Even the tiniest projects require a saw of some kind. Whether you are cutting your own boards or making a template for an already-cut board, there is no substitute for using a table saw.
Table Saws (also known as Bench Saw) are one of the most versatile tools in the woodshop. There are many blade types (dado, crosscut, ripping) and material types (wood, plywood, melamine) that you can use to get different cuts and effects. They have a myriad of features to create the perfect cut for any job: riving knife for improved safety; dust port to keep your shop clean; variable speed controls with an emergency stop button – there’s really no end to what a table saw can do.
Most often this is the power saw of woodworkers, whether they’re table saws for beginners or professionals.
This article will explore the world of table saws, providing an overview of what makes them so useful, and giving some help to those looking to buy their first one. We have also included our list of top-rated table saws for your convenience!
Don’t have time To read? No worries!
Below are our top picks for your convenience
Dweller Power’s Best Pick
Best Table Saw
DeWalt DWE7491RS
- Feature Heavy
- Easy to Set Up
- Most Accurate Cuts
- Best Table Saw for 2021
Best Portable Table Saw
DeWALT DW7485
- Lightweight
- Packs a punch
- Durable
- Best Portable Table Saw
Best Contractor Table Saw
Delta Power Tools 36-5100
- Spacious Extension Table
- High Rip Capacity
- Powerful Motor
- Best Contractor Table Saw
Best Jobsite Table Saw
Bosch 4100 – 10“
- Quiet Cutting
- Soft Start Circuitry
- Smart Guard System
- Best Jobsite Table Saw
Best Hybrid Table Saw
Powermatic PM1000
- Accu Fence System
- Tool-less Guard Assembly
- Ergonomic Handwheels
- Best Hybrid Table Saw
Best Cabinet Table Saw
SawStop PCS175-TGP236
- SawStop Safety System
- 1.75 HP Powerful Motor
- Sturdy Cast Iron Base
- Best Cabinet Table Saw
Best Budget Table Saw
TACKLIFE TABLE SAW 10-Inch
- 15 Amp Motor
- Aluminum Extendable Tables
- Sizeable Max Cut
- Best Budget Table Saw
7 Best Table Saws for 2021
#1 DeWalt DWE7491RS – Best Table Saw
Features:
- Max rip to left of blade – 22” | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2” | Max width of Dado – 13/16” | Arbor size – 5/8” | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45° – 2-1/4” | Depth of cut at 90° – 3-1/8” | No Load Speed: 4800 RPM
- Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
- Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Features a 15.0A high torque motor with the power to cut pressure treated lumber and hardwoods
Compared to its predecessor, the DeWalt DW745, the DeWalt DWE7491RS overpowers all of its features. The DWE7491RS has a longer blade and more powerful drill with more power and a larger 3.5″ cut capacity. It’s also made for working with a prime accurate cut.
Review:
The DeWALT DWE7491RS weighs around 90 pounds, which is kind of on the heavier side for a portable table saw, but it still easy to move around and store when you are done using it, just be sure to use the handles for extra support if you need it.
The 22 inch blade makes cutting long materials and wide boards a breeze and is easily changeable out too (that’s a big plus in my book). It comes with the standard 32-½ inch rip capacity, which is plenty for most jobs.
The powerful 15 amp motor of this DeWALT Table Saw can handle a maximum cutting depth of 2- ¼” into the material.
Safety features come standard on this saw as well, including anti-kickback pawls, an electronic brake, wood stop/router bits and an arbor lock. It also includes a Pinion Fence for fast fence adjustments. Also to add are its s integrated dust port and anti-kickback device.
The saw comes with 2 guide rails (front and rear) for safety and stability, and a nice set of standard features to go along with it.
The saw is great for cutting long pieces of wood like two-by or even four-by lumber. This saw has the power to work on a variety of materials using different blade configurations: dado, rip, miter, bevel cuts, miter cuts, and more. It’s also good for cutting boards too. The cast-iron table can handle all types of materials you can throw at it too – up to 1″ thick.
If you are looking for a table saw that can handle long wide boards, it provides plenty of cutting power, plus has most of the safety features that you would expect from a DeWALT Table Saw like this. With all the features, all for an affordable price, it’s no wonder the DWE7491RS is included in our best table saws for the money review.
Pros:
- Feature Heavy
- Easy to Set Up
- Most Accurate Cut
- Best Table Saw for 2021
Cons:
- Price may be an issue
#2 DeWALT DW7485 –
Best Portable Table Saw
Features:
- Portability: Compact size for ease of transportation and storage
- Easy adjustments: Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Variety of cuts: 24.5 inches of rip capacity for ripping 4×8 plywood or OSB sheets
- Power: 15 Amp, 5800 rpm motor
- Onboard storage: Onboard storage provides easy access to the site pro guarding components and push stick when not in use
- Guaranteed tough: Metal roll cage ensures job site durability
Review:
The DeWalt DW7485 table saw, a portable upgraded version of the DeWalt DW745 is one of the best portable table saws on the market today. It’s lightweight, easy to use and it has a lot of power for its size. The first thing you’ll notice when you get to your jobsite is that this is a very solidly built saw with an extremely stable cast iron table and wonderful mobile base.
You also won’t have to worry about any wobbling with this saw since it has an extra heavy-duty steel frame construction.
Like the DeWalt DW745, The DW7485 portable saw model comes with a 15 amp motor which can rip through material up to 6 inches thick when put on the maximum height extension base.
It’s a very affordable portable saw and if you want a true, well-built, portable table saw for your home or mobile job site then look no further than this model.
Specific materials and applications include: Woods – this table saw is perfect for cutting a wide range of wood boards from hardwoods such as oak, walnut, maple and cherry, to softwoods like pine and cedar. It can rip down wood pieces up to 2 ½” thick.
Plastic – This saw can cut a variety of softwood materials including PVC. The size of the piece you need will determine the type of blade you need to cut it since this saw has three different blade configurations that range from 8 inches up to 12 inches in thickness.
Clear or Colour-coated MDF – This saw can cut both types of material using its standard rip fence and miter gauge. The thickness of the piece you are cutting will determine which blade configuration to use.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Packs a punch
- Durable
- Best Portable Table Saw
Cons:
- Packaging may be a problem
- Slower to Cut that others
#3 Delta Power Tools 36-5100 –
Best Contractor Table Saw
Features:
- Powerful 15 Amp Contractor Grade motor easily handles hardwoods
- 30 Inch Rip Capacity handles large stock and 13/16 in. X 8 in. STACKED DADO CAPACITY
- Legendary Biesmeyer Fence Accurate to 1/64”
- Smooth and dependable adjustable belt drive table saw
- 13/16 in. X 8 in. STACKED DADO CAPACITY
- Cast iron table top with 2 steel extension wings
- Heavy duty one piece rail system for precision cuts every time
Review:
This contractor saw is a contractor’s dream. It has an electric motor that delivers up to 3,500 rpms and the blade can cut through material up to 12 inches thick. Famous for its 30 inch rip capacity, it provides a 3-1/8 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inch cutting depth at 45 degrees.
The contractor saw also includes a 40 inch cast iron extension table, which can be used for ripping or crosscutting your materials. And with its telescoping rip fence; you’ll have one of the most accurate set-ups ever. The powerful motor on this contractor table saw is specifically designed for heavy-duty cutting applications and it comes with variable speed and an emergency stop button for added safety when using the blade attachments.
Add-on accessories that you can purchase with this contractor table saw, includes a miter gauge, mobile base, 2 extension wings, carbide blade, and blade guard. Overall, this saw is one of the best contractor table saw if you can afford it. However, if you’re on a tighter budget there are also other affordable contractor table saw alternatives on the market.
With all these features, this is the best contractor saw on our list – hands down!
Pros:
- Spacious Extension Table
- High Rip Capacity
- Powerful Motor
- Best Contractor Table Saw
Cons:
- Fence Rail may be missing in the delivery
#4 Bosch 4100 – 10″ –
Best Jobsite Table Saw
Features:
- Powerful table saw – has 15-Amp saw with 4. 0 max HP and 3, 650 rpm, for rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materials
- Dimensions: 37.7″ D x 29.4″ W x 19.4″ H | Product Weight: 110 lb
- Large cast aluminum top – provides increased work space and material support with a 30 In. ripping capacity
- Soft-start circuitry – manages intensity of motor start-up and minimizes the likelihood possibility of tripping a circuit breaker
- Constant Response circuitry – helps maintain speed under load
- Restart protection – helps to avoid accidental startup
- Portability – works seamlessly with the included lighter GTA47W Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand for easy jobsite mobility, with single-action setup and take down
- Smart Guard System – riving knife and anti-kickback pawls provide protection, while the guard assembly provides a barrier to help prevent blade contact while allowing an unobstructed view of the cut
Review:
The Bosch 4100-10″ Job Site Saw is a great jobsite table saw for the price. It’s lightweight at just 110 pounds, which makes it easy to use when cutting material on the job site. And, at 29.4 inches wide, it can fit into workspaces with ease.
With a powerful 15 AMP motor that can reach up to 3,650 RPMS – this jobsite saw is best for rip-cutting and crosscutting fine and rough workpieces with a guaranteed accurate cut.
It features an accurate table saw miter gauge and has a quick release miter slot for fast adjustments that are square right out of the box. The blade height can be set anywhere from 1/8 inch up to 3 1/4 inch in .25 inch increments which is perfect for various types of cuts like cross-cutting or beveling drywall and shingles. This Job Site Table Saw is very versatile saw that comes in handy for many applications.
The blade of this job site table saw is made of high-quality steel that runs all the way up to 4-1/2 inch thick at the fence. And, since it’s a 10 inch table saw, its width is perfect for cutting through small pieces of material up to 18 inches thick.
There are several different jobsite table saws on the market right now but if you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful one, then the Bosch 4100-10″ Compact Job Site Saw is definitely worth checking out!
Pros:
- Quiet Cutting
- Soft Start Circuitry
- Smart Guard System
- Best Jobsite Table Saw
Cons:
- Rolling Stand not durable
- Rolling Stand Wheels may get stuck
#5 Powermatic PM1000 –
Best Hybrid Table Saw
Features:
- EFFICIENCY: A blade surround and collection hose provide an unobstructed path, maximizing dust collection.
- SIMPLICITY: Arbor lock allows for one-handed blade changes, with minimal tools.
- COMFORT: Ergonomically-designed 7” handwheels provide momentum (making blade height and bevel adjustments easy).
- STURDY: Precision-ground cast iron work surface features a beveled edge for smoother operation.
- SAFETY: Tool-less guard assembly with independent side leaves is easy to use, maximizing safety.
Review:
The Powermatic PM1000 10-Inch Hybrid Table Saw is an excellent choice for the professional carpenter or contractor. It’s a hybrid table saw with easy to use features that helps beginners learn the ins and outs of this tool. If you’re a do-it-yourself homeowner or are trying to cut down on your expenses, then this may not be the best option for you.
It has all of the features you would expect in a high end job site saw including an adjustable fence, dust collection port, and blade guards. The 30 inch rip capacity allows for cuts up to 12 inches wide which is more than enough for your average project.
The Powermatic PM1000 perfect for someone that wants to feel more comfortable using a table saw without the added bulk and weight of a cabinet saw.
It’s definitely one of the better hybrid table saws on the market but at a higher price. If you are looking for a hybrid job site saw with all the features and power you would expect from a professional then this is the one for you. Just be prepared to shell out a few extra bucks on this one.
Pros:
- Accu Fence System
- Tool-less Guard Assembly
- Ergonomic Handwheels
- Best Hybrid Table Saw
Cons:
- May be considered as a Cabinet Table Saw
- Heavy
- Hard to Assemble
#6 SawStop PCS175-TGP236 –
Best Cabinet Table Saw
Features:
- 36-INCH T-GLIDE FENCE ASSEMBLY: The 36-inch T-Glide Fence & Rail are made of heavy-gauge steel for sure lockdown and reliably square cutting for years without deflection.
- SAWSTOP PATENTED SAFETY SYSTEM: Stops a spinning blade on contact with skin. The blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, and drops below the table, minimizing a potentially life-altering injury to a mere scratch.
- UNMATCHED QUALITY: The trunnion and arbor are built for precision, strength and stability. The gas piston elevation delivers smooth and easy adjustability. Table flatness is measured diagonally at 0.010” maximum gap.
- DUST COLLECTION: 99% dust collection is delivered above the table with the available dust collection blade guard (Model # TSG-DC, sold separately), and below the table with advanced shrouding around the blade. Available Overarm Dust Collection (Model # TSA-ODC, sold separately) routes dust away from the blade and into the 4” port.
- RELIABILITY: The Control Box houses the on-off switch, power paddle, and on-board computer, and constantly checks that all systems are working to reliably keep you safe.
Review:
This saw is perfect for the professional who needs more power and precision. This saw is a cabinet saw with a 1.75 HP – 14 Amp motor with an induction vibration control system. The blade on this model is made of high quality steel and can be set anywhere from 1/8 inch up to 10 inches in increments of 1/2 inch.
Safety features include: a SawStop Safety System that has zero-clearance design; an arbor lock; an electronic brake; anti-kickback pawls and many others for your safety when using the blade attachments such as: dado, rip, miter cuts, miter cuts and bevel cuts.
The cabinet saw can be tilted from -5 degrees to 45 degrees in both positive and negative directions and offers a 33-3/8 inch rip capacity. The table has a cast iron surface and is equipped with anti-kickback pawls, carbide T-blade snip and positive stops.
The blade cover for this best cabinet table saw is made of cast iron and the table saw is capable of supporting up to 500 pounds.
It has been mentioned that this tool provides the highest level of safety available in a cabinet table saw. The machine uses a technology called SawStop to detect any potential hazards for injury should they occur during use, which, according to SawStop will automatically brake the blade before it comes in contact with your body.
This saw is very expensive and if your looking for a top-of-the-line table saw that has the highest level of safety currently available, this may be it.
Other amazing features include a T-Glide Fence to provide smooth operation on the expanded workspace.
Pros:
- SawStop Safety System
- 1.75 HP Powerful Motor
- Sturdy Cast Iron Base
- Best Cabinet Table Saw
Cons:
- Very Heavy
- Expensive
- Not for Beginners
#7 TACKLIFE TABLE SAW 10-Inch –
Best Budget Table Saw
Features:
- 15A motor is more powerful compared with regular table saws, very suitable for cutting hardwood materials
- 31 – 1/2” Rip capacity allow cutting a variety of large materials
- Aluminum table extendable on both sides, 25 -1/3” x 28 -1/3” aluminum table extends to 25 -1/3” x 36 – 1/5”
- Max cut depth is 2-4/5” at 90°and 2” at 45°
- Miter Gauge & Rip Fence provide variety and more precise cutting
- Dust cleaning efficiently by connecting with aspirator that has 1-3/8-inch
Review:
The TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch is the best budget table saw for people who are looking for a table saw that can provide them with a lot of versatility. The TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch is so great because it is so small, and it has an adjustable fence. This makes it really easy to cut anything you need it to, whether you want to use it as just a table saw or as something else such as a workbench.
It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal when you think about what the dimensions are on the thing and how much power is required in order to get through all cuts, but maybe we just haven’t seen enough to understand how much time this saves us.
The TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch is great because it has no problems going through any wood you put in front of it. It doesn’t matter if you are cutting through 2×4, 10 hardwood plywood sheets, or even 1/8″ stainless steel billets; this best budget table saw will cut it like butter. The only thing that will take more time than the cuts is setting up and breaking down the saw.
Although the TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch has a lot of great positives, it does have some bad parts as well. The motor isn’t really all that strong, and it takes forever for the TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch to get up to a decent speed.
Overall, though, we love the TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch because of its budget-friendly option, and how much versatility it provides us with our woodworking projects.
Pros:
- 15 Amp Motor
- Aluminum Extendable Tables
- Sizeable Max Cut
- Best Budget Table Saw
Cons:
- Not as powerful as the others
- May need a warmup after starting
Dweller Power’s Table Saw Buying Guide
Motor
The motor should be capable of withstanding a lot of straining without wearing down. This is especially the case when ripping through hardwoods. The motor should also be able to cut through aluminum with ease.
With all kinds of projects, you will be sure that a 12 amp motor and above is more than enough for your needs.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity is based on how far away you are from the blade. If your fence can only reach a max distance from the blade of 24 inches, then your maximum ripping capacity will also be 24 inches. Ideally, it should provide enough room for both cross-cutting and ripping capabilities if possible.
Common cutting capacities are 28, 30, and 50 inches.
Miter Gauge
The saw’s miter gauge should be sturdy and well-made. It should also have an accurate scale and hold down the workpiece firmly.
Blade Guard
The blade guard is mandatory for all table saws because it prevents the user from getting cut by the blade. Blade guards are available in various styles such as cast or stamped steel, plastic, or aluminum.
Riving Knife
A good table saw will come with a riving knife which helps reduce kickback when cutting through thick materials.
Dust Collection
One of the most important features of a table saw is the dust collection. The saw must have an enclosed blade area and be able to collect all of the dust generated during cutting. The best table saws will also come with different kinds of dust collection systems or dust collection ports, for different materials and applications.
Table Saw Stand & Folding Stand
Table saw stands and folding stands are used for tasks and jobs from and to the jobsite. They fold up, so they are portable, and easy to store away when they are not in use.
In general, the best table saw stands do not have any shelves or a variety of sturdy brackets to hold equipment or tools in place like a regular workbench does. When you want to turn your table saw into a folding stand, there is usually some assembly required.
These mostly come in handy for portable and job site table saws because it helps you make do and get right into sawing regardless of the environment you’re in.
Fence System
It is important for the fence system to be accurate and well-made. This is because this will ensure that no blade snagging issues happen when cutting through many heavy materials. The best table saws will have a T-slot type of construction for the table and some fence systems are made of steel or aluminum.
Pinion Fence
A fence system with a pinion fence has a vertical post that is perpendicular to the saw blade. The Pinion Fence will help you make consistent and accurate crosscuts without having to measure or adjust the fence for every cut. It also prevents slippage when cutting long lengths of materials which then, in turn, prevents any irregularities on the cut line.
Telescoping Fence
An expandable telescoping fence model is a safe option for homeowners looking to use it for small projects. However, there are some drawbacks as well which are listed below: As you can see in the above image, there are quite a few different capacities available. When comparing various table saws on this list, you may find the quality and cost differences to be relevant.
Rip Fence
A quality table saw will have a rip fence that is positioned so the wood can be fed straight through. The blade should also align with the rip fence for the best accuracy.
Blade Wrench
A blade wrench is a tool that helps loosen or tighten the nuts on the arbor of a table saw. Blade wrenches are usually only used when changing blades. They can make it easier to get the nut turned without stripping it.
They can either be ratcheting or non-ratcheting and this will depend on your preference according to the kind of wrench you need for your cutting style and needs. A blade wrench should always have an arbor hole with a hexagonal shape, so that all models will fit securely inside.
Carbide Blade
In general, carbide blades are used for cutting a variety of metals that would otherwise dull the blade. Carbide blades have a high rated and is able to cut ferrous, non-ferrous, or semi-ferrous metals.
This type of table saw blade is generally more expensive than non-carbide blades but they are worth it because they last much longer. You should also note that carbide blades should only be used on miter saws and table saws because they will damage other types of blade material.
Dado Blade
This is one other kind of Saw Blade available in the market.
There are three predominant Table Saw Dado Blades in the market that you can use.
These include:
Hook Blade
Hook blades, which have teeth on either one side or both sides of the blade. This is a good option for ripping and cross cuts.
Non-sawtooth Blade
Non-sawtooth blades, which has a thin profile with teeth on one side and a smooth surface on the other side. It is best for ripping and cross cutting.
Sawtooth Blade
Sawtooth blades, which has teeth that cut in both directions from its blade’s edge; this blade can’t be used to rip because it will need to cut in two directions at the same time. It is best for making dadoes when attaching trim or edging
Table Saw Alternatives:
Circular Saw
This is a handy type of saw that you can use for making deep cuts. A circular saw is the one tool that you should have in your arsenal to get the job done. This is because it has the right kind of blade and teeth to get through materials like wood, metal, and plastic without breaking a sweat. One thing to look out for when selecting a circular saw is blade diameter as this will determine what types of materials it is able to cut through efficiently.
Cordless Circular Saw: These are ideal for quick jobs around your house since they don’t need an outlet or cords which might be inconvenient due to their length. They are also great if you plan on cutting in places where there are no outlets such as your attic.
Miter Saw
A miter saw is a woodworking tool that’s used for making angled cuts, which is a very useful skill to have in the construction industry or home improvement because many projects require you to make several cuts at once, usually on an angle.
It’s very basic and easy to learn how to use, unlike other more advanced woodworking tools like jointers or table saws. A miter saw can also be used for trimming workpieces and it’s great for cutting curves and decorative parts of wood including molding and crown moldings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a worm drive table saw?
How to Pick a Table Saw with a Folding Stand?
While you can use any table saw with an old-style, non-folding stand on your workbench or work area, such models do lack some portability benefits. You will need to store them in the garage or basement when not in use, for example. That means fewer options for immediate jobs requiring quick setup and breakdown of the tool.
Which is better direct drive or belt drive table saw?
In comparison, belt drive saws use two separate belts: one fo the main shaft and one on the motor itself. Additionally, manufacturers will often add gears together with both belts to ensure the same tooth count. It’s not uncommon to see a three-belt model in this category if you want to maximize support.
What is the best height for a table saw?
For safety reasons, it is recommended to provide clearance for a power cord as well.
Best Table Saw
Final Thoughts
This ends our Review Series for the Best Table Saw.
With all that said, remember that to maximize efficiency in your work-shed and workshop projects, you need the Best Table Saw. The Best 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!
