Every woodworker, no matter if they are a beginner or a skilled expert, should own a table saw.
This power tool is very versatile for making cuts.
Here we have combined our knowledge on product reviews for the best table saw under 500.
By the end of the article, you will understand the types of table saws, what cuts are possible to make, and what features you may wish to look for when purchasing a saw.
We have also listed the best table saws for a budget, providing pros and cons, along with features of each one.
The Best Table Saws Under 500: Recommended Product Review
1. DEWALT Table Saw for Jobsite
This model by Dewalt is compact; you can haul it around. With a metal roll cage, this saw will be very durable.
Included with your purchase for this table saw is one DWE7485 8-1/4 inch Table Saw; one fence; one anti-kickback pawls; a miter gauge; one push stick; one 24T 81/4 inch blade; one Non-thru cut riving knife; two-blade change wrenches; and one modular guard system.
Pros:
- The table saw has onboard storage for miter gauges, fences, wrenches, and more.
- Any wood is easy to work with on this saw.
- This saw contains a rip capacity of 24.5 inches.
- As the table is super lightweight, it is portable and easy to move at under 60 pounds.
- Easy adjustments can be made that are accurate and fast.
- Clean cuts are made due to the higher RPM.
Cons:
● The riving knife may be stiff for some to align.
2. Hitachi C10RJ 10″
Our number two pick, the Hitachi C10RJ 10”, has a soft start which is most appreciated. It is packed with safety features that make owning this table saw a dream come true.
The telescopic table extension gives you a ripping capacity of 35 inches on the right and 22 inches to the left. This saw weighs 96 pounds. It is portable and durable, and you will never have to worry about wobbling while cutting.
Pros:
The Hitachi C10RJ comes with a bevel range of 0 degrees to 45 degrees which allow the individual to make cuts within the range of 3 1/8 inches to 2 1/4 inches.
- This table saw features an ample amount of storage space.
- The saw comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Easy to turn on, the Hitachi C10RJ comes with a large power switch.
- The saw comes complete with an easy off emergency cover.
Cons:
- Some may feel it is on the heavy side.
- The instructions provided are not the best.
3. SKILSAW SPT99T
The Skilsaw SPT99T takes our third spot of the best table saws under 500. As it is a portable worm drive saw, it offers maximum torque for ripping and is easy to move around.
Durable with all-metal construction, it features a pinion system so one can make fence adjustments easily and quickly.
With a 25-inch rip capacity, this table saw can slice through up to three times with the 2-5/8 inch depth of cut.
This table saw comes with a 24-tooth Blade and an 8-¼ inch SKILSAW Portable Worm Drive Table Saw.
Pros:
- This table saw comes with a 180 Day Stay True Guarantee + plus a 1 Year limited warranty.
- The blade and fence are square right out of the box.
- The table saw is extremely durable with foldable legs.
- One of the front legs provides an adjustable leg for uneven surfaces.
- Evenly cuts hardwood or lumber that has been treated.
Cons:
● The plastic fencing has a cheap feel to it.
4. Goplus Table Saw
Our fourth pick, the GoPlus Table Saw, is a budget-friendly choice with low noise. Weighing 46 pounds, the saw features 120 Volts with a speed of 5,000 RPM.
The coated aluminum tabletop has a 26-inch rip capacity perfect for slicing through thicker wood. A sliding miter gauge easily adjusts from -45 degrees to 45 degrees for cross-cutting.
With onboard storage, this table saw comes with a tool-free guard and riving knife, which protects you from accidental injury and flying chips. The table saw comes with other extras, including a stand, blade, miter gauge, push stick, rip fence, blade guard, and wrenches.
Pros:
- The saw features an adjustable blade height for slotting, ripping, or cutting.
- A self-aligning rip fence with parallel guide
- allows for precise and stable cutting.
- An on/off safety switch provides for overload protection.
- The blade is sharp and cuts well.
- The GoPlus is an affordable option for any woodworker, making it the best table saw on a budget pick.
Cons:
- The accessories for the GoPlus could stand some improvement.
5. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V
Rounding out our best table saws under 500 is the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V, which prides itself on being cordless while still having the power of one that is corded. With a rip capacity of 24 inches, this saw can easily cut through a 4X8 inch piece of plywood.
Weighing 45 pounds, this battery-powered power tool comes with the Table Saw, a carbide blade, a push stick, a
blade guard, a rip fence, one non-thru cut riving knife, two-blade wrenches, one miter gauge, and a user guide.
Pros:
- With backward compatibility with 20V MAX tools, it allows one to get up to 4x the run-time.
- Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails allow smooth and accurate adjustments of the fence.
- The Flexvolt features a durable roll cage base constructed from metal.
- Smooth cutting can be completed due to the table coating that reduces friction.
- The saw comes with a safety feature that prevents accidental auto-starts.
Cons:
- This table saw does not come with the battery.
Buying Guide
If you are a skilled woodcutter, you will most likely know the ins and outs of table saws. But if you are not familiar with this machine, you will want to read about some features you might wish to look for.
Features to Look For in a Table Saw under 5000
Fence
When looking at different table saws, look for one with a durable fence. The fence is the part of the table saw that allows you to push the wood through.
A fence that will be more effective for your table saw will be parallel to the blade.
If a table saw does not have the best fence, you can replace it down the road.
Miter Gauge
A miter gauge is a t-shaped tool that assists in guiding your wood through the saw.
Many saws will come with a miter gauge.
However, this too is something that can be replaced later on.
Motor Size
Depending on what type of saw you purchase will make motor size vary. Most cabinet saws have 3 to 5 horsepower while a contractor table is 1.5 to 2 horsepower.
Tilt
When making angled cuts, you will need to tilt the saw to either the right or the left.
Most models only tilt one way. It is rare to find one that will go to the left and right.
The tilt is a personal preference for woodcutters.
However, it is easier for those just beginning to tilt to the left. This will allow the cut to be less dangerous.
Saw Blade
Most saw blades on the market today measure 10 inches. But some alternatives have 12-inch measurements.
Blade size is not always everything. You will also need to make sure that the blade is of good quality, as is the finish.
The blades will be responsible for different tasks. Some are made for ripping while others are suited for cross-cutting.
Dust Collection
A dust collection can help to capture the dust when working with your saw. Look for a saw that will allow you to capture the dust easily so little mess is made.
Types of Table Saws
There are many different table saws you can purchase to go with your power tool arsenal. The four main types are portable table saws, hybrid table saws, cabinet saws, and contractor saws.
Portable Table Saws
Portable tables saws are generally lightweight, so they are easy to move, weighing 60 to 100 pounds.
Also called worksite table saws, some manufacturers have placed wheels on them for easier moving. While they may not have as strong of a motor as other kinds of table saws, they are a very affordable option for those just starting in the woodworking or construction business. Pros of the portable table saws include plugging the machine into 110 Volt outlets. If you travel a lot, this may be the type of saw to purchase.
Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws are also lightweight but have a heavier motor.
They are sturdy and usually weigh about 300 pounds. These are much more expensive than a portable table saw, and they too can be used with a 100-volt outlet. It combines the best features of portable table saws, cabinet saws, and contractor saws.
Cabinet Table Saws
Cabinet saws are expensive power tools. But if you are a pro at woodworking, this is probably the type of table saw to purchase.
With a 3 to 5 HP motor typically, cabinet saws can efficiently make straight cuts that are butter smooth. Best of all, you will not have to worry about vibrations from the device. Being very stable, this saw is generally on the pricier side, but with that much torque, one can easily cut through super thick pieces of wood. A large drawback to cabinet saws is that you may need to install a circuit just for it as they draw a lot of electricity when run.
Contractor Table Saws
Contractor table saws generally weigh between 150 to 350 pounds.
Depending upon the weight will determine how portable they are. A cast-iron tabletop is a feature along with a powerful motor. These saws are affordable and are perfect for making furniture or hobbies. While they can cut through thick woods, including hardwoods, they may have trouble occasionally.
Variations of Cuts
When using a table saw, you can make a variety of cuts.
Rip-Cut
A rip cut will go along the grain, making an extended cut down the board. Woodworkers use the rip cut to adjust the width of the board.
Cross-Cutting
When a woodworker uses a cross-cut, they are essentially cutting across the grain of the wood. This is done to adjust the length of the board.
Dado Cutting
A notch or groove can be cut into a piece of wood when Dado cutting is used. Many woodworkers will use this cut when making various pieces of furniture. You will need Dado sets to help you create this cut.
Tips for Table Saws
The following tips can help to keep you safe and secure when using a table saw.
- Use a carbide-tipped blade that is very sharp.
- Always keep your area clean. This includes making sure the table is cleared off and that a dust collection is used.
- Before starting any project, make sure the table saw is in excellent working order.
- If you need to change the blade, turn off the power before doing so.
- Be on the lookout for foreign objects in your wood, such as a nail or screw.
- Always use a push stick.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing Any Table Saw
There are a few things you must consider before you purchase any table saw. Ask yourself these questions to determine which saw will be the best for your needs and environment.
- Will I be using this for personal use or business use?
- What sort of materials will need to be cut on this table saw?
- How often will I be using the table saw?
- Will I be moving the table saw from room to room?
- Will I need to move it to a different location by a vehicle?
- What is my budget?
- How will I store this table saw?
In Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our product reviews of the best table saw under 500. The buyer’s guide will allow you to find the cheapest table saw for your wants and needs.
If you are looking for precision with a tight budget, you can consider these picks. Many of them have excellent safety features, such as blade guards or anti-kickback features.
Whether you want a portable table saw for a job site or one for your woodworking shop, you can rest assured that the saws on our list provided you with the best of both worlds.
The best table saws under 500 can make cuts for any projects you are working on.
FAQ
How do I know which is the best table saw under $500?
It’s hard to determine which table saw is the best one for you.
However, by using our buying guide and our product reviews, you can rest assured that you will find the best saw for your needs.
Are there specific safety features I need to look for?
There are various safety features that one can look for. These can include an anti-kickback, an emergency shut off, a smart guard, or a flesh detection.
What does a miter gauge do on a table saw?
A miter gauge will allow a woodworker to make cross cuts that otherwise may need to be done with a different saw. Boards can be cut at various angles when using a miter gauge.
What are some excellent features to look for on a table saw?
Possible features that you may wish to look for include saws with a powerful motor, a fence system, one with a large cutting capacity, or those that come with a saw stand.
You may also want to look for saws that come with saw blades, are self-aligning, have a large inch cut capacity, or have a great amp motor. Some may wish to purchase ones with a telescoping fence, a roll cage, or a foldable stand.