Table saws are a fantastic tool to have for any woodworking shop. Many on the market geared for professionals, but lots of companies make ones that suit beginners too.
Here we comes with a comprehensive look at the best table saws for woodworking. Also included a buying guide to help you pick the best one.
Review: 5 Best Table Saw For Woodworking
1. SawStop PCS31230
The SawStop PCS31230 features 3 HP with a T-Glide fence system. It weighs 525 pounds with a mobile base that makes it extremely portable.
This saw is the only brand on the market with a blade safety feature. The patented safety system will stop a blade spinning on contact with the skin. The blade halts in less than 5 milliseconds. It then
drops under the table, minimizing the risk for injury.
Pros:
- The PCS31230 comes with a limited 2-year warranty on the saw and a one year warranty on the fence.
- The carbide-tipped blade teeth will resist dulling.
- Assembly is straightforward.
- The motor is high-powered.
- This saw is very accurate.
- A 4-inch dust port is included with this table saw.
Cons:
● The SawStop PCS31230 is the expensive side.
● The cord on the unit is relatively short at only 10 feet.
2. Shop Fox W1819
Weighing in at 457 pounds, the Shop Fox W1819, this saw table features a quick-release blade guard with independent-lifting sides and retractable pawls. This woodworking saw comes with a camlock T-fence, riving knife, heavy cast handwheels, and a magnetic switch.
This table saw has massive cast iron trunnions and a precision-ground and polished cast iron table and wings. It comes with 29.5 inches rip capacity.
Pros:
● The W1819 comes with a blade guard assembly, consists of a clear polycarbonate shield, a spreader, and the anti-kickback pawls on each side of the spreader.
● The miter fence features a flip stop, a riving knife, and blade tilt.
● With sturdy construction, this table saw has a powerful yet quiet motor.
● The table saw is adjustable and contains handles.
● With a quality build, this saw has a wide cutting surface and many great safety features.
● The table saw comes with a 2-year warranty.
Cons:
● You cannot access a straight plug as it utilizes 220V.
3. JET 708675PK XACTASAW
Our third choice for woodworking saws has a Poly-V drive belt system with a 50-inch rip fence. It features a left tilt. The wide stance heavy-duty trunnion offers stability and smooth blade positioning.
Components included with the 3HP include the table saw, a fence, a blade, a miter gauge, rails, a riving knife, and the blade guard. The built-in sealed storage drawer keep your necessarry items secure & safe.
Pros:
● The safety guard will protect the woodcutter when the blade is cutting.
● The riving knife allows for quick release, making kickback less likely.
● The table saw has a built-in 4-inch dust port.
● The smooth running saw is very versatile with the vibration-free operation.
Cons:
● This table saw has a low amp power motor.
4. Powermatic PM1000
With a hands-free power switch, this cabinet table saw is wired for 115V. The 1.75 HP motor gives maximum efficiency by the poly-v belt. It has 7-inch handwheels, which make bevel adjustments and blade height effortless.
Weighing almost 350 pounds, this saw has a blade diameter of 10 inches. The 30-inch extension table will extend the workspace,
Pros:
● The PM1000 is smooth to put together.
● The table saw is a pretty shade of gold.
● A 5-year warranty is offered for residential use while a 2-year warranty is provided for commercial use.
● The safety switch is easy to turn on.
● All parts of this table saw are durable.
Cons:
● This cabinet saw does not come with a riving knife.
5. Hitachi C10RJ 10″ 15-Amp Jobsite Table Saw
Taking the number five spot is the Hitachi C10RJ table saw. With a 35-inch cutting capacity, this woodworking saw weighs 96 pounds and has a bevel range of 0 degrees to 45 degrees for cuts from 3 1/8 inches to 2 1/4 inches.
Featuring an oversized power switch, this Jobsite saw has an emergency off safety cover at the knee-high level. Included with the saw are two blade wrenches, a 5mm Hex Bar Wrench, a 4mm Hex Bar Wrench, 2.5mm Hex Bar Wrench, a push stick, a rip fence assembly, and a miter gauge assembly.
Pros:
● This saw has a durable fold and a very stable roll stand.
● The soft-start function decreases noise.
● Hitachi provides a professional 2-year warranty.
● Wheels allow for the saw to be moved across rough ground easily.
● The saw is user-friendly.
● This saw table has a high cutting capacity.
Cons:
● The hex bolts provided are easy to strip.
6.DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V
With a 24-inch rip capacity, this cordless power tool features a rack and pinion telescoping fence system. Components included with the purchase are the table saw, a carbide blade, one push stick, a blade guard, one rip fence, one non-thru cut riving knife, two-blade wrenches, one miter gauge, and a user guide.
The Flexvolt will automatically change voltage as tools are changed, which provides maximum efficiency.
Pros:
● The table saw is cordless.
● The FlexVolt is a very affordable option for woodworking.
● The power-loss reset stops accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the tool is left on.
● A metal roll cage base provides durability.
● DeWalt FlexVolt provides a user-friendly saw with a smart design.
Cons:
● The table saw does not come with batteries or the charger.
Table Saw For Woodworking: Buying Guide
Safety Features
It is essential when looking for table saws for woodworking you look for safety features.
Many of the best table saws on the market today will have several features listed below.
Anti-kickback Pawls
Many of the best table saws for woodworking will have an anti-kickback feature on either side of the riving knife. The metal spring-loaded pieces face downward towards the tabletop. If the wood decides to kickback, the pawls will use their teeth to grab the wood. Kickback is a great safety feature to have, but it can damage the wood’s top if it needs to sink its teeth into the wood.
Riving Knife
The riving knife is the same size as the blade. It stave off the wood from pinching the blade, which would kickback to the operator.
Blade Guards
Most blade guards on table saws are removable. These guards are either single or dual plastic pieces to protect from any hand or body contact with the blade. Unfortunately, all blade guards are not designed the same way. Some are great to have, while others seem to get into the way of woodworking.
Blade Brake
A blade brake is an excellent safety feature as it stops the blade whenever it comes in contact with the body. At this time, the only manufacturer with this safety feature is SawStop. If you want this feature, be prepared to pay more for it as it is rather costly.
Other Features to Look For
There are other features you will want to look for in a saw table.
● Miter gauge- needed to make angled cuts.
● Side tables- useful for professional woodcutters
● Bevel system- allows the blade to be tilted to make bevel cuts.
● Rip fence- used as a guide for a piece of wood to work past the blade
● Amps- the higher the amp, the more cutting power it will have.
● Arbor locks- makes the shaft and blade unable to move so you can change the blade.
Types of Table Saws
Benchtop Table Saws
The benchtop table saw is a lightweight saw that sits on a table or other surface while cutting. This saw can easily be carried to a workspace and are the least expensive. While benchtop table saws are easy to set up and move, they have limited rip cutting capacity. Those that like doing small projects, such as coffee tables, will find a benchtop table saw handy.
Jobsite Table Saws
More expensive than benchtop table saws, the Jobsite saw is also larger. Most will have 15 amp motors, powerful but small.
They are lightweight and easy to transport.
Jobsite table saws are versatile as they can cut various materials. They are touted as being long-lasting and rugged.
Mini Table Saws
Perfect for crafting, mini table saws are lightweight and portable. Easy to set up and are very user friendly. They are on the inexpensive side and can efficiently complete trim work, decorative pieces, and many do-it-yourself projects. A huge drawback to this saw is the limited rip cutting capacity.
Compact Saws
The compact saw sits on a stationary stand and has a universal type motor. Many feature cast iron tops.
Contractor Table Saws
The contractor table saw often has wheels and a base or stand. These saws are very durable and portable but are still heavier than benchtop saws. Contractor saws are professional grade perfect for both small and large home improvement projects.
Cabinet Table Saw
The cabinet saw has an enclosed base. And utilizes steel or cast iron in its construction; both materials will minimize vibration. They are usually induction motors with high cutting capacity. Cabinet table saws are large and will take up much room, but they fit any woodworking project.
Hybrid Table Saws
This type of stationary table saw generally features open leg stands.
They provide much reliability for those looking for a high-end saw. The hybrid saws have low vibration, so they are very accurate when they cut. These saws are on the expensive side but can handle large jobs.
How a Table Saw Can Be Used
There are different ways a person could use a table saw.
- Cutting wooden boards is one way that a woodworker will utilize a table saw. Rip cuts and cross cuts are frequently made in projects.
- Other woodworkers use table saws to straighten wooden edges making different pieces of furniture.
- Table saws do not need just to cut wood. They may also cut plastic, tile, aluminum, styrofoam, sheet brass, and more.
Types of Motors
Table saws will use one of two kinds of motors: induction motors or universal motors.
Induction motors transfer power to a blade through a belt. They are relatively quieter, can slice through the dense wood and require more maintenance than a universal motor. These may also be known as belt-drive saws.
A universal motor will provide much power as the power source is linked to the blade.
However, be prepared for louder noises.
Some refer to this saw type as a direct-drive saw.
Table Saw Accessories
Various accessories can take your saw to the next level.
● A rolling stand will let you have a stable space to work when at a job site.
● Extension tables provide the woodworker with a larger space to work.
● Dado sets can use wide slots in one pass.
● Featherboards keep wood next to the rip fence.
● A sub-fence is clamped to the rip fence when using a dado set.
Questions to Ask Before Purchase
Many questions to ask about the table saw you intend to purchase for:
- Does it come with a warranty? Even if a product is supposed to be long-lasting, it still provides peace of mind when it has a warranty. Things unexpectedly happen in production so that you could purchase a faulty product. If you do not have a warranty, you are out of the money you have spent.
- One year warranty is standard, but you may wish to consider a more extended warranty if you use a saw regularly.
- How precise are the cuts the saw makes? If it does not make precise cuts, but the motor is powerful, there is not much you can do to make the cuts accurate. Look for a saw easy to use to get the precise cuts you need.
- Is it easy to move? If you are moving the table saw, you will want to make sure that it is not too heavy.
- Which material will you be cutting? Lighter materials, such as wood, plastic, or aluminum will work great with a more lightweight unit that is portable. If you have large pieces, you will want to consider a more powerful unit.
- How often will you use the saw table? If you plan on using it frequently, look for a model very durable.
- If you are not planning on using it as often, you may get by on a cheaper option.
In Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our review and buyers guide for the best table saw for woodworking.
You should now confident enough to pick the best saw for woodworking. Look for the safety features noted above, and answer the questions we have provided to help you purchase the best table saw.
FAQ: Best Woodworking Table Saws
Which saw is better- a table saw, or a circular saw?
Both can be an excellent investment as they can cut wood, but a circular saw can be challenging to operate. Many professional woodworkers will have both in their workshops. Most individuals have no issue learning how to operate one once they have proper training.
What is the dust collection?
When doing woodworking, it is vital to have dust collection on your saw. A saw table with a dust collection underneath it makes cleaning up a lot simpler. It also allow the motor to run cooler.
Dust collection is a must if your woodworking is done inside.
What are additional features that the best table saws for woodworking may feature besides those listed above?
Additional features other than the ones in our buyer’s guide include long fence rails to make wider cuts, table saws with mobile bases, extension wings, and built-in storage options.
How often should you replace the blade on a table saw?
There is no definite answer to this question as it will depend on what you are cutting and how often you are cutting. If you use your saw table regularly, obviously you will replace it more than if you only use it once a week. Once a blade is no longer cutting as sharp or is not making precise cuts, you will want to replace it.