The Best Table Saw for the Everyday Handyman
DIYers, hobbyists, and pros are continually searching for the best and most reliable table saw to help master any woodworking projects that come their way, making them less tedious and more rewarding. We at Woodsmith Reviews are here to help guide your search for the highest-rated table saws of 2023. You should know that a table saw is known for delivering precise and clean cuts that no circular saw can offer. With such powerful tools, you will be able to make both ripped and angled cuts. As you’re scrolling through our picks, you’ll also be able to read through our buying guide about the features and key considerations to make when you’re looking to buy a new table saw. Keep reading to find the best table saws!
TL;DR We cut a lot of wood, so you can cut time off your search for the perfect table saw.
Finding a High-Quality Table Saw: A Buyer's Guide
The importance of a table saw to the success of any woodworking project cannot be emphasized enough. A table saw, which is powered with the help of an electric motor, is a powerful tool that protrudes through the top of a specially designed table. This section will be termed the buying guide, and here we will be looking at all essentials worth knowing and considering in your search for your new table saw.
What Are the Different Types of Table Saws?
Table saws are categorized based on their design, power requirements, and capabilities. Here we will be dividing the different types into two main categories: Portable table saws and Stationary table saws.
Portable table saw
As the name suggests, these table saws are portable power tools. Portable saws are constructed using lightweight materials, and they are mostly powered using 15amp, 120 volts motors.
Now, let’s take a look at the different types.
Bench table saw
Bench table saws, or benchtop table saws, are compact and many times used by DIYers, beginners, and hobbyists.
These types of table saws do not take much space as they are designed to be fitted in a home garage or workshop. They are also light as they are made of lightweight weight materials. Among all this, the most distinguishing feature of this table saw is that it is usually mounted and often bolted to the workbench.
In addition to this, bench table saws are perfect for cutting materials like plywood, softwood, and plastic. When shopping online for table saws it is easy to confuse them with full-size table saws, to prevent this from happening, we advise you to always check their inch rip capacity, which is usually around 18 inches for a bench table saw.
Jobsite table saw
Jobsite table saws are common with contractors, and for this reason, can also be called contractor table saws. Like the bench table saw, these are also portable but are far more durable and power-efficient. Jobsite table saws can deliver more precise and deeper cuts than their bench counterparts.
Additionally, they feature foldable stands or legs and even wheels that make moving them around the workshop or job site easy.
Stationary table saw
Stationary table saws pack more robust accessories; they are bigger than portable table saws and are generally more suited for detailed professional cuts and jobs.
In addition to this, saws in this category have tables measuring 27 x 20 inches. It also makes sense to notify you that they are driven and powered by Belt drive motors.
Here are the two popular types of stationary table saws.
Hybrid table saw
From the name, you should know that this table saw is a combination of two different types. In this case, we have a combination of the cabinet table saw and the portable table saw.
Knowing this, it’s safe to say that hybrid table saws are a combination of the advantages of job site table saws and cabinet saws into one durable tool. These table saws are designed to look and function like cabinet table saws, but they weigh less.
Cabinet table saw
Cabinet table saws are very popular, and the reason for this is due to the amount of power they pack and their ability to cut through the thickest wood logs.
Table saws in this category are powered by 220-volt motors. These table saws are used in professional jobs. They also have their motor enclosed in the cabinet, which is below the surface of the extendable cast iron table. The length of the cabinet saw table here is more than enough to support large workpieces.
Besides the ones discussed above, you can use the sliding table saws to cut large panels like plywood or MDF.
Features To Look Out For in the Best Table Saws
Power rating
The power rating is crucial when selecting a table saw for any job. This power rating is an indication of horsepower and voltage rating.
For light woodworking jobs like shelving and cutting 5/8-inch-thick sheets, ¾HP – 1.5HP will do the job, but when it comes to cutting 2 inches-thick sheets, you will need 1-2 HP table saws. With that said, table saws in this category pack a 120V motor and draw an 18-24amps current.
Lastly, we have saw tables for heavy-duty jobs; we are talking about saws with the ability to cut wood that is more than 3 inches thick like Brazilian wood and ironwood. These saws run on 240V motors.
The drive system
One critical feature that will also affect the amount of power available to the table saw and its torque is the table saw’s drive system. There are two main types of drive systems: direct drive and belt drive.
Direct drive systems are popular with a portable table saw; here, the blade is connected to the motor directly. As a result of this, they will not produce as much power as the belt drive system. However, they have the advantage of being very quiet, requiring less maintenance, being portable, and ensuring efficient power utilization.
On the other hand, belt drives are popular with larger and more powerful saws. They produce more torque and are better when it comes to cutting thicker hardwood.
Fence and miter gauge
What do these two features mean?
The fence is an adjustable component featured in every table saw, this component helps guide and hold the workpiece during the cutting operation. On the other hand, the miter gauge is a table saw-embedded device whose duty is to guide the miter slot in the aw.
With a miter gauge, making compound cuts will be easy, you only need to set the miter gauge of the saw at the angle and bevel you want.
It is also crucial that you know that there are different types of fences used by various manufacturers, of which the T-square fence, also known as the “Biesenmeyer Commercial fence” is the most popular. This fence is easy to operate and adjust.
Many of the other types of fences are specialty fences that are designed to the customers’ needs. Some feature magnifiers for better vision when changing the fence, and some are extendable; this means they can be folded depending on the size of the wood.
Inch rip capacity
When we say inch rip capacity, we refer to the distance between the saw blade and the fence. It is vital you first determine the correct width of the material or materials you will be working with when choosing a table saw. The broader the inch rip capacity, the better the saw will be at accepting and ripping wide wooden boards.
Safety
Safety is just as important as every of the other factor and features discussed in this section. We always advise prospective table saw buyers to make sure the saw passes a safety test.
Remember, these blades are rotating at 3-4 thousand RPM, and any mistake can cost you a body part or your life.
In all, look out for most table saws with blade guards and anti-kickback pawls, these will be particularly helpful in safeguarding those using belt-driven table saws. 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.” Push sticks, riving knives, sensors, and magnetic switches are also essential safety devices that will not only protect you but protect your tool life in the long run.
Other important features to consider when choosing the best table saws include the cutting depth, the size of the blade, and the addition of a dust collection system.
Check the video from The Old House for some tips on using most table saws safely.
Top Table Saws of 2023
SKILSAW Table Saw
– Best Overall Table Saw
The SKIL 10 Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is an ideal saw for professionals and serious woodworkers. Its legendary worm drive gearing makes it extremely durable, providing a 3-5/8 inch depth of cut that can easily handle extremely tough woodworking tasks. This saw also has a 30-1/2 inch rip capacity, allowing for even large projects to be accomplished easily.
The precision rack and pinion fence system make fence adjustments quick and smooth, ensuring precise cuts every time. Plus, it comes with a dust port elbow that contains debris in one area for easy clean-up and outfeed and left support that allows larger cuts to be made by just one person. Additionally, the rugged rolling stand has 16-inch wheels and easy-load handles that allow excellent mobility to move around the work site or shop.
- There was enough power and torque to easily drive through any material
- The rack-and-pinion fence locked firmly in place at both ends and stayed parallel to the blade
- Surprisingly, the dust shoot collected nearly all dust particles and could conveniently be pointed directly at my dust collection bucket
- The provided Allen wrench was undersized and stripped screws when I used it to loosen blade alignment screws
- The cord could have been longer for use in home garages without an extension cord needed (which I did end up needing)
BOSCH Worksite Table Saw
– Best Cutting Table Saw
The Bosch Worksite Table Saw is a powerful and versatile saw ideal for every woodworking project. With its 15-Amp saw and 4.0 max HP, it provides impressive rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materials at a speed of up to 3,650 RPM. Its large cast aluminum top gives extra workspace and supports materials up to 30 inches in width.
The soft-start circuitry manages the intensity of the motor start-up, minimizing the chances of tripping a circuit breaker. It also comes with Constant Response Circuitry for maintaining speed under load and Restart Protection for accidental startup prevention. Furthermore, its SquareLock Rip Fence ensures enhanced clamping and greater trueness.
For convenience, this table saw also includes portability features such as the included lighter Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand for easy mobility. It offers a single-action setup and takes down for maximum efficiency, while its onboard storage allows access to all included components with ease. Lastly, thanks to the Arbor Lock which permits easy blade changes, you can easily make adjustments if need be – the arbor lock and blade wrench are stored conveniently onboard.
- It ran smoothly and was not very noisy
- The built-in storage places were convenient for spare parts
- The 4.0 hp motor and 3,650RPM was powerful enough to cut through the materials I used
- The plastic piece on the underside of the saw was difficult to keep attached
Dewalt Table Saw
– Best Multipurpose Table Saw
The only suitable portable table saw that packs all the power you need for any and every job site is the Dewalt Table Saw. With this table saw, making adjustments when working and storing tools when not in use is made easy!
It has a compact size, rack, and pinion telescoping fence rails, and provides the ability to make a variety of cuts! Moreover, the metal roll cage ensures that your tool will be safe at the job site. We love this model and we’ve only identified one thing that lacks – it does not have a dust collector.
- It delivered accurate cuts
- The sturdiness and durability of the metal cage body
- It was easy to move around, transport, and stow away
- There was no dust collection unit included
- There was no table saw stand included
Skil Table Saw
– Best Folding Table Saw
This table saw comes with an excellent folding stand! It’s a must-have tool that packs the right amount of power, built-in features, and tools that guarantee smooth and clean cuts.
It comes with rack and pinion fence rails, an integrated folding stand, and parallel blade alignment, and it provides up to 4 x 4 material-cutting ability at 90 degrees! Our favorite part? It has a dust port elbow so this table saw redirects the dust to a container for easy cleanup.
- It had foldable legs but was nonetheless sturdy
- The design made it easy to replace the blades safely
- The storage space was convenient for keeping accessories when I wasn’t using them
- It came with a dust container, which made for a fast and easy clean up
- It was made up of both plastic and metal, and the plastic parts were a bit flimsy
WORX Electric Table Saw
– Best Hybrid Table Saw
The Worx BladeRunner Portable Electric Table Top Saw offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It is perfect for performing cross and rip cuts, making it versatile. Weighing in at under 15 lbs., its lightweight and portable design allows it to be transported with ease to any job site. Additionally, the adjustable miter gauge allows for 0-60ᵒ miter cuts from both the left and right sides so you can make a variety of miter cuts regardless of the angle.
What makes this electric table saw stand out from the competition is its innovative design combined with performance-driven engineering standards. WORX tools are made for those who want to do their projects better and faster than ever before. You’ll be able to feel confident that your saw is up to modern efficiency standards and built to last. With its convenience and durability, this electric tabletop saw is an ideal choice for any DIY enthusiast or professional looking for a reliable tool.
- It was lightweight and portable
- It was easy to install and assemble – no tools were required
- It came with T-shank jigsaw blades
- The miter gauge was adjustable with one screw for great angle cuts
- There was no stand included
- There was minimal insulation to reduce the noise level
Rockwell Table Saw
– Best Compact Table Saw
The Rockwell Table Saw is compact and mobile. With this model, it is safe to say your workshop can be transported any and everywhere! It comes with a nice carry handle that makes the said job a whole lot breezy.
You can set it up in seconds and cut with it as good as a full-sized piece! It comes with a safety switch that prevents accidental starting. Moreover, it also has a storage space that can be used to house extra blades, miter gauge, etc. We love it!
- It worked well for light woodworking uses
- There were different blades for cutting various materials included in the box
- The different blades were safe and easy to change
- I imagine this is not the best option for large woodworking projects
People Also Asked
A: The answer to this question is, yes, a 10-inch table saw will cut a 4x4; however, a standard 10 inches saw will find it challenging to achieve this in a single pass. Therefore, if you need something that can cut a 4x4 wooden panel in one pass, we suggest you opt for 12 inches blade.
A: Table saws can safely cut aluminum as long as the blade is designed for that task.
A: When using a table saw, we advise that you stand to the left of the sawblade. This way, you will be positioned away from the blade, and the fence will be between you and the direct line of the blade.
A: Here are a few precautions you must take:
- Wear protective goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes
- Wear noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs to protect your ears
- Wear respiratory protection whenever needed
- Thoroughly go through the manufacturers' instructions to ensure you are using the table saw correctly and safely
- Use the most suitable blade for the task at hand
- Keep the blade clean to allow for smooth cutting without having to exert undue force to cut through the wood
A: In case you don't have sufficient space to accommodate a table saw, you may opt for a portable option. There are three types of portable table saws available, including benchtop saws, compact saws, and job site saws. If you are a DIYer, then a benchtop saw is suitable for your needs. If you are looking for something bigger, opt for a compact saw that also comes with a stand for enhanced stability. For professional carpenters looking for a long-lasting option, a job site saw (aka contractor saw) is a great choice.
Alongside testing, our research process included reading the following articles and speaking to a woodworking expert to provide you with the most helpful content possible:
- Oregon OHSA Machine Shop Safety Guidance on Table Saws
- Oregon State University College of Forestry Table Saw Training
- Ask This Old House, How to Use a Table Saw
- Interview with Goodell David, founder of Woodworking Clarity
