Every woodshop needs a table saw. They are the go-to tool for cutting large pieces of wood and provide versatility, power, and speed.
If you are looking for a table saw, you will find that there are various types of saws that are more suitable for different tasks. It is important to know what to look for, especially given how expensive table saws are.
To help you find the right model for your workshop, we have reviewed 10 of the best table saws you can buy today. We chose these saws based on their type, their ability to make different cuts, their size, and how clean they will keep your woodshop.
- Portable
- Makes narrow cuts
- Very reputable brand
- Gravity rise feature
- Globally renowned brand
- Soft start reduces vibrations
- Weighs just 53 pounds
- Automatic shut-off after power loss
- Anti-kickback pawls
- Four horsepower motor
- Soft start circuitry to prevent outages
- Folds to be very compact
- Automatic shut-off on physical contact
- 52-inch ripping capacity
- Extracts 99% of dust
- Cast iron table
- Magnetic reset after power cuts
- Five horsepower motor
- Padded carrying handle
- Dual-field motor for lower temperatures
- High torque
- Folding legs
- 4x4 cutting
- Rack and pinion fence rails
- 10-inch blade
- Includes multiple accessories
- Weighs just 46 pounds
- Beginner-friendly adjustment
- Can be battery powered
- Battery sold separately but interchangeable
The Best Table Saws of 2023
You have several types of table saws to choose from and far more individual models. To help you find the right one for your workshop or garage, we have reviewed 10 of the best table saws that are currently available. We chose these saws based on their type, cutting power, safety features, and how reliable they are.
DeWALT 10-Inch Table Saw
Best Portable Table Saw
This DeWALT jobsite table saw has a 32-½-inch rip capacity and telescoping fence rails that can retract to make it smaller. It can cut large, dense material and its 15 amp motor can also slice through hardwood.
It features a rolling stand that makes it more portable. This means it is an excellent option for professionals as well as DIY enthusiasts. It includes various accessories, such as a push stick.
The saw cuts to a 3-⅛-inch depth when the blade is at a 90-degree angle and a 2-¼-inch depth at 45 degrees. The 2-inch dust collection port can be connected to a standard vacuum to easily remove dust.
What We Like
It’s Portable
This saw includes a rolling stand. This makes it easy to move from place to place, which is ideal for working on-site. It is also easy to take down if you need to be somewhere quickly.
Makes Narrow Cuts
The flip-over ripping fence allows for narrow cutting. The table size also provides support when making more delicate cuts. This makes it the ideal tool for detail work.
Trusted Brand
You are unlikely to meet a carpenter or contractor that hasn’t heard of DeWALT, one of the leading tool brands in the world. This jobsite table saw lives up to the company’s high reputation.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
As this DeWALT is a portable table saw, it does have a limited capacity. Its ripping capacity of 32-½ inches might be insufficient for some tasks.
Product Specs
| Weight | 110 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 32-½ inches |
| RPM | 4,800 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Bosch 4100XC-10 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw
Best Contractor Table Saw
This Bosch worksite table saw has an increased surface size for a higher capacity and greater workloads. It has a 3,650 RPM motor and a square-lock rip fence that increases the accuracy of your cuts. This also allows you to guide the material with one hand.
It has a 30-inch ripping capacity. While it may be on the small side, it does include a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls for added protection.
What We Like
Gravity Rise
Setting up the saw is very simple thanks to its unique gravity rise feature. This means you will spend far less time setting it up and taking it down and have more time to work on your task.
Trusted Brand
Bosch is one of the most famous and respected tool brands in the world. Its name is synonymous with high quality, reliability, and value for money. This means it won’t be among the cheaper saws you will find, but it will likely be one of the better-quality ones.
Soft Start
The soft start feature means the blade gradually builds up to its optimal cutting speed without causing heavy vibrations or tripping your power.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
This saw has a limited ripping capacity of 30 inches, so it will probably be unsuitable for working with larger pieces of material.
Price Tag
Unfortunately, higher quality usually comes with a higher cost. You should expect to pay more for a Bosch saw, but the extra expense will be worth it in terms of quality and reliability.
Product Specs
| Weight | 109 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 30 inches |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
DeWALT Compact Jobsite Table Saw
Best Jobsite Table Saw
This compact DeWALT jobsite saw is easy to transport thanks to its small size. Despite being compact, it features a rack and pinion, a telescoping fence, and it has a ripping capacity of 24-½ inches.
The 15 amp motor produces 5,800 RPM, giving you a highly portable but very powerful table saw that will let you cut wood wherever you need it.
What We Like
Compact
This is a great table saw for taking to work on site thanks to its small size and being lightweight. If you are a professional contractor, it is the kind of saw you can keep in your van at all times.
Power-Loss Reset
If there is a power outage, this feature is activated. It turns the saw off automatically so there is no risk of the blade starting unexpectedly when the power is restored. You have to manually reset the machine before it can be used again.
Safety Features
This DeWALT table saw includes anti-kickback pawls, a push stick, a riving knife, and a blade guard as standard.
What We Don't Like
Small
While it is positive that this saw is portable, this inevitably means it is limited in terms of what it can cut. The adjustable table allows you to increase the capacity slightly, but not enough for big jobs.
Product Specs
| Weight | 53 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 24-½ inches |
| RPM | 5,800 |
| Blade Size | 8-¼ inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw
Best Table Saw With Wheeled Stand
The Bosch 4100-10 Tablesaw features a gravity-rise wheeled stand, making it very easy to move from place to place but secure once it is set up. It also has an excellent rip capacity and a 4-horsepower motor, giving it plenty of cutting power wherever you put it.
The aluminum top table provides plenty of space for your materials. It also gives you a 30-inch rip capacity, which should be enough for the majority of jobs you need to complete.
This saw has other helpful features, including soft-start circuity, restart protection, a smart guard system, and much more.
What We Like
Powerful Specs — 4 HP
This saw’s standout feature is its powerful cutting ability. With a 15-amp saw and a 4 HP motor, this unit has sufficient power to cut through various materials. Operating at 3,650 RPM, rip-cutting and cross-cutting will feel almost effortless, whether you are cutting thin or thick materials.
Soft Start Circuitry
Soft-start circuitry increases its power slowly, reducing the risk of tripping a circuit breaker. This also means there will be fewer vibrations as the motor won’t try to reach maximum speed immediately. Combined with its restart protection, this saw is very safe to use.
Excellent Portability
If you need to move your table saw from place to place for your work, this is an excellent option. The gravity-rise wheels make it easy to maneuver around. It can also be folded to a very compact size for storage or putting in your truck. It only requires a single action to set up, so it can easily be done without assistance.
What We Don't Like
Trouble Adjusting Blade
Some customers found encountered difficulties when adjusting the blade to make parallel cuts, as they found the instructions unclear. There are other saws that will make this task more straightforward.
Product Specs
| Weight | 60 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 30 inches |
| RPM | 3,650 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | Limited 1 year |
Our Ratings
SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw
Best Cabinet Table Saw
This SawStop saw is one of the most powerful table saws we have reviewed. It has a 52-inch ripping capacity and a cast iron table, which means it is effective and long-lasting. It also has a professional T-glide fence system and collects about 99% of the dust it creates, so you won’t accidentally inhale it.
This table has a caster system that enables you to hydraulically lift it and move it around your workshop, which is a rare luxury and very helpful. SawStop has also patented a unique safety system that shuts down the saw the moment something unexpected touches the blade, such as your hand. This system could be the difference between losing a hand and keeping it.
What We Like
Safety Features
This SawStop table saw has some of the most advanced safety features we have seen on a power saw. The unique shut-down safety system prevents serious injuries by automatically detecting human skin and immediately stopping the blade.
Ripping Capacity
At 52 inches, this saw will allow you to work with any size of material you are likely to encounter. This means it is suitable for large-scale carpentry jobs, making it a great choice for professionals.
Built to Last
This table saw is designed to go the distance. It will extract 99% of the dust it creates to prevent debris from falling inside the saw, decreasing the required maintenance and ensuring it will continue to work like new for many years.
What We Don't Like
High Price
This saw is very expensive, so think carefully about whether you need this amount of power and material capacity before buying it. It is a professional tool designed for heavy-duty use, so if you are only a casual carpenter, you will probably be fine with a smaller, cheaper saw.
Large Size
Unless you have a very large workshop, this table saw will occupy a large amount of your floor space. Check its dimensions and ensure you will still have enough room to freely maneuver around your workshop.
Product Specs
| Weight | 515 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 52 inches |
| RPM | 3,450 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX Table Saw
Best Table Saw For Dust Collection
This industrial Grizzly table is made using high-quality materials, such as its cast iron router table extension. It also has a strong five-horsepower motor, which means it can cut through the majority of materials without much difficulty.
There are numerous safety features, including a riving knife and a blade guard. It has a 4-inch dust port to extract as much debris as possible and prevent the saw from becoming clogged with waste material. More importantly, this keeps you from breathing in hazardous particles.
It also has a T-track router clamping system, a magnetic safety switch, and a ripping capacity of 32 inches.
What We Like
Cast Iron Table
A cast iron table means you will have the flattest possible cutting surface. Cast iron is sturdy, durable, and will not warp however often you use it.
Safety Features
This saw includes a riving knife and a blade guard. It also has a magnetic switch that activates if the saw’s power supply is interrupted. This prevents the blade from spinning without you manually resetting it, making it much safer.
What We Don't Like
Very Heavy
This table saw weighs 550 pounds. This not only makes it very difficult to move but also means you need to ensure your floor can support its weight. Keep in mind that the floor will need to support the saw unit, any material you are cutting, and your weight.
High Cost
This saw is expensive and might be unnecessary unless you frequently need to cut large pieces of material. This is an excellent tool for professionals but amateur carpenters can save a lot of money by looking elsewhere.
Product Specs
| Weight | 550 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 32 inches |
| RPM | 4,200 |
| Blade Size | 10-inch |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Skilsaw 8.25-Inch Table Saw
Best Benchtop Table Saw
This Skilsaw table saw has a worm drive gearing mechanism that provides higher torque than usual. It has a ripping capacity of 25 inches and a cut depth of 2-⅝ inches.
The fence can be extended to make your workspace larger. The dual-field motor is one of the best in its class and will stay cool even when you need to make multiple cuts through hard materials.
What We Like
Lightweight
All benchtop saws need to be portable but this model’s light weight makes it easier to transport than most. It has a padded handle that will allow you to carry it securely and comfortably.
Dual-Field Motor
The motor has a wide copper surface area, which helps it stay cooler than the majority of other models. This prolongs your motor’s lifespan and keeps your Skilsaw benchtop unit working for as long as possible.
What We Don't Like
Warranty
Unlike the generous multi-year warranties offered by leading brands, this Skilsaw model is only protected for 180 days. This is long enough to ensure it works properly but means you might have to worry about its longevity.
Product Specs
| Weight | 51.2 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 25 inches |
| RPM | 5,300 |
| Blade Size | 8 inches |
| Warranty | 180 days |
Our Ratings
Skilsaw 15 Amp 10 Inch Table Saw
Best Table Saw With Parallel Blade Alignment
Parallel blade alignment is an extremely useful feature for a table saw to have. It allows you to precisely adjust the blade along the rip fence and miter slot. This ensures you can make clean, accurate cuts.
This Skilsaw 15-amp 10-inch table saw is designed with accuracy in mind. The bevel can be adjusted up to 45 degrees, ideal for making angled cuts for door and picture frames.
It also has folding legs built-in, allowing it to be moved easily or stored when not in use. This makes it a versatile saw that can be easily placed wherever you need it.
What We Like
Folding Legs
This saw has integrated folding legs that make it easier to store the unit when you don’t need it. This also allows you to transport it easily when you need to move it from place to place. The dust port redirects any dust into a container to make it very easy to clean up.
4×4 Cutting
You can make swift cuts thanks to the 4×4 cutting capacity. There is a 0 to 45-degree bevel adjustment with a quick-release lever. This ensures you can make cuts between two positive stops. Overall, this provides greater versatility and flexibility when cutting.
Rack and Pinion Fence Rails
These fence rails are important for ensuring that it is more straightforward than ever to make fast, smooth, and precise adjustments.
What We Don't Like
Some Cheap Parts
Although the overall construction is high-quality, there are some cheap parts. For example, the miter gauge is low-quality plastic. Some customers also found the cast aluminum worktop wore down quite quickly. There are even some complaints about the blade quality, so this unit is not on the level of the leading brands.
Product Specs
| Weight | 51.2 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 25.5 inches |
| RPM | 4,600 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Goplus 10-Inch Table Saw
Best Budget Table Saw
This Goplus table saw is ideal for use by an amateur carpenter or a DIY enthusiast. It is compact, lightweight, and portable. This makes it the perfect tool for tackling small to medium construction projects in your home.
It has a 26-inch rip-cut capacity and a 15-amp motor that allows it to cut through the toughest materials. The blade is controlled by a large hand wheel and the motor makes it spin at 5,000 RPM.
What We Like
Packs a Punch
For such a lightweight table saw, this unit is powerful enough to complete most home projects. It has a powerful motor that will rip through most types of wood, including hardwood.
Lots of Extras
This Goplus saw includes a miter fence. You will also receive a rip fence, as well as a transparent blade guard.
Lightweight
The unit weighs just 46 pounds, meaning you can easily move it to wherever it is needed. It is also compact enough to be stored away in your workshop if you have limited space.
What We Don't Like
Limited Capacity
This unit’s weight and portability are positives but they mean some compromises had to be made. At 26 inches, this saw has one of the smaller rip capacities of the units we have reviewed.
Dust Collection Port
This unit’s dust collection port won’t gather as much dust as some larger units, so you will need to clean it regularly to avoid it becoming clogged.
Product Specs
| Weight | 46 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 26 inches |
| RPM | 5,000 |
| Blade Size | 10 inches |
| Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
DeWALT Flexvolt Table Saw
Best Table Saw for Beginners
This DeWALT Flexvolt saw can be used either plugged in or battery-powered. It has a Flexvolt 20v battery that can be used with other DeWALT battery-operated tools. It automatically adjusts its voltage when used with different devices.
With its rack and pinion, telescoping fence rail, this is an ideal table saw for beginners. It also has a metal roll cage base, which is sturdier than plastic models.
If the power supply is interrupted, this saw is equipped with a power-loss reset function. This prevents the blade from restarting unexpectedly when the power comes back on, forcing you to reset it manually.
What We Like
Simple to Use
As it has a rack and pinion, telescoping fence, this unit is easy to adjust to make specific cuts. If you do not have much experience using a table saw, this model is ideal to help you learn.
Cordless
You can take this table saw almost anywhere thanks to it being compatible with DeWALT’s multi-purpose batteries. This is particularly useful if you need to do some carpentry work in a home that currently lacks a power supply.
Interchangeable Battery
Power tool batteries are expensive, so being able to use them for multiple tools is a game-changer. DeWALT has developed its power pack to automatically adjust its output to match the voltage of the tool it is currently connected to.
What We Don't Like
Limited Battery Life
The battery has a limited charge and will only cut through the equivalent of 302 linear feet between charges. In general, it is better to use it plugged in, but battery power is a useful short-term alternative.
Battery and Charger are Sold Separately
Unfortunately, DeWALT’s battery and charger are sold separately from the saw. You can still use the saw plugged in, but if you want it to be as versatile as possible, you will need to spend more. If you already have a compatible battery, this won’t be a problem.
Product Specs
| Weight | 45 pounds |
| Ripping Capacity | 24 inches |
| RPM | 5,800 |
| Blade Size | 8-¼ inches |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Ripping Capacity | RPM | Blade Size | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWALT Table Saw | Portable | 110 lbs | 32-½” | 4,800 | 10″ | 3-year limited |
| Bosch Worksite Table Saw | Contractor | 109 lbs | 30″ | 3,650 | 10″ | 1-year |
| DeWALT Jobsite Table Saw | Jobsite | 53 lbs | 24-½” | 5,800 | 8-¼” | 3-year limited |
| Bosch Power Tools | Wheeled Stand | 60 lbs | 30″ | 3,650 | 10″ | Limited 1 year |
| SawStop Pro Cabinet Saw | Cabinet | 515 lbs | 52″ | 3,450 | 10″ | 1-year |
| Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX | Dust Collection | 550 lbs | 32″ | 4,200 | 10″ | 1-year |
| Skilsaw Table Saw | Benchtop | 51.2 lbs | 25″ | 5,300 | 8″ | 1.5-years |
| Skilsaw 15 Amp 10 Inch | Parallel Blade Alignment | 51.2 lbs | 25.5″ | 4,600 | 10″ | 3-year limited |
| Goplus Table Saw | Budget | 46 lbs | 26″ | 5,000 | 10″ | N/A |
| DeWALT Flexvolt Table Saw | Beginners | 45 lbs | 24″ | 5,800 | 8-¼” | 3-year limited |
What Is a Table Saw Used For?
A table saw is a power tool with a circular blade mounted in an arbor, driven by gears or belts. The blade protrudes through a slot in the table and spins at 3,000 to 5,000 RPM.
Table saws can cut large pieces of wood quickly, and are ideal for slicing sheet material or making rip-cuts. Despite having a fixed blade, they are also versatile and can make crosscuts, limited miter cuts, and straight cuts.
These saws are the workhorse of any woodshop, allowing you to cut dozens of pieces of wood in the time that it would take you to cut one by hand.
Types of Table Saw
There are various types of table saws, from cabinet-style saws to portable table saws. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular that you are likely to encounter during your search.
Benchtop Table Saws
Benchtop saws are sometimes known as portable table saws. As their name suggests, they are designed to sit on top of a workbench or another flat, stable surface. These saws have some key advantages.
Their relatively compact size means they occupy a small area in your workshop or garage. They are also portable, making them ideal for cutting wood on-site. They can be stored away when not in use, which is invaluable if you don’t have much space in your workshop.
Benchtop table saws are also more affordable than larger, fixed versions, but they still pack a punch. However, they will limit the size of material you can cut due to their reduced surface space.
If you only need to work on smaller projects, this type of saw is ideal. However, if you need to regularly cut large pieces of lumber, you should consider a bigger, stationary model.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Ideal for DIY projects
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can’t cut large pieces
- Lacks features of larger models
- Usually less durable
Jobsite Table Saws
Jobsite table saws are similar to portable saws but larger and with more features. They generally don’t have folding legs and are instead mounted on a heavy frame with fixed legs on wheels.
These table saws are still portable but far less than benchtop saws due to their larger size. They are designed with professional carpenters in mind, rather than DIYers or hobbyists.
Jobsite saws have some extras that make them more advanced than benchtop saws. These include riving knives and collection ports as standard, which you are unlikely to find on a cheaper, smaller saw.
They will also provide smoother cuts when ripping or crosscutting. Jobsite saws should not be confused with contractor table saws.
Pros
- Robust
- Designed for professionals
- Portable
- Includes safety features
Cons
- Less portable than benchtop saws
- Heavy
Contractor Table Saws
Although they are smaller than cabinet table saws, contractor saws are designed for frequent heavy-duty use. They have large motors and usually weigh in excess of 300 pounds, so they are not easily moved. Once they are set up, they should stay in that location for a while.
This makes them the ideal table saw for building projects where materials need to be cut on-site.
Contractor saws have a larger table size than more portable models, enabling you to cut substantial sheet material and make longer rip-cuts. You will typically find these saws in the workshops of more experienced woodworkers.
Pros
- Designed for heavy use
- Professional-grade accuracy
- Portable
- Sturdy
Cons
- Restricted material size
- Heavier than benchtop saws
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws combine some of the best qualities of cabinet saws and contractor saws. This includes providing a larger table surface that enables you to work on larger materials and make more complex cuts.
You get a powerful motor and the features of a contractor saw, but for less money. Hybrid table saws also have high-quality fences and dust collection ports.
Like contractor saws, these are preferred by experienced DIY enthusiasts and woodworkers.
Pros
- Cheaper than cabinet saws
- Powerful motor
- Large table surface
- More accurate
Cons
- Smaller than cabinet saws
- Almost as expensive as cabinet saws
Cabinet Table Saws
This is the king of the hill in the world of table saws. Cabinet table saws are not portable and are intended to stay in position for years once they are placed. Be sure to place it exactly where you want, because you are unlikely to move a 500-pound weight without assistance.
The saw is enclosed in a cabinet that gives this type its name. These saws have large motors that produce between 3 to 5 horsepower, a full 2 to 4 horsepower more than a hybrid saw. The weight isn’t the only large thing about these units — the price tag is too.
Cabinet table saws are accurate, durable, stable, and versatile. They provide the best-quality cross and rip-cuts, as well as a precise miter and fence. The work surface is spacious, meaning this unit should be suitable for almost any cutting task.
These table saws are very reliable and long-lasting. Although you will need to spend more initially, it should mean hassle-free sawing for years to come.
You will find cabinet saws in factories and workshops where reliability and precision are essential. They can also handle the workload of large projects with ease.
Pros
- Can cut large materials
- Versatile
- Very long-lasting
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- Heavy
- Not portable
How to Choose the Best Table Saw
All table saws contain a blade that cuts material as you slide it across the surface. However, table saws have various capacities and might have special features that set them apart from other models. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing one:
Table Flatness
If the surface of your table is even slightly uneven, your cuts will be inaccurate. When working on a carpentry project, you are dealing with fine margins. A warped table might not be obvious to the naked eye, but it should be avoided if at all possible.
It isn’t a universal rule but more expensive tables will usually be of a higher quality. Cast iron tables are the best option as they will never warp from their original shape.
Manufacturing quality and durability are essential with a table saw. A cheaper table might look like a sensible purchase but it is probably made of lower-quality materials, which is why issues occur. If you want a budget-friendly table, read its reviews carefully so you can buy it with confidence.
Fence
The quality of table saw fences can vary enormously. The fence is so integral to how your saw functions that it can make or break the accuracy of your cuts. It is possible to buy fences separately, usually for a significant amount of money, but one will be included with your saw.
Fences are usually given special attention in online reviews, so you can do some homework. If you frequently see the fence quality singled out for criticism, don’t buy the unit. On the other hand, a fence that receives praise is a good indicator of the saw’s overall quality.
If you decide to buy a fence separately, ensure that it is compatible with your table saw unit.
Dust Collection
Table saws create a huge amount of sawdust, especially if you are cutting several pieces of wood. This won’t be a major problem on a building site, but it can quickly make a mess of your home workshop. A reliable dust port is essential if you want to keep your saw free from debris and chippings.
Some table saw models have a clip-on dust bag, but this is unlikely to cope with the amount of sawdust created by big projects. Most table saws have a standardized dust port size, around 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter. This means you can attach an industrial vacuum to the port to extract the dust.
The dust ports of cabinet saws are typically larger than 4 inches. If you have a larger port, you need to get a specialist collection system. This should be one of your top priorities, as an ineffective saw dust collection system will leave debris inside the saw’s workings and lead to higher maintenance costs.
Miter Gauges
Miter gauges enable you to cut 45 and 90-degree angles using a table saw. They are unlikely to be used for everyday sawing as table saws are primarily for straight cuts. However, if you do need to cut an angle for pieces such as doorframes, a miter gauge will be very helpful.
Not all table saws have a miter gauge, but most of the less portable models will. If you are buying a table saw without a miter gauge, check whether it has the grooves required to house one. On the other hand, if it does have a miter gauge, check its quality as it could be flimsy and unsuitable for the task.
Blades
There are four types of table saw blades, identified by their shape, grind, and teeth.
Flat Top Grind
Flat top grind (FTG) blades have teeth that sit square to the saw plate. They cut through the wood like a chisel, ripping it perpendicular to the grain, and don’t provide a smooth finish.
Alternate Top Bevel
The teeth of an alternate top bevel (ATB) blade are angled, with every pair of teeth facing in opposite directions. ATB blades are designed to shear the wood and they are all-purpose.
Combination
Combination blades or alternate top bevel raker blades (ATBR) have 50 teeth arranged in groups of five. There are four ATB blades followed by a raker tooth similar to the one found on the flat top grind blade. These blades are designed for crosscutting.
Triple-Chip Grind
The final blade type is the triple-chip grind (TCG) blade. It has alternating chamfered and raker teeth. The chamfered teeth provide a rough cut, while the raker teeth clean up after them. This is the best blade for dense materials such as plastic laminate and Corian.
TCG blades can also slice through non-ferrous metals such as brass and aluminum.
Cutting Capacity
Unlike band saws which allow you to adjust the angle of the table to cut bevels, on table saws, it is the blade that can be moved. Even the smallest models have this ability.
Your cutting angles will be limited, with most table saw blades adjusting between 0 and 45 degrees. As these are the two most commonly-used angles, this shouldn’t be an issue for most tasks.
The saw can be adjusted by turning a handle, which rotates it along a track. Keep in mind that the cutting depth will be reduced as you approach 45 degrees.
Cutting capacity doesn’t refer to the maximum length of wood you can cut. It refers to the maximum width allowed by the size of the blade and table. In general, the bigger the saw, the larger the capacity.
Speed and Control
When considering speed, try to look past the motor’s RPM and focus on the rate that the arbor spins.
Some table saws have a motor RPM of 3,450, but the arbor spins at 4,500. On the other hand, you might buy a jobsite saw with a motor RPM of 20,000 but an arbor that spins at between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM.
Some table saws offer variable speed control. You can also attach speed controllers to your table saw to adjust its power.
When shopping for a table saw, ask whether or not it has speed control. You should also ask if it has a soft-start feature to avoid excessive vibrations when you start it up.
Switch Position
The switch position is a very important part of choosing a table saw, allowing you to act quickly during an emergency. It needs to be obvious and easy to access. A switch that is suitable for a right-handed person might be awkward for someone who is left-handed, so consider its placement carefully.
Thankfully, it is possible to adapt table saws to use a foot-operated switch, similar to Jimi Hendrix’s guitar pedal.
Safety
Table saws are powerful tools and their exposed blades bring inevitable danger. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), states that more than 67,000 workers and DIY enthusiasts suffer injuries from table saws each year in the United States alone (1). This includes more than 33,000 visits to emergency rooms. Thankfully, there are some common safety features that make them much safer to use.
Riving Knife or Splitter
These devices attach to the rear of the saw, just behind the blade. They keep the pieces of wood separated after they pass through the blade, reducing the risk of kickbacks. They also ensure that there is no gap at the rear of the blade where wood might get stuck.
Blade Guard
Blade guards keep you separated from the blade as it spins. They are typically constructed from plexiglass. Blade guards are one of the most important safety features of a table saw.
Anti-Kickback Pawls
Anti-kickback pawls hold the wood in place by gripping it with strong teeth. This prevents kickbacks during use.
Magnetic Switch
The magnetic switch kicks in when there is a power outage or the saw is unplugged. It automatically switches the saw off to prevent the blade from spinning unexpectedly when the power supply is restored.
Push Stick
Push sticks are one of the simplest and most effective ways of keeping you safe when using a table saw. They allow you to keep your fingers at a distance when moving the material you are cutting, so you don’t need to come into close proximity to the blade.
How to Use a Table Saw
Once you have inserted the correct blade, put your protective goggles on, and double-checked all your safety features, you are ready to start cutting with a table saw. In this guide, we will look at how to make rip-cuts.
1. Set the Blade Height
Make sure the blade rises no more than a quarter-inch above the top of the material. You can do this by loosening the arbor nut with the arbor nut wrench that is included with the saw.
2. Position the Rip Fence
Unlock the locking lever of the fence and slide it into the position you want. Use the saw’s ruler and a tape measure to achieve the precise distance between the fence and the nearest edge of the saw blade.
3. Plug-In and Switch On
Place the material on the table and align it with the fence. Don’t put the wood in contact with the blade until it has been turned on and reached its maximum RPM. When you are ready, switch the saw on.
4. Guide the Material
Move the material towards the blade. Take it slow and keep a firm grip with both hands. If the material you are cutting is long, place a support table behind the saw to take its weight or have someone else hold it up. Keep hold of the material at all times to prevent a kickback.
5. Use a Push Stick
Use a push stick whenever possible to protect your hands from injury, especially if you are making narrow rips.
6. Unplug the Saw
When you are done cutting, always unplug the saw to ensure nobody accidentally switches it on.
Table Saw Safety Tips
Always adopt the best table saw safety practices when operating your saw. This includes never using it while under the influence of alcohol or anything else that reduces your awareness.
Sensible Clothes
Wear short sleeves and don’t wear anything loose-fitting, to avoid them getting caught on the blade. You should also maximize your stability by wearing flat shoes with strong grips on the soles.
Safety Goggles
It is essential to protect your eyes as small fragments and particles will be kicked up by the blade.
Never Wear Gloves
Gloves are often loose-fitting and prone to getting snagged in the saw blade. Also, they reduce your control over the material.
Clean Your Table
A clean table is safer and easier to use. The smooth surface will allow you to slide the material while using less force. There is also a reduced risk of kickbacks as there is less debris.
Position Yourself Safely
Don’t stand with your body in line with the blade. Stay to one side. This means you won’t be in the firing line if a kickback does occur.
Never Cut Freehand
Freehand cutting is very unsafe when using a table saw. Experienced carpenters often do it but it greatly increases their risk of injury. Always use the miter gauge or the rip fence.
Don’t Use the Fence and Miter Gauge Together
Use either the fence or the miter gauge, but never both at the same time. If you do, you will increase the risk of wood getting stuck between the fence and the blade, causing a kickback.
FAQs
Is a Table Saw Worth It?
A table saw is really handy to have in any workshop, whether professional or for home use. It gives precise, clean cuts and you can use it for a ton of different projects. You can cut everything from plywood to drywall and even moldings and trims.
But the most important benefit of having a table saw is its increased accuracy. Getting a precise cut with a regular saw can be hard, but a table saw makes it much easier. Also, table saws are fairly safe to use if you follow the proper safety precautions.
How Much Should I Spend on a Table Saw?
They are one of the most versatile tools in a woodworker’s arsenal, capable of making everything from precise cuts to intricate patterns. But, table saws can also be super expensive, with some models costing $1,000 or more.
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, understand what you need in a table saw.
Usually, a good table saw will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. But, a few factors can affect price, like the type of blade, the motor’s size, and the construction’s quality.
What Is the Most Common Table Saw Size?
10-inch table saws are the most common, and for a good reason. They’re large enough to handle most jobs and DIY projects but not so much that they’re too difficult to move around.
10-inch saws also have a wide range of blade options, so you can easily find one suited for your project, whether it’s finishing a basement or cutting plywood.
Whether you need a standard blade for straight cuts or a more specialized blade for curves and angles, a 10-inch table saw is a good choice to go with. You can cut wood with a three-and-a-half-inch maximum depth at 90 degrees.
How Many Horsepower Is a Good Table Saw?
If you plan to use your table saw for occasional light projects, 1.75 HP is enough. However, if you plan to use it daily for more complicated projects, you’re going to need more than that.
A table saw with 5 HP should provide cutting strength for just about any project. A medium table saw has about 3 HP.
What Is the Easiest Table Saw to Use?
The DWE7491RS by DEWALT is the perfect table saw for beginners because it’s safe and precise. The saw comes equipped with a simple fence to set and a generous rip capacity of 32½ inches, letting you cut through huge sheets of material.
The saw clocks in at a hefty 110 pounds. Still, it’s equipped with built-in wheels that help you roll it from one location to another by tipping the table on its side.
You get an onboard storage area that can store things like miter gauges. It provides exceptional protection, convenience, and accuracy so you really can’t go wrong.
What Is the Best Table Saw Brand?
Grizzly is one of the best brands for quality table saws that you’ll find because they make their products from cast iron. They also have a wide range of products and Grizzly also has some of the best customer services around.
