Whether you’re just getting excited about woodworking or you know what you’re doing and are looking for a replacement cutting tool, a table saw can take care of everything from cutting large sheets to making small precision cuts and trenches.
It offers a lot of power and more stability than any handheld saw, although it is more demanding in terms of installation and maintenance.
There are five table saws that top the charts in terms of performance, safety, precision, and value, and we will discuss all of them in detail in this article.
We’ll also share our opinion on which one is the best overall choice for beginner and expert woodworkers, while also giving you some tips on what features to look out for in table saws.
Quick NavigationTop 5 Best Table Saws Comparison ChartBest Table Saw Reviews1. Craftsman Evolv 10-Inch Table Saw2. DeWalt DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw3. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K 10-Inch Table Saw4. Ridgid ZRR4513 10-Inch Portable Table Saw5. DeWalt DCS7485B Flexvolt 8.25” Table SawProduct HighlightsBUYER’S GUIDETable Saw ModelsTable Saw Motor (Horsepower)Kickback PreventionBelt Drive DesignFlesh SensorDust CollectionTable Saw F.A.Q.How to choose a table saw?How to set up a table saw?What is a table saw?Can you use a dado blade on any table saw?Do I need a table saw?FINAL VERDICT
Top 5 Best Table Saws Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Table Saw Reviews
1. Craftsman Evolv 10-Inch Table Saw
The lightweight Craftsman Evolv table saw is a budget-friendly power tool that’s popular with the casual DIY community. It has plenty of safety features, a decent amount of raw power, and compatibility with standard household outlets.
Product Highlights
The 15A motor goes well in most amateur workshops that use standard outlets. The cutting performance is impressive for this size and most lightweight projects. The 10-inch blade can be easily adjusted for height and angle.
The 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade is a nice addition as is the push stick, hex key, and quality blade guard. All the markings are visible and the locking mechanisms are easy to handle especially on the rip fence. Despite the powerful motor, the vibrations aren’t too strong to handle, as long as you don’t attempt to work on wood that’s too thick.
What’s to like about the Craftsman Evolv 10-Inch Table Saw
The 5000 RPM motor is more than enough power for household tasks even if it doesn’t reach this threshold under load. The user manual is very detailed and easy to follow, which makes operating the Craftsman Evolv table saw a breeze even for beginners.
What’s not to like about the Craftsman Evolv 10-Inch Table Saw
The 5/8-inch arbor won’t accommodate stacked dado blades. Another downside is the poor dust collection. The durability is also questionable but more than enough for people on a tight budget.
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2. DeWalt DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw
The DWE7480 is a light jobsite table saw. It has decent torque and it’s compatible with standard outlets, making it a true portable design. You not only get an accurate and adjustable power tool but also the quality assurance that comes with the DeWalt brand.
Product Highlights
The DWE7480 table saw reaches 4,800 RPM without load. The 10-inch blade handles most woodworking projects with ease due to the carbide-tipped teeth. It’s one of the few table saws that cuts easily through hardwood at this price point.
The maximum cuts you can make at 90 and 45 degrees are 3.2 inches and 2.24 inches. No matter what you’re working on, your table will be relatively clean thanks to the dust collection port of 2.5 inches which can be attached to a vacuum system.
- Easy Adjustments: Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence Adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Variety Of Cuts : 24 1/2 inch of rip easily cuts a variety of Larger shelving and trim Materials
- Easy Adjustments: Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence Adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Guaranteed Tough: metal roll cage ensures job site durability
- Onboard Storage : Onboard storage provides easy access to the site pro guarding components and push stick when not in use
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the DeWalt DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw
Besides the obvious high accuracy that comes with the quality rip fence, it’s nice to see that the DWE7480 comes with some on-board storage for accessories. The presence of a miter saw gauge and push stick ensures that you can get started on your projects as soon as possible. The clear safety guard system is also a welcomed feature as it increases the visibility.
What’s not to like about the DeWalt DWE7480 10-Inch Table Saw
The fact that there’s no dust collection system installed is somewhat of a disappointment. The arbor design doesn’t allow you to use dado blades.
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3. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K 10-Inch Table Saw
Being a cabinet table saw, the Powermatic PM1000 is a very big, very heavy, and very sturdy power tool. It doesn’t have a complex design which makes it easy to assemble and it also has a lot of extra table space so you can experiment with a wide range of cuts and large pieces of wood.
Product Highlights
At first glance, the PM1000 table saw looks very similar to some of Powermatic’s higher-end models. This is because this cabinet table saw is equipped with most of the same safety features and adjustability features as some of the pricier models.
The proximity of the dust collector port to the blade guard lets you have a very clean workspace. With almost 2 HP of torque you can cut through a wide range of wood without much effort. The miter gauge will pivot up to 60 degrees on both sides.
- PRECISION-GROUND CAST IRON WORK SURFACE: Features a beveled edge for smoother operation.
- POLY-V BELT DRIVE SYSTEM: Reduces vibration and maximizes efficiency.
- MITER GAUGE PIVOTS 60° LEFT/RIGHT: Allows easy adjustment for a full range of cuts.
- ARBOR LOCK: One-handed blade changes with minimal tools.
- EXCLUSIVE ACCU-FENCE SYSTEM: Provides rigidity and precision.
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K 10-Inch Table Saw
The location of the power switch, under the table, lets you easily turn the saw on and off without having to use your hands. The 50-inch fence is more than anyone needs for home woodworking projects.
The PM1000 is the first 115V cabinet table saw and to this day not too many of them are wired at 115V AC input. If you’ve been craving a cabinet saw but balked at installing a 230V line, the Powermatic is your chance.
What’s not to like about the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K 10-Inch Table Saw
This is not your most budget-friendly option, certainly not for small projects or if you don’t have enough room to install a cabinet table saw. It also doesn’t come with a blade.
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4. Ridgid ZRR4513 10-Inch Portable Table Saw
Not everyone needs the biggest and baddest table saw to get the job done. For some, the portability of a table saw plays a huge role in determining its value. The Ridgid ZRR4513 is designed for people that want accuracy, power, and the ability to transport their tool to a new location with ease.
Product Highlights
The ZRR4513 gives you a 12-inch rip capacity on the left and 25 inches on the right. It also features a blade guard system that can be installed without tools and the motor reaches a speed of 4000 RPM without load.
The 10-inch blade cuts to about 3.5 inches deep at 90 degrees. You can also use a 6-inch dado set on the arbor. The 15A direct drive motor provides all the torque you need for small to medium projects and can be powered from any standard outlet.
What’s to like about the Ridgid ZRR4513 10-Inch Portable Table Saw
The riving knife and pawls for kickback protection are easy to install and are locked firmly in place with just a pin and a lever. As it is a portable table saw, there is on-board storage on the ZRR4513 for all accessories including guards, blade wrench, push stick, and fence.
The blade has 36 teeth which is great if you want to cut through hardwood. The ZRR4513 comes with all the accessories you need to start working as quickly as possible after the installation.
What’s not to like about the Ridgid ZRR4513 10-Inch Portable Table Saw
The quality of the fence is not impressive and for some this may not be compensated by the easy installation. There’s no micro adjustment option on the fence like in the previous ZRR4510 model.
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5. DeWalt DCS7485B Flexvolt 8.25” Table Saw
It’s not often that a cordless table saw makes a top five list when it comes to efficiency. The design on the DCS7485B sacrifices blade size in order to run on battery but manages to pull off an impressive RPM while still maintaining all the safety features you need in a table saw.
Product Highlights
The 5/8-inch arbor is equipped with an 8.25-inch blade as opposed to the commonly used 10-inch blades. This is of course for getting the most out of the cordless design. Still, this impressive motor reaches 5,800 RPM with no load, powered by an advanced DeWalt Flexvolt 60V max battery.
The blade can offer you a 2.5-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees and 1.75-inches at 45 degrees. You also get a rip capacity of 24 inches on the right and 12 inches on the left which is pretty good for a compact table saw.
- Flexible - power of corded. Freedom of cordless. The world's first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
- 24" of Rip capacity for ripping 4x8 plywood or osb sheets
- Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments smooth and accurate
- Metal roll cage base offer greater durability than plastic Bases
- Power-loss reset prevents accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the switch is left in the "on" position
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s to like about the DeWalt DCS7485B Flexvolt 8.25” Table Saw
The portability of the DCS7485B cordless table saw is great, not only because of the power it packs, but also because of the 48 pounds of weight. This is very easy to carry and is equipped with on-board storage and its own handle. The DeWalt’s impressive motor power and safety features are usually only found in more expensive corded models.
What’s not to like about the DeWalt DCS7485B Flexvolt 8.25” Table Saw
As with any cordless power tool, you are battery dependant. The absence of a charger will be stressful if you don’t have good power management. You might also consider getting a 9Ah battery instead of the 6Ah standard one if you want to run the saw for a longer time.
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BUYER’S GUIDE
Table Saw Models
There are four types of table saw, each with their own advantages and disadvantages for certain projects.
Benchtop table saws
Are lightweight designs that pack a lot of power. They are also referred to as job-site saws because of their convenient portability. The only real potential downside of benchtop saws is the increased kickback or higher vibrations.
Contractor table saws
Are bigger than benchtop saws but have the same direct drive motor most of the time. They’re known to be popular with homeowners and to have a very poor dust collection system.
Cabinet table saw
Owe their name to the enclosed base which is often referred to as a cabinet. This helps greatly with dust collection. What’s also specific to cabinet saws is the heavy weight and powerful induction motors.
The weight is due to the use of cast iron and steel and it helps minimize vibrations while also increasing accuracy. The superior horsepower and sturdy design makes them perfect for high volume work applications.
Hybrid table saws
are not too different from contractor table saws in terms of raw power. What sets them apart is the use of an enclosed cabinet to help with dust collection and the ability to be powered by 120V outlets.
Table Saw Motor (Horsepower)
Most commonly used table saws range between 1 and 5 hp which is generally enough for home projects and job sites. The motors that are in the 5 to 7.5 hp range are usually found at industrial sites and large commercial projects.
The type of motor you choose is not only important because of its raw power but also its compatibility with power supplies. Hybrid and benchtop table saws can make use of 15 – 20A 120V outlets while contractor and cabinet table saws may need 240V power sources.
Kickback Prevention
Kickback accidents are very common in table saw projects. Despite your best attempts to maintain pressure and keep the sheet of wood aligned with the fence, using a riving knife at all times is still the best kickback prevention method you can hope for.
It prevents the wood from going into the blade at an undesirable angle and it will save you from being hit in the face by a wooden bullet, or worse, getting your hand sucked into the blade, as this also happens during the kickback effect.
Belt Drive Design
If you’re considering a belt drive motor then you’re probably dealing with serious woodworking projects. The belt drive motor is superior to direct drive motors in terms of raw power and durability. Because of the belt and pulley system, more torque is produced and less dust finds its way in the motor.
However, for most home projects and small job sites, the drive belt is not necessary, as it requires more regular maintenance and more skill to operate because of the increased vibrations.
Flesh Sensor
The flesh sensor or saw stop technology is not even a decade old. The mechanics of it consists of sensors that are able to detect the conductivity of the skin in order to put the blade spin to an immediate stop and prevent accidents.
The main issue with this safety feature is that it has a reputation of destroying saw blades. While it can stop the blade in time, most saws would need a blade replacement before the work could continue. Even today the technology is not perfect but it is improving year after year.
If you’re worried about your woodworking abilities, then getting a table saw with a flesh sensor is not a bad idea. It’s ultimately cheaper to replace a blade than a finger.
Dust Collection
Generally only hybrid and cabinet table saws have efficient dust collection systems. If that is the main concern for you then probably a hybrid table saw will be an ideal choice for home projects.
The dust collection doesn’t matter too much on table saws with belt drive motors as they collect less dust than direct drive motors anyway, due to their open design and distance from the blade.
Table Saw F.A.Q.
How to choose a table saw?
Choosing a table saw starts with matching it with your project requirements in terms of raw power. Once you know that it has enough hp to cut through your materials, you then need to consider the size and operational skill requirements.
Bigger and more powerful table saws like cabinet saws will give you all the torque you can possibly need, but they are hard to set up for a one man operation and they may be harder to control. The vibrations are more noticeable and the risk of kickback is higher.
You might also want to carefully consider the motor you’re going with in terms of how you will power it. Do you want a 15A 120V motor that can be plugged into any outlet? Can you supply power to a 240V belt drive motor? There are many factors to take into account, from torque to design, and from safety features to convenience features.
How to set up a table saw?
One of the first things to do when getting a new table saw is to check that the blade is properly aligned in its slot. A saw aligning jig is a good tool you can use for this task. After this, you should probably check if the blade is square to the table. To do this, you can raise it to its max height and then put it at a 90-degree angle.
If you’re going to do many angled cuts you should also check the positioning of the blade at a 45-degree angle and you can do this with a miter gauge. The riving knife positioning should also be checked. On most saws, there should be an 8mm distance between the riving knife and the blade.
Adjusting the fence is the next step. You can use a 90-degree square to check the positioning. You should also make sure that the fence is parallel to the blade.If your table saw is equipped with a sliding table then you might need more than one person to adjust it. Just make sure it doesn’t sit on the main table, but rather above it. Giving them room in between will prevent dragging on the main table when you’re cutting wood.
What is a table saw?
The table saw, also known as a saw bench, is an electric power tool mostly used in woodworking. It uses the same circular blade design as a circular saw, but the main difference comes from an operating perspective. While circular saws are usually handheld, the table saw is a fixed tool which requires the worker to push the material into the blade to get the desired cut.
Can you use a dado blade on any table saw?
For the most commonly used dado blade sets which are 8 inches in diameter, the answer is yes. Most table saws come with an arbor size of 5 to 8 inches which will fit the blade. There are however rare occasions when the arbor may not support the standard 8-inch dado blade or when you want or need a bigger blade to begin with. If that is the case then you have to make sure the blade size and arbor size of the saw match before putting them together.
Do I need a table saw?
If you work with large pieces of wood or sheet plastic on a regular basis, chances are that a table saw will be a useful tool for your activities. The table saw’s accuracy, power, and safety features exceed those of handheld circular saws.
FINAL VERDICT
It’s hard at times to judge table saws objectively and make a suggestion for people that have their own preferences. However, the Dewalt DCS7485B Flexvolt cordless table saw will take just about anyone by surprise with its performance, accuracy, and ease of use.
This Dewalt table saw has everything you need from a table saw and even though it uses a smaller 8.25-inch blade it reaches an impressive 5,800 RPM. When powered by a 9Ah Flexvolt battery there’s very little it won’t do at home or at a job site.
Despite all the impressive achievements of the Dewalt DCS7485B, it may just be overkill for some home projects. The Craftsman Evolv is a competent table saw at a price that’s almost too good to be true. This table saw has the best value for the money for people on a tight budget.