Table saws crosscut, rip, miter, and cut angles, tenons and rabbets. However, regular table saws are large, heavy and can’t be moved from your shop. This makes any on-site work close to impossible since you can’t bring your saw.
This is where you could benefit from having a portable table saw. These saws are easily packed up and brought to any on-site location.
The best portable saws are lightweight but also powerful and will get the job done in no time. But, portability isn’t the only factor to take into account.
Finding the Best Portable Table Saws
Portable table saws are essential tools for contractors on the go or DIY’ers with limited workspace. Here are a few key factors to consider when searching for the right saw:
Weight
Portable table saws have to be easy to carry. However, if it’s heavy, carrying it is easier said than done. It’s, therefore, necessary to consider the weight of the saw.
Despite being portable, most table saws weigh over 50 pounds. Thankfully, there are lighter options available at around 45 pounds.
Portability
Some portable table saws are quite bulky and difficult to take with you, despite being portable. For it to be easy to bring to work sites, the saw has to be able to fold easily, as well as have a comfortable handle to hold.
Quick Tip
RPM
RPM (Rotations per Minute) is an important consideration when it comes to the strength and abilities of the saw you’re considering. A high RPM ensures you can cut different materials accurately and efficiently.
Higher RPM will also ensure a cleaner cut — table saws are a bit rougher, which means splinters and uneven edges are likely.
The faster the blade spins, the cleaner a cut you’ll achieve. An RPM of 4,000 and higher is ideal, but there are excellent saws with an RPM of 3,500.
Rip Capacity
The rip capacity of a table saw refers to the distance between the blade and the saw’s fence. On portable saws, this is an extendable part that you can adjust to suit the size of the material you’re cutting.
Take Note
The Best Portable Table Saws of 2020
As we searched for the best portable table saws, we focused on our selection criteria. This did narrow down the field a bit, but we still waded through hours of research for you. Factoring in user comments and expert advice led us to the shortlist below.
1. Dewalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw
When it comes to portable table saws, size plays an important role in how easy it is to transport. For this reason, we like this DEWALT 10-inch table saw — it’s compact and can be folded flat. Additionally, it’s reasonably lightweight considering all of the included components, such as the 10-inch saw and high rip capacity.
The saw is fitted with a powerful motor that delivers quick, clean cuts on any wooden material, like hardwood or lumber. Still, we’re quite disappointed in the height of the stand, but it can be fixed by placing it on another table.
Why We Love It
Consistent Performance
This saw is equipped with a 15-amp, high-torque motor that not only delivers enough power to cut hardwood, but also pressure-treated lumber. Furthermore, it’s fitted with a 10-inch carbide-tipped blade that can spin up to 3,850 rpm, making for quick and clean cuts.
High Rip Capacity
One major concern with portable table saws is the rip capacity. Fortunately, this table saw has an impressive rip capacity that enables you to make quick adjustments to any piece of wood or material on-site.
The telescopic design allows you to increase the rip capacity to 20 inches. This enables you to rip full sheets of material or retract it to transport the table easily.
Additionally, the saw has a maximum depth of 2¼ inches at 45 degrees, which you can set using the bevel adjustment.
Easy to Move
When you’re getting ready to pack up and go, quickly fold the table to a flat position. The flat design makes it a breeze to carry, store and transport in a car or van.
Also, it weighs 45 pounds, which is on the heavy side but still manageable.
Guarding System
DEWALT has equipped its saw with a Site-Pro Modular Guarding System. This system makes it easy to set the table up for a variety of applications without the need for any tools.
Furthermore, the table is coated to reduce friction, while a metal roll cage base provides extra durability.
Additional Features
In addition to the guarding system, the table saw also comes with on-board storage that provides easy access to everything. Furthermore, it’s fitted with a 2½-inch dust-collection port where you can attach a shop vacuum and clean as you go.
Keep In Mind
Short Stand
Unfortunately, the stand falls rather short — literally. It’s a complaint made by many customers, who noted that it wouldn’t suit anyone over 6 feet tall.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15 amps high-torque |
| RPM | 3,850 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | Not specified |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | 20 inches |
2. Makita 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
If you need a powerful motor to perform quick, clean cuts, this saw is it. The Makita 10-inch Contractor saw was designed to suit furniture makers, remodelers, and decking and flooring contractors. It packs very easily and doesn’t take up much space.
Additionally, installation and setup are quick and easy thanks to the cam-lock system. It requires no tools or additional time, so that you can get started right away.
Why We Love It
Powerful Motor
The Makita table saw is equipped with a 15-amp motor that delivers an impressive 4,800 RPM for a high cutting efficiency. Furthermore, it has a large cutting capacity with a depth of 3⅝ inches at 90 degrees and 2½ inches at 45 degrees.
Electric Brake
Having to wait for the blade to come to a stop before moving on to the next cut can be time-consuming. However, with this saw, you can get the blade to stop within a few seconds. After releasing the trigger, the saw will automatically come to a halt, enabling you to move on to the next cut quickly.
Quick and Easy Setup
Setting up a table saw might seem like a tremendous job, but this saw has made it a little easier. It has a blade guard assembly with a cam lock, which provides an easy installation without the need for any tools. Furthermore, the cam lock is also used in the rip fence and bevel locking handle, to make adjustments even simpler.
High Rip Capacity
The rip fence slide extends effortlessly, enabling you to cut large 4 x 8 sheets of plywood easily. Additionally, the scale is very helpful when you need to make accurate cuts — it has a magnifying lens as well as an easy-to-read scale.
Keep In Mind
Heavy
Due to the electric brake and other features on this table saw, it’s quite heavy. The weight can limit its portability significantly. Users report needing help with transportation to a vehicle and on-site.
Additional Specs
| Weight | Not specified |
| Motor Power | 15 amps |
| RPM | 4,800 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | 3⅝ inches |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | Can fit 4 x 8-foot sheets |
3. Bosch Power Tools Portable Table Saw
The weight of a portable table saw often compromises its portability. Luckily, this Bosch saw comes with a wheeled stand that’s easy to fold and tow wherever you need it. The stand is also easily adjusted to suit your height.
The 15-amp motor delivers clean, accurate cuts. Plus, to increase efficiency, the saw has a few smart features such as a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls.
Overall, this table saw is an excellent choice for contractors who have to travel between worksites.
Why We Love It
High Rip Capacity
Despite being a portable table saw, this model offers ample space for you to complete the task you’re facing. When cutting larger pieces of wood, you can increase the ripping capacity to 25 inches.
Accurate Cuts
Along with the 10-inch carbide blade, the 15-amp motor delivers 3,650 RPM for you to achieve fast and precise cuts.
It features a SquareLock rip fence that increases the saw’s efficiency and allows you to operate the saw using only one hand.
Furthermore, the riving knife and anti-kickback pawls protect you if kickback were to happen.
To further improve efficiency, the saw also features Constant Response circuitry that helps to maintain the blades’ speed under load. Additionally, it also provides the saw with overload protection.
Easy to Move
You can easily fold this portable table saw to a compact position that’s easy to store and transport. Additionally, the stand features two 8-inch treaded pneumatic wheels that make the saw a breeze to move around.
Keep In Mind
Difficult to Adjust Blade
A few customers found that it was challenging to adjust the blade when doing parallel cuts. Furthermore, the instructions can be tricky to follow when adjusting the table saw’s features.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 60 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15 amps |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | Not specified |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | 25 inches |
4. Skilsaw 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
If you’re on a budget, but need a powerful portable table saw, we highly recommend this one from Skilsaw. It features a 10-inch blade powered by a 15-amp motor that delivers up to 5,000 RPM, so it should tick many boxes from a specifications point of view.
Users find this table saw straightforward to use, thanks to the different features that increase its user-friendliness. One of such is the EZ View Measurement System and quick-mounts.
Also, you can quickly adjust the table and the saw to suit different types of wood that you might be working with.
Why We Love It
Heavy-Duty
Constructed from cast aluminum, this table saw stand is both lightweight and durable. It features quick-mounts that enable you to get the table set up in no time.
Additionally, you can increase the rip capacity from 20 x 26 inches to 20 x 32 inches to suit larger pieces of material.
Powerful Motor
The saw is fitted with a 15-amp motor that’s ideal for ripping different types of wood. It delivers an impressive 5,000 RPM, so you have enough strength to get through the different materials. Furthermore, it has a maximum cut depth of 3.5 inches at 90 degrees and 2.5 inches at 45 degrees.
Easy-to-Read Ruler
You can’t achieve precise cuts if you can’t see where you’re going. To help you out, this table saw features the EZ View Measurement System, which makes it easy to see the measurements on the ruler. On top of this, the rip fence is self-aligning, ensuring that you get accurate cuts.
Keep In Mind
Short Power Cord
Although the saw works excellently, many wish the power cord was a few feet longer. Measuring only 6 feet, it does limit where you can set the table up — it also increases the need for an extension cord.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 67 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15 amps |
| RPM | 5,000 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | 3.5 inches |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | Not specified |
5. Skilsaw 10-Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw
If you need a portable table saw to make quick cuts, this is your guy.
The Skilsaw worm drive is a very powerful table saw that incorporates multiple Skilsaw innovative features. One of the most significant features is the dual-field motor, which delivers an impressive no-load RPM while keeping cool.
You also get on-tool storage and the ability to connect a shop vacuum directly to the table.
Despite all this, the table saw is still relatively lightweight and can easily be folded for storage or transportation.
Why We Love It
Dual-Field Motor
One serious concern when it comes to table saws is burn-out. If the saw runs for too long or the material is too tough, the motor heats. This can damage your saw and require you to take more breaks.
To avoid this, the Skilsaw worm drive saw is equipped with a 15-amp dual-field motor. Not only does it power the saw but also keeps it cool. Additionally, the powerful motor provides you with an RPM of 5,300 for high-end cutting and efficiency.
Durable Product
This portable table saw was built to last through years of demanding jobs. It’s constructed using an all-steel roll cage as well as a die-cast aluminum top. Also, the height-adjusting mechanism is made of metal to withstand damage.
Easy to Transport
Despite weighing 49 pounds, this saw is lighter than most other portable table saws. Besides, it’s easy to fold and carry to where it’s needed. The rubberized handle is easy to grab on to using only one hand, which means you’ll have the other hand free to hold other necessary tools.
Handy Features
You can keep everything within reach, thanks to the on-tool storage that allows you to store the included accessories on the table. All accessories are securely slid or clipped into place underneath the saw.
On top of this, you can create a cleaner work environment by attaching a vacuum to the backport.
Keep In Mind
Fence Doesn’t Lock
Users report that one significant flaw with this table saw is the rip fence; it doesn’t lock securely in place. This means you have to readjust it after every cut to make sure you’re getting accurate results.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 49 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15 amps |
| RPM | 5,300 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | 3½ inches |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | 25 inches |
6. Bosch 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw
If you’re often working on busy work sites, you need a portable table saw that can keep up with the demanding conditions. This saw from Bosch is exactly what a busy contractor needs. It features an all-steel base that’s easy to fold and a breeze to carry.
The 10-inch carbide blade is powered by a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 5,000 RPM. Additionally, it can be adjusted to cut different angles and depths.
Why We Love It
All-Steel Base
When working on a busy construction site, cheap plastic isn’t going to cut it. This Bosch table saw features an all-steel base that’s highly durable and ready to take on any job. It was built to withstand heavy-duty jobs and tough impact.
To provide you with more stability, the base also features rubber feet to ensure it’ll stay put while sawing.
This table saw also features on-tool storage, which enables you to store accessories on the table. It was designed to hold the rip fence, smart guard, miter gauge, push sticks and wrenches underneath the table.
Accurate Cutting
The SquareLock rip fence increases the accuracy of the saw by helping you achieve clean cuts. It’s easily adjusted to suit the material you’re working with by featuring auxiliary fence slots and a T-slot miter gauge. Consequently, these enable you to easily glide the material across the table as you’re cutting, using only one hand.
Furthermore, the riving knife prevents the material from pinching the blade and limiting its efficiency.
Ergonomic Design
This portable table saw was designed to be moved around using one hand only — this provides you with a free hand at all times to carry other important tools. Additionally, it has a well-balanced lift zone as well as an ergonomic soft-grip handle.
Keep In Mind
Very Loud
As with all table saws, this one is loud, but it can be a bit overwhelming. A few customers noted that it remained quite loud even though they were wearing hearing protection.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 57.3 pounds |
| Motor Power | 15 amps |
| RPM | 5,000 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | 3⅛ inches |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | 18 inches |
7. Rockwell BladeRunner Portable Tabletop Saw
If you’re looking for a small table saw that’s easy to bring to any worksite, this is it. The Rockwell BladeRunner is an excellent portable tabletop saw that’s lightweight and fits on any table.
Unlike other table saws, this one suits a variety of materials — as long as they’re less than 1½ inches thick. You get five different blades to suit the material and cut you’re working with.
Also, to help you create a clean work environment, you have the option of attaching a vacuum to the vacuum port.
Why We Love It
Multiple Use
Table saws usually don’t offer much variety when it comes to cuts, due to the limited blade. However, this saw isn’t ordinary. You get an additional five blades to change between to suit the cut you’re going for. The different table saw blades can be used to cut:
- Ceramic.
- Tile.
- Aluminum.
- Metal.
- Wood.
Additionally, you can quickly perform different cuts such as rip-cutting, cross, scroll and miter-cutting.
Compact Yet Powerful
The compact size makes it easy to fit on any tabletop as well as transport to any on-site job. This saw might be small, but that doesn’t mean its capacity has been compromised. It features an impressive rip fence capacity that can hold relatively large pieces of material.
Vacuum Port
In addition to the five extra blades, you also get the option of attaching a shop vacuum in the vacuum port. You can then easily keep your workspace clean and neat while working. This also reduces the very fine dust that can damage your eyes and airways if inhaled.
Keep In Mind
Only for Thin Materials
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a saw to cut heavy-duty thick materials, this isn’t it. This tabletop saw won’t cut materials that are more than 1½ inches in thickness.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 15 pounds |
| Motor Power | 5.5 amps |
| RPM | 3,000 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees | Not specified |
| Maximum Rip Capacity | Not specified |
| Product | Best | Weight | Motor Power | RPM | Max Cutting Depth (90°) | Maximum Rip Capacity |
| Dewalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw | Compact Saw | 45 lbs | 15 amps | 3,850 | N/A | 20″ |
| Makita 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw | Powerful Saw | N/A | 15 amps | 4,800 | 3⅝” | 4 x 8′ |
| Bosch Power Tools Table Saw | Wheeled Base | 60 lbs | 15 amps | 3,650 | N/A | 25″ |
| Skilsaw 10-Inch Table Saw | Budget Saw | 67 lbs | 15 amps | 5,000 | 3.5″ | N/A |
| Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw | Worm Drive | 49 lbs | 15 amps | 5,300 | 3½” | 25″ |
| Bosch 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw | Heavy-Duty | 57.3 lbs | 15 amps | 5,000 | 3⅛” | 18″ |
| Rockwell BladeRunner Tabletop Saw | Small Saw | 15 lbs | 5.5 amps | 3,000 | N/A | N/A |
The Portable Table Saw Verdict
Table saws are important tools for any builder or contractor, but you can’t bring them to a worksite. This is why portable table saws are essential tools for efficient on-the-go work. They’re lightweight, easy to carry and come with essential extras.
Take all the features we’ve mentioned into account when making your final choice. You’ll see from our selections that the best portable table saws don’t compromise on power, even if they’re small. We know that portability is a leading factor for many of you, so don’t skip this when making your final decision.
