn’t come with a carbide blade or any other blade and it also doesn’t come with the battery, however, you can upgrade your package if you need those things. This DeWalt model has an all steel base as well as the roll cage reinforcement. It even has limited tool storage to help you out a little bit too.
The fence offers you tool free adjustments and is a rack and pinion with a 24 inch rip capacity on the table saw. The table saw also has an electric brake so if something were to happen with the power, it won’t accidentally restart or cause other significant problems. You can use your table saw with dado blades and there is consider rip capacity in this regard as well.
This is one tough little saw but it’s also compact and portable too. It has a dust collection port that you just need to add a bag for to help keep things clean and free of debris while you work. All of these details lead to precise and accurate work for you.
Feature Ratings (A Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)
- Rip Ability: 9
- Power: 9
- Durability: 10
- Safety: 10
- Part of the 60V Max series
- Small but sturdy design
- Made for both precision and accuracy
- Added safety against power loss issues
- Roll cage gives you added durability
- There is only one miter slot, which might be a disadvantage for some uses
Why We Like It: DeWalt has proven to be a great brand across the board when it comes to power tools and this is no exception. This one stands out thanks to that 60V Max line capability so it might fit in with tools you already have. It’s small and portable and yet powerful all the same!
5. Metabo HPT Table Saw
Specs:
| Fence: | Square Lock |
| Weight: | 96 pounds |
| Rip Ability: | 35 inches |
| Motor: | 15 amps |
Finally, we have one last model that is on the higher end of the price scale. Metabo HPT is a 10-inch table saw that comes with a 40 tooth carbide blade and a square lock rip fence to help you out. The saw has a 15 amp motor and can reach 4,800 RPM, giving you plenty of power and capability.
This specific saw is the heaviest you will see here, making it sturdy and durable and anchored for less vibration with heavy materials. It also has the highest rip capacity, setting it apart by nearly 10 inches in that field.
You’ve got precision, durability, and versatility all wrapped into one nice bundle. This is a fold and roll saw so it can be made portable but be mindful that it is heavy so it may take some lifting power to really enjoy the portability capability.
Feature Ratings (A Scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest)
- Rip Ability: 10
- Power: 10
- Durability: 10
- Safety: 10
- Extra heavy and durable to take the hits
- Superior ripping capacity of 36 inches
- Versatile with a square fence system
- Plenty of power and depth capacity
- The customer service from Metabo is not great
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get the Most for $500?
This can be tricky because you’re shopping on a budget but you also want a good saw that you don’t have to replace again 6 months from now. If you look at the major points like durability, power, rip capacity, and versatility, these are going to be the features that really make a difference for your money.
What is the Best Table Saw Under $500?
We recommend DeWalt’s DWE7485 as the best overall option. However, if you keep those main features in mind, you’re bound to get the best table saw for you with any of the options that we’ve shared here. Always look at the power and the rip capacity before settling on a final choice.
Do I Need Dust Collection?
We recommend finding a saw with a dust port or dust collection setup of some sort. This will help significantly with cleaning and visibility so it also adds to your safety in the end.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best table saw under 500, we hope that you can find the right table saw for your needs here. There is much to know in order to make a decision but we carefully chose each table saw to meet a variety of needs.
We hope that you can find a table saw here that will work for your own table saw uses! Let us know which one you choose!
Expert Tip
A small or portable table saw should still be powerful and reliable. Purchasing a table saw on a budget doesn’t mean you sacrifice power. We recommend looking for a table saw with 12-15 amps in these ranges.
Did You Know?
Did you know that a table saw has a rip capacity on both sides of the blade? The number we generally share with you is the maximum rip capacity on the larger side of the blade.
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- A cut above - The Bora Portamate PM-4000 is the best, most practical, hassle-free stand you’ll find for miter saws or chop saws. Constructed of tubular steel with a powder-coated finish, This rugged yet lightweight saw stand can support up to 500 lbs. And is compatible with Miter saws up to 12 inches, including compound sliding saws.
- Cut out for convenience - setup is quick and simple, as the folding legs swing Under the center portion and are secured by pins that snap into position. Stand folds up for easy transport, storage and carrying from your vehicle to the worksite. Folded size is 43. 5" W x 20" D x 6. 5" H and Weighs only 30 lbs. Without a saw.
- Switch gears & mount add tools - quick-attach saw mounts allow for easy mounting of your saw, as well as other tools which you can switch around, set up and take down quickly – hardware is included. Additional mount sets sold separately offer a wider variety of tools that you can use with your PM-4000 stand.
- Makes the cut – our PM-4000 saw stand was specially designed to provide the ideal ergonomic working height of 36 inches, so professional contractors and day's can work safely and comfortably while making cuts with absolute precision and secure stability.
- 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