Starting out as a novice in the woodwork industry can come as a challenge in many aspects. You might find it hard to accommodate yourself with table saws and their features as a beginner. But not to forget, everyone has to take the first step at some point.
As you read our review, you will learn the very basic know-how of table saws.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Beginner Table Saw
- OUR TOP PICK: DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable RK7323
- SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
Comparison of the Best Beginner Table Saws
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
Our Top Pick |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option |
| View Latest Price → |
| View Latest Price → | |
| View Latest Price → |
Can Any Table Saw Be Used by Beginners?
Table saws are one of the friendliest tools in a workshop. However, being a beginner, any table saw would not fit your needs and preferences. It would become distracting and over-weighing to have a table saw with multiple features when you wouldn’t even know how to use a majority of them. Beginner table saws are basic tools that would keep you engaged in woodwork and also have all the required requirements.
Hence, when it comes to answering the question, no, any table saw cannot be used by beginners. You need to be very careful and vigilant when purchasing one for yourself that suits your skill and working method. Woodwork is a hard task demanding precision, so a simple table saw that is user-friendly and inexpensive, would make a great choice.
How to Choose Your First Table Saw
Your first-ever table saw will always hold plenty of memories and significance in your life. It will be the sole cause of creating the love of woodworking in your heart. So, you must choose a product that is handy, reliable, and convenient to use. A few features that will assist you in choosing your first ever table saw are listed below. These qualities will contribute to make it a worthy choice.
Stability
This is the most important factor when it comes to a good table saw. A good table saw is one that will give you the power to make smooth and accurate cuts without creating a disturbance.
Size and Weight
Beginners do not need to opt for a table saw that is heavy and large with many features. But what will suit your needs is a compact and portable model that can be carried to different locations and easily kept in the workplace.
Power
The power of the table saw is the main control center to cut wood. For large planks, a motor of power 3HP would be adequate, whereas for thinner wood piece 1-2 HP would be adequate enough. Good power would enable your table saw to run smoothly.
Safety Features
Being an amateur, the need for safety features in the table saw cannot be overlooked. Using any machinery, the first time can cause a great deal of injuries, especially because one is not familiar with the use of various parts. Hence, no matter what, do not settle for a table saw that comes with no safety.
Review of the Best Beginner Table Saws
Looking for the best table saw as a beginner can be quite tricky because of the unfamiliarity with a lot of features. However, in this review, we have narrowed it down to the top table saws that can suit your requirements, allowing you to work in peace and satisfaction. We’ve provided the most basic information about everything you need to know when it comes to table saws.
Best Overall:
DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10-Inch, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews say it all! The majority of the customers seem extremely contended in buying this table saw. It cuts through anything like butter, and the adjustable fence makes it convenient to cut wood at different angles. The legs and wheels make it easy to set up and take down at any time. It has a compact and strong framework bound to last for a long time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
DEWALT is particularly known for designing their products with great contemplation owing to a large number of attractive features. This is the best overall because it has everything that you will need as an amateur. Everything from the motor power to the safety features is reliable to make this product a must-have in your workshop.
Who Will Use This Most
This table saw is an exceptional combination of user-friendliness and excellent features that make it a top-notch product for beginners. People who are new in the woodwork industry or who want to take up this hobby after a long will benefit most from this table saw. It has all the features to make it compatible with cutting wood planks.
Bottom Line
This unit, with its numerous qualities, will not let you down. Investing in this will prove to be a wise choice because it’s a versatile table saw designed to provide customer satisfaction. Being compatible with a lot of assets makes it a one-in-a-kind table saw.
Runner-up:
DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw DW745
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This table saw meets all criteria of excellence in design and performance. It tackles all wood cutting and home projects in a jiffy, owing to the increased motor power. Buyers reported that it was easy to carry around like a benchtop tool since it didn’t occupy much place in the workshop. It also comes with a dust collector, and the fence system received much praise particularly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is not usual to see a product in the market that comes with great features to please the buyers. This table saw gets the job done effectively and packs a solid and strong design that suits your working style. In addition to high performance, it does not compromise on the safety of the user, making it an outstanding choice for all beginners.
Who Will Use This Most
DEWALT DW 745 is friendly to use for a wide range of audiences, but it may especially delight amateurs in the wood crafting industry. Having a wide range of features will provoke a sense of love for working with this device. It is compatible and easy to use, making it a runner-up in the race of table saws.
Bottom Line
When it comes to selecting a table saw, power and portability are the two main fronts that you should be looking for. But look no further, because the DEWALT DW 745 has both these features contributing to making this table saw a particular favorite.
3. Rockwell Blade Runner X2 Portable RK7323
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A large number of buyers were particularly contented with this purchase, saying it is a multi-functional table saw with diverse functions. It doesn’t take up much space in the workshop and can be easily placed anywhere. The blades offer versatility in functions and clean cutting activity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Table saws are extremely pricey tools in the woodwork industry. Having said that, the Rockwell Blade Runner is an exception that stands out by being economical and multi-functional at the same time. Its blades are open to slicing and cutting all kinds of materials. Storing and carrying is not a problem at all because of the handle built in the machine.
Who Will Use This Most
Power tools like the Rockwell Blade Runner are greatly beneficial for a layman to finish DIY home projects and to craft woodworks. It is functional for working with smaller and thinner segments, but you can play around with various materials due to the sharp blades.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for something cheap and competent, then you’re on the right track. This table saw will fulfill all your requirements. However, as a beginner, you may want to consider a model that guarantees more security.
4. SKIL TS6307-00
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customer reviews and ratings are all constructive for this table saw. It is exceptional in assisting the user for precision in wood measurements, eliminating the chances of error. Buyers have commended the easy portability and convenience in tackling different projects. Being solid and well-built is another positive feature that has impressed the buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This table saw has emerged to be an asset to the SKIL brand. It comes as the perfect balance between quality, price, and functionality, making sharp and clean cuts through wood. The riving knife and blade guards maximize the safety level. This table saw stands out being low on budget but providing all the basic necessities for a beginner craftsman.
Who Will Use This Most
While the SKIL 3410-02 might not be a perfect candidate for professional tasks, it can adapt well to performing general DIY home works and projects with smaller wood segments. Beginners will find it really helpful since this table saw delivers its best when it comes to cutting wood. Being easy to set up and takedown, you can use this in your home workshop occupying the minimum area.
Bottom Line
Not having a dust collector might come as a major drawback for this table saw; however, the other features suffice to make it on our list. As a beginner, choosing something that is cost-friendly is very important, and this model is guaranteed to make you feel like you made the right choice.
5. Bosch 4100-XC10
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews for this product are outclassing because it delivers durability, portability, and performance all in one. It cuts solidly into all types of wood, which satisfies the majority of the buyers. Being easy to put together and simple to operate, it makes a great choice for an amateur. However, a few people complained of the miter gauge being sloppy and other issues with the power switch.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Safety features throw a spotlight on this table saw. It comes with a fine anti-kickback pawl and a riving knife that maximizes protection and security. Moreover, the designing is fairly clever and creative in the gravity-rise wheeling base. The handles can be uplifted at any time by which the saw can be moved around in your work environment, depending on preferences.
Who Will Use This Most
Portability is one of the most important features in a beginner table saw. Hence this one can be used at home in different DIY or decorative projects. It is equally valuable for professionals, construction workers, and furniture making. It will be a piece of cake to go through wood with sharp blades and a strong motor to satisfy your needs.
Bottom Line
Being a sturdy machine, this table saw will not let you down. It will assist you in multiple projects, and the high motor power is a pleasant cutting experience. It might be pricey, but the features it brings along make it a terrific table saw.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying a Table Saw?
Purchasing your first table saw might be a challenging and mind-boggling task, but there are a few basic things that you need to know before you make a purchase. Choosing a tabletop with a combination of features that suit your work style is crucial as a beginner.
Type of Table Saw
Looking into the different types of table saws and their functions will prove a great help. You can look for bench table tops, cabinet style tabletops, or hybrid ones, but the kind you choose must entertain your work preferences and style.
Table Top
A flat tabletop promises accurate and smooth cuts. You must also be precautious of the space of the tabletop that can help you operate on wood segments of various sizes. If the size of the table is too small, you might need to purchase extension tables to fit your requirements.
Blade Size
Common blade sizes usually used in the woodwork industry are 10 inches and 12 inches. However, for a beginner, a blade of 10 inches will make a fine selection. You will also need to bring into consideration the material of the blade and the number of blade teeth.
Table Saw Safety Rules
The first-time encounter with a table saw is frequently met with injuries and wounds. This is why it is extremely important to be precautious while dealing with table saws for the first time. You must be familiarized with a few safety rules given below.
Safety Equipment
Wear safety goggles or dust mask at all times when dealing with a table saw. Avoid wearing dangling clothes that could get stuck in the saw.
Focus and Precautions
While working with a table saw, put all your attention on the work you’re doing and don’t get distracted. Keep your feet fixed in a solid position, and your body shouldn’t be in line with the blade. A slight distraction can result in severe damage. Don’t leave the table saw running unattended.
Blade
The height of the blade should never exceed 6mm above the stock. It will save your hand from being totally disabled in case of a hand slip. Moreover, the blade should be free before you turn on the machine.
Disconnect Power
When changing blades, it is important to disconnect the power to avoid lacerations. In case of a power outage or circuit tripping, disconnect the power till the voltage restores to normal.
Push Stick
Using a push stick is very important to safeguard your fingers. Instead of using your hand to push the wood through the blade, a push stick is highly preferable for a safer experience.
Conclusion
This review provides you a detailed analysis of the table saws that will suit your needs as an amateur. Once you invest in the right product, you are sure to develop an interest in this art. Whether you take up woodworking as a profession or a hobby, the right table saw will always give you a pleasant experience. Our review will assist you greatly in making a decision regarding table saws and their basic features. Starting as a beginner, the right model can take you as far as being a professional in the long run.