Tools for Every Jobsite: Best Portable Table Saw

Many people understand the basic function of a table saw, but finding the right one for the job can be a tough task. There are several key details that you need to dig into before making any final purchase, many of which are tricky to judge accurately. Let’s help you get started on navigating the world of portable table saws.

Important Specs of a Portable Table Saw

Blade

Of course, the primary part of a saw is its blade. The topic of table saw blades is extensive, but buyers always have to make sure that any blade they use is high-quality and durable. Blade quality is based on numerous key characteristics like diameter, tooth count, arbor size, kerf size, hook angle, material, and general application. The standard diameter of a blade is 10 inches, but 12-inch blades are also available for more complex tasks. Usually, a blade edge is made from carbine, diamond-tipped teeth, or steel. All these blade types are acceptable for cutting through wood and other materials, but it’s a good idea to do some research into what blade material is best for the task at hand. We recommend looking for blades marked as “all-purpose” or “combination” to begin with before moving on to more specialized options.

Rip Fence & Capacity

The fence of a table saw, also known as a rip fence, is a guide bar for cutting that runs from the front to the back of the table. It is parallel to the cutting plane and offers a huge advantage for users looking for precision. It is essential to buy a saw with a reliable fence to lock the material down so it does not move out from the specified position. With a reliable rip fence, you can get a clean and straight cut every time. Most portable table saws fit a standard, or “T-square” fence. An average user can make the most out of the T-square fence in terms of precision and accuracy due to its simple mechanics. You can adjust the fence so it aligns with the blades and makes the cutting process simpler. Some of the high-end portable table saws do not have a fence, allowing experienced users to customize their setup when needed.

Similar to rip fences, rip capacity is another vital aspect to consider before spending money on a portable table saw. Rip capacity represents the distance between the edge of the blade and the fence, the area where the cutting and ripping is happening. Almost all jobsite table saws have a maximum rip capacity of 20-24 inches, with portable versions usually having more room than their standard counterparts. As always, consider the nature of a task before making a choice about rip capacity, though bigger is usually better.

Miter Gauge

Miter gauges are crucial parts of table saw setups, and must be checked for before purchasing a jobsite saw. Miter gauges hold the material and guide the cut material to a specific angle. These gauges can lock to provide a cut angle from 45 to -45 degrees, sliding into a miter slot on the table saw before a cut is made. A good tip would be to make sure that the miter slot is not unique to the company that builds the saw. Instead, look for saws with a standard miter slot. These will give you much less of a headache when fitting or replacing accessories like sledges.

Motor & Drive Configuration

Direct-drive

Direct drive configurations are usually a feature of portable table saw models. These tools have a universal motor that directly links with the blade and produces immense power to drive it while making cuts. Usually, these machines are quite loud. Direct-drive saws operate on a 120V circuit and typically produce about 2 horsepower, which is sufficient for both professionals and DIY experts.

Belt-drive

The second type of configuration is belt-driven, which is more powerful than direct-drive configurations, but are usually found only in stationary table saw models. These configurations usually sport an induction motor and use a spinning belt as the driving force to transfer power to the blades. The motor produces 3-5 hp in a single phase, increasing up to 7.5 hp in three phases. For a 7.5 horsepower output, the machine will need to operate on 240V. The belt-drive configuration is quieter and can cut through much denser material compared to the direct-drive configuration. It can also be offset to prevent the accumulation of dust, but it is hard to find this configuration in any portable table saw model.

Other Features

On/off switches

Generally, the switch for operating the table saw is located at the front of the table. As a safety precaution, the on button is often much smaller than the off button. In case of emergency, you can promptly use the larger switch without having to worry about pressing the wrong button. Such machines and tools, when used in an unsafe manner, can pose a serious injury threat, so it is best to invest in a portable table saw with a magnetic switch that prevents the motor from overloading. Founder of WoodWorking Clarity, Goodell David, says, “There is no amount of precaution that can protect you from freak accidents, so it’s great when your saw looks out for you.”

Storage

Even portable jobsite saws tend to take up a lot of space in workshops or transports, so many of the leading portable table saws have one or more storage compartments. These allow the user to store necessary tools like push sticks, safety glasses, blades, and extra rip fences without taking up any extra space. You can also use the storage compartment for other accessories required in the work area, like replacement parts and tools.

Arbor

The shaft lock (or “arbor”) is a motor shaft on which table saw blades are mounted before work is started. Generally, the shaft lock hole has a diameter of 5/8 inches. This is a critical part of the design of the table saw, as arbor holes are the point of contact between the blade and the rest of the machine. Most table saws will have uniform arbor sizes, but the bearings may need to be replaced if they sustain any damage.