How do you feel while cutting a wood plank with a hand saw? We know it is agonizing and annoying. It’s obvious, 87% of the hand saw users feel likewise.
Only the best portable table saw for fine woodworking can save you from this agony. We make your job easy by narrowing down the choices within only five options.
Don’t go with the number. A tiny chip can store tons of data; likewise, these five portable table saw can cover all your woodcutting necessities.
So let’s dig in to cut deep into the planks.
Best Portable Table Saw for Fine Woodworking Review
1. DEWALT DWE7485
Lightweight, portable, and powerful – these adjectives are more than perfect for introducing the Dewalt DWE7485 table saw to any woodwork enthusiast.
This compact size table saw comes with a telescoping rack and pinion fence rails. It makes the adjustment easy and effortless for different wood cutting.
Ripping longboards is one of the most significant features of this Dewalt model. The rip capacity is 24 ½-inches that can take care of up to 8 -feet longboards.
If any power disruption occurs, the machine won’t start if left it turned on accidentally. The Power Loss reset prevents any accidental restarts. The blade brake also prevents any unwanted rolling of the blade.
You can easily store the rip fence, guard, miter gauge, and wrenches in the on-board storage. The metal roll cage base of this job site table saw offers the most stability.
The 5800-RPM, 15-A powerful motor gives the 8¼ – inches blade enough power to make a deep cut. The cutting depth varies from 2-9/16-inches at 90 degrees and 1¾-inches at 45 degrees.
With a 2⅕-inches wood dust collection duct, every cut will be smooth and free of any mess. And the 3-year limited warranty will keep you away from any stress.
Pros
- Lightweight (46-lbs)
- Affordable
- Power-Loss Reset Prevention
- 24½-inches ripping cut
- Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence for Better adjustment
Cons
- No stand
- Doesn’t work with a dado blade
2. Hitachi C10RJ 10 Inch Table Saw
The Hitachi C10RJ is a little shy in power than the Dewalt 7485 but highly efficient in any woodwork. The 4500-RPM 15-A motor can take care of any wood plank with ease.
You can soft start the table saw with a single touch on the soft starter button. But it will halt within a blink of an eye. Thanks to the electric blade guard and break for his safety feature.
The 10-inches carbide blade comes with a 40T carbide coated tip that ensures smooth and effortless cuts. You will be surprised to see the maximum rip capacity of 35-inches on the right and 22-inches on the blade’s left.
The telescopic extension of the table diversified the ripping capacity of this job site saw machine. The table itself is extensive enough to accommodate any regular size wood planks.
You can easily control the bevel angle from 0 to 45 degrees. This variation in the bevel angle also differs from the cutting depth from 3⅛ to 2¼-inches, respectively.
Blade guard and the brake is not the only safer feature of this table saw. The oversized power switch at the knee level will let you stop the motor at any emergency.
8-inches rubber wheel makes it easy to move, and the stands help to fix it in any work area. Now you can work with this efficient table saw for a long. Hitachi’s 2-year limited warranty ensures your peace of mind.
Pros
- Comes with moving wheels
- Built-in fold and roll stands
- 40T carbide-tipped blade
- Oversized power switch for additional safety
- The bevel angle varies from 0 to 45 degrees
Cons
- Heavyweight
- A bit pricey
3. Skilsaw SPT 99-12
With a 10-inches blade and 6-feet power cord, the Skilsaw SPT99-12 is one of the best portable table saws for fine woodworking.
⅝-inch arbor and arbor lock are some of the unique features of this heavy-duty table saw.
Portability is the most prominent feature of this table saw at first glance. The 16-inches wheel with rugged rolling stand makes this heavyweight table saw super easy to move. Despite the 99-lbs weight, the users had no issue carrying it due to this massive wheel.
The 5000-RPM 15-Amp motor provides all the power to the 10-inches blade through the legendary Worm Drive gearing. This gear system ensures 3⅝-inches deep cut and 30½-inches ripping with the maximum torque. For dealing with big projects, this table saw can offer you up to 4-times faster outcome than any other saws
You can get an accurate cut with the highest precision for the rack and pinion fence system. It smoothly adjusts with any wood board for a precise outcome.
The bevel angle ranges from 45 to 90 degrees with a depth of cut range of 2-3/10 to 3⅝-inches, respectively. Each cut will be silky smooth due to the 30T Diablo carbide-tipped blade.
Each SPT99-12 comes with 2½ -inches dust collection system, miter gauge, anti-kickback device, push stick, and smart guard system. Moreover, do not forget about the 180-days money back and 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Worm Drive Gear system
- 16-inches wheel carry system
- Rugged Stand
- Anti Kickback Pawls device
- Rack and Pinion Fence system
Cons
- Heavyweight
- No dado plate included
4. Delta 36-6023
The blue-Black color combination and superior technical feature make the Delta 36-6023 a favorite table saw for fine woodworking. Easy transport, storage, and more comprehensive rip capacities are the key components of its popularity.
The 5000-RPM 15-Amp motor offers 32½-inches rip cutting on the right and 22½-inches on the blade’s left. The blade tilt of the 10-inches carbide-tipped blade is 45 degrees to the left.
The bevel angle varies from 0 to 45 degrees with versatile cut depth. You can get a 3½-inches deep cut at 90 degrees, whereas the cut is 2½-inches at 45 degrees.
Having the dado capacity is another significant feature of this table saw. The blade can cut up to 0.8125-inch deep on 8-inches stack wood.
You may find the 86-lbs weight a bit too much; however, you won’t feel the weight while moving. The stand wheel makes the table saw easy to move in any work site. Storing the saw is also effortless because of the one-stop folded feature of the rolling stand.
There will be no tension about the maintenance, as long as you are covered with the 5-year limited warranty of the table saw. When you have so many benefits from one tool, why won’t you rank it as one of the best portable table saws for fine woodworking?
Pros
- Trendy Design
- Easy to Store and Transport
- Diverse bevel angle
- Carbide tipped blade
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavyweight
5. Skilsaw SPT99T-01
Are you wondering why we kept two models of Skilsaw in the review? Well, the SPT99T-01 is lighter and more powerful than its SPT99-12 counterpart. However, SPT99-12 offers more stability and maneuverability.
SPT99T-01 comes with the same legendary Worm Drive gear system to power up the 8¼-inches SKILSAW blade. The blade is connected through this worm drive with the 5300-RPM Dual Field motor.
The 15-Amp motor is not only quiet but also energy efficient. It can tear through any wooden sheet 3-times faster than any table saw machine. 24 carbide teeth on the SKILSAW blade may seem inadequate, but the combination of power and efficiency make this blade unbeatable.
The rack and pinion tray system adds diversity in operation. However, the lack of a stand or wheel makes the saw a bit tricky to move. The table tool’s 44-lbs weight is not a big deal unless you have to cover a long distance.
The cut depth is a lot shallower than the SPT99-12. You will get a depth range of 1⅞ to 2⅝-inches at 45 and 90-degree angles, respectively.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful motor
- Rack and Pinion tray
- One year limited warranty
- All metal construction
Cons
- No carry wheel or stand
- Shallower cut depth
Buying Guide for Portable Table Saw
Weight
Weight is an essential factor while choosing a job site contractor table saw. Heavier weight may offer better stability, but they may compromise the maneuverability. However, all the heavyweight tables saw in our review comes with carrying wheels and stand for convenience.
Lighter saws are flexible and portable. You can carry them to any Jobsite. But the lightweight makes it challenging to stabilize during a tough cutting job. In the FAQ section, we have discussed the effect of weight while choosing between table and miter saw.
RPM
Round per minute or RPM is directly related to the power of the motor. High wattage motors can generate higher RPM. Does higher RPM mean better cutting? Well, the answer is not that straightforward.
When dealing with hardwoods like walnut, oak, or maple, the blade needs more power, aka RPM. In this case, higher RPM will give you better results.
But softwoods like pine or spruce need delicate cutting. So it will be better to use a low RPM saw there. We know it is not feasible to buy saws according to wood type. Therefore, getting a high RPM one is better because you can slow down the rotation.
Power
Motor power is the factor that controls the RPM. Typically, the moor power in any best portable table saw for fine woodworking ranges between 1 to 5-HP. Which one is perfect for you depends on the wood type and thickness.
If you primarily work with hard or thick wood planks, the 3 to 5-HP motors will bring the best result. But if your work is delicate and involves only thin planks, get an engine with 1 to 2-HP.
Choosing a less powered motor may ruin the job. In contrast, an overpowered motor can destroy both the job and the wood planks.
Types of Drive
Drive shifts the power from the motor to the blade. Generally, the table saws come with two types of drive-direct and belt drive.
Direct Drive
Direct drive is where the blade is directly connected with the motor. It ensures lesser vibration, more power, and least noise. The outcome is more smooth and flawless with this drive.
Direct drive saws are more compact and powerful than the belt drive machines. Besides, they are lighter in weight.
Belt Drive
Belt drive, contrarily, transfers power from the motor through the V-belt and pulley system. This drive provides higher torque, more energy, and better efficiency. However, this drive is more suitable for large scale woodworks.
This type of drive produces less dust as the system is away from the motor. Otherwise, you have to end up spending more on a belt drive machine.
Price
High RPM, high powered, belt drive table saws have higher price tags. It is obvious as these machines are equipped with more powerful and robust features. You can efficiently perform tough and large projects with these machines.
If you are a professional carpenter, we will recommend going for high-end pricy machines. They will have better outcomes.
However, for hobbyst, and home projects. it is better to invest in affordable models. You can always switch to the pricey one when you have the confidence.
Safety Features
Cutting and ripping wood planks is a dangerous job. Unless the table saw has all the safety features, there is always a chase of an accident. Believe me, that one could have lifetime consequences.
Anti-kickback pawls, blade tilt, and flesh sensors are some of the essential safety features that you should check before getting the best portable table saw for fine woodworking.
Warranty & Customer Support
The price range of any table saw is high, and you should look forward to safeguarding your investment. All the five models in or reviews come with at least a 1-year limited guarantee. Delta 36-6023 has the highest 5-year warranty.
A longer warranty means extended peace of mind. You should also check whether the brand offers quality customer support or not. As a delicate tool like a table saw, you may face numerous technical and mechanical issues. Only dedicated customer care can save you from all the hassle.
FAQ
What is the best table saw for woodworking?
If you consider features, price, safety, and longevity, there is no other best choice than the DEWALT DWE7485. This powerful but affordable machine is perfect for both professional and occasional uses.
No matter if you are a woodwork enthusiast or a die-hard fan, this machine will fulfill both the requirements. Light in weight but packed with power, this table saw can deal with any types and thickness of wood planks.
What is the best table saw for the money?
Yes, budget is a big issue when choosing a table saw. It is delicate but intricate machinery loaded with features and components. Thus, balancing price and product specification is a big challenge.
However, we have made your job easy. You can pick Delta 36-6023 as the best table saw for the money. You will get all the features of a high-end table saw at the price of a regular tool.
What is the best table saw for a beginner?
There is no doubt about this question. Pick Skilsaw SPT99T-01 if you just started your venture in the world of woodworks. This machine is not heavy and highly maneuverable. It means you can take it to almost any job site and enrich your expertise.
The price tag may seem a bit higher but think how much technical and safety features you are getting with it.
Should I get a table saw or miter saw?
The answer depends on the project you are working on. A long term project should have a reliable table saw. However, for occasional use and minor home projects, a miter saw will be a perfect choice.
Rip cut is the most significant differences between these two saws. You cannot have an extended rip cut along the length of the board with a miter saw. Contrarily, a table saw will offer versatility both in cut and in features.
Hence, our bottom line is for serious woodworking, the table saw is the best.
Are more teeth on a saw blade better?
The answer requires a bit of calculation. Try to balance the blade with more teeth at slow speed and the blade with fewer teeth at a faster speed. Surprisingly the outcome will be the same!
We won’t say that more teeth is better. It depends on how you are using it. However, the rule of thumb is that a blade with more teeth ensures smoother cuts.
Final Thoughts
A table saw is delicate machinery and picking the best portable table saw for fine woodworking is always a daunting task. But we assure, wont face this issue anymore.
The choice is narrowed down to five, and now you have to revise the preferences and requirements and pick the perfect one. No matter if you are a pro-woodcutter or just a newbie, our review is beneficial for everyone.
So don’t wait. Get the right table saw and show the world your woodcutting mastery.