13/10/2019 7:25 am | Updated April 8, 2020 | 5 MIN READ | 0 comments
When you're at a jobsite, you'll need certain skills and right tools for work. That being said, it refers to every job but there are some tools that will come handy in most situations, one of them being table saws. They can be very practical for DIY home use or for contractor jobs. If you want to indulge in woodworking, you’ll need a good woodworking equipment.
In this article, we will present to you the best table saws for 2020. We will write about the good and bad sides of top-rated table saws you can find on Amazon and we will provide links to them in case you decide to buy one of them, buyer’s guide and user experiences. When you’re done reading this article, you’ll be able to form an opinion about the best table saw for you and your needs. So, put on your safety goggles and let us dive into the world of table saws.
Now that we have our small comparison table presented, before we move on we need to identify important facts. First column is about the weight of the table saws, and you can see that the ones in the beginning are the heaviest, but how we progress to the bottom, they became lighter. It is connected to the type of the table saw, but we will talk about that later. Second column is about dimensions which are showing how big, bulky or small the table saw is, and it’s also connected to the type of a table saw. And our last column, but not the least important, is about power source which is not crucial but can be of great importance when you still haven’t decided on which table saw to buy.
Okay, one of the first things you notice about this product is the price, it's not cheap. But, if you’re serious about woodworking, then you should be ready to pay for it. Also, it’s quite big, so this is probably one of the products that are more professional than others, and maybe not made for home conditions.
It’s equipped with 3 horsepower, one phase motor with an on/off switch that is improved, on/off switch now being magnetic. Why is that good? Well, the machine won’t accidentally start working if the power fluctuates, for example. The design seems fairly impeccable, and user reviews are almost always positive.
But one thing that concerns us is that there are TWO patent pending mechanisms. First one is a built-in, retractable-caster system that is supposed to provide mobility and the second one is a push-button arbor lock that ensures that blade is supposed to change rapidly. No one complained about it, and it’s still left to see if they will be durable, good and approved in future.
What they have included is also the dust container, meaning that you won’t have to suffocate in the cloud of dust while working.
It’s really fair to say that users are generally positive about this product. It ensures that you’ll get the job done, and the worrying things are those pending patent mechanisms, in our opinion. We didn’t hear anyone complaining, so that probably means that the systems are safe, that there is no kickback risk.
Again, one of the pricier products on the market. Some users have described this product as Ferrari of table saws. Most praised thing is the safety mechanism. The system will sense skin contact and then will automatically stop working, thus keeping your hand whole and your fingers on count. Furthermore, if you can’t stop the mechanism with your hands, there’s a built-in system for stopping the machine with your knees.
This table saw also includes dust collection system and you can work in a clean environment.
There’s a riving knife included and it will prevent kickback and also left tilted blade that will prevent the wood to get stuck in the fence.
Users report that this safety system is among the best. A lot of users said that they had near-ripping experience when the machine just stopped. All it takes is a nanosecond of not paying attention and puff, you’re missing a finger. But not with this machine.
Apart from the price, this table saw is really heavy and it makes it difficult to move it around or to even place it somewhere where it would be convenient to work with.
Again starting off with a pricey machine, but as it turns out, pricey machines are the ones worth buying for several reasons. One, safety mechanisms are usually up to date and very precise, which is also the case with this table saw. Riving knife is a quick release and it reduces the risk of kickback, which is always something to take care of when working with table saws.
It’s powerful, having a 3 horsepower motor which enables steady work without any “bumps along the road”. It’s very adaptable and the features like handling ripping and crosscutting will place this table saw to the very top.
Feature that all high end table saws have is dust collector, and this one does not hold back on that feature. It has a system that is connected to the underside of the table and it effectively collects particles and dust, so you can breathe while working even without a mask.
Biggest downside is the weight, and this table saw is the heaviest weighing 659 pounds and it makes it less mobile.
Most users report that this table saw is very reliable, even though it’s a little expensive. Biggest drawback is the weight and mobility.
Heading down the pricey lane. Even though this table saw is not as expensive as the previous ones, you’ll still need to pay a considerable amount of money for this woodworking piece. Given the price you’re paying, it’s still a high end table saw, and being such, its components are really good.
Weight is not over the roof and it makes the table saw stable and it enables smooth operation. Also, 3 horsepower motor is a powerful tool and it will probably endure everything you start working on. Thing that most users said is good add on is an accessory drawer, something that you won’t see very often but is very handy because your tools are under your very nose. And of course, riving knife is included which will make sure that there’s no kickback.
On the other hand, users report that the table is not flat, as odd as it sounds. Something that you can fix for yourself, but given the price, you shouldn’t have. Also, dust collector is not as effective because the dust is still present in large amount.
It might sound silly, but accessory drawer is really praised, because it saves time. Because it’s not cheap, users are expecting their money’s worth, and some users are reporting that they wished they’ve bought some other model, saying that they had to fix things that should have been functional in the first place.
This table saw comes with a 3 horsepower motor that enables strong and powerful operation. It also has a magnetic on/off switch, which will enable you to have all fingers at the end of the day, given the fact that mechanism will stop working if the power fluctuates. Very neat option.
There’s an accessory compartment again, very handy. Dust compartment is connected to the blade directly with a vacuum hose and it reduces the amount of dust you’ll have in your workshop or in the air. Like all other table saws, this one also has riving knife making this product safe for using. The only drawback some users are reporting is that the tabletop is not entirely level but it can be fixed if you put something under it (which you shouldn’t do for safety reasons).
Highly praised magnetic on/off option is something all table saws should have. Users say that for the price you’re paying and the safety you’re expecting, it should be with every product, not only this one. Tabletop not being level is a flaw, really, because it’s not safe to work with a thing that’s not fit for working, but only a few of the users reported that problem.
Grizzly table saw is one of the cheapest on the market which will automatically place the product on the shoppers map. The motor is 2 horsepower, so a slightly weaker than before mentioned but nonetheless productive. Riving knife, like almost every saw blade, offers you protection and safety while working disabling kickback and keeping you injury free.
Unlike before mentioned, Grizzly has a belt/pulley system which enables quieter running and handling. It’s actually mentioned in a positive context, being different from other models, and actually making less noise. There’s a dust port, but that’s it, no other improvement.
One of the criticized things is the handle of the table saw which can become hard after some time, and even though lubricant can help, it’s not always the case.
Going by reports of the users, riving knife is really great and the pulley system completely delivers. It’s nice to have a machine that doesn’t make too much noise.
On the other hand, dust port is something that is necessary if you want to have clean working area and to, well, breathe. Also, having to lubricate things as a last consort and when that doesn’t help… You can only do so much.
We've stepped off the expensive train and stopped at the cheap station. This table saw doesn't cost a lot on Amazon, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad because it’s cheap. That being said, it’s also lightweight compared to others weighing only 110 pounds, making it quite mobile.
It has a 15-amp motor making it powerful enough for all kinds of woodworking you’ll be up to. It has a dual dust port thus making your surface and working environment clean, once you set a vacuuming system. Riving knife is integrated with dust conduit, there’s no kickback whatsoever. Moreover, rip fence is great, it doesn’t get in your way and you can easily set it up and adjust it. It will stay in place no matter what you do.
Although up until now this looks peachy, table top is reported to be warped in some places and not completely level. It is a problem when you want to commit to some serious woodworking.
Users report that this table saw really is solid. It’s safe, it’s light and cheap, with the drawback of a table top that’s not level, but not all users have reported that glitch.
This is one of the most popular models among table saws and it has one of the best ratings. The motor is strong, the strongest actually of the ones we are reviewing in this article, having 4 horsepower. But, strength brings noise. If you have no problems with noise, go for it, but going by reports it makes more noise than most of the table saws.
The miter gauge is not nearly solid enough, but given the price it’s okay. Something to look into when you buy table saw is safety, and it should come first, so make sure the miter gauge is set up correctly before you start sawing.
Riving knife is present as well, like with other table saws, and it works perfectly well, no kickback with this guy.
Review of this product was maybe shorter, but that’s because this table saw is surely one of the best. It has everything, great and powerful motor, safety mechanism and dust port that’s out of the way but does the job. The only thing that users don’t like is the noise the motor makes.
Makita is one of the most praised table saws manufacturers on the market and we’ll explain why. One of the reasons is the price. You don't pay much for it and you get loads of stuff.
The motor is 15-amp, powerful and not so noisy. It will provide some serious woodworking, and that being said, Makita is made for professionals but doesn’t mean a bare mortal like you shouldn’t get one. Especially for that money. With this model, mobility is not a priority because there are no transport wheels, so when you find a place to work with it, stay there.
There’s an electric brake on this model, meaning you can stop the system in mere milliseconds. It’s quite big and you can’t miss it, so even if your hands are full, you can switch the machine off with your knee or elbow. Some users report more dust than usual, because the dust port is not always fixed well. And, of course, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls are present and kicking (pun intended).
As far as the reports say, users are generally very pleased with this table saw. It’s powerful, secure and safe. The only drawback is the no mobility issue, but it shouldn’t be because you’re not buying to drive it around.
Now that we’ve entered the cheaper section, we’re sure you’ll read with more attention. This table saw is packet with a 15-amp motor making it pretty powerful, like others, it’s durable and you’ll be able to do all kinds of woodwork. Given the fact that its price is not that substantial, it’s really great.
It comes with an on/off switch and a safety lever, which has to be lifted in the first place before you turn on the saw. It serves a kind of safety system, which is okay if you remember the drill beforehand. And, one of the things a lot of users report as useful, but not all of the tables have it, is the accessory bin. It’s so neat when you can just keep your things where they belong and where you’ll find them in an instant.
Riving knife is included, you can easily remove it if you want to. Dust collector works as a charm and actually keeps your workplace clean and safe to breathe, users reporting that it collects around 85% of dust.
One thing that grinds the gears of our users is the scissor stand. In theory it is a great option because it provides mobility and saves space, but in practice is a little hard to manage because it just doesn’t provide enough stability, which is not something you want to think about when indulging in cutting things.
As said before, the biggest problem is the scissor stand and the probable lack of stability, but all the other things are quite enjoyable and good for the paid money. It’s safe to say that this saw is one of the best selling of all the models presented here.
Pros
Low price
Safety of the model, you’ll have all your fingers at the end of the day
When you go to Amazon and when you open this product, you'll see some pretty bad reviews. Fair to say some have a point, but some are plain mean. First fact about this table saw is that it’s lightweight (60 pounds) and cheap. Powerful motor of 15-amp will allow lots of variety to woodworking, the only thing is the noise, because the motor is loud. But, being lightweight can be a problem when you’re working some serious piece of wood, making it unstable.
The thing that is most criticized is the fact that this table saw is fit for amateurs or beginners, and users who just indulged into woodworking world are full of praise, but professionals are rather unsatisfied marking this table saw as not good enough.
Riving knife has a laser for lining your cuts easily and for better precision, which is a great add on. But, the plastic part feels cheap and ready to fall apart after some usage. Also, some users reported that kickback did happen and that this table saw is just not safe. Miter gauge is not a standard size, so you can’t actually replace them. It has a dust collector that underneath the saw, but it’s not very effective.
Boy oh boy, where to begin? The motor is loud, dust collector is not working its job, riving knife has a nice addition but is not safe enough and kickback is reported to happen. If it weren’t for the strong motor and the appreciation of the beginners, this table saw would be in a lot of trouble.
Pros
Motor of 15-amp is powerful for most of cutting
Laser on a riving knife
Affordable and available for beginners
Cons
Noise
Kickback can happen
Miter gauge not being standard size
Lightweight is a drawback, because it’s not stable enough
Among the first things you'll notice about this saw is that it does not have a dust collector. Rather odd, given the fact how much mess you can get when you start cutting. But in all fairness, it’s very lightweight, weighing 67 pounds so you can easily transport it outside.
Miter gauge is acceptable and something you can expect for its price, the amount of money you’ll pay for this table saw. Again, powerful motor of 15-amp, you can cut some serious things with this thing, but generally, users say it’s more for DIY than it is for professionals. This table saw is the cheapest you can get and if you’re just entering the world of woodwork, this is the saw for you.
Safety with this product is okay, you get riving knife, blade guard and kickback pawls, and all of them are working correctly. Users didn’t report any accidents or misfortunes, and that is very important, you need your fingers.
If we look at this table saw from a DIY and beginners point, it’s fair to say that it’s very good and cost-effective. If we look from the professionals stand point, well, invest in something more serious. Dust compartment is a big minus, noise is expected with a 15-amp motor but never a plus and as users are saying, it’s just not professional enough.
This is even cheaper table saw, it’s available for a reasonable at Amazon. So, that’s a first plus. Second plus is its weight, only 56 pounds, and it makes it easy to construct and move. But, at this price range you really shouldn’t expect a professional saw, you get what you pay for. Which is not necessarily bad, it depends what are your needs and what you’re planning to do with it.
It comes with a standard 15-amp motor, meaning it’s strong but the motor is not the only thing deciding what kind of woodworking you’ll be able to do. Even if the motor is strong, the whole complexion may not be. Yes, we’re speaking about the noise. Users say it packs lots of noise and you’ll probably need your ear plugs while working with this saw. There’s a rocker on/off switch included and it can minimize accidents if your saw overloads.
Dust port is included, so you don’t need to worry about the air and the mess afterwards.
Like other cheaper table saws, this is no different in criticism department. Most of cheaper table saws are rarely built for professionals and that is a fact we should consider, but effectiveness is something we can’t overlook. We would say it is important not to expect too much.
For the paid price, users should be satisfied, because this table saw is not you get what you pay for. There are no users that reported missing fingers, so it’s safe to say that its safety is on point.
Again, one of the first things you’ll notice is the missing dust compartment, but given the fact this is a lightweight product (the lightest in this list, only 50 pounds), you can easily move it outside and do your work there. Still, you’ll have to clean the sawdust eventually. The motor is standard 15-amp, and as users reported, not as noisy as other models.
This saw is great for beginners and that should be your expectations if you decide to buy this table saw. There’s a riving knife included, along with miter gauges, but miter gauges can be loose and you have to use original miter gauges, so no versatility in that department.
The stand is pretty wobbly and it lacks the safety. Even though the motor is powerful, you shouldn’t engage in some serious woodwork, because the machine itself is not built for that. On the other hand, cuts are precise and that is what counts.
Although it has a powerful motor, noise is really reduced and it’s something to look forward to, especially given the price. You can’t make wonders with this saw and possibilities are not endless, but in this price range, really, the saw works like a charm. Dust compartment is something that shouldn’t be left out, and the stand is open to improvement.
Pros
Powerful motor
Greatly reduced noise
Precise cuts
Price
Cons
Miter gauges are loose
No dust compartment
Wobbly stand
Table saws – Buyer’s guide
1 Review
Great, we've made it this far. After our comparison table and representation of listed table saws, it’s safe to say you know a fair share about each product. Before we move on, we would only like to point out that a table saw can also be called a saw bench, and it is a tool used for woodworking. It’s a power tool, the main part being circular saw blade, installed on an arbor. Because it’s a power tool, it’s operated by a motor, and the important part is that the blade is ejected above the table level.
Now that we have that covered and that you’re positive about what a table saw is, we will talk about what to look for in a table saw, about safety features and usage, cutting and power, and help and support. Buckle up, we’re starting a new chapter in our article.
2 What to look for
First thing you, as a user, should settle is what type of woodworking are you going to do and what your needs are. Table saw is probably the most important tool you will have to buy as a woodworker, no matter if you're a professional or an amateur.
You should know that there are different types of table saws, and we will talk more about them later, but for the sake of it, we will list them now:
benchtop
contractor
cabinet
hybrid table saws
All of them have different specifications and qualifications, and prices.
Most of the woodworkers will tell you to look into safety department first, because it will save you the hassle of paying hospital bills and, well, living without some fingers.
The other part is of a technical nature, and it will widely depend on the price and the money you’re willing to pay. Things like fence, miter gauge, dust collector, power of motor and saw table are important but will vary based on your preference.
3 Ease of Use
As noted before, safety first. But, there are also some things you should consider when you decide to buy a table saw. Most importantly, know which blade to use for what and you won’t have any problems with your machine.
If you decide to open up and buy a more expensive table saw, get to know it. On/off switch comes in various shapes and sizes, but there are some variations that can do you only good. Like, magnetic on/off switch, because the machine won’t start working if the power fluctuates. Also, the bigger the switch, the better. It’s important you can easily turn the machine on or off.
Also, what makes a job easier is a dust compartment or dust collector, because it will keep your workplace and your machine clean. Plus, it will make a healthier environment.
One of the things also important for easy usage is how difficult it can be to change or switch the blades. There are some machines that will extra work when it comes to replacing the blades, and it doesn’t have to mean that it makes it safer. Search for a table saw that won’t budge, and the blades that don’t need to come directly from that specific vendor/manufacturer from which you bought the machine.
4 Cutting & Power
Most of the table saws come equipped with a powerful motor, and as you can see when we reviewed the products above, almost every one of them had a motor of 15-amp, and those professional one had a motor capable of cutting almost everything. More power doesn’t mean the machine will be loud, but there are models that are noticeably louder than others.
When it comes to cutting, it is the most important thing a table saw will do, that’s why you’re buying it. With bigger power comes bigger versatility, but it’s not all. There are some things you ought to know.
Miter gauge has been mentioned several times, and it is a tool that has a slot on the working table and its use is to hold wood (in this case) at an angle you’ve set previously, while you cut it. It is important to say that miter gauge blades can sometimes be loose in its slot and you need to pay extra attention if you can buy different blades to use, not only the ones you were provided with when you bought the table saw.
Fence is a tool that will make your cutting easier, if set up properly. It needs to be aligned with the saw table and the blade. Next, it needs to allow adjustments, because you don’t want to cut everything in the same way, and fence is something that you’ll probably use all the time.
And, last but not least, dust collector. It’s never nice when you have to clean sawdust, and dust compartment is highly praised. Not just because it saves you the hassle to clean afterwards, because you’ll probably have to clean a little, but because you breathe without a mask when working. Almost every model today has some form of dust collector system, and it’s a matter of preference.
5 Safety Features
Safety first, people. So strap on your safety goggles and let’s get going.
Table saws are one of the most dangerous tools that exist, and for a reason. The person who operates the table is the one holding the material being cut. All it takes is one moment of carelessness and you can lose a finger.
Riving knife is a tool that is set behind the saw blade and its role is to keep the wood separated and unable to catch the blade and kickback. It’s safe to say that it’s one of the most important safety measures regarding table saws. Some riving knives have an addition in the form of pawls, anti-kickback pawls to be exact, and their role is to, you guessed, prevent kickback. They’re placed on both sides of riving knife.
Removable blade guard is usually made of plastic, and it covers the saw blade, so you wouldn’t accidentally touch it while working. The thing about blade guards is that if they’re not designed good, they can be more of a hassle than a help, because they can get in the way of the wood being cut.
SawStop manufacturers came to a terrific idea and all of their models have a blade brake. We explained this when we reviewed SawStop, and the blade stops working when some body part makes contact with the blade. Quite revolutionary, don’t you think?
6 Help & Support
When it comes to help and support, it's crucial to know to whom to talk to when you have a problem regarding your table saw. It’s a safe bet to say you should always try to contact the manufacturer's customer support. They will usually have all the answers, and good customer support is the one that will provide needed answers and solutions.
If that fails… You can always consult the internet, there are various forums where you can ask a question. That even applies to your questions before you buy a table saw, sometimes more experienced woodworkers can help you pick what you need based on the things you want craft.
Types of table saws
As mentioned before, there are 4 types of table saws:
benchtop
contractor
cabinet
hybrid table saws
Now we will explain every single one to detail, so your knowledge will be even greater than before.
1 Benchtop table saws
Benchtop table saws are the cheapest. They are the ones that are lightweight, and are designed to be put on a table or any flat surface. They are called job-site saws because they can be carried when you’re working on a jobsite. They usually have a strong motor, but apart from being recognizable for its portability, you can’t miss them when they’re turned on because they are very loud. Benchtop table saws are good for beginners not only because of the money, but because they’re not high maintenance.
2 Contractor table saws
This type of table saw is usually large and heavy. They’re widely used for DIY woodworking at home, because they’re easy to maintain. They’re not loud, but being large, it can be a problem to find them a place. Most problems with contractor table saws come from dust collection and it can easily damage the machine. They usually have wheels making them somehow easy to move.
3 Cabinet table saws
This type is the largest of them all, and the priciest. They usually have cast iron table that is neat and level, thus providing smooth gliding. Also, it minimizes vibration and maximizes precision. They’re the ones having powerful motors of 3 or 4 horsepower. Because of the price and size, they’re maybe not for beginners and DIY work, because they do require a professional touch.
4 Hybrid table saws
Hybrid table saws are made to reproduce the characteristics and advantages of cabinet saws, but for a lower price. They usually weigh more than contractor saws and have less weight than cabinet ones. The perk with these table saws is that dust collection is improved, making them more environmentally conscious.
How to Choose a Good Table Saw
When buying a table saw, the first thing you need to ask yourself is what type of woodworking are you going to do. When you have that covered, start collecting facts about table saws and start informing about them so you would know best what is the best type for you. We will tell you what you should pay attention to.
1 Manufacturer
It is true that brand sells better, but it maybe won’t be that important to you. The fact is that popular manufacturers will usually have good customer support, longer warranty and various options that maybe won’t exist among sellers that are not as well known on the market. It’s usually a safe bet to buy a brand name.
2 Motor horsepower
Horsepower measures power of an engine. It terms of table saws, most motors have 3 to 5 horsepower, and they’re generally pretty powerful for all kinds of cutting. Depending on your needs, if you want to deal with more serious cuts, you will need more horsepower.
3 Attached table
Attached table is something that comes with the table saw (now you see why it’s called a table saw). Table should be heavy and give support without the table moving, so it needs to be stable and level.
FAQs
1 Bench saw vs table saw
As we already said, benchtop saws are designed to be put on the table and portability, and you will have better cuts with it. Table saw won’t be able to make precise cuts as bench saw.
2Circular saw vs table saw
Cuts are usually not as precise with circular saws, but it all comes down to what you’re trying to do with your saw. If you want to make something simple, you can use a table saw, anything more complicated, and better to use a circular saw.
Conclusion
We’ve come to an end of our long journey about table saws. You have all the hard facts that you need to decide which one to buy. In the end it’s not important if you’re a pro or only a beginner, you still need to be informed in order to make the right call.
This article presents and analyzes best benchtop and contractor table saws on the market, and gives you specs not just about specific model, but also about technical part and what to pay attention to. You now have the knowledge to pick your favorite, and if we didn’t include the model or manufacturer that you think we should have, write it down in the comments, we will appreciate it.