A table saw is one of the most universal tools you will find when it comes to woodworking. Of course, they are a steady piece of equipment so they might be harder to maneuver than other things. It’s great for ripping lumber and making a lot of straight cuts quickly. Once you build your skills, you can most likely enjoy other uses too.
If you’re going to add a table saw to your workshop or jobsite, you need to know the best table saw for your needs. This will largely depend on what you plan to use it for. Most table saws are very similar but different types definitely have different features to know about.
In this guide, we will share with you some of the best table saws on the market. There are a lot of options to choose from so we’ve tried to break it down and give you a variety of choices to work with. In all of our selections, we considered important factors like size, power, speed, and more.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Table Saws
First things first. If you’re going to go looking for the best options, it’s a good idea to know what to look for. We’ve put together a few details to help you have all of the basic information you need to make a really great decision before you buy.
Check these out.
Type of saw
The first thing to think about is what type of saw you want to use. When it comes to table saws, there are actually several different types to choose from.
- cabinet table saws
- portable table saws
- jobsite table saws
- hybrid table saws
- Benchtop table saws
Here is a brief overview of the different options.
Cabinet table saws
Robert Freiberger via Commons Wikimedia
Cabinet table saws are among the largest and most powerful options on the market. These are higher end table saws and they often have a big professional cabinet table attached to them. A cabinet table saw is large and powerful. These are also the most expensive option in most cases.
Because of the size and the power, a cabinet table saw is not considered to be portable. Chances are, once you get the best cabinet table saw in place, you’re going to leave it where you put it. These larger table saws do it all.
Portable table saws
A portable table saw is more like your standard saw. It’s going to be something that doesn’t weigh as much and will be easy for you to port around to various jobsites or locations. Most portable table saw options also have rolling stands but that is not always the case.
A portable table saw will have good enough power to do a lot of things but won’t be as powerful as some of the other models out there.
Jobsite table saws
Jobsite table saws are also known as contractor saws. These are powerful table saws that are also primarily portable. They don’t always have a stand but a stand with wheels and stability definitely stands out in most cases.
These are used for heavy-duty work so they are durable and can work quickly but also take a beating on the jobsite.
Hybrid table saws
A hybrid table saw is basically the best of both worlds. You get the higher power allotment like contractor saws or cabinet saws but you get the convenient size and weight of a traditional or portable saw. It’s the duo that often delivers and it’s a favorite amongst table saws.
Some hybrid saws will be on a rolling stand but others will just be your standard table saw design. They will just have more power than a standard table saw
Benchtop table saws
And finally, we have the benchtop table saw. These can be mini, compact, standard, or even large. Many table saws fall into this category as it is really the standard category. These don’t typically have as much power as something like a jobsite, hybrid, or cabinet, but they are very capable for most needs.
A benchtop model can be a portable table saw so keep that in mind as well. It just won’t have the rolling stand for porting. You have all of your other table saws and then you have this category that is really quite broad.
Power
When you step out to choose your table saw, you will want to pay attention to the power. You will see a broad range here. That’s because there are so many different table saws. Most table saws that fall into benchtop models will be measured in amps but you might get lucky and find 1 HP on the motor.
Of course, when you look at contractor table saws and other high power choices, you’re going to see much higher power. Some of the cabinet table saws and more powerful choices might even be around 5 HP.
If you’re looking for something for everyday use, somewhere around 15 amps might be suitable. For professional use and other table saws, think about looking for 1-5 HP, depending on your need and the type of saw.
Safety features
Now, as you are looking at a table saw, remember that safety counts. There are specific guidelines that manufacturers have to follow for this type of saw. But you want to make sure that the parks in place for safety purposes are effective and reliable.
One of the big details every modern saw has is a blade guard over the saw blade. This is actually required. However, you want a guard that’s going to be effective and not really just get in your way at the same time. Some of the top table saws have perfected this.
There are some other ways to improve your safety. A riving knife is helpful to prevent kickback and jolting when you are trying to make cuts. A push stick can be helpful for pushing something to and past the saw blade without having to get your hand or fingers too close.
Of course, there are a lot of safety elements that refer back to how you use your table saw so keep that in mind as well. We can cover more of that later.
The Best Table Saws Reviewed
Now that you’ve got some basic details, it’s time to take a look at some table saw options. We did our very best to really narrow down this tremendous market. There are so many saws out there, mostly because there are so many categories. Our efforts were to bring you the best while still covering a variety of choices.
We tried to bring in several different options so that you can potentially find what you need, no matter which type of saw you might need.
1. Best Overall: DeWalt Contractor Table Saw DWE7491RS
This DeWalt table saw is what most consider to be the best of the best. It’s a 10 inch table saw and it’s built as a jobsite table saw. However, because of the size and the portability, it could be used anywhere you want it to be. This has a sturdy rolling stand, which is what makes it suitable for a contractor table saw. In addition, this 10 inch table saw has a pretty large rip surface.
The rip fence included is solid and you have a riving knife, miter gauge, and blade guard too. The rip capacity for this saw is 22 inches on the left of the table saw blade and 32.5 inches on the right. You have a pretty solid depth with a maximum cutting depth that surpasses other table saws. If you have dado blades, you can make dado cuts.
This comes with a push stick as well, which is a stand out feature that you usually have to purchase separately. Overall, this is a versatile table and it’s great for the best contractor table or for your own at home woodworking projects.
We want to point out that the rip fence is a rack and pinion fence. This means that you can easily make adjustments and be able to make fast adjustments that are simple. With a blade size of 10 inches and plenty of cutting power, you’ve got all of the options.
Specs:
| Power: | 15 amps |
| Rip Capacity: | 32 1/2 inches |
| Speed: | 4800 RPM |
| Saw Type: | Contractor |
| Blade Size: | 10 inch |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 10
- Rip Capacity: 10
- Durability: 10
- Ease of Use: 10
- Safety: 10
- 10 inch table saw that is versatile
- Jobsite table saw with rolling stand
- Large dust port that can be connected to a vacuum
- Rack and pinion fence is easy to adjust
- Smart guard system for your safety
- This is pretty loud as most jobsite saws are
- The assembly instructions are not great
Why We Like It: Across the board, you will that this tool features a lot of really great things. It’s simple and powerful and it generally gets the job done. The stand is stable and it folds down to make portability really easy too. The rip cutting widths are great on either side and the dust collection port is very useful.
2. Budget Pick: DeWalt Compact Table Saw DWE7485
Don’t let the price or the size fool you on DeWalt compact table saw. It might be compact but it is powerful. In fact, it’s not even just for DIY projects. They gave this saw enough cutting power to handle your jobsite tasks or your home DIY projects. It’s got safety features security and it’s easy to use as well.
This table saw is 8 1/4 inches. The maximum rip capacity is 24.5 inches, which is pretty substantial considering compact saws. It’s a great budget table saw because it’s affordable and it is versatile. The biggest downside is that there is no dado blade or dado capability.
This saw still offers 15 amps of power and can reach up to 5800 RPM. The entire saw measures 22 3/4 wide and 13 inches deep. It weighs only about 40 pounds so it’s easy to cart around. It even has a handle on it. The rip table can be extended to 24 1/2 inches which is where your maximum rip capacity comes from.
This saw even has onboard storage, which can certainly come in handy if you are using it as a portable option. Load up extra blades, your push stick, and anything else you might need.
Specs:
- Power: 15 amps
- Rip Capacity: 24 1/2 inches
- Speed: 5800 RPM
- Saw Type: Compact jobsite
- Blade Size: 8 1/4 inch
| Power: | 15 amps |
| Rip Capacity: | 24 1/2 inches |
| Speed: | 5800 RPM |
| Saw Type: | Compact jobsite |
| Blade Size: | 8 1/4 inch |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 10
- Rip Capacity: 9
- Durability: 10
- Ease of Use: 10
- Safety: 10
- Built for strength and durability
- Compact design but plenty of versatility
- Fence rails are extendable to give you maximum width rip
- Solid and reliable
- Includes onboard storage
- Quality control could be improved to prevent having to do some upfront work for setup
Why We Like It: This saw comes from a reliable brand. It’s got plenty of versatility without being overwhelming. It’s solid, sturdy, affordable, and reliable. What more could you possibly need in a saw? And that 24 inch rip capacity is pretty great too.
3. Best Value: Bosch Table Saw 4100XC-10
If you’re looking for a really great bang for your buck, look no further. This saw from Bosch is another portable model that could be considered a jobsite table saw. It comes on a wheeled rolling stand. That stand is actually a gravity rise stand and it’s durable and stable. This 10 inch table saw has plenty of power and all of the versatility for working hard anywhere.
The blade guard has a smart guard system and includes anti-kickback prawls to keep you as safe as possible. It’s all easy to assemble too. The jobsite table saw delivers quality when you need it and it’s perfectly portable. The rip is a 30 inch rip capacity.
This cast iron table is designed for simplicity. It’s also made to be very durable so you can get things done, adjust your rip fence easily, and be safe even with a spinning blade. The stand out feature here is that smart system particularly if safety is a concern for you.
In addition, you can enjoy a soft start and constant response circuitry. It all pulls together well to make this an all-around quality saw.
Specs:
| Power: | 15 amps |
| Rip Capacity: | 30 inches |
| Speed: | 3650 RPM |
| Saw Type: | Jobsite |
| Blade Size: | 10 inches |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 9
- Rip Capacity: 10
- Durability: 10
- Ease of Use: 10
- Safety: 10
- The stand is gravity rise so it’s easy to lift and lower the weight
- Compatible with dado blade setup if needed. Includes a circular blade
- 30 inch rip capacity
- Easy to use 10 inch table saw
- Rip fence is easy to adjust
- The RPM is lower, even though this has 15 amps of power
- Assembly is a challenge so it might be worth it to buy assembled
Why We Like It: With a good maximum cut depth and a build that is overall easy to use, you really can’t go wrong here. The 10 inch table saw really makes your jobsite work simple. You’ve got power, durability, and reliability. Quality control doesn’t seem to be an issue here either, which is nice.
4. Sawstop Table Saw Large Cabinet Table Saw
Next up, let’s talk about cabinet saws. These saws are certainly quite a bit more expensive but if you want the ultimate power and the ultimate space, it’s definitely a stand out feature you will find here. You’ve got your traditional table saw, complete with a professional cabinet underneath to house the beast of a motor.
Then, you have the basics like your 10 inch blade size, blade guard, rack and pinion fence rails, extended table, miter gauge, and more. You can easily use push sticks too but it doesn’t actually come with this saw.
One impressive safety addition here is that they added technology in which the blade recognizes when it hits something it shouldn’t If it comes into contact with skin, it stops immediately and actually drops below the table. The goal is to minimize potential injury and it’s pretty cool.
You will find extensive power and quality here. The dust collection system even brags about collecting 99% of dust, which is pretty awesome. If it’s power, quality, and reliability that you want, Sawstop has you covered with their cabinet table saw.
Specs:
| Power: | 3 HP |
| Rip Capacity: | 52 inches |
| Speed: | undefined |
| Saw Type: | Cabinet table saw |
| Blade Size: | 10 inches |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 10
- Rip Capacity: 10
- Durability: 10
- Ease of Use: 10
- Safety: 10
- Safety system goes well beyond just a riving knife and blade guard
- Rip fence has a 52 inch rip capacity
- Extended table for extended capacity
- Incredibly dust collection system
- Very easy to work with
- The extension table isn’t as sturdy as the rest of the saw
Why We Like It: We’ve got power and extended capability all rolled into one. If a cabinet saw is on your wish list, this one is reliable. It’s even got the patented safety system that you just won’t find on any other saw out there.
5. Skilsaw Worm Drive Heavy Duty Table Saw
This next option is another portable option. If we’re being honest, these tend to be the most popular because you can take them where they need them when you need them. Thanks to the foldable cart, they can even somewhat be sized down for storage purposes when you aren’t using them.
This Skillsaw saw worm has one more unique addition too. The motor is a worm drive motor which means your power is long-lasting and continuous use is less likely to wear out your saw or make it overly tired. In addition, you’ve got rack and pinion fence rails that are all about precision. For a portable choice, you have a full 30.5 inches of rip capacity, which is pretty phenomenal.
This is made for a work site. The wheels are much larger than usual at 16 inches. This just makes it that much easier to haul your saw across any terrain necessary. The dust port on this saw is an elbow. You can direct it to the ground and clean it up or attach a hose or bag to it. Whatever works for you.
Overall, this particular saw delivers in all of the best areas. From power to capability and everything in between. It is also dado blade compatible so that just adds one more bit of function to what you can accomplish.
Specs:
| Power: | 15-amp worm drive |
| Rip Capacity: | 30 1/2 inches |
| Speed: | 5000 RPM |
| Saw Type: | Jobsite |
| Blade Size: | 10 inches |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 10
- Rip Capacity: 10
- Durability: 10
- Ease of Use: 9
- Safety: 10
- Powerful and reliable with worm drive motor
- The stand has extra-large wheels to make mobility easy
- Designed for heavy-duty use
- The depth ability is 3 5/8, which is pretty great for this type of saw
- The dust port is elbow shaped to direct the dust to one location better
- Some small parts break easily and have to be replaced
Why We Like It: We like that Skilsaw simply did something different. They created a stand that has larger wheels and they added the worm drive design to the motor. All of that, combined with the saw itself, makes this a great option for just about any task.
6. Skil Table Saw with Stand
You should know that Skil and Skilsaw are really two separate brands. People tend to get that confused since they are so similar in name and design. This saw is budget-friendly and really just designed to be simple but reliable. There is something to be said about simplicity that is to be appreciated.
This saw has your rack and pinion rails for the fence. This helps with stability and accuracy but you also have parallel consistency. This makes your cutting process fast, accurate, and smooth.
One cool thing about this saw is that it has a stand but it can be used as a benchtop or on the stand. Where most attached stands are bulky and large and have wheels, this actually has just legs that fold up. It makes portability easy, it makes storage easy, and it gives you some added versatility as well.
This offers a 25.5 inch rip capacity. It’s designed similarly to a contractor table saw but it’s not as massive. You also get the convenience of a miter gauge, with the ability to bevel up to 47 degrees. The maximum depth is up to 3 1/2 inches. Overall, you’ve got a versatile and reliable tool here.
Specs:
| Power: | 15 amps |
| Rip Capacity: | 25 1/2 inches |
| Speed: | 4600 RPM |
| Saw Type: | Portable |
| Blade Size: | 10 inches |
Key Features (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
- Power: 10
- Rip Capacity: 9
- Durability: 9
- Ease of Use: 10
- Safety: 10
- Versatile while being sturdy and reliable
- 25.5 inch rip capacity is sufficient for saw style
- Includes a miter gauge and bevel up to 47 degrees
- Stand that completely folds away
- Simple to operate
- The saw is louder than most comparable options
- Some of the pieces are plastic and break easily
Why We Like It: Sometimes simple is the name of the game. Skil gives us that and gives us another affordable saw. It has a stand that folds away, a miter gauge, and plenty of power to handle most regular tasks that might be needed.
Buyer’s Guide
We’ve shared a lot of really great options with you here. The best table saw is ultimately going to be dependent upon your needs more than anything. However, all of these options made it here because they fall into the category of the best table saws on the market. Hopefully, there is one that works for you.
Before you make your final table saw selection, take a look at some of these other details to keep in mind.
What are the parts of a table saw?
Not every table saw has all of the same things. However, you will find that most of them are made with similar details and similar features. Of course, one saw’s fence or miter gauge might be better than another’s. Ideally, a saw will have the basic parts and then the specifics may vary.
These are the primary parts with a quick overview.
- Table: this is where the magic happens and it holds your materials while you work
- Blade: the blade does the work. The most common size is 10 inches but you could see smaller or larger. It will be circular for a table saw
- Miter Gauge: take the steps to position things properly so that your angles and lines are accurate
- Fence: the fence is your guiding force. This ultimately lines up against your board to keep you straight as you push through your cut
- Safety Stuff: things like blade cover, riving knife, prawls, and more are designed to keep you safe while you work.
Play it safe
While table saws have a certain amount of safety built into them, you still need to think about safety when you are operating them. If you know how to use it safely and use the right safety gear, you will be much better. Did you know that there are thousands of accidents that happen with table saws every year? You’re working with a blade that is sharp and moving fast.
The related injuries are very rarely minor from a table saw. While you might get lucky and just get a cut, there are also bone breaks and amputations that happen from table saws. Ultimately, if you practice safety and never be careless, you are more likely to prevent a mishap.
Here are some additional tips to put into practice as well.
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust
- Keep the area where you stand clean and clear
- Gloves are not recommended as they can actually get caught. If you do use gloves, try a push stick
- Always use the provided safety features
- Never use your table saw under the influence or when you are not fully aware and responsive
- Avoid wearing watches, bracelets, or items that could catch on anything
- Keep your hands clear of the blade and don’t reach around or across it
- Know when to not use the fence
- Power the saw off when not in use
- Power off the saw and unplug it to change or adjust the blades
Check out the fence
Ok – just about every table saw has a fence of some sort. But what you need to know is that not every fence is the same. You might find a variety of different fence types. You may or may not have a preference also.
The biggest difference in the types of fences is how you adjust them or how you make them accurate. Some of them have different capabilities but they are all designed to guide your wood across the table.
Your fence should always be adjustable. Be aware that you might need to square it up or level it before you make a cut. They move and need to be checked. T-squares are pretty common and probably a top choice. Another popular fence is the rack & pinion style of fence.
You will find saws that allow you to extend your fence and more so just pay attention to the details.
Capacity numbers
Alright, you also need to pay attention to the capability of your saw. You’ve got the rip capacity, the miter gauge, the bevel gauge, and more. You’ve also got to think about the depth that the saw can handle.
We all have different needs when it comes to what your table saw can do. Do you have a good grasp of what your needs might be? If not, it’s time to maybe do a little bit of research and determine what will work best for you.
Think about the type of work that you do and what the minimum capacities are going to be to handle that.
Dust collection
Finally, don’t forget dust collection! This is important because it helps to keep your workspace clear of dust. Keeping the dust in one area will make a huge difference no matter what your work environment is. If dust is all over the place, it impacts your visibility.
Dust could also make your floor slippery or even cause your saw to get jammed with dust and have other issues. Ideally, you want a dust port that will control the dust and push it all away from you. It’s even better if you can hook it up to a bucket, bag, or vacuum hose as well.
Having a dust port is pretty standard. However, don’t take the standard for granted because it’s always possible you will end up without a dust port as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the most accurate table saw?
You should expect to have to check and adjust any table saw. However, DeWalt does a great job with accuracy.
Is worm drive table saw better?
Worm drive certainly has the ability to be better. It allows you to run your saw for long periods of time and make a series of rip cuts without the motor tiring out as easily. However, you will find it is more common for larger saws.
Is it worth buying a cheap table saw?
If you plan to use your saw for basic, DIY projects, a cheap saw is well worth it. If you don’t have the money to buy a more expensive model, a cheap saw will get the job done. You simply need to know that some parts might not be as high quality.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide to the best table saw is helpful for you. There are many things to know and a ton of different saw options out there. Start by figuring out just what it is that you need. Do you need the best contractor table saw or are you looking for something more like a benchtop or compact model? Maybe you want a cabinet model!
Think about the details and then choose based on what you feel will best meet your needs.
Expert Tip
Learn how to check the accuracy of your fence and all of your gauges. While they might be designed to be accurate, they can move and it is up to you to check them and adjust them.
Did You Know?
Did you know that a table saw is required to have a riving knife and a blade guard? These are basic safety elements. If your saw doesn’t have these, you should question it.
Amazon Recommends:
- 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
- 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
- COMPACT BUILD - Conserve storage space and simplify transporting this tool with a compact design
- ACCURATE ADJUSTMENTS - Make fast, smooth fence adjustments with rack and pinion telescoping rails
- PROFESSIONAL RIP CAPACITY - Take on large jobs with 24.5 in. of rip capacity for ripping 4X8 plywood or OSB sheets
- SITE-PRO MODULAR GUARDING SYSTEM allows for tool-free adjustments of the guarding
- POWER-LOSS RESET prevents accidental restarts following a power disruption when the tool is left in the on position