- Best Overall Jobsite Table Saw: RIDGID Pro Jobsite Table Saw
- Best for Power Users: DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw – An Excellent All-rounder
- Best Portable Table Saw: Milwaukee M18 Fuel One-Key Table Saw Kit
- Best Budget-Friendly Table Saw: Ryobi RTS12 Table Saw
A table saw is a versatile power tool that is just as at home in a professional workshop as it is in a DIY enthusiast’s garage. Also known as a bench saw or a sawbench, the table saw features a circular saw blade, which is turned by an electric motor.
The fast-turning, adjustable blade is ideal for making accurate cuts common to woodworking, such as crosscuts, miter cuts, or beveled cuts. Some of the best table saws also enable you to make specific cuts easily, like a dado or rabbet.
Having a table saw in the workshop helps you to save considerable time (and money!) as it will allow you to efficiently cut your boards to the appropriate size. Most table saws have adjustable tables which allow you to make bevel and miter cuts, common in making picture frames or furniture.
There is a huge assortment of different table saws on the market, suited to different budgets and needs. So how should you go about choosing the best table saw for your needs?
Table of Contents
- Types of Table Saws
- Key Components When Choosing the Best Table Saw for You
- Best Table Saws of 2022
- Best Overall Jobsite Table Saw: RIDGID R4514 Pro Jobsite Table Saw
- Best Budget-Friendly Table Saw: Ryobi RTS12 Jobsite Table Saw
- Best Portable Table Saw: Milwaukee Cordless M18 Fuel One-Key Table Saw Kit
- DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Table Saw
- SKIL TS6307-00 10-Inch Table Saw
- SKIL SPT99-11 Heavy-Duty Worm-Drive Table Saw
- Bachin Mini Table Saw
- SawStop CNS175-SFA30 10-Inch Contractor Saw
Types of Table Saws
Although there are only two main types of table saws, there’s a lot of variation within those two categories.
In the simplest terms, the two types of table saws are stationary table saws and portable table saws.
Breakdown of Stationary Table Saws
Cabinet Table Saws: A cabinet table saw is one of the heavier and more powerful types of table saw. They’re typically found in a professional woodworking or carpentry workshop, rather than in a home garage set-up.
Generally made of cast iron, cabinet table saws are robust, durable tools. Cabinet table saws have an enclosed base, which helps to reduce vibrations, give the machine some support, and help with dust collection. Given their heavy weight, cabinet table saws are completely stationary.
Breakdown of Portable Table Saws
- Benchtop Saws: Benchtop table saws are typically lightweight as they’re designed to sit directly on your workbench. They’re fairly portable and generally less expensive than a larger table saw. As they’re smaller than a full-size table saw, many can’t handle the same size boards as their larger counterparts. For this reason, benchtop models are a good option for home DIY enthusiasts.
- Jobsite Table Saws: These saws sit on a lightweight stand on wheels, known as a portable jobsite table. This makes it convenient to wheel a jobsite table saw from site to site. Slightly larger than a benchtop saw, the portable jobsite table saw is a popular choice with both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
- Contractor Table Saws: These types of table saws are generally larger and heavier than a jobsite table saw. While they’re still portable if they’re mounted to a contractor table or stand with wheels, they are more likely to be used as stationary tools. Contractor table saws are more powerful than benchtop table saws and jobsite table saws, which makes them useful for larger projects or in construction jobsites. Sometimes, the term “contractor table saw” is used interchangeably with the term “jobsite table saw”.
One More for Luck: The Hybrid Table Saw
Hybrid table saws fall between a contractor table saw and a cabinet table saw in terms of size, power, and, of course, price!
Key Components When Choosing the Best Table Saw for You
When you’re setting out to choose a high-quality table saw to fit your needs, versatility is key. Why spend money on a tool that you can only use on a small number of tasks?
Unless you’re regularly sawing large pieces of wood, then a portable table saw gives you more options. A portable table saw allows you to use a table saw wherever you need to, quickly and easily, and is ideal for both workshop and home settings.
The Table
A crucial component of a table saw is the table itself, which ensures the stability of the table saw.
The best tables are usually made from cast iron, which makes them extremely durable and robust. However, you can also get tables made from steel. A less expensive option is a lighter aluminum table but be warned that aluminum tables can transmit a lot of vibration.
Blade
Choose a blade size suitable for your projects. As a standard, table saws typically come with a 10-inch blade which will allow you to cut to a depth of 3-1/2-inch when the blade is at 90 degrees to the board.
There is some variety, and larger table saws may offer you a 12-inch blade, while compact saws may go down to an 8-3/4-inch blade.
Motor
Table saws are usually powered by one of two types of motor. These are the universal motor and the induction motor.
A universal motor links directly to the saw blade, which provides a substantial amount of power. This is the typical set-up for a portable table saw. While you get a lot of power, universal motors also generate a lot of noise!
By contrast, an induction motor is connected to a belt, which transfers the motor power to the blade. This results in a quieter machine and superior functionality when it comes to cutting denser materials.
However, as you can imagine, induction motor table saws have more moving parts and so can need quite a bit more maintenance to keep them functioning well. In particular, you’ll need to adjust the belt’s tension on a regular basis. If you’re new to the world of table saws, this may be something to bear in mind.
Safety Features
In addition to the functionality of the table saw, you should also pay attention to its safety features.
All table saws should be fitted with a blade guard, which protects you from flying sawdust and debris and also protects your hands.
Some tables saws offer a soft start motor, which means the motor will not immediately start turning at full speed. More advanced models now offer you an app to remotely stop the table saw, if the unexpected happens.
Best Table Saws of 2022
Our review takes a look at some of the most popular table saws available on the market and considers functionality, user-friendliness, reliability, and value for money. Read on for our full thoughts!
Best for Power Users: DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw – An Excellent All-rounder
The Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw is a robust jobsite table saw that features a 10-inch saw blade and 32-1/2-inch rip capacity. The cast table design makes for extremely accurate and precise cutting, while the quick bevel lock ensures that your adjustments are locked in exactly the position that you need.
It uses a rack and pinion fence system, which is easy to use and can be adjusted by hand. It acts as a guide for boards that run parallel to the blade. The highly accurate fence can speed up your workflow, as you can put your trust in Dewalt to have gotten the measurements right for you.
The rack and pinion fence rails extend smoothly to allow you to cut larger, oversized boards.
A powerful 15 amp motor drives the Dewalt table saw, allowing you to reach speeds of 4800 RPM. With this table saw, you’ll comfortably achieve 3-1/8-inch deep cuts at a 90-degree angle and 2-1/4-inch deep cuts at a 45-degree angle on thick wood boards.
This flexible tool gives you the option to purchase additional accessories, such as a dado blade, which you can use in lieu of the circular saw blade. The dado blade can make a dado cut up to 13/16-inch wide.
The Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw sits on a sturdy, rolling stand table that measures 26-1/2 x 22-inch. The table stand also has folding legs, so you have the option of folding the table saw out of the way when not in use, or simply pushing it out of the way.
There are a lot of useful safety features that come with the Dewalt table saw. The new guard design makes it easy to adjust or remove the blade guard without the need for additional tools. A dust ejection system removes the majority of dust from the air, helping to protect the motor and you.
Overall, this Dewalt table saw makes short work of a variety of materials and boards, so you’ll get results quickly and accurately.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Large rip capacity
- Accurate rack-and-pinion fence rails
- Wheeled stand with folding legs
Cons
- Miter gauge could be more accurate
- Expensive in comparison to other models in our review
Specifications
- Type: Jobsite
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 32-1/2″
- Motor Power: 15-amp, 2000 W
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 29.2″ x 22.7″
Conclusion
The Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw is a very user-friendly saw that’s easy to use and delivers accurate, precise results. Its versatile wheeled stand with foldable legs makes it easy to move the power tool around – in many cases, more conveniently than many of the other portable table saws.
Best Overall Jobsite Table Saw: RIDGID R4514 Pro Jobsite Table Saw
The RIDGID R4514 Pro Jobsite table saw is a heavy-duty, robust power tool.
Its 15-amp motor generates speeds of up to 5000 RPM, which allows you to achieve cutting depths up to 3-1/2 inches at a 90-degree angle and 2-1/4 inches at a 45-degree angle. When you compare these cutting depths to the Dewalt DWE7491RS, you get a fraction more cutting depth with the RIDGID which may be beneficial.
The RIDGID comes with a wheeled, rolling stand, which makes it easy to maneuver it exactly where you need it. The portable table stand has a single-point release, which makes it extremely easy to open and close. When it’s closed, the table measures 22 x 30 inches.
The pull-out fence rails give you an additional 12 inches, ideal for ripping larger boards. Additionally, the front and back clamping fence features integrated T-slots, which allow the table saw to hold select accessories.
From a safety point of view, the RIDGID features soft start technology, so the motor powers up gently when you switch the machine on. As a result, you don’t need to worry about the table saw running at full power from the outset, giving you better control.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Lifetime service agreement
- Wheeled stand
- Soft start technology
Cons
- Heavy
- Requires you to change blades to cut different materials
Specifications
- Type: Jobsite
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 30″
- Motor Power: 15-amp, 3.1HP
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 39-1/4″ x 24-1/2″ x 13-3/4″
Conclusion
The RIDGID R4514 Pro Jobsite table saw is comparable to the Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw in terms of performance and price. While there’s not much in it, you do get slightly more rip capacity for your money and it has the advantage of a soft start motor.
Best Budget-Friendly Table Saw: Ryobi RTS12 Jobsite Table Saw
The Ryobi RTS12 jobsite table saw is a powerful, compact tool.
The powerful 15A motor drives the 10-inch blade to rotate at speeds up to 5000 RPM and can make cuts of 2-1/2-inch depth at a 45-degree angle and a maximum of 3-inch at a 90-degree angle.
With the rip capacity, you can rip boards up to 12-inches to the right and 7-inches to the left of the blade.
The Ryobi RTS12 does not have the option of an extension table, so you are more limited in terms of the size of the woodworking projects you can handle. However, this is understandable given the Ryobi table saw’s much lower price point. You can get around the size limitation by buying a separate stand to support larger boards if this is an issue.
The Ryobi RTS12 comes with an aluminium, foldable table stand, so it is more prone to vibrations than other models.
However, despite the budget price tag, Ryobi has come up trumps in terms of design. This compact table saw is versatile enough to accommodate an optional dado saw blade, which will allow you to make quick and easy dado cuts.
Designed with home users in mind, the Ryobi RTS12 is easy to unbox and set up. It comes with a number of additional features that you’d expect with more expensive models, such as rip fences, miter gauges, and push sticks.
Pros
- Convenient folding stand
- Easy-to-use straight out of the box
Cons
- Smaller rip capacity than other models
Specifications
- Type: Jobsite
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 7″ left of blade, 12″ right of blade
- Motor Power: 15-amp, 120V
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 36″ x 29″ x 15″
Conclusion
The Ryobi RTS12 is the best table saw for DIY enthusiasts who only need a table saw for occasional, simple tasks. It’s a compact, portable table saw that’s easy to store when not in use, so won’t take up loads of space in your workshop, garage, or basement.
Best Portable Table Saw: Milwaukee Cordless M18 Fuel One-Key Table Saw Kit
For the professional carpenter or handyperson, there is a real advantage to being able to take your tools on the road with you. The vast majority of table saws are corded to ensure they have enough power to keep them running effectively. However, this can put a limitation on exactly where you can use your table saw.
Battery technology has come a long way and cordless table saws are now much more practical.
One of the best table saws that allow you to ditch the power cord completely is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel One-Key Table Saw Kit. It runs from an M18 battery but still has as much power as an AC-powered table saw. The battery has enough power to cut 600 ft of the 3/4-inch board on a single charge!
With a brushless motor that reaches up to 6300 RPM, the Milwaukee Cordless table saw can cope with pretty much anything you throw at it using all the standard cuts you’d expect from a table saw.
It offers an 8-1/4 inch blade that can cut up to 2.5 inches deep at a 90-degree angle or 1-3/4 inches at 45 degrees. This cordless table saw features a bevel setting, which enables you to tilt the table up to 47 degrees to the left.
The Milwaukee Cordless table saw features a rack and pinion sliding fence, which allows you to conveniently and accurately adjust the table to give you up to a 24-inch rip capacity. It also allows you to store all of your table saw attachments in the onboard storage.
For dust collection, you’ll find that the supplied vacuum adaptor is compatible with all Milwaukee dust extractors.
Unique to Milwaukee is the “One-Key” tool tracking app. With this app, you can remotely track the table saw’s location, remote lock it, and monitor performance.
Pros
- Cordless portable table saw
- Long-lasting battery
- “One-Key” tool tracking app offers extra safety features, like remote disabling
Cons
- Pricey
Specifications
- Type: Benchtop
- Blade Size: 8-1/4″
- Rip Capacity: 24.5″
- Motor Power: 18V
- Includes Stand: No
- Dimensions: 22″ x 22-1/2″ x 12″
Conclusion
If you find yourself on the road a lot, the Milwaukee Cordless M18 is one of the best table saws! With no cord to worry about getting tangled up or needing a convenient power source and a long-lasting battery, you’ll get a satisfyingly good chunk of work done between charges.
The Milwaukee Cordless doesn’t come with a stand by default, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you need one.
DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Table Saw
Out of the jobsite table saws reviewed, the Dewalt DWE7485 is a very compact table saw that still packs a powerful punch.
This portable table saw features a 15-amp motor, which spins the 8-1/4-inch blade with speeds up to 5800 RPM.
With the rack and pinion fence rails fully extended, you get a decent 24-1/2-inch rip capacity to the right and a 12-inch rip capacity to the left of the blade.
The Dewalt DWE7485 can handle cuts with a maximum depth of 2-9/16-inch at a 90-degree angle. It will make all of the basic cuts with ease, with the exception of a dado cut.
The robust steel roll cage is made to withstand jobsite drops and knocks. Although it’s marketed as a benchtop saw, the Dewalt DWE7485 is an extremely portable table saw, so you’ll be able to transport it with ease.
The Dewalt DWE7485 doesn’t come with a stand as standard, but you can purchase a compatible stand if you need one.
This compact table saw also offers plenty of onboard storage for the blade guard assembly, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Easy to set up
Cons
- There is no option for dado blades
Specifications
- Type: Benchtop
- Blade Size: 8-1/4″
- Rip Capacity: 24-1/2″
- Motor Power: 15-amp, 1850W
- Includes Stand: No
- Dimensions: 24″ x 24″
Conclusion
The Dewalt DWE7485 expertly balances portability with performance. It’s the best table saw for transporting to jobsites, as it performs without taking up much space in the van.
SKIL TS6307-00 10-Inch Table Saw
For a table saw that can handle most basic cuts and projects with ease, without a hefty price tag, the SKIL TS6307-00 10-Inch Table Saw may be the model for you.
Offering a 15-amp motor with speeds up to 4600 RPM and a 10-inch blade that can handle both hard and soft woods, the SKIL TS6307-00 is a solid entry-level table saw.
As far as jobsite table saws go, the SKIL TS6307-00 handles 4x4s with ease and enables you to rip boards with up to 25-1/2-inch rip capacity to the right and 14-inch rip capacity to the right.
The rack and pinion fence rails are easily and smoothly adjustable, so you’ll be able to make extended cuts without fuss.
It comes with an integrated stand with foldable legs, so you’ll be able to use the table saw and safely stow it out of the way. It’s ideal for home use.
Despite being a fraction of the price of most of the jobsite table saws in the review, the SKIL TS3607-00 still holds its own in terms of performance. In addition to basic cuts, this table saw has a 0-45 degree bezel capacity and the quick-release lever means you can cut between two positive stops conveniently and accurately.
In addition to bezel cuts, the SKIL TS6307-00 can also take an optional dado blade and throat assembly, so you’ll be able to make dado cuts, too.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Reliable performance
- Convenient, folding stand
Cons
- Noisier than the other jobsite table saws reviewed
- Plastic miter gauge
Specifications
- Type: Jobsite
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 25-1/2″
- Motor Power: 15-amp
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 25″ x 24″ x 32″
Conclusion
While the SKIL TS6307-00 doesn’t quite deliver the performance of a professional table saw, it does do the job for most DIY jobs. When you consider it only costs a fraction of the price of many of the other table saws reviewed, it’s a good budget-friendly option if you don’t need to do anything too complicated.
SKIL SPT99-11 Heavy-Duty Worm-Drive Table Saw
If you’re looking for a table saw that will cope with heavy construction projects and large materials, then you’ll need to opt for a worm-drive table saw like the SKIL SPT99-11 Heavy-Duty Worm-Drive Table Saw.
A worm-drive saw tends to have more power and torque than other table saws. However, they’re also heavier. Despite this, the sturdy rolling stand with 16-inch wheels means you can still transport this jobsite table saw to your work site with relative ease.
A 15-amp motor spins the 10-inch blade with speeds up to 5000 RPM. It has a maximum cutting depth of 3-5/8 inches, which even outperforms the SawStop CNS175-SFA30 Contractor table saw.
This powerful workhorse makes cutting through the hardest woods and 4x boards look like a piece of cake! With a 34 x 24-inch table that makes use of a rack and pinion fence system to extend to 52.6 inches, you have a lot of flexibility in the size of materials you can cut.
The rip capacity is also sizeable at 16-1/2 inches to the left and 30-1/2 inches to the right. As well as all the basic cuts you’d expect a table saw to handle, the SKIL SPT99-11 can also make bevel cuts between -1 and 47 degrees. Plus, if you buy the optional dado blade, you can also make 1/2-inch dado cuts.
Pros
- Cutting depth up to 3-5/8″
- Handles large materials with ease
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavy
- Tricky to assemble
Specification
- Type: Jobsite
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 30-1/2″
- Motor Power: 15-amp, 1800W
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 52.6″ x 29.53″ x 35.08″
Conclusion
The SKIL SPT99-11 Heavy-Duty Worm-Drive Table Saw is a professional-standard jobsite table saw. It’s the best table saw in terms of cutting depth, by a long way, and yet remains a good-quality portable jobsite table saw.
Bachin Mini Table Saw
Coming down the size scale, we have the Bachin Mini Table Saw. Standing a diminutive 9.45 x 7.87 x 4.53 inches, the Bachin Mini Table Saw is the best table saw for home craft projects. If your aim is to build models, small wooden boxes or picture frames, or even jewelry, the Bachin Mini Table saw is ideal for you.
The small 4-inch blade has variable speed control, which enables you to adjust the speed up to 7000 RPM. This benchtop mini saw is able to cut materials such as wood, plastic, or aluminum, up to 1.14 inches in thickness.
Best of all, this mini table saw can be used for so much more than merely cutting! With a simple adjustment, you can attach a drill chuck which turns your table saw into a drilling or polishing tool.
Often with miniature versions of tools, you find that they may feel flimsy and almost seem like glorified toys. However, the Bachin Mini Table Saw bucks that trend. It has a 3mm steel frame, which makes it very durable and ensures that your materials remain flat for high-quality cutting.
One drawback of the Bachin Mini Table Saw is that it can’t cope with bevel cuts or making any sort of angled cut.
This table saw runs smoothly and doesn’t make a lot of noise, so it’s a good choice for hobbyists to use at home.
Pros
- Durable given its size
- Quiet
- Ideal for crafts and small tasks
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- No instructions in the box
Specifications
- Type: Mini
- Blade Size: 4″
- Rip Capacity: Not Stated
- Motor Power: 24V
- Includes Stand: No
- Dimensions: 9.45″ x 7.87″ x 4.53″
Conclusion
The Bachin Mini Table Saw is perfect for people working on crafts and small projects, without needing to fire up a full-sized table saw. With a quick adjustment, you can use the same tool to drill or polish your project, which saves you a lot of space in the workshop or at home.
SawStop CNS175-SFA30 10-Inch Contractor Saw
The SawStop CNS175-SFA30 is one of SawStop’s most versatile table saws.
Not only does it come with a 10-inch blade and a standard table that measures 20 x 27-inch but it also offers you the choice of extensions: 36-inch T-glide fence assembly or 52-inch T-glide fence assembly. With these extensions, you can make rip cuts up to 30-1/2-inches to the right and 16.5 inches to the left.
While most home users won’t need the power or size of a larger table saw, the SawStop CNS175 contractor table saw fits the bill if you do suddenly find yourself needing to work on a substantial home DIY project.
This versatile saw will enable you to make all the cuts you can imagine. Crosscuts, rip cuts, bezel cuts and miter cuts are a complete breeze. You can even make dado cuts by switching to the optional dado saw blade.
The 1.75Hp motor spins the blade with speeds up to 3000 RPM and can cut up to a 2-1/4 inch depth at 45 degrees. When the blade is straight, you can make cuts up to 3-1/8 inches deep. The miter gauge is extremely accurate.
The SawStop CNS175-SFA30 has been designed to keep your work steady. From the sturdy cast-iron frame to the two-miter slots, your project will not suffer from vibrations interfering with your cutting accuracy.
Although this is one of the most powerful table saws, it’s also one of the safest, so you needn’t feel daunted by it. The SawStop CNS175-SFA30 will bring the blade to a full stop in less than 5 milliseconds if it detects human skin.
Pros
- Very large rip capacity, with a 30-inch rip capacity
- Robust with a cast-iron frame
- Versatile with add-ons such as dado blades and an extension table
Cons
- Heavy
Specifications
- Type: Contractor
- Blade Size: 10″
- Rip Capacity: 30″
- Motor Power: 14-amp, 120V, 1.75HP
- Includes Stand: Yes
- Dimensions: 58-1/2″ x 40″ x 34-3/4″
Conclusion
Although the SawStop CNS175-SFA30 has a price tag that’s not for the faint-hearted, you’re getting a robust, durable tool that will take care of all your woodworking needs. It’s a tool suited to both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.
For more information on best table saws, see The 7 Best Table Saws in 2021.
Bonus Review: KREG KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System
Every professional and hobbyist woodworker should have a miter gauge in their toolbox.
A miter gauge allows you to set the angle of your material accurately on your table saw. Most table saws come with built-in miter gauges, but for precision you can rely on, you should always look for a purpose-built miter gauge.
The Kreg KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System is pre-calibrated with positive stops at 0, 10, 22-1/2, 30, and 45 degrees, straight out of the box.
Made from durable aluminum, this precision tool is made to last and allows you to prescribe your desired angle to 1/10th of a degree.
If you’re looking to add a miter gauge to your tool kit or replace a built-in miter gauge on your table saw, the Kreg KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System is ideal.
The Final Word
As with any tool, you should be looking to buy the best quality table saw that you can afford. But spending more money doesn’t necessarily equate to better quality. The RIDGID Pro Jobsite Table Saw is a reasonably-priced option that cuts accurately and quickly, with some excellent safety features that other comparable table saws don’t offer.
If you’re strapped for cash, you’ll get a decent job site table saw for your money with the Ryobi RTS12 Jobsite Table Saw. It’s certainly up to most tasks that the average home user is likely to undertake.