Best Table Saw 2018 Reviews & Ratings – Buyers Guide

Dewalt makes one of the BEST Table Saws for the money, plain and simple.. Don’t believe me?? Go to one or two job site’s and ask around… I’m a builder myself. This tool can handle a beating!

If the Dewalt brand doesn’t suit you, have a look at the Top 5 table saw ratings we curated below — See one we missed? It’s probably because they suck and shouldn’t be on anyone’s list!

…Want crappy tools? Watch a late night infomercial : )

You need a tool that will cut with precision into any material you’re working with from Pressure-treated, Cherry, Mahagony, Oak, and Maple wood — Having so many choices available in today’s market to sort through may seem like a terrific thing, but it can be a stressful experience.

Top 5 Table saw Comparison list

DeWalt	Bosch	Rigid	Makita	SKILSAW
Model: DW7491RS	Model: GTS1031	Model: R4516	Model: 2705	Model: SPT70-01
15amp motor	15amp motor	15amp motor	15amp motor	15amp motor
3 Year limited Warranty	1 Year	3 Year limited	1 Year	1 year
32.5″ Rip capacity	16″ Rip capacity	25″ Rip capacity	25″ Rip capacity	25″ Rip capacity
Weight: 60 lb	Weight: 64.8 lb	Weight: 95 lb	Weight: 85 lb	Weight: 49 lb
$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$$
(Editors Choice) Ratings: 4.8	Ratings: 4.5	Ratings: 4.3	Ratings: 4.7	Ratings: 4.1
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Bosch GTS1031 10-Inch Model

Here is the Bosch GTS1031 10″ Mini Table Saw delivers the ultimate durability and portability in one kick butt saw. It has balanced one-handed carrying handle that is made of steel and has a lightweight base. Bosch uses an advanced Smart Guard System, modular blade guard with a SquareLock Rip Fence for extreme accuracy. Users will enjoy the convenience of the on-board storage located under the table for many accessories. (Read our Full Review)

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Bosch 4100-09 with Gravity-Rise Stand

Here is the Bosch 4100-09 with Gravity-Rise Stand that is a part of the smart guard system with an incredible new design for portability. The improved design includes a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a blade guard. All of those features are modular and tool-free for fast and easy removal. The user-friendly blade guard comes with a split-guarding feature that will enhance the line of sight with the ultimate protection no matter the material. ( Read our full review)

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DEWALT DWE7491RS Model

Here is the Dewalt DWE7491RS that uses a Rip capacity of 32 -1/2″ that easily cuts various trim and shelving materials including narrow rip cuts with the flip-over ripping fence. A heavy-duty 15-amp motor rips through the hardwood material like butter. The strong and powerful tabletop delivers 3-1/8″ depth 90-degree cuts and 2-1/4″ cuts at 45 degrees. Users will enjoy the convenient dust collection port that can easily connect to a vacuum and is 2-inches. This is the best compact table saw for mobility while also including incredible on-board storage system for accessories. (Read our full review)

This has to be the best table saw for the money!

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DEWALT DW745 Compact Model

Here is the DEWALT DW745 with 20-Inch Max Rip Capacity – 120V that comes with a Site-Pro Modular Guarding System for specific application setups for fast and precise cuts. A powerful 15-amp motor combined with a portable design for a 20″ rip capacity. Includes a miter gauge, a push stick, blade guards and a Carbide blade that has a 24-tooth and is 10″. (Read our full review)

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DEWALT DWE7499GD Model

Here is the DEWALT DWE7499GD with Rolling Stand and Guard Detect that uses a Rip capacity of 32 -1/2″ that quickly cuts various trim and shelving materials including narrow rip cuts with the flip-over ripping fence. Includes a miter gauge, a push stick, blade guards and a Carbide blade that has a 24-tooth and is 10″. A heavy-duty 15-amp motor rips through the hardwood material like butter. The vigorous and powerful tabletop delivers 3-1/8″ depth 90-degree cuts and 2-1/4″ cuts at 45 degrees. Users will enjoy the convenient dust collection port that can easily connect to a vacuum and is 2-inches. (Read our full review)

This is the best table saw in my opinion — just well designed!

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SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 10″ Portable Unit

Here is the SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 small Table Saw born for incredible ripping through various materials without so much as bogging down. Featuring an anti-kick back device, 15-amp dual-field motor that will keep the motor cooled through the continuous cuts with a rip capacity of 25″ and 3.5″ in depth. The self-aligning rip fence ensures accurate cuts and the ability to adjust bevel going from -1 degree to 46 degrees for true cutting. (Read our full review)

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This is the best beginner table saw…

SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch with Folding Stand

Here is the SKIL 3410-02  Featuring a stand that delivers accurate measurements, a quick-mount system for quick setup and transport to job sites. Ideal for tackling heavy-duty projects for the home for the DIYer and professional. Rip long boards to width, cross cut tinier pieces, bevel, or miter which includes a 3 1/2″ cut height capacity to cut through 4x the material. A self-aligning rip fence combined with the EZ View measurement system for precise cuts. (Read our full review)

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Rockwell RK7241S with Laser

Here is the Rockwell RK7241S Benchtop with Laser that utilizes portability, power, and precision for the most versatile benchtop on the job site. It ensures 4x the cutting capacity in comparison to other 10″ bench saws available today. Includes a 30″ foldout fence that delivers the widest rip capacity. Users will enjoy the laser guide that is integrated for consistent accuracy. The laser will realign automatically if the blade becomes beveled. The pull handed is an extended leg to allow easy transport with built-in wheels. (Read our Full Review)

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Ridgid R4516 10 in. Model

Here is the Ridgid R4516 is ready for any demanding job at a job site with its integrated riving knife for quick and easy converts from spreader to knife. There is a convenient on-board storage that will hold the push stick, miter gauge, blade wrenches and the power cord for quick and easy transportation from job to job – plus a two-in-one handwheel for micro bevel and height adjustments. Traveling made super easy. (Read our full review)

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Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor model with Stand

Here is the Makita 2705X1 with Stand that is powerful and versatile for projects on the job site or at home. Combining 15-amp power, ease-of-use features and it’s large capacity this model is a best-in-class saw for various applications. Users will love the convenient portable stand for easy transport from job to job. (Read our full review)

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Delta 10 in. 15 Amp with Folding Stand

Here is the Delta 10″ 15 Amp comes with a 1-step release stand that has large wheels for incredible portability from job to job. It uses a commercial grade 15-amp motor that demands authority over many tough materials. The UL approved 3-way guarding system with its riving knife for addition safety is excellent along with the impressive dust collector through its 2.5″ shop vacuum port. (Read our full review)

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Table Saw Buyer’s Guide

A Benchtop saw is a woodworking machine that has been used for several applications. Its main components consist of an annular blade that is geared onto an arbor. What powers traditional tabletop is electricity, with varying levels of amps to power it. The Benchtop saw is designed to cut wood into different shapes and sizes, making it the quintessential device in almost any woodworking shop and savvy homeowner.

There are three different categories when it comes to a Benchtop. The portable table saw is relatively compact and inexpensive when juxtaposed to the full feature model. A contractor’s saw is the type that is found the most commonly in a woodworking shop. Lastly, the best cabinet saw has the most motor power, and can cut thick wood.

Safety First

The power tool is designed to cut wood efficiently, and can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Regardless of the brand, several safety features are universal on the benchtop.

One of these features is the split blade because it is useful for keeping your fingers away from the rotating blade. Even though many advanced woodworkers tend to forgo the blade guard altogether, it is still a required fixture for those who are just picking up their first benchtop model. The guard keeps your fingers safe, and using them should definitely be your starting point. If you’re worried that the guard will get in the way of fine woodwork, then pick one up with a clear guard.

An anti-kickback pawl protects against a rogue piece of wood that is ejected and has now become airborne, traveling at high speeds. The projectile can cause bodily harm, especially if it gets into your eyes. Ejected wood happens because the wood binds between the fence and the blade gets caught by the teeth. To prevent this from happening, the modern tabletop is installed with a splitter. It is a small module made of plastic, or sometimes metal to hold the kerf directly behind the table’s blade.

A benchtop’s riving knife sometimes replaces a splitter. While they both function similarly, the difference is that a splitter is fixed, which doesn’t move along with the blade. This requires that the splitter is removed when making cross or dado cuts. A riving knife is a bit different in that it is attached to the same mechanism as the blade, and it moves. It is safer because the woodworker does not come into contact with the back of the blade and the riving knife is more flush against the edge so the wood has no space to get caught.

Accuracy Of The blade Cut

Even though the experienced woodworker can make accurate cuts with a benchtop, there are accessories that many people who are new to the bench saw should invest in for precise cuts. Things like several plastic drafting triangles can provide you with perfect 90°, 45°, 60°, and 30° corners. Some also go with an extension screwed directly onto the miter-gage head, helping to improve the accuracy of cuts. This can be improvised with a piece of 3/4″ wood. As mentioned, the cabinet table saw tends to be most cumbersome, but are designed to lessen vibration and increase accuracy. It is identified by an enclosed base, fixed with induction motors between 3 to 5 hp, with some commercial brands going up to 7 1/2 hp.

Blades

There are four basic blade types used for a benchtop. They’re determined by the grind, how many teeth are fixed onto them, and their size. These blades are the flat top grind, alternate top bevel, combination, and the triple chip grind blade. Flat top grind is also called rakers, as they are fast cutting but sometimes leave jagged edges. The teeth on an alternate top bevel are angled, allowing you to shear through wood fibers in one slicing motion. A combination blade is made with 50 teeth in sets of five, using a combination of alternate top level and combination. These type of designs are considered all-purpose. The triple chip grind is designed to grind through dense materials with ease. There is also the dado blade, a kind of circular saw blade that allows woodworkers to cut grooves into their design.

Fence

When locked into place, a rip fence will automatically draw itself into near parallel alignment with the blade, with some adjustments by hand from the woodworker. The alignment of the fence is particularly crucial for accurate ripping, a precise cut, and even your safety. The rip fence consists of a guide along the front of the table to the back, with an adjustable distance which will determine where the cut Is going to be made. Typically they come with a table saw, but they can also be purchased separately.

The Motor

The horsepower of the saw blade has a direct impact on its performance. If it is under-powered, then it is not going to be useful in cutting wood or tougher grains of plywood. Also, the voltage is also indicative of its abilities. It can be a bit confusing as to how to gauge how powerful a tool may be. Regardless of the brand or its classification, a benchtop that produces anywhere between 1-2 horsepower will typically be adequate for most wood under 2 inches thick. However if you are upgrading or you know that you’re going to be cutting thicker, raw pieces of wood, then purchase one with more powerful and larger motors, which represent the 3-5 hp range and run on 240 V.

Stability

Stability is also important when it comes to the table saw, since it can be a dangerous tool if not used correctly. You want the tool that has all the appropriate features that allow you to make swift, smooth cuts with relative ease. For the best stability, purchase a benchtop that is equipped with solid cast iron extension wings, which not only improve security, but also reduce the imbalance of the cut.

Blade Height and Bevel Adjustments

The blade height has a direct impact on kickbacks and tearouts, as well as with the materials your cutting. A low blade height means that there will be contact between the wood and the teeth, meaning that they will be a lot of heat generated during the cut. It also has the potential to burn the edges of your piece that you are working on. Be sure to set the blade atleast 1/8 an inch above the cutting surface. You also want a model that allows for bevel adjustments, allowing you to take advantage of a determined angle that the blade is selected for.

Dust collection

Dust is the reality when it comes to cutting with any power tool. Dust collection is important not only because the dust can be a health hazard, but simply because it is annoying to clean up. Several apparatuses and devices can be used with your benchtoop for dust collection. These include a dust port, which can be added to your model right below the blade. It is easy to install and relatively inexpensive. They work well for benchtop saws that are open on the bottom, like a contractor’s table saw.

Usage and Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance of your model will not only ensure that it works correctly over the long haul, but it will help mitigate any costly repairs. Dust buildup, residue stemming from the materials that you are cutting like sap can make sliding work-pieces across the table increasingly difficult as time goes on, affecting the accuracy of your cuts and undermining the safety features of your model.

With regular maintenance, make sure that you clean the base and any contaminants inside of the cabinet, gears, and motor. You can use the help of a stiff brush to loosen any dust, or even a vacuum. Many find a can of compressed air to be particularly useful in removing any pieces of wood and splints within the saw’s nooks and crannies. Clean the cutting blade with gum remover and use a clean blade to reduce application pressure. Regular switching of your blade will also minimize burning and kickback. When it comes to cleaning your tabletop, use a light oil-based lubricant and steel wool pads to dissolve any gum. Polish the tabletop and the front fence guide with a paste wax. You will find that this will allow your wood materials to slide a lot more easily along the surface, and even aid with precise fence adjustments. A mild dish washing soap and warm water can help remove residue from plastic pieces. Make sure you forgo harsh chemicals that can damage metal over time.

Also, take note that tool maintenance is beyond just cleaning. For every five hours of operation, make sure that you check adjustments. Tools and the nature of their maintenance will differ from brand to brand, so always follow any specific instructions from your owner’s manual. However, always check the blade raising and tilt mechanisms, carefully observing its movements. Check the alignment of your motor and pulleys with the help of a straight edge. The straight edge should lay completely flat against the arbor. Adjust if it is out of alignment. After working on a piece of wood for several hours, visually inspect the belt for any damage and make sure that the correct tension is applied.

Cleaning and lubing your tool. If your benchtop is groaning every time you rip through a sheet of plywood, then you need to tuneup your model and apply lube. Unplug the power, remove the blade guard, connected plates, and the blade itself. Uninstall the drive belt and motor — you may need the owner’s manual for this one. The removal of these components will improve access to the tool’s insides for proper lubrication. With a crevice attachment, use a vacuum to remove any chips and pockets of dirt. Move the Arbor assembly and throw away any dust that you see — a blast from your can of compressed air is useful in this part.

After you have gained access to the innards of the motor, use a non-silicone paste wax. With the help of a toothbrush, apply the wax along the slots in the front of the trunnions, as well as the back. Make sure that you only leave a thin film of the wax, since you do not want it to accumulate and become an issue. Use a can of white lithium grease that has a plastic straw attachment on it, and apply the lubricant on the pivots of the arbor assembly as well as the worm gears.

FAQ

1. What is the best type of table saw?

There are different types of table saws — and the “best” depends on what you will be cutting. Portable table saws are easy to fit in your workshop, and make excellent beginner table saws. There are also beneficial for those who work on a job site, and know that their equipment will be moved around a lot. They perform the primary function of a full-featured model, but on a much smaller scale. Productivity may not be as high as a full-featured benchtop, however.

A contractors table saw are open-based saws that have a straightforward design. They are more affordable and are relatively lightweight between 250 and 350 pounds. However, the gears and the Arbor of a contractor’s saw may be less robust than those found in more expensive unit. Cabinet saws are designed to meet the durability and performance demands of a professional woodworker. Even though you will be paying a premium, cabinet saws are significantly more robust in its construction, with most components derived from cast-iron and steel. They may be particularly beneficial for there’s will be mainly static and won’t be moving around a lot.

2. What type of table saw blade should I use?

If you’re just beginning with your hobby of woodwork, then it is recommended that you start with a 40t general purpose or a 50t blade with combination teeth. A general purpose blade will be able to accommodate most commands — it will be able to crosscut and rip most pieces of wood with clean results, and it will be able to meet up with the demands of a novice. If you want to unlock the full potential of your buzz saw, then invest in an 8 inch dado kit. These kits can be sandwiched together to create grooves, which can be quite useful for furniture and cabinetry that require different groove designs and notches.

3. Does the number of teeth on a blade make a difference?

Generally speaking, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cuts. A blade that has fewer teeth has a lot more bite and will remove material faster, but the edges of the woodwork will look unfinished. Depending on the application and the desired finished result, you can use a blade that has as few as 24 teeth to quickly remove wood. A crosscut blade will have between 60 and 80 teeth, meaning that it will remove less material and will allow for more precise cutting. There’s a slower feed rate, but the results are cleaner and smoother.

You also need to consider the gullet of the blade, which are the space between each teeth. In a ripping operation, the saw will chip away larger chunks of wood, and the gullet needs to have adequate space deep enough for a significant amount of wood it will have to handle in one swipe.

4. What are cross-cutting blades?

With a crosscutting blade, you’re going across the grain of the wood — which is where the name of the blade is derived from. Cutting across the grain is significantly harder for the tool, as you need to cut a lot of fibers. The gullets of many crosscutting blades are also really small compared to other blades. The gullets are sized to inhibit a fast speed rate, which can overtake the power tool and become a problem.

5. What is a DADO?

A Dabo blade is the type of circular saw that is used to cut the groves in woodwork. There are typically two types of dado blades: stacked and wobble blades. A stacked dado blade is designed with actually two circular blades fixed on a set of removable chippers. As it spins, the two blades cut, with the chippers removing the waste in between. With a wobble blade, there’s a circular blade fixed on an adjustable multi-piece hub. Because of the geometry, wobble blades produce a flat bottom dado depending on the width setting, which can be a problem depending on what results you are looking for. There’s also issues with vibration, with the wider the dado, the more ferocious the vibration.

6.What is a riving knife?

The riving knife on a table saw is a piece of safety equipment that mounts directly onto your tool. It is a piece of flat material that, when pushed through the saw blade, helps to maintain the two cut sections of the board from moving towards each other. This motion can pinch the blade and cause possible kickback. It’s essential to note that the riving knife makes up part of the safety features of your saw – they are not designed to be your primary mode of kickback prevention. Regardless of the type of riving knife used, it’s still important to follow safety protocols like using safety tools, utilizing hearing protection whenever you’re using your saw, and keeping away from a saw blade that is in motion.

7.What is a kickback?

Kickback is quite dangerous, with the Journal of Trauma noting that there are more than 31,000 injuries each year stemming from table saw injuries. The majority isn’t even people cutting themselves, as you might expect. The main dangers are actually kickback. Kickback is when wood, or the material that you’re cutting, suddenly ejects towards you at high speeds. Depending on the power of the motor and the material that has been expelled, it can quickly become a dangerous projectile and cause physical trauma. There have been many incidents of large splinters piercing clothing, and lodging itself in the skin. Prevention is understanding the mechanics of the bench saw, using a riving knife, and using a splitter correctly.

8.What are rip blades?

With a rip blade, a woodworker is dividing or cutting plywood parallel to its grain. It is a lot more easier to cut in this formation, than say a crosscut. Unlike crosscuts, a rip blade almost operates like a chisel, lifting off pieces of wood. Take note that a rip blade is not designed for smooth finishes – but some higher end rip blades may be able to impart a more seamless finish with minimal splinters or scoring. Rip blades are also fixed with fewer teeth, instead of the 60 or more teeth on a traditional crosscut blade.

Additional Features to keep an eye out for:

Additional features to look for when shopping for your next bench saw, is the ability to add extra extension wings. You want a bench saw that gives you the option to either add extension wings on the side or along the fence rails, which can be beneficial if you are going to be ripping sheeted wood, like plywood. Also look for a model that can accommodate other tools since most people who are into woodworking will have an arsenal of devices at their disposal. A table saw stand with storage compartments can be helpful in mitigating clutter, which can be dangerous distractions when using this power tool.

Regardless of the cabinet saw, it will only be as good as the blade that it is operating with. To prolong the life of your machine, purchase branded blades and do not buy blades from incredulous retailers or brands. A competently made unit will fail with a cheap blade, with results that will be inconsistent.

Well, I hope you gained some knowledge on finding the best table saw for your money and I hope you enjoyed our table saw reviews.