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One of the most important tools in a woodworking shop is the table saw. The table saw is used to make long or wide boards into shorter, more manageable pieces, and to provide a precise cut for thin pieces of wood to create different designs.
There are many different types of table saws on the market today, and it can be difficult for a customer to determine which one will be best for his or her needs. It is important for someone who wants to purchase a saw on their own without help from an expert salesman because they will have no way of knowing if they’re being fooled into buying something that they don’t need-or that won’t work as well as they expected it would.
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Why Choose A Contractor Table Saw?
A contractor table saw is a medium-sized table sawthat will have the capacity of slicing wood in board and sheet sizes. They are capable of cutting wood with a thickness up to about 12″+.
There are different types of blade choices available, including those for rip cuting cross cutting, and dadoes. The contractor table saw is best bundled with the best table saw blades, and it also has a standard depth and height adjustment fence system and comes equipped with standard safety features.
These features include a cross-cut tension control, a blade stop, and an adjustable fence. It also has a work stop that prevents the board from moving forward under the blade so that you don’t have to worry about your fingers getting cut on the moving blades.
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Below are our top picks for your convenience
Dweller Power’s Best Pick
Best Contractor Table Saw
Powermatic 1791227K
- Accu Fence System
- 1 1/2 HP Single Phase Motor
- Blade Tilt for Bevel Cut
- T-Slot Miter Gauge
- Best Contractor Table Saw
Best Budget Contractor Table Saw
Rikon Contractor Saw
- Powerful 1 3/4 HP Motor
- Multi-Ribbed Flat J-Belt
- Cast Iron Table Top & Wings
- Magnetic Table Insert
- Best Budget Contractor Table Saw
Best Contractor Table Saw for the Money
Delta 36-5052T2
- 15 Amp Contractor Grade Motor
- 52″ Rip Capacity for Large Stock
- Smooth Adjustable Belt Drive
- Biesmeyer Fence
- Best Contractor Table Saw for the Money
Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
Jet JPS-10
- ProShop Fence System
- Patented Arbor Lock
- Cast Iron Base
- Exclusive Leg Stand for Portability
- Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
Best Value Contractor Table Saw
Powermatic 1791230K
- Accu Fence System
- Quick Release Riving Knife
- Cast Iron Trunnion
- Micro-Adjust Miter Gauge
- Best Value Contractor Table Saw
The 5 Best Contractor
Table Saw
#1 Powermatic 1791227K –
Best Contractor Table Saw
The Powermatic 1791227K is a contractor table saw that has been designed for professional contractors. The Powermatic 1791227K’s quality parts provide superior performance and accuracy. The table, fence, and blade of the Powermatic 1791227K are specifically designed to offer more stability.
Review:
The high strength steel blade provides smooth and accurate cutting action to enable reduced effort in tackling projects with precision. The Powermatic 1791227K also offers a 1 ½ HP motor and an inertia switch that provides quick start cutting. The Powermatic 1791227K’s table is 70 x 32 x 34 and the stand comes with a 3″ but notched cast iron extension wing. This allows the contractor table saw to be used with larger crosscuts.
This table saw was made in the USA and meets all North American safety standards, which are required to cut wood. The powermatic 1791227K also meets European standards, which are similar, and it has a 5 warranty. This warranty is valid for parts and labor and may be used under the following conditions: if you should return the contractor table saw to any dealer for repair; if you should file a claim against your Powermatic 1791227K within 5 years of purchase; or if the manufacturer inspects the product during this period and determines that one of these conditions applies. The Powermatic 1791227K is delivered in a heavy-duty crate and includes a mobile base.
The Powermatic 1791227K contractor table saw has proved to be very popular, with more than 2000 model numbers sold since the day it was first introduced. The Powermatic 1791227K contractor table saw will prove to be an excellent investment to contractors who like a precise cut finish for wood efficiently. It is also to be considered as one of the best table saws available to contractors and is also one of the best table saw for beginners into fine woodworking.
By reviews online and our own, and by industry-standard in woodworking, the Powermatic 1791227K is the best contractor table saw.
Pros:
- Accu Fence System
- 1 1/2 HP Single Phase Motor
- Blade Tilt for Bevel Cut
- T-Slot Miter Gauge
- Best Contractor Table Saw
Cons:
- Packaging may be a problem
#2 Rikon 10 Contractor Saw –
Best Budget Contractor Table Saw
Review:
The Rikon 10in. Contractor Saw has a motor that is 1 ¾ HP and powers the table saw blade at 3,450 RPM. This makes cutting through any wood from soft to hard and thick quick and easy. The blade of the Rikon 10in. Contractor Saw adjusts with ease due to its telescoping fence design for perfect results every time you cut.
Anyone who purchases this budget contractor table saw will be able to resize any project with precision because this saw offers an excellent accuracy guarantee of 1/10th inch when ripping 2x material at 45 degrees, 1-1/2″ when crosscutting 3x material at 90 degrees, and 1″ when crosscutting 2x material at a 45 degree angle on the miter gauge.
The Rikon 10in. Contractor Saw has a cast iron table that is 27″ x 40″, and the frame of this contractor table saw weighs 200 pounds. The Rikon 10in. Contractor Saw has a convenient dust port and comes with a 3-1/2 inch dust port.
Being the best budget contractor table saw, the Rikon is also mobile, so it can be easily moved around the job site, and it offers enough power to cut any thick material with ease. This means that anyone who purchases this contractor table saw will be able to slice wood regardless of how thick or thin it is or how heavy it is because of the powerful motor.
A con of the Rikon is that the miter gauge isn’t highly precise, so aiming to get one of the best table saw miter gauges in the market is a better option.
Pros:
- Powerful 1 3/4 HP Motor
- Multi-Ribbed Flat J-Belt
- Cast Iron Table Top & Wings
- Magnetic Table Insert
- Best Budget Contractor Table Saw
Cons:
- Online ratings are few
#3 Delta 36-5052T2 –
Best Contractor Table Saw for the Money
Review:
Delta 36-5052T2 is a contractor table saw that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. There are many different features of this model that make it one of the best contractors on the market for this price range, such as an adjustable fence system and powerful blade guard.
The Delta 36-5052T2 table saw has a motor that is 1 ¾ HP and blades with dimensions of 10″ .The extruded cast iron base affords maximum stability, while still being lightweight enough to be easily transported to jobsites. This model also offers easy blade changes due to its push button arbor release mechanism, as well as a very durable steel out feed support with stops.
This contractor table saw also has metal construction and weighs in at about 260 pounds. This means that it is very stable and sturdy, while still having the ability to be a table saw that’s easily moved around a job site. The Delta 36-5052T2 table saw offers plenty of power for contractors and hobbyists without taking up too much space or being too heavy to move while still offering plenty of power.
Although the Delta 36-5052T2’s fence system does not offer total collapsibility, it does offer a 10” adjustment capacity, which can make up for some of its other shortcomings. This means that anyone who purchases this table saw will be able to make cuts with much more precision when cutting thicker or more difficult wood, as well as being able to make cuts at multiple angles.
The Delta 36-5052T2 has large and easy-to-read dials, the arbor lock is very safe, and the tension lever is easy to use. This means that anyone who purchases this table saw will also be able to easily adjust their settings and have these adjustments remain correct no matter if they are cutting hardwood or softwood at various angles.
With all its features, with no compromise for a lower price, the Delta 36-5052T2 is the best contractor table saw for the money.
Pros:
- 15 Amp Contractor Grade Motor
- 52″ Rip Capacity for Large Stock
- Smooth Adjustable Belt Drive
- Biesmeyer Fence
- Best Contractor Table Saw for the Money
Cons:
- Extension Table not completely flat
- Extension Stands may bend
#4 Jet JPS-10 –
Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
Review:
The JET JPS-10 contractor table saw is one of the most portable saw models around. This small, lightweight saw offers plenty of power and can be transported almost anywhere because it weighs in at only 260 pounds and is equipped with a JET exclusive Leg Stand that can be brought anywhere.
This means that contractors who travel a lot will be able to cut any type of wood, no matter how heavy or thick it is, and still have the convenience of freedom on their job site.
The JET JPS-10 contractor portable table saw is an excellent choice for people who want something lightweight and easy to move on a job site. This model has a powerful 10″ blade, which provides 1 ½ HP at 4500 RPM’s for quick cutting in both soft or hardwood.
What’s amazing is that the JET JPS-10 is also known to be one of the best hybrid table saws available in the market. It is not that hard to see why this is so, as the JPS-10 offers amazing features from both a contractor table saw and a cabinet table saw.
A unique feature of this saw is the ability to cut multiple angles at once with the electronic click-stop arbor, which makes it easy for anyone to make cuts at any height needed on their wood without having to do any calculations themselves.
Pros:
- ProShop Fence System
- Patented Arbor Lock
- Cast Iron Base
- Exclusive Leg Stand for Portability
- Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
Cons:
- Packaging may be a problem
- Shipping may be a problem
#5 Powermatic 1791230K –
Best Value Contractor Table Saw
Review:
The Powermatic 1791230K contractor table saw’s quality parts provide superior performance and accuracy. The Powermatic 1791230K is meant for professional contractors. This table, fence, and blade of the Powermatic 1791230K are specifically designed to offer more stability.
The high strength steel blade provides smooth and accurate cutting action to enable reduced effort in tackling projects with precision. The powermatic 1791230k also offers a 1 ¾ HP motor and an inertia switch that provides quick start cutting.
The Powermatic 1791230k’s table is 70” x 32” x 34” and the stand comes with a 3″ but notched cast iron extension wing which allows the contractor table saw to be used with larger crosscuts. The cut depth at 90 degrees is 7-1/8″, at 45 degrees it is 4-5/8″ and the saw’s rip capacity is 30″ with an increase of 1-1/4″ per revolution. The rip fence has a 20″ capacity including the 3″-butted portion and the bevel capacity is 48°, 50° or 55°.
The Powermatic 1791230k’s blade guard system features a retractable lower guard that has an adjustable upper guard that allows for safer use. The contractor table saw offers a reduction gearbox for high speed cutting and low speeds when making fine adjustments to the bevel or angle cuts on woodworking projects. The Powermatic 1791230k contractor table saw is made in the USA and meets all North American safety standards, which are required to cut wood.
A great thing to know about the Powermatic 1791230K is that it is also considered as a cabinet table saw by some industry professionals, and fittingly so as it can be one of the best cabinet table saws as well.
Pros:
- Accu Fence System
- Quick Release Riving Knife
- Cast Iron Trunnion
- Micro-Adjust Miter Gauge
- Best Value Contractor Table Saw
Cons:
- Blow fuses may happen
- Packaging may be a problem
Dweller Power’s Contractor Table Saw
Buying Guide
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of the contractor table saw should be considered when selecting a model. The size of the blade determines the maximum amount of wood that can be cut before needing to change out blades. A contractor table saw will often come with a 10″ or 12″ blade with about a 7-1/8″ cut depth at 90 degrees, 4-5/8″ at 45 degrees, and 30″ rip capacity due to the cast iron extension wing.
Cast Iron Table
Cast iron tables are often preferred and required for contractor table saws because of their durability and stability. A cast iron table is more durable than a cast aluminum one, which can often become warped or bent from heavy duty use.
In addition to creating more stable cuts, the cast iron also eliminates any chance of the blade wobbling when cutting through tough grain patterns in hardwood boards. This means that a contractor table saw with a cast iron table will be able to cut through large amounts of wood without having to worry about where or how it’s cut.
Fence System
The fence system should be explored when considering a contractor table saw. The fence system and blade guard provide a sense of safety for the user by limiting what they can cut.
Adjustable Expandable Outfeed Support Rails
The fence system on some models of contractor table saws includes an adjustable expandable outfeed support rail which helps users by providing stability and support to larger crosscuts that are supported from either side by two rails.
Rip Fence
Some models of contractor table saws also have a rip fence which allows for the measurement and adjustment of cutting widths. The rip fence is also used to set miter angles for bevel and miters on board materials.
Safety System
Blade Guard System
The blade guard system should be looked at when considering what the best contractor table saws may look like. The blade guard protects from injuries by limiting where and how the user can cut wood. It is created from an assembly of movable parts that “deflect” any moving parts towards each other, so if a piece of wood gets caught in between them, it will break instead of harm the user will remain safe.
Riving Knife
A riving knife is a blade that attaches to the saw’s arbor, below the table. A thin layer of metal between the blade and a hole in the table separates them from contact while cutting.
The purpose of a riving knife is to minimize kickback, which happens when some material gets caught between the blade and edge of an open slot for it on the table saw. The result can be very dangerous as it may cause both parts to spin rapidly toward each other with great force, and often results in serious injury or death.
Anti Kickback Pawl
The anti-kickback pawl operates automatically, but can be remotely activated by the operator through a foot pedal. It works by catching material that may be thrown back from the blade as a result of kickback.
Blade Brake
A blade brake is an apparatus that stops the spinning blade in times of emergency. The purpose of the Blade brake is to avoid injuries and accidents by stopping the blades from spinning. This happens when a kickback occurs, or if someone gets too close to the blade.
Dust Collection Port
A dust collection port is an opening that is built into the contractor table saw and connects directly to a dust collector. The port can help create cleaner cuts by collecting the sawdust created when cutting wood with the contractor table saw.
Contractor Table Saw Comparison
Contractor Table Saw vs Cabinet Table Saw
A cabinet saw is more powerful than a contractor table saw. Cabinet saws are typically used by people who run a woodworking business and need to cut large amounts of wood at one time.
A contractor saw is a medium-sized table saw that will have the capacity of slicing wood in board and sheet sizes. They are capable of cutting wood with a thickness up to about 12″. Contractor table saws come equipped with standard safety features such as blade stop and an adjustable fence. They are also available in mobile models that can easily be transported from site to site without much hassle. If you are a woodworker that prefers to cut wood with a smaller contractor table, consider investing in a portable saw.
Portable contractors come equipped with more safety features than the standard cabinet type of contractor table saw. They are typically used in areas where safety is critical such as construction sites or garages that require indoor storage. Portable contractor table saws can be easily moved from one area to another by carrying them on their own base which also doubles as mobility when on site. Some portable contractors come with a mobile base, which allows them to be easily moved from site to site.
Contractor Table Saw vs Sliding Table Saw
A sliding table saw is the stationary version of the contractor table saw. They are made for use in construction areas or garages where people need to cut a lot of wood at once. A sliding table resembles a workbench with a fixed, heavy-duty, narrow blade on one side. It can be adjusted up and down to allow for various types and sizes of wood.
The stationary nature of these type of saws makes them more difficult to transport from site to site when compared with contractor table saws that can be carried on their base when not in use or transported by trailer when necessary. This type is also typically less expensive than cabinet types because their capacity for cutting smaller pieces of board is not as demanding as cabinet saw.
Contractor Table Saw vs Jobsite Table Saw
A jobsite saw is used for small, portable cutting jobs, such as cutting thin materials like plywood with a thickness up to about 1″. A Jobsite saw is most commonly found on construction sites and typically has rubber bumpers and steel rails to help protect them from the weather.
A contractor table saw is larger than a jobsite table saw because they have been designed for heavier duty projects. Their more powerful motors can handle heavier woodcuts. They are typically used for large, long-lasting jobs such as cutting large amounts of wood.
Contractor Table Saw vs Hybrid Table Saw
The best contractor table saw may look like the hybrid table saw. The hybrid table saw is a mix between contractor and cabinet types. It’s a heavier-duty contractor, typically with more power-consuming motors, but it can also be turned into a cabinet with extra attachments.
The power of the blades on these type of tables are different than that of contractors or cabinet saws. They can vary in size but they are all meant for heavy-duty use.
Contractor Table Saw vs Stationary Table Saw
Stationary table saws are the stationary version of the contractor table saw. Stationary table saws resembles a workbench with a fixed, heavy-duty, narrow blade on one side that can only be adjusted up and down to allow for different types of wood.
The power of the blades on these type of tables are different than that of contractors or cabinet saws. They can vary in size but they are all meant for heavy-duty use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a dado blade necessary for a contractor table saw?
Is a worm drive necessary for a contractor table saw?
Does the motor have an important role on the performance of the contractor table saw?
Is a transparent blade guard safe?
Is the Powermatic PM1000 a contractor table saw?
Is the DeWALT DWE7491RS considered a Contractor saw?
Is the DeWALT DW745 considered a contractor saw?
Is the Bosch GTS1031 a stationary saw?
Can a folding stand carry a contractor saw?
Are old table saws dangerous?
Can a Circular Saw overpower a Table Saw?
Can a contractor table saw do miter cuts accurately?
Is a contractor table saw considered a power tool?
Should I rewire my table saw switch?
Best Contractor Table Saw
Final Thoughts
This ends our Review Series for the Best Contractor Table Saw.
With all that said, remember that to maximize efficiency in your work-shed and workshop projects, you need the Best Contractor Table Saw. The Best Contractor Table Saw will be the key to your next project that requires intensive woodworking. So you better choose wisely!
We want you to be sure of what you plan to get, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
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Charles is a veteran woodworker and wants to help people online to learn more about woodworking. He hopes to encourage more people to build their own furniture and get comfortable with using power tools.
In this blog post, Charles shares a few tips for getting started on your DIY woodworking journey, plus all the resources and websites he recommends for learning the craft. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start from scratch!
