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Table saws are the cornerstone of any woodworking shop, but choosing the right one can be daunting even for professionals.
In this article, we’ll compare different types of saws for various price points and projects so you can choose the best saw for you.
Comparison Chart of the Best Table Saws
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
SawStop PCS31230-TGP252  | Best Overall | |
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10  | Runner-up | |
DEWALT DWE7491RS  | Best for the Money | |
Grizzly G1023RL  | Best Cabinet Table Saw | |
Dewalt DW745  | Best Beginner Table Saw | |
Grizzly Industrial G0690  | Best Hybrid Table Saw | |
Dewalt DWE7480  | Best Table Saw Under $1000 | |
Bosch GTS1031  | Best Table Saw Under $500 | |
Genesis GTS10SB  | Best Table Saw Under $200 |
What Does a Table Saw Do?
Table saws are the most popular saw because they are great for many different types of projects.
Using a table saw, one can rip wood, make cross cuts, and shape wood and edges. Using the appropriate tools with a table saw enables the user to make angled cuts, groove joints, tapered cuts, and panel cuts. Some of these blades and accessories are sold separately, but many jigs and tools come with a table saw or can be made at home.
Table saws are perfect for heavy-duty projects and making very difficult cuts thanks to the fact that they run on 220-volt power. They are fantastic at cutting large boards down to size, or even building the panels for a more complex project you may be working on.
In addition to having excellent horsepower, table saws are one of the most accurate saws because the table and fence stabilize both the blade and material while cutting.
They often include measuring and aligning tools and the ones that don't instead usually have the option to add on accessories.
Due to their accuracy and power, table saws are even used for remote projects. Many woodworkers do the majority of their cutting and shaping using a table saw, then transport the prepared materials to the project site to finish up.
Others use a contractor’s saw or hybrid saw due to their portability. These saws tend to allow for similar quality cutting that can be done on site.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Table Saw?
All table saws have some of the same fundamentals, including a circular saw mounted on an arbor and operated by a table-mounted motor. The blade height and angle can be adjusted using knobs, levers, or dials depending on the model of the saw, and every saw comes with blade guards or blade breaks to cover the blade when not in use.
Top-of-the-line table saws have some additional features that distinguish them from the rest. Better saws are more durable, have better horsepower motors, and include longer, smoother fences. They usually come with higher-quality blades and more accurate measurements.
Many also have adjustable tables and legs for different lengths and heights of materials, as well as blade wrenches and finer adjustment systems for the blade.
Top-of-the-line saws often have more advanced security systems, such as emergency stop levers or electronic detection systems. They can also come with accessories like extra blades, miter gauges, or jigs, and many are customized with storage for these accessories.
Quick Take: Best Table Saws
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best table saws:
Review of the Best Table Saws
Below, we will review some of the best table saws according to various categories. While this is not an exhaustive list, it should serve as a great guide for finding the right saw for your needs.
Best Overall:
SawStop PCS31230-TGP252
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Our first thoughts on this product were that it looked amazingly professional and had fantastic reviews. Upon further inspection, we were very happy with almost everything about this saw.
It boasts several key safety features most professionals require for their shops including a full closable cabinet, an integrated dust collection system, and a riving knife to reduce knockback. SawStop’s fantastic safety system uses electrical signals sent through the blade to prevent cutting anything you wouldn’t want to cut.
Running at 3 horsepower, this saw can cut through most anything you’ll need to cut on a table saw. At purchase, you can select from several fence length options as well as picking a base style, allowing you to customize the saw to your needs.
While you always want to operate your table saw with it stationary, this saw also includes wheels for safely and easily moving it to another location for storage, cleaning, or even simply reorganizing.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
One word: safety. The SawStop Safety System is incredible and unfortunately not as common in table saws as we’d expect. This electronic safety feature detects when the blade contacts anything you don't mean to cut - including yourself!
The system then immediately and automatically stops the blade and drops it safely below the table quickly. This system is a necessity for any serious woodworkers, whether professional or at-home.
Final Thoughts
People have reviewed this saw as more powerful, sturdier, and quieter than the alternatives. Other customers have been impressed by the dust collection system, which efficiently clears sawdust to improve visibility and safety. The saw also has a mobile base that allows it to be moved in any direction. Overall, though, people are amazed with its safety features.
Runner-up:
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw
PROS
CONS
Our Review
We really like this Bosch saw. It is absolutely one of the highest quality, yet still affordable, job site saws on the market. The GTA47W gravity rise stand is heavy duty, sturdy, and yet still easily maneuverable.
Its large, cast aluminum top offers support for a cutting material as well as a work space. While the blade is only 10 inches, this small saw allows you to rip up to 25 feet of material quickly and safely.
It has adequate safety features, such as a blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and a riving knife. This saw also has built-in circuitry to both minimize tripping circuit breakers and for managing motor intensity during cutting using a constant response technique.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
For a small 10-inch worksite saw, this Bosch product is a powerhouse. To us, the biggest things that stood out about this saw were that it is highly effective and portable, yet still efficient.
Most users gave this saw 4-5 stars on both sturdiness and accuracy, often also citing how well it cuts and how easy it is to move around. In fact, most of the things we liked about this saw were echoed by other users as well.
Final Thoughts
If you need a high-quality jobsite saw, you cannot go wrong with the Bosch 4100-10 Tablesaw. While best suited for contractors or craftsmen who work at jobsites rather than shops, we would trust this thing in our home shops in a pinch if needed. Whatever your needs are, you can trust Bosch’s warranty and craftsmanship on this one.
Best for the Money:
Dewalt DWE7491RS
PROS
CONS
Our Review
If it weren’t for Bosch, this would have been our runner-up. It is no secret that we like DeWalt tools, but it is usually for good reason. This portable table saw weighs only 90 pounds and is constructed out of high strength alloys. The stand is sturdy, yet wheels offer easy transport and portability.
It features a 32 ½ inch rip capacity, a 15-amp motor, and a 10-inch blade. Capable of ripping boards as well as finer pieces such as moldings, this saw is perfect for most contracting professionals and homeowners alike.
As far as safety goes, this saw has most standard features. It includes a blade guard, a fence with miter gauge, and a riving knife. It also offers an onboard storage system for things such as wrenches or push sticks.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This DeWalt saw is very powerful for its size, yet maintains the versatility needed in a jobsite saw. It can be used to rip moldings and floorboards, to cross cut material for framing, and even for cutting down sheet material provided it fits on the table.
In fewer words, this saw stands out because it is a versatile jobsite saw that can conquer most tasks. Perfect for homeowners and multi-skilled contractors, this saw will get the job done with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this saw is a fantastic jobsite saw. It has most of the safety features you’d expect from a reputable brand like DeWalt. The saw is powerful and effective, with minimal maintenance required. If you are on a budget and still need a very reliable saw, this is a great pick for you.
Best Cabinet Table Saw:
Grizzly G1023RL
PROS
CONS
Our Review
In our experience writing about tools, we come across quite a few Grizzly products. In general, they are well built, heavy duty tools with all the bells and whistles you would expect from one of the industry’s top manufacturers.
The G1023RL Cabinet Table saw uses 240 volts, so it is not the best fit for any and every shop. If you can run it, however, it boasts a 14-amp, 3 horsepower high RPM motor that will make your blade run through whatever you need.
This saw features a large, cast iron table that has been heat treated, strengthened, and re-milled to a perfect finish. With T-slots, you miter gauge should fit perfectly both while cutting and during storage.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
One of our favorite things about Grizzly is their attention to detail. For a very affordable price, they build things out of high quality metals such as cast iron, then pack their products with premium features.
This saw has Poly-V serpentine belts to reduce noise and improve efficiency, a 5/8” arbor to allow for dado blades, and even has extra large handwheels to make arbor movement incredibly easy.
Final Thoughts
The biggest downside to this saw is that it requires 240 volts to work. While for some at-home hobbyist and newer woodworkers this will be restrictive, we found this effective and feature-rich saw to be one of the best we’ve seen. If you have a 240-volt shop, you simply cannot go wrong with the Grizzly Industrial G1023RL.
Best Beginner Table Saw:
DEWALT DW745
PROS
CONS
Our Review
We’ve all been there. You’re starting a new hobby and looking to get some tools. Aficionados and enthusiasts often recommend expensive, top-tier equipment. Your friends recommend you buy what they got (or don’t, depending on how successful they’ve been). But what do you do?
As a beginning woodworker, your best bet is to find something that can tackle most projects at an affordable price. Ignore the purists saying you need a $2000 machine to be a “real woodworker.” Ignore your friends and their biased recommendations. Get a well-reviewed product from a reputable brand and see if the hobby is for you.
This DeWalt DW745 10-inch table saw is that affordable, entry-level table saw for beginners. It features a lightweight, optimized design that allows for portability and reliability in one product. It also has an overload protection system and a steel cage to ensure maximum safety.
With a powerful 1850-watt motor and 20-inch rip capacity, DIYers and homeowners alike will find this to be a useful saw for any project they want to tackle. Those who like to build projects will appreciate the accuracy of the blade, as well as the ability to extend your rip capacity to 20 inches right of the blade. The telescoping fence makes sure you can accurately line up your cuts with minimal fuss.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
We like how easy to use and sturdy this saw is when compared to other small, portable table saws. It weighs in just under 50 pounds and can be transported with ease. The table top is cast and treated, ensuring stability and accuracy. While it may seem crazy to have a saw that is mobile, accurate, and well-priced, this saw does indeed have it all.
Final Thoughts
Experienced woodworkers and working professionals will likely go with DeWalt or Bosch’s more expensive, higher-end jobsite saws, or even a standard table saw. For those newer to the hobby, or just looking to get stuff done around the house, this is probably one of the best and most affordable alternatives.
Best Hybrid Table Saw:
Grizzly Industrial G0690
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The term ‘hybrid table saw’ is often confused by those newer to woodworking. In general, a hybrid saw describes a stationary saw that is built to look like a cabinet saw, but features internals similar to a smaller contractor saw.
Grizzly’s G0690 is a hybrid table saw that will fool you into thinking it is a fully-fledged cabinet saw. It boasts all the features one would want in a large, cabinet saw such as the capacity for a dado blade, a large cut depth of 3-1/8”, and the ability to bevel your blade up to 45 degrees.
This saw is just under 500 pounds and made of quality cast iron, making it incredibly stable for a hybrid table saw. Additionally, it features a standard 4” dust collection port and large table that can be extended to up to 40 inches.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
The biggest thing that makes this saw stand out is how stable and powerful it is for its size. With a perfectly finished, cast iron table top and a very sturdy base, this hybrid saw could easily replace most traditional cabinet table saws in home woodworking shops or smaller contracting shops. With different horsepower, size, and voltage options, one of the variants of this product are almost guaranteed to be perfect for any woodworker.
Final Thoughts
The Grizzly Industrial G0690 is a hybrid saw that is a step above the rest. Almost more comparable to a small cabinet saw, this product is powerful and feature-packed, allowing it to be the centerpiece of any respectable woodworking shop that lacks the space or resources for a traditional cabinet saw.
PROS
CONS
Our Review
While it can be hard to find a quality table saw for under $1000, DeWalt has quite a few options that are suitable for most woodworkers.
In general, most saws in this price range will be smaller saws, and not cabinet table saws. Our choice was a tough one, but we really liked the DeWalt DWE7480. While there is a newer model available, we prefer this larger, older version as it provides a bit more stability and power.
This saw is also very easy to adjust with a telescoping fence as well as telescoping rails. It also features a 24-1/2-inch rip capacity which is quite large for such a small saw and allows you to rip boards and cut down materials with ease. Like other DeWalt saws, it even features on board storage for accessories as well as necessities.
The blade guard is lightweight, yet stays rigid enough to ensure you should never hurt yourself. Additionally, it features a tough metal roll cage to ensure durability as well as safety while transporting.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
While the major sticking point of this product is its affordability, it is also exceptionally durable for a smaller saw. Most users report this being the only table saw they have had to buy for quite some time. It maintains its cutting accuracy and efficiency with very simple and minimal maintenance and is very hard to break. DeWalt backs all these features up with a limited warranty as well, so your bases should be well covered.
Final Thoughts
When you get to smaller and cheaper saws, you definitely get what you pay for. While there may be cheaper saws on the market, the DeWalt D7480 boasts incredible safety features, efficiency, and a top-quality build. It is an excellent choice for intermediate level woodworkers or new woodworkers who don’t mind spending a little more money for higher quality.
Best Table Saw Under $500:
Bosch GTS1031
PROS
CONS
Our Review
The Bosch GTS1031 is a compact portable jobsite saw that satisfies those looking for a budget table saw that will last. As with most Bosch products, it features high quality, durable electronic circuits. The rugged steel base is built to withstand most job site (or home) abuse, although it is a little heavier than some of the other portable table saws on the market.
This saw is built to be a portable saw for hobbyists, homeowners, or onsite woodworkers. It is a tough, durable saw with adequate safety and dust control measures. It also features both a one-hand carrying handle and a built-in tool storage, making it highly practical for quick projects.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This saw is one of the products on this list with the most bang-for-your-buck. With a 10-inch blade, an 18-inch rip capacity, and a 5,000 rpm (without load) motor, this compact saw can tackle most jobs with relative ease.
It has anti-kickback pawls, a square lock rip fence that self-aligns, and a riving knife to offer safe and precise cuts with minimal effort. These safety features in combination with a rugged design make it incredibly easy to use provided you can find something to handle its weight.
Final Thoughts
In product design, you only can put so much into a product and some qualities have to be prioritized less. With the Bosch GTS1031, the biggest flaw is how heavy it is. Ultimately this gripe is fairly minor however, as you can manage it using proper bracing or support and make this saw incredibly easy to use.
Best Table Saw Under $200:
Genesis GTS10SB
PROS
CONS
Our Review
Coming in at only 56 pounds, the GTS10SB is a smaller table saw with a built-in stand that is both sturdy and fairly easy to move. It comes with a 24” die-cast aluminum table that allows you to do rip cuts, bevel cuts, and miter cuts.
While the motor is reasonably powerful (around 4800 RPM and 15 amps), there is no compromise on safety. Genesis included a self-aligning rip fence with automatic locks. The blade guard is snappy and doesn’t get in the way.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
Provided you aren’t planning on working on any incredibly hard woods, this saw is a fantastic bargain. It boasts most of the same safety and precision mechanisms as more well-known brands, while reliably cutting boards of most working sizes. Although it is made of lighter weight metals, it is still reasonably sturdy and well-built for the price.
Final Thoughts
The Genesis GTS10SB is ultimately a fairly reliable budget table saw. It is sturdy, capable, and long-lasting. While the limited warranty leaves a little to be desired, you likely won’t end up needing it unless a part is defective or missing. We found that in general, this table saw held up over years of reasonable use.
Types of Table Saws
There are three main types of table saws: large cabinet saws, light contractor’s saws, and versatile hybrid saws. Choosing between these saws is a matter of preference, space, budget, and desired mobility.
Cabinet saws are the largest and most accurate. They are very stable because they are made of heavy cast iron that weighs up to 600 lbs. These powerful saws use 3-5 horsepower motors mounted inside the table and require 220-volt power.
Contractor’s saws are lighter because they are made of aluminum with an outside-mounted motor. Contractor’s saws are typically cheaper and are more mobile because their 1-2 horsepower motors use the more common 110-volt power.
Hybrid saws can be made of cast iron, aluminum, steel, or granite and come in a wider variety than other table saws. Most hybrid saws use 1-2 horsepower motors and are versatile because they can run on both 110-volt or 220-volt power.
How to Use a Table Saw
Always wear safety equipment when using any saw. At the minimum, wear eye protection and gloves, though it is also good to have ear protection and a push block handy.
Before you use your table saw, select the right blade for the cut then adjust the cut depth and angle. Except for partial cuts, the blade should be higher than the thickness of your stock material so that it passes through the whole material.
Next, measure your material and mark where to cut, then adjust your fence to align the marks with the saw. Insert your material against the saw and fence, then disengage the blade guard and initiate your saw.
Finally, slowly feed the material through the blade so that the material stays parallel to the fence. Once you’ve nearly finished your cut, push the material through slowly with a push stick to avoid injury. After you’re done, turn off the saw and re-engage the blade guard.
Be sure to check out the video below if you need extra guidance!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a budget-spender, an amateur, or a professional, the right table saw can make all of the difference in woodworking projects. When choosing a table saw, it is important to consider your budget, space limitations, and projects so that you make the best choice for you.
People Also Ask
Once you have selected the right table saw for you, it is important to know how to use it properly. Below, we will answer some of the questions we have most frequently heard from both amateur and professional woodworkers.
How Dangerous is a Table Saw?
A table saw can be dangerous because misusing one can cause cuts, dismemberment, bruising, ear damage, or eye damage. However, it is easy to learn how to safely operate a table saw with little danger using the proper safety equipment.
How Do I Stop My Table Saw from Kicking Back?
To stop your saw from kicking back, always feed the stock material slowly through the blade. The material should move smoothly over the table, so ensure the table is clean and clear of debris. If your saw continues to kick, you may need to clean or replace the blade.
Where Do I Stand at the Table Saw?
When using a table saw, you should stand alongside the material you want to cut so you can feed it into the saw blade. Make sure to use supports for longer materials, a push stick for shorter materials, and never stand directly behind the material.
What Does Ripping Wood Mean?
“Ripping wood” is another way of saying “making a rip cut in wood”. A rip cut is made with or along the grain of the wood in a parallel motion. Ripping wood is different from making a crosscut, which is made against or perpendicular to the grain of the wood.