Finding the best table saw can be tricky. But if you have a basic familiarity with them and have a good idea of how they work, then there is a good chance that you’ll be able to find one without any problem. A table saw is one of the staples of any woodworking project. And it will be perfect for whatever wood that you intend to use.
Table saws are powerful, solid, and will be able to get any job done no matter how long you use it. While so many of these saws are flooding the market, there are only ten that we believe are the best of the best.
Before we get to the list, we’ll talk about what a table saw is, what it’s used for, and how you can choose one of your own personal use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Table Saw
Comparison of the Best Table Saws
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What is a Table Saw?
A table saw is an electric-powered saw that will utilize a circular blade. It is intended to cut through wood materials (and sometimes metal materials like aluminum). The saw is powered by a motor that will allow the blade to run at various speeds (depending on the blade). You can use this for all kinds of wood construction and scrapping projects alike.
What is a Table Saw Used For?
A table saw has a few good uses of its own. But we have found three of the best uses that are common with table saws. This should help you determine which projects you can do (or what you are planning to do). Here are the followings top uses:
Wood Working
Yes, the tried and true use of a table saw is obviously working on all things wood. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be small wooden projects like building birdhouses. Typically, you’ll have some larger scale woodworking projects like home building or furniture building. This will require good quality plywood or hardwood (depending on what the project calls for).
Metal Working
If you have sheet metal made from aluminum or any kind of metal that is easy to cut, a table saw will likely come in handy. This might be one of the tools that auto bodyworkers or owners can rely on if they are trying to cut metal in order to repair or simply replace the metal body of a vehicle. Remember, you need a certain kind of blade that will be able to cut sheet metal. Otherwise, you risk damaging the blade that you typically use for wood cutting projects.
Home Building
While it does tie into woodworking, a table saw can be used for much larger construction projects. This includes but not limited to building homes from the foundation and up to even constructing expansions such as building a new garage. At some point, you’ll be able to use a table saw in order to cut thicker pieces of wood in order to make sure that it’s at the right thickness or length.
How to Choose a Table Saw
Knowing which table saw is best for you is key. It’s important to know the features and characteristics that will stand out so you can choose a saw that will best fit your needs. Remember, there are some distinctions to a great table saw compared to those that are not so great. Here’s what you need to look for:
Price
The price will become a likely factor if you are looking to find a saw that is best for your budget. It’s important to find a saw that is the best affordable in quality and performance. This means investing in the best that you can afford without regulating yourself to a cheaper option. Be very wary of any saws that may seem too low in price by a table saw’s standards.
Performance
How fast do you want the table saw to cut? What kind of blades do you want it to accept? What projects is it good for? These are the questions that you will be asking yourself to determine how great of a performance you want out of a table saw. Remember, the speed of a table saw’s blade will allow for quicker completion if the blade speed is faster than another saw.
Long-Lasting Ability
A table saw can last you years or even decades no matter how often you use it. Likewise, the blades you choose for your table saw will in all likelihood last you roughly the same time frame. As long as you take good care of your table saw and maintain it regularly, you should have no problem being able to use it for a long period of time. Thankfully, they are the kinds of tools that won’t be replaceable in a few months or years time.
Review of the Best Table Saws
Below is a list of the ten best table saws on the market. As you go through the list, you should be able to get a good idea of what the characteristics and features are of each. This way, you can make the determination of which one is the better fit for all of your needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at the first saw on our list -- the “best overall” choice:
Best Overall:
DeWalt (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new buyers were quite happy with this table saw. They said that the blade speed was really fast and was able to cut through so many pieces of wood really quickly regardless of the kind of wood was used. It runs so much faster even with a replacement blade, according to one user. He also added that it keeps its power and keeps cutting consistently even after short term use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
DeWalt is best known for making some pretty solid power tools. And they are no strangers to quality. If you want something that is durable and built to last, then you are going to probably look to the DeWalt name as one of the better choices. Simply put, they are not just known for their big yellow logo. They have tools that get the job done no matter where you are and no matter what the project is.
Who Would Use This Most
If you are building houses or building something that is a small project but needs a harder type of wood, then you may want to consider this DeWalt table saw as the best option for all your projects. You’d be hard-pressed to find a saw quite like this. This is a saw that is fast, powerful, and will make every project you work on worthwhile.
Bottom Line
The DeWalt 10-Inch saw is what you’ll want on hand if you have a wood project that will need to be done in a quick amount of time. It’s fast, efficient, and can allow for excellent cutting better than any cheap, flimsy saw on the market. It’s got the performance and it’s got the quality. What more could you ask for in a table saw?
Runner-up:
Powermatic PM1000 1791001K
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers say that the table saw was pretty solid in construction. On top of that, it was able to quickly cut through so many quality types of wood like plywood and hardwood (depending on the blade being used). One user said that while replacing the stock blade with one that he’s chosen for his hardwood cutting, he said that replacing it was a cinch. He said he didn’t trust any stock blades since the last saw he purchased and wanted to play it safe by replacing the blade of this saw with one that he considered better at cutting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the best things about this saw is that it doesn’t run on so much power. If 115 volts is appealing to you, then you’re going to love how much power you can save with a saw like this. Indeed, it requires a good amount of voltage to run a table saw. But if you are serious about saving up in terms of energy costs, this saw might be one of the smart choices among the ten listed. It’s solid in construction and can cut like a champ. If that isn’t impressive enough for you, we’re not sure what is.
Who Would Use This Most
This will fit in most woodworking shops in larger homes. If you have a garage or even a large cellar space that is dedicated to all your construction and building projects, this saw will pretty much fit. Don’t be shocked if this also lasts you years or even decades (with the right kind of maintenance). Even with a pretty good saw blade, you can stand to run this puppy on occasion or regularly for years or decades.
Bottom Line
The Powermatic PM1000 is no slouch when it comes to quality and performance. But you can best believe that it can make just about any woodworking project you do a lot easier and a lot more efficient. With smooth, no rough edge cutting that can be done in a flash this table saw just might be right up your alley.
Best for the Money:
SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This saw was a major hit with some of the new users that were looking for a really affordable choice for a table saw. They were mostly using this for the purpose of regular woodworking projects (while others were using it for home renovation or similar applications). One user said that he was able to set it up fairly quickly with the use of the simple to read and understand instruction. He also added that the saw was able to cut fast and left no rough edges behind.
Why it Stands Out to Us
SKIL is one of the handfuls of names that get thrown around in the conversation about reliability and durability. But what takes them a step further is that they may saws that are perhaps one of the most affordable for any budget. So you’re pretty much guaranteed a high-quality saw that will get a good amount of mileage and longevity at a price that you can afford. If that’s exactly what you are looking for, you’d be crazy to pass up the opportunity to give this saw a closer look.
Who Would Use This Most
This will be a great starter saw for those new to woodworking. If you have never used a table saw in your life, this would be the best one to start off with. That way, you’ll have easy to understand instructions, an easy setup, and it will be simple to use. Nothing too complicated from the initial use and onward. Who knows, it might be the only table saw you use for a long time assuming you take good care of it.
Bottom Line
The SKIL 3410-02 10 Inch Table Saw just might be the only saw that you can find that will cut clean, work hard, and not suck the life out of your bank account. If you want something that will certainly get you through all the projects at home or on the job site, this saw might just be the perfect choice for you. If you are serious about getting a table saw and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, why wait?
Best Cabinet Table Saw:
Grizzly Industrial G1023RL
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
New buyers say that the saw was able to fit most tables and perfect for all kinds of home use. One user said that he relies on this for all of his furniture building projects. He said that while it became a hobby at first, it turned into a full-time gig. So far, his best investment was this saw due to its ability to cut through most woods and it’s consistent reliability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of course, this saw is not as portable as the last. But it can fit just as fine if you were to keep it at home on top of a table. What makes this saw exceptionally awesome is that it’s another one of the affordable models that are solid in construction and it requires no adjustments at all before use. Let’s not forget, it can be easy to replace the blade if and when you have to cut a specific kind of wood. Yes, it might be used for hardwoods. But with the right kind of blade, you can cut plywood as well.
Who Would Use This Most
This is a table saw that might be fitting for home use (or for your commercial woodshop assuming that you own one). It’s the perfect size for those who want to cut through multiple amounts of wood on a regular basis. And it will handle all kinds of small and large projects from birdhouses to regular houses. No matter what your project is, this is the table saw that can give you fast, smooth cutting that will get you through the years ahead.
Bottom Line
The Grizzly Industrial G1023RL is the perfect table saw that you can use be it for kitchen cabinets or various related home projects. If you are renovating yourself or a professional that does it for others, this table saw will be a reliable sidekick no matter what. It can handle the hardwoods (even the expensive kind) with ease and won’t leave any lasting burns or damage as a result.
Best Contractor Table Saw:
Makita 2705
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the saw’s new users were contractors and construction workers looking for something that would be heavy-duty in construction and use. One user said that he uses this on a regular basis as someone who builds houses. He and his crew were quite happy with the ease of cutting and the motor running quite fast, allowing for quick consistent cutting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a professional-grade saw that will handle so many building projects, this might be the go-to saw that will be perfect for construction workers and contractors alike. At some point, you’ll need something that is quick, powerful and makes cutting easy for most woods and sheet metals. This saw is the real deal and will be one of the best tools you have whether it’s inside your garage or job site.
Who Would Use This Most
Since it’s a professional-grade saw, this will obviously get the job done for most contractors that build homes, commercial buildings, or even some renovation projects. You’d be surprised what you can get done with a table saw like this. Don’t be shocked if this sucker becomes one of the most used tools on your job site be it by yourself or your crew.
Bottom Line
The Makita 2705 is just another one of the many saws from a name that a lot of contractors and builders can trust. If you want reliability, fast operation, and smooth cutting no matter what the materials are this saw could be the real deal for all kinds of construction projects. Once you get your hands on this saw, you want to use it right away.
Best Beginner Table Saw:
Rockwell BladeRunner X2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
As expected, a good number of users were beginners that were new to do it yourself projects. They said the setup and the overall use of the saw was simple and was perfect for small projects like woodworking and scrap metal projects. One user said that the cutting was accurate and straightforward without a single hint of splintered or rough edges.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, we look at another beginner level saw that will be perfect for all kinds of projects. This, of course, can handle so many different materials other than wood. It can cut through sheet metal, plastic, and different types of metal without destroying the blade. So it would be perfect for a myriad of projects.
Who Would Use This Most
This might be the best saw that will be used for the ultimate do it yourself, user. You may need it for uses other than wood cutting. You can use it to cut tile for a flooring project if you want to. While it’s not a heavy-duty table saw, it can come in handy for all those small scales around the house projects.
Bottom Line
The Rockwell Bladerunner X2 proves itself as the multi-purpose table saw that will work great for beginner-level projects. Once you get a few projects in, you may not want to give this table saw up. It’s powerful, allows for precise cutting, and really easy to use.
Best Portable Table Saw:
DEWALT (DW745)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were looking for a portable table saw that would be perfect for transporting from point A to point B. And they weren’t disappointed with this saw in the slightest. Most users concluded that 45 pounds was a reasonable enough weight to carry such a saw. Performance-wise, the cutting ability was superb and was perfect for all kinds of wood material.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not all table saws have to stay home. In fact, you can take one on the road and drop it off at a job site that might be part of your job or something you are building on another property that you own. Either way, this sucker is light enough for transport and won’t require any heavy lifting. If you can lift 45 pounds, that’s easy enough. The setup and use are easy and straightforward. And it can accept just about any wood it can cut (depending on the kind of blade you set up).
Who Would Use This Most
This will be perfect for construction workers and even those who are building stuff on separate properties. If you plan on carrying this on a regular basis, you’re probably going to want a saw like this. It’s not as heavy, but it can cut just as good as any table saw that you keep at home. If you have plenty of hardwood to work with, then you’re going to love this saw.
Bottom Line
The DeWalt (DW745) might be the easiest saw you’ve ever transported from one place to the next. It can be used at home or on the job. No matter where you go with it, it’s a saw that is proven to make sure that every project is finished the way you intend it. Who says saws have to be this complicated to transport?
Best Hybrid Table Saw:
Grizzly Industrial G0771Z
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of new users were quite impressed with the solid construction of the saw. They said that they were able to cut through all kinds of wood and sheet metal without destroying the blade. Woodcutters said that it was a saw that made cutting through thick wood quick and easy. One user said that it worked nicely while building different types of wood furniture.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This saw proves itself that it belongs on the list for a few good reasons. For one, it’s solid in construction. So it can stand out as something with excellent quality and can last you a really long time no matter how many times you use it. And it will be perfect for any kind of wood that you can put to good use. Whether it’s hardwood for furniture or plywood for small projects, this saw is one of those that can do it all.
Who Would Use This Most
This would be an ideal hybrid saw for anyone looking to cut all kinds of wood and sheet metal. Either way, it’s a saw that has a powerful, reliable motor that will make cutting quick and easy. If you are looking for the saw that will be fitting for any workshop no matter if its at home or at work, this is the saw that you may want to look at a bit closer for a few good reasons.
Bottom Line
The Grizzly Industrial G07717 might just be the go-to saw for anyone looking for the closest thing to a hybrid. It can cut wood and metal like nothing else. And it’s a well-constructed saw that doesn’t make any crooked cuts like some saws. If you want a smooth, straight cut guaranteed then this saw could do you some good.
Best Budget Table Saw:
DEWALT DW745S
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were people that were looking for a saw that was not only affordable but also was able to allow for smooth and accurate cutting. This was a saw that was mostly used for the purpose of small woodworking projects. One user said that he uses this for various wood projects like pinewood derby cars and birdhouses (among many other things that he can build out of wood).
Why it Stand to Us
This saw is another affordable saw that can get the job done if you just want to work on the projects that take anywhere between a few minutes to a few hours. For all of your small projects that won’t take too long to do, this saw will handle them. It’s the best saw that you can use to build the perfect gift from scratch.
Who Would Use This Most
If you are a hobbyist that loves working with wood, then you will probably get this saw for yourself. There is no better way than to spend a whole lot of time with a saw and as much wood as you have to build all your projects. You can spend all day or a few hours depending on what you want to build (and how many).
Bottom Line
The DeWalt DW745S might just be your best friend for all of your hobby building needs. This saw is probably going to go through all kinds of small projects that will be enjoyable for you or anyone in your family that enjoys doing these projects with you. If you are the crafty type of person, this table saw might just be your cup of coffee.
Best Table Saw Under $500:
DEWALT DWE7480
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a huge hit for beginner users that were looking for a saw that was great for projects big and small. They said the setup was easy and it didn’t take long for them to get started with their project of choice. One user said that he was able to get some quick, precise cuts out of it without any snags or burns.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This saw is fitting for most budgets. But it’s one of the most durable saws you can come across. That’s a good sign if you are looking for a saw that is the best quality that you can afford. The attached roll cage that comes along with this will prevent any kind of damage from happening. So if you accidentally drop it while transporting it, no harm or foul.
Who Would Use This Most
This will not only be a major hit with beginners, but it will also be perfect for any do it yourself kind of user that will use it for all kinds of projects in and out of the house. It’s a pretty solid saw that will make every cut clean and precise. All and all, it’s the kind of saw that sets the example of how a table saw should work.
Bottom Line
The DeWalt DWE7480 might fit your budget if you are looking for something south of $500. It’s construction and overall function should make it worth more, but you can best believe that it will give you a lot more than you can pay for. Why spend an arm and a leg when you can get the same precise, clean cutting in this saw than a high-end model?
How to Use a Table Saw
Using a table saw will be easy if you follow these instructions below. This is perfect if you are a newbie that has never used one before. Here’s how you use one:
- For rip cuts, go with the grain and cut it to width. Crosscuts go against the grain and cut for length.
- Always leave the splitter in place with the guard removed. The blade should be square with the table. The square should touch the plate of the blade, not the teeth. Use a push stick if needed.
- Keep the board level and use both hands to keep it straight. But use the push stick to finish it through.
- For crosscuts, use a miter gauge. Keep it right at 90 degrees. Screw it onto the auxiliary fence prior to use.
- If you are cutting multiple pieces of wood, use a stock block and a clamp.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a table saw that will work for all your projects, then a great table saw is what you need. Find one that will cut any way you want with ease and smoothness and you won’t get enough of using it for every project that requires its use. For projects big or small, there is bound to be a table saw that is right for you.
People Also Ask
It’s good to be an informed buyer when it comes to finding the right table saw. That’s why we recommend you use this FAQ section as a guide for additional information about table saws. Here are the following questions:
What is RIP Capacity?
Rip capacity is the space between the edges of the saw’s blade and the fence, respectively. The more rip capacity you have, the better the space amount of space you can work with for all your cutting needs.
How Thick of Wood Can a Table Saw Cut?
It will depend on the saw’s adjustments. But most table saws can be able to cut through wood up to three inches deep.
What is the Difference Between Ripping and Crosscutting?
Rip cutting will be cutting the board with the grain with the intent to cut with the width of the board. A cross-cut will require cutting against the grain with the intent of cutting for length.
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