Table saws are daunting to use, especially if you are a novice. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 67,000 workers and DIY enthusiasts suffer injuries from table saws (1). That equates to more than 33,000 visits to the emergency room.
So learning how to use a table saw is crucial for your safety. We show you the best table saws for beginners.
- Compact
- Cordless
- Easy to store away
- Powerful motor
- Dust collection port
- Durable
- Value for money
- Folding stand
- Dust port elbow
- Hybrid features
- Long-lasting & durable
- Rip capacity
- Soft start-up
- Constant response circuitry
- Smart guard system
Product Reviews
With so many table saws to choose from, deciding which deserved a place on our list was challenging. In the end it came down to what each table saw excelled at and the different styles of saw available. These are our choices for the best beginner table saws.
1. DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt Table Saw
Best Overall Table Saw for Beginners
This DeWalt portable table saw is an ideal tool to learn the basics. It has the power of a corded table saw, but the freedom of battery operation. It has a 24-inch rip capacity, and rack and pinion telescoping fence rails for smooth and accurate adjustments. Plus, there’s a metal roll cage for added durability.
For a beginner table saw this has everything a novice woodworker could need. It also has a power loss reset to prevent the saw starting up after a power outage is restored.
The only downside is that this saw doesn’t come with a battery charger. They are sold separately. That said, this saw is light, compact, and above all, easy to master.
What We Like
Compact
DeWALT has been clever with the design because they have squeezed a powerful table saw into a lightweight package. Sure, you’re not going to be tackling large projects with this thing, but it will handle most sawing tasks around the home.
Cordless
Cordless means it can go anywhere. So, taking the saw on the road won’t be a problem, even when there are no immediate power sources.
Easy to Store Away
If you are a budding woodworker, it’s likely you don’t have space just yet for all the tools you will need, so having a compact table saw that’s easy to store away is a lifesaver.
What We Don't Like
No Charger
This table saw does not come with a charger, which seems bizarre when you think it is the only means of powering this tool. We suspect it is a cynical ploy to get you, the consumer, to shell out more dollars.
Small Size
We get that this is an ideal table saw to learn on, but once you’ve mastered the skills you will need, this saw is going to limit what you can do. And that spells extra expense further down the line.
Product Specs
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Rip capacity | 24” |
| Blade size | 8-¼-inch |
| RPM | 5,800 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
2. DeWALT DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw
Best Beginner Table Saw for Woodworking
This DeWALT table saw has a 22-inch blade and a maximum RPM of 4,800, created by the powerful 15 Amp motor. It is twice as heavy compared to the Flexvolt but the trade-off is that it has a larger rip capacity.
It is easy to store away, and simple to use — ideal for taking it to the job. And best of all, this saw offers a maximum cut depth of 3-⅛ inches at a 90-degree angle and a 2-¼ inches at 45 degrees, meaning it’s perfect for cutting picture and door frames.
What We Like
Powerful Motor
The 1,800-watt motor generates all the power you will need to make angles and beveled cuts in wood.
Dust Collection Point
The dust collection point means that you don’t need to worry about sawdust and debris clogging the saw mechanism. This dust collection point makes it a breeze.
Durable
This saw has a metal roll cage, unlike some models, so that it can withstand the rigors of the woodshop and on-site work. Also, the roll cage adds stability to the saw and makes it feel solid without increasing the weight dramatically.
What We Don't Like
No Dado Cuts
The arbor for this saw allows making dado cuts. However, an optional throat plate is needed which is not included in the package.
Product Specs
| Weight | 90 pounds |
| Rip capacity | 32.5” |
| Blade size | 22” |
| RPM | 4,800 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
3. Skil TS6307-00 10-Inch Table Saw
Best Beginner Table Saw for Value
If you want a table saw to learn on but have a limited budget, this Skil model is a perfect place to start. It retails at considerably cheaper than all the saws on this list, but it doesn’t suffer any less for the price.
You get 4,600 RPM, a steel folding stand, a self-aligning rip fence, and a rip capacity of 25-½ inches. For the price, this is a lot of saw and one that lends itself well to the novice woodworker.
What We Like
The Price
You cannot ignore the fact that this saw is of amazing value. It is a lot of saw for the money, and that alone makes it a perfect choice for beginners.
Folding Stand
More expensive table saws don’t come with stands, but this does. And when you consider that as an accessory, a saw stand could set you back over $100, it adds to the overall value of this saw.
Dust Port Elbow
An added feature that I love about this is its great dust collection system which will aid in the cleaning up process.
What We Don't Like
Miter Gauge Quality
While this saw isn’t of poor quality, its miter gauge isn’t the finest either. This is something the company should improve with.
Product Specs
| Weight | 51.2 pounds |
| Rip capacity | 25-½” |
| Blade size | 10” |
| RPM | 4,600 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
4. Shop Fox W1837 10-Inch Open Stand Hybrid Table Saw
Best Beginner Hybrid Table Saw
If you are investing in this Shop Fox hybrid table saw, then you should be sure that woodworking is the hobby for you. This table saw is serious money and three times the cost of the DeWALT models featured here.
It does have everything a woodshop needs. It has a powerful two horsepower motor that generates 3,450 RPM. The rip capacity is 30 inches to the left and 15 inches to the right. However, this table saw stays put, so if you want something maneuverable, this isn’t it.
But the good news is that it has a large table which means it works well with substantial sheet materials.
It also loves ripping through hardwood and cutting dadoes.
What We Like
Best of Both Worlds
It’s a hybrid, which means it offers all the stability, capacity, and quality of cabinet table saws, but for a fraction of the price.
A Step Up
Unlike the portable table saws, this Shop Fox is going to last the distance, and as you grow as a woodworker, it keeps on delivering. You will not outgrow this saw, which means that in the long run, you could be making a wise financial decision.
Rip Capacity
Having a 30-inch rip capacity means that more substantial sheet materials can be catered to, as well as bigger projects. Maybe this is the saw to help you build that decking in the yard?
What We Don't Like
The Cost
Be sure that this is the right saw because once you have bought it, it has to last for years to make it cost-effective. When you compare this to the compact models, it retails at over three times the price.
Not Portable
Unless you have a dedicated workshop, and the projects can come to you, this saw is not portable in any way. It weighs 243 pounds, so once it has a home, it stays in situ.
Product Specs
| Weight | 243 pounds |
| Rip capacity | 30” |
| Blade size | 10” |
| RPM | 3,450 |
| Warranty | 2-year |
5. Bosch 10 Inches Worksite Table Saw
Best Portable Beginner Table Saw
You may be a beginner, but that doesn’t mean you skip out on practicality. If you’re looking for something portable, you may love this. It has a Gravity-Rise wheeled stand which allows you to move it across your job site easily. You can also set it up and take it down with one single-action move. Smart!
We also love how powerful this table saw is. With 15-amp power and a 4.0 HP, you’ll love its ability to cut and cross-cut a wide range of materials.
What We Like
Soft Start-Up
Take a minute to appreciate the soft-start circuitry. This allows the table saw to start up with less chance of tripping the circuit breaker. Less stress for you, and more time working on the task at hand.
Constant Response Circuitry
This is another awesome feature found within this table saw. What does it mean? Well, this cool feature ensures that the table saw maintains its high speed even when under a stressful load. So you can continue cutting with excellent and powerful strength, from start to finish.
Smart Guard System
Need extra protection? This has a riving knife and anti-kickback features to ensure safety. The guard also acts as a barrier to stop the blade from contacting other objects while still allowing you a good view of your work. So you can stay in control at all times.
What We Don't Like
Hard to Assemble
Some customers found this hard to assemble. Once it’s set up, it’s hard to get everything in exactly the place you want it. Others found that it was hard to get the rip fence to stabilize and remain in place.
Product Specs
| Weight | 109 pounds |
| Rip capacity | 30” |
| Blade size | 10 inches |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Warranty | Not specified |
| Product | Best | Weight | Rip capacity | Blade size | RPM | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWALT DCS7485B Flexvolt | Overall | 45 lbs | 24” | 8-¼-inch | 5,800 | 3-year limited |
| DeWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw | Woodworking | 90 lbs | 32.5” | 22” | 4,800 | 3-year limited |
| Skil TS6307-00 Table Saw | Value | 51.2 lbs | 25-½” | 10” | 4,600 | 3-year |
| Shop Fox W1837 Open Stand | Hybrid | 243 lbs | 30” | 10” | 3,450 | 2-year |
| Bosch 10 Inches Worksite | Portable | 109 lbs | 30” | 10” | 3,650 | Not specified |
How Do I Choose the Best Beginner Table Saw?
There are several factors you should consider when choosing the best starter table saw. The first important factor is:
Ease of Use
This is the most important thing to consider. Like all novices, you want to learn, and there will be a degree of confusion or misunderstanding when you start your table saw journey. But the best beginner table saws should be fairly self-explanatory in the way they operate.
That said, never use a table saw without reading the instruction manual first.
So, it is likely that this first table saw is going to be less complicated, and therefore, cheaper than some semi-professional models. It will most likely be portable and lightweight and better suited to smaller projects.
Remember
How It Handles
How your new table saw handles is vital to your gaining an understanding of how to use one safely. The best table saws are easy to use and handle like a dream. If you have a table saw that handles like a bucking horse, you have a lousy table saw.
It’s going to drain your energy and become frustrating every time you use it. You aren’t going to look forward to sawing wood at all, and that will impede your learning.
A bad table saw could be the make or break of you as a woodworker. In contrast, with a reliable table saw that handles well, you are going to learn the craft quicker and progress at a faster rate.
It’s worth remembering that everyone was a novice at some time. So it will take patience as you master your new skills, but you will grow. Soon, you’ll be dishing out advice to novices and remembering when you started out.
Other Things to Consider
- How long is the warranty?
- How much does it cost?
- What table saw accessories does it come with?
- How much does the table saw weigh?
- Does this saw have dado capacity?
- Does it have a dust collection facility?
- How easy is it to clean?
- What is the rip distance on the left and right sides of the table saw blade?
Tips for Using a Table Saw for the First Time
There are some simple things you can do to make your table saw safer for you. They don’t take much, and they improve your skillset.
Adopt the Correct Stance
Make sure you stand with your feet shoulder width apart, with more weight on the lead foot. As you push the stock towards the blade, keep your center of gravity balanced. That way, if something should happen, you would still be able to move away from the saw safely.
Don’t Wear Loose Clothing or Long Sleeves
Loose clothing or long sleeves have the potential to get snagged and cause an injury. The last thing you want is for your shirt sleeve to snag on the blade and pull your arm towards the saw.
Use a Push Stick
If you value your fingers, a push stick is going to be invaluable. It keeps your hands away from the blade but still allows you to guide your stock. If a kickback occurs, your hands are far enough away to be safe.
Remember
Set Up an Outfeed Support
You can do this in two easy ways. The first is to clamp two lengths of 2 x 4 wood to your table saw. That way, when you feed extra-long and wide material through, it is supported.
The second way is to set up a support table to the rear of your table saw to take the weight of the oversized stock. The outfeed table needs to be slightly lower than the table saw.
Make a Plywood Straight Edge
Often lumber from the lumber yard is warped and not straight. When you need a perfectly straight edge, finding the solution is simple. Screw a strip of plywood to the lumber and push the plywood hard against the fence. Then run it through the saw for neat and straight cutting.
Fit a Fence to the Miter Gauge
Most miter gauges are narrow and offer little or no support when you are making crosscuts. By fitting a wooden table saw fence to the miter gauge, you are increasing the capacity of the miter, and giving better stability when you cut.
To achieve this, screw a 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 piece of wood to the gauge, making sure that it is tall enough for the blade not to cut through it.
Increase the Length of Your Fence
When you need to rip cut longer workpieces, you can increase the length of your rip fence by bolting a long board to your fence. This increases the capacity of your cuts and makes it easier to keep your wood against it.
Cut-Off Block
If you’ve never experienced a kickback, then when it happens, you are in for a shock. It is one of the most dangerous everyday occurrences with a table saw. Thankfully, you can minimize this by adding a cut-off block.
Attach the block to the rip fence and place the rip fence at a proper distance from your blade. Typically, this is the thickness of your block plus the length of your cut. You’ll need to make sure that the material you are working on doesn’t come into contact with the block.
Put Your Cards on the Table (Saw)
Every woodshop should have a table saw. You cannot function without one. So, when you are starting out and need to learn the ropes, choosing the right table saw will either make or break you.
Our advice is to keep it simple, rather than going super-advanced. Think about the basics first. You can always upgrade later when you become more confident.
