Top Rated Table Saws

Lets face it, table saws aren’t cheap.  So when it comes to making the big purchase for one, you’re want to ensure you check out the top rated table saws, to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.

This guide is here to help you navigate your understanding of what to look for, what’s popular and common features to compare.   We’ve also included the pros (the good) and the cons (the bad) at the end of each review listed here under our buyer’s guide.

**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, with no additional cost to you, I can earn from qualifying purchases.

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5 Top Rated Table Saws Compared

Buyer’s Guide – Everything You Need to Know About Table Saws

What is a Table Saw?

A table saw (aka as a sawbench) is a power tool consisting of circular saw blade, mounted to an arbor driven by an electric motor (by belt or gears). Table saws are used by woodworkers who are able to vary the depth of cut by moving the blade up and down.

Table Saws and Circular Saws

Table saws are similar to a circular saw, except circular saws are mobile so you can take them to the material.  Table saws also provide a surface on which to support the material being cut, whereas a circular saw does not.  The biggest obstacle in working with a circular saw is keeping your cuts accurate and true.

What’s the Difference Between Table Saws and Miter Saws?

Miter saws are designed to be precise when doing angled cuts.  A table saw will also do angles, but not as accurately as the miter saw.

 What Are the Different Types of Table Saws?

• Benchtop table saw
• Compact benchtop saw
• Jobsite table saw
• Contractor table saw
• Cabinet table saw
• Hybrid table saw
• Sliding table saw

Most of the table saws have 15-amp motors and are capable of ripping boards and plywood, but there are things that set them apart. We discovered that the differences in the best table saws were in the quality and ease of use of features such as stands, blade guards, rip fences and blade controls.

Benchtop Table Saw – 

Benchtop models are light weight and are designed to be placed on a bench (hence the name).  This is the most common type used by homeowners and DIYer’s.  However, they don’t have a large ripping capacity so If you’re looking to cut a lot of large lumber, then you’re going to need to look elsewhere (perhaps a cabinet table saw).

Should note that bench top are generally the least expensive (but also the least capable of heavy duty tasks) but may offer the right ripping capacity and precisions for your needs.

Compact Benchtop Saw – 

They’re small, so that it doesn’t matter which table or bench you put them on, and they’re light enough to be carried from place-to-place. Perfect for onsite trades.

Jobsite Table Saws – 

Jobsite saws reflect their name’s sake (they are designed for the job site!).  They are therefore larger than their bench top counterparts but being heavier means they are placed on a folding or stationary stand during operation.  These saws are mostly used by carpenters, contractors and tradesmen and are normally a bit more expensive than the bench top but also offer more grunt. The motors, gears and cases are better designed to withstand the abuse of construction sites.

Contractor Table Saw – 

Contractor table saws are heavy, large saws that are attached to a stand or base with wheels.  The induction motor hinges off the rear on a pivoting bracket and drives the blade with one or sometimes two rubber v-belts.  Hobbyists and homeowners often used this type as standard electrical circuits provide adequate power to run them (plus they’re cheaper compared to larger saws).  The disadvantage is as the motor hangs off the rear, the dust collection is usually problematic.  Still they are lighter than cabinet saws, and designed for larger projects than a bench top saw.

Cabinet Table Saw – 

A cabinet table saws are defined by the inclusion of an enclosed base.  They are heavy with large amounts of cast iron steel to minimize vibration and increase accuracy.  They are mainly used in construction sites with an induction motor and three-phase power for commercial/industrial application.  Where some of the advantages of a cabinet saw are desired for home use, the ‘hybrid’ saws have emerged to address this need.

Hybrid

Hybrid table saws offer some of the advantages of cabinet saws, but are cheaper yet able to compete with high-end contractor table saws.  They really are a ‘hybrid’ between both a cabinet and a contractor saw.  They come with an enclosed cabinet to help improve dust collection.  This can either be similar to a cabinet saw with a full enclosure from the table to the floor or a shorter cabinet on legs.  Should note that they are often heavier than contractor saws but lighter than cabinet ones.

Sliding Table Saws

A sliding table saw is a variation on the traditional cabinet saw.  They are used to cut large panels and sheets such as plywood or MDF.  Sliding table saws have a sliding table on the left side of the blade.  This is attached to a folding arm mounted under the table used for cross cutting plus ripping larger materials. They are the largest type of table saw mostly used by large production cabinet shops and usually incorporate a riving knife to prevent kickback from occurring.

So, I want a table saw, what now?

The best Benchtop saw for each individual depends on a number of factors.

1. Project size, material size
2. Budget
3. Skill level

We’ve reviewed 5 table saws so that you can make an educated decision and figure out which model and type is right for you.  When making a big purchase like a table saw, you don’t want to purchase a big mistake.  It’s not always obvious which is the right one, so we would encourage you to read up on reviews and look for the negatives along with the positives commented across a range of perspectives.  We always include the option to check out other reviews, as it is important to get an accurate picture of what you’re buying.  Especially if you’re after a top rated table saw.

If you buy from one of our links, we do get a small commission that we use to maintain this site, and provide you with an honest approach to the review process (so thanks very much if you do – Ill probably just buy a beer with it!)

Top Rated Table Saws – Our Reviews

Here are our 5 top recommended Table Saws based on our experience combined with reviews we have read. As always, we would encourage you to check out a lot of reviews and consider the pros and cons of each product before forking out your hard earned cash.

**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, with no additional cost to you, I can earn from qualifying purchases. To see our full Affiliate Disclosure, please see our Terms of Service. You can also scroll to the footer of this post.

DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity (DWE7491RS) –  Top Pick

 

This review was from my mate Peter, who owns a cabinet making business.  Due to his extensive experience with daily use of table saws, his review got our top pick!   He wrote,

“I own a cabinet making business and life has gotten a lot busier of late.  I have moved to expand my workshop. I had one operating table saw which was not coping with the work load output so I went into the marketplace and found this Dewalt table saw. I needed more than one so I purchased 3 of them to meet my employee numbers.

I was quite surprised at how easily they functioned and they did not take up too much space in the workshop.

Dewalt never fails me. They consistently offer a great product that always performs.

My table saws get used non stop every day. They are robust and seamlessly cut through all types of cabinetry substrates (apart from changing the blades every so often that is just a minor issue of wear and tear.)

Yes I could go out and spend thousands on a top premium brand, but this Dewalt does everything I need that a premium brand would give me.  Highly recommend this product for the home user and DIYer.”

If you would like to check the price of the DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity (DWE7491RS), click here.

 The Good:

• Features a 15.0A high-torque motor with the power to cut pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods
• 10-inch 24 Tooth Carbide Blad
• Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
• 2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction
• 32-1/2-inch rip capacity easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• 3-1/8″ depth-of-cut at 90 and 2-1/4″ at 45
• Onboard storage system provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gauge, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.

The Bad:

• You will need to assemble this yourself so ensure all parts are there (some commented that their blade guard was missing – I didn’t have this issue, but thought I’d mention it).
• The cord is quite short (not sure why this is) so you may need to use with an extension cord (again not a deal breaker but worth mentioning).

DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity (DW745) – Most Light Weight

I was looking to build a dog house but only had a little drop saw that was on it’s last legs from work overload.  So I decided to get something with a little more muscle that would be able to put up with my up coming projects (the dog house being one of them).

Knowing my friend Peter was a big fan of DeWalt table saws, I too decided to take the plunge and buy one myself (plus the online reviews were quite favorable).

I don’t regret it.  This DeWalt 10-inch table saw (DW745) is a life saver as it has cut my labor time in half.  Its a fantastic machine that offers power and precision with every cut.  I am biased towards their tools though and own a few Dewalt products (almost like premium is guaranteed).  This table saw does what it is designed to do without being heavy with minimal vibration.  I like that the rear feet adjust to level the saw on uneven work surfaces.  Dewalt is Magic.

If you would like to check the price of the DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity, click here.

Update:  since I bought mine, there has been a newer version brought out in this range that includes a stand (and might be cheaper than purchasing a stand separately).  If you would like to check out the latest version of this model with stand included, click here.

The Good:

• A powerful 15 amp, high-torque motor for tough jobs like cutting hardwood and pressure-treated lumber.
• 24″ of rip capacity, easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials.
• For added convenience, on-board storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding components and the push stick when they’re not in use.
• Light weight and portable
• Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up.
• Includes: Miter gauge, push stick, 10″ carbide blade and blade guard.

 The Bad:

• This saw does not have dado capacity.
• Saw stand is sold separately

DEWALT DWE7480 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System  – Best Compact Table Saw

 

Admittedly we seldom choose products from the same manufacturer and list them as our top three products (Ill blame Peter’s influence on this decision!)

Seriously, we find it hard to fault Dewalt – and this time, my dad agreed with me.  His workshop is pretty tight and we had to find a product that would not invade the limited space he has.

The product dimensions of this Dewalt DWE7480 10 in. (28.8”X26.5”X13.9”) was exactly what he needed for his compact space.

To begin with, it was a very simple setup out of the box. It took roughly 10-15minutes to set up.  It’s a great little saw that makes straights cuts and the timber running through the blade guides very well.

Dad is a hobbyist and creates low to high end boxes (he sells some of these on e-bay – including some fancy cigar boxes).  As such his cuts have to be absolutely perfect and square to produce high quality products (otherwise they don’t sell).  The Dewalt ensures that all his cuts are square which makes the assembly of the boxes fairly easy.

The Dewalt table saw allows precision cutting and is ideal for those hobbyist’s like dad who are after a compact model with limited space. It’s a beauty.

If you would like to check the price of the DEWALT DWE7480 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System, click here.

The Good:

• Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
• 24-1/2″ of rip easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting
• Onboard storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding components and push stick when not in use
• Includes: Miter Saw Gauge, Push stick, 10-inch Carbide Blade, and Blade Guard.

The Bad:

• Does not come with sawdust bag (but there is a dust collection port to connect to a shop vac for dust collection).

Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw – Most Innovative

A great alternative to Dewalt would no doubt be made by Bosch.  One of the great features of the Bosch 4100-10 Table saw is functionality.  If you’re after a table saw that’s easy to move around from job to job, this one fits the description to the tee.  It is not too large or cumbersome and it is super easy to set up.

The saw itself is very powerful and cuts timber with ease.  The timber glides easily along the table bringing control for a one handed operation.  I love the safety features of this product with the anti kickback pawls which provide a lot of protection. I also like that there is always a clear view while cutting the timber, ensuring control and safety in every cut.

Bosch has always engineered a great product and it has always modelled itself with high quality tools.  That’s probably why this is a best seller even if it does only have a one year limited warranty (most Bosch products do).

I’ve never had a Bosch product fail me yet and this one with it’s soft start circuitry and square lock rip fence, is engineered for maximum ‘trueness’ and great ease of use.  No doubt a smart buy here.

If you would like to check the price of the Bosch Power Tools 4100-10, click here.

The Good:

• Powerful 10 in. Worksite table saw: features 15-Amp saw that delivers 4. 0 max Hp and 3, 650 RPM, for the power required for ripping, rip-cutting and cross-cutting fine and rough-carpentry materials.
• Works seamlessly with the included lighter GTA47W Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand for easy jobsite mobility, with single-action setup and take down
• Portable
• Smart Guard system helps riving knife and Anti-Kickback pawls which provides protection, while the guard assembly provides a barrier to help prevent blade contact while allowing an Unobstructed view of the cut
• It includes Constant Response circuitry to help maintain speed under load, and overload protection.
• Arbor lock – permits easy blade changes, with arbor lock and blade wrench located onboard
• It is jobsite-ready with heavy-duty construction.

The Bad:

• A few reviewers noted that the fence is a bit wobbly
• No dust blower included (does work with vacuum hose VAC2004 and Dust bag Ts1004)

 SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand – Budget Friendly

If you’re after a low budget table saw that would enable an exact 45 degree mitre angle cut, then this little beast has got you covered.

To the surprise of most (especially if you’re unfamiliar with Skil) this saw is favorably reviewed to perform better than expected.  It does exactly what it needs to do.  The cuts are clean.  The saw itself has great control and power.

It does not take up too much room in workshops and comes with a folding stand for fast set up and easy transport.

The saw is easy to set up and you do not need a science degree to operate it either.  The timber slides across the aluminium with ease, with no friction whatsoever. 
On the downside it does not have any dust collection, but you could rig up your own extraction system to restrict dust dispersion.

This little gem is a best seller and for the price, it is well worth checking out!

To check the price of the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand, click here.

The Good:

• Heavy-duty steel stand for fast setup and easy transport.
• Self-Aligning Rip Fence for accurate measurements.
• EZ view measurement system for accurate settings.
• On tool storage for all accessories and guarding system
• Included: (1) 10-Inch Table Saw, (1) Carbide-Tooth Blade, (2) Blade Wrenches, (1) Heavy-Duty Steel Folding Stand, (1) Self-Aligning Rip Fence, (1) Miter Gauge

The Bad:

• This saw does not have a dust collection system or port (better to use outside)
• The blade it comes with is a bit ordinary – better off to buy a 60 – 80 tooth blade.

Final Thoughts……

At the end of the day any tool should feel comfortable when you use it. Think about the work you need to do, and balance the power you want against the size and weight you can comfortably handle.

Of course, the number of the number of times you use the table saw and whether or not you’re using it for projects that require high amounts of power will also play an effect in overall durability.

For further information including feedback, comments, suggestions or questions, please contact us as we would love to hear from you.

Quick Links to Our Top 5 Jigsaws

1. DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity (DWE7491RS)– Top Pick
2. DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity (DW745) – Most Light Weight
3. DEWALT DWE7480 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System – Best Compact Table Saw
4. Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw – Most Innovative
5. SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand – Budget Friendly