Ever dreamed of building your own furniture or crafting cool wooden projects? A table saw is a powerful tool that can make those dreams a reality. But when you’re just starting out, or on a tight budget, the word “table saw” can feel a bit scary, especially when you see the prices.
Finding a good table saw without spending a fortune can feel like a treasure hunt. You want something that works well and won’t break the bank. It’s tough to know which ones are actually worth your hard-earned money and which ones will leave you frustrated with wobbly cuts and poor performance. We get it – the choices can be overwhelming!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’re going to dive into the world of affordable table saws, showing you what to look for and highlighting some fantastic options that won’t empty your wallet. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to pick a table saw that’s perfect for your projects and your budget. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Cheap Table Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cheap Table Saw Detailed Reviews
1. SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Folding Stand- TS6307-00
Rating: 8.6/10
The SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Folding Stand- TS6307-00 is a powerful and user-friendly tool for any DIYer or contractor. Its robust 15-amp motor handles tough jobs with ease, making it ideal for a variety of woodworking projects. The 10-inch blade offers a good cutting capacity for most common lumber sizes.
What We Like:
- The rack and pinion fence rails make sure your fence stays perfectly straight against the blade. This gives you fast, smooth, and accurate cuts every time.
- The integrated folding stand is a game-changer for portability. The legs fold up quickly so you can easily move the saw around your workspace or store it away.
- You can fine-tune the blade’s alignment with the parallel blade alignment feature, ensuring it’s perfectly straight with the rip fence and miter slot.
- It can cut through 4×4 lumber at a 90-degree angle, which is great for framing and other construction tasks.
- The saw offers a 2-47° bevel capacity with positive stops at 0 and 45 degrees. A quick-release lever makes changing the bevel angle simple.
- The dust port elbow helps direct sawdust into a container, keeping your work area cleaner and reducing cleanup time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the folding stand is convenient, some users might find the overall stability could be improved for very heavy-duty tasks.
- The dust collection system is basic; for serious dust control, you might want to add a more robust dust collection setup.
This SKIL table saw offers a great balance of power, accuracy, and portability. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable table saw for their workshop or job site.
2. Vevitts 4″ Mini Table Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
Are you a DIY enthusiast looking for a compact and versatile cutting tool? The Vevitts 4″ Mini Table Saw is designed to help you with your woodworking crafts and more. This little powerhouse packs a punch with its 60W motor, reaching speeds up to 4500rpm. It’s small enough to fit on your workbench but mighty enough for various cutting tasks. Plus, it comes with three different blades to handle a range of materials, making it a handy addition to your crafting arsenal.
What We Like:
- It’s very portable and compact, measuring only L7.5 x W5.5 x H4.7 inches.
- The saw has a cutting guard to help keep you safe while you work.
- You get three different blades: a diamond blade, an alloy steel blade, and a resin blade.
- It can cut through soft metals like copper and aluminum, as well as harder materials like iron and stainless steel.
- It can also cut glass, tile, and stone, which is great for many crafting projects.
- The motor is powerful but runs quietly, and it has rubber feet to stop it from moving around.
- It’s easy to put together with all the parts and instructions included.
- Cleaning is simple with its smooth surface and removable blades.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a mini table saw, so it can only cut to a maximum depth of 15mm at 90 degrees.
- It’s important to check the size before buying to make sure it fits your needs.
The Vevitts 4″ Mini Table Saw is a great choice for crafters who need a small, versatile saw. Its ability to cut through many materials makes it a valuable tool for your DIY projects.
3. Mini Multi Functional Table Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your inner crafter with this Mini Multi Functional Table Saw! This compact powerhouse is designed for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who need precision and versatility in a small package. Whether you’re working on intricate models, custom furniture pieces, or delicate craft projects, this portable electric saw makes it easy to achieve professional-looking results.
What We Like:
- Adjustable Height: You can change the saw blade’s height from 0 to 16mm for perfect cutting depth, reducing risks by keeping more of the blade covered.
- Adjustable Angle: The cutting board spins from 0 to 90 degrees with clear angle markings, letting you make precise cuts for frames or joints.
- Versatile Blades: It comes with four different saw blades (PCB, HSS, alloy, resin) that can cut wood, plastic, acrylic, and even some metals.
- Multi-Functional: Beyond cutting, you can also polish and engrave with the included flexible shaft attachment.
- Built Tough & Safe: The sturdy cast iron body and transparent safety shield keep you safe, while rubber feet stop it from moving around.
- Powerful & Adjustable Speed: A 100W motor with 7 speed settings lets you control the cutting power precisely.
- Compact & Portable: Its small size (7.09in x 6.30in x 3.94in) makes it easy to move and use anywhere.
- Lots of Accessories: You get over 100 small parts to help with all your projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 63mm saw blade size might be limiting for thicker materials.
- While it can cut some metals, it’s best suited for softer metals and thinner pieces.
This mini table saw is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to create. Its combination of features and portability makes it a valuable addition to any craft or workshop.
4. Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
The Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10-inch compound miter saw is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves woodworking. It packs a punch with its 15-amp motor, giving you plenty of power for all your cutting needs. You can make smooth, clean cuts thanks to its high speed. This saw is also designed to be easy to use, with quick adjustments for different angles and a secure way to hold your wood in place. Plus, it’s surprisingly light, making it simple to move around your workshop or take to different job sites.
What We Like:
- Powerful 15-Amp Motor: Easily handles tough cuts.
- High Speed (5,000 RPM): Ensures smooth and precise results.
- User-Friendly Design: Thumb-actuated stops make angle changes quick.
- Large 10-Inch Table: Offers great support for your materials.
- Secure Vice Clamping: Keeps your workpiece stable for accuracy and safety.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 24.2 lbs, making it easy to carry.
- Versatile Cutting Angles: Adjusts from 0-52° for miter cuts and 0-45° for bevel cuts.
- Durable and Reliable: Comes with a 5-year warranty from Metabo HPT.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bevel adjustment can sometimes be a bit stiff for some users.
- While portable, a built-in dust collection port would be a welcome addition.
Overall, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS is a solid choice for both DIYers and professionals looking for a reliable and powerful miter saw.
5. DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 in. Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw (DWE7485)
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 in. Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw (DWE7485) is a powerful and user-friendly tool for any serious DIYer or contractor. Its impressive 24.5-inch rip capacity means you can easily cut through large sheets of plywood or OSB, making big projects much simpler. This saw is designed with portability in mind, featuring a compact size that makes it a breeze to move between job sites or store in your workshop. The rack and pinion telescoping fence rails are a standout feature, allowing for quick, smooth, and precise fence adjustments. You’ll appreciate the on-board storage that keeps your guard, fence, wrenches, and miter gauge organized and readily accessible. Built for the rigors of a job site, the metal roll cage base provides excellent durability and protection. The Site-Pro Modular Guarding System lets you change the guarding without needing tools, saving you time and hassle. Plus, the power-loss reset feature adds an extra layer of safety, preventing the saw from restarting unexpectedly if the power goes out.
What We Like:
- Excellent 24.5-inch rip capacity handles large materials.
- Compact and portable design for easy transport and storage.
- Rack and pinion fence system ensures fast, smooth, and accurate adjustments.
- Convenient on-board storage keeps accessories organized.
- Durable metal roll cage base protects the saw on the job.
- Tool-free guarding adjustments with the Site-Pro system.
- Power-loss reset adds an important safety feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the base a bit heavy when carrying it long distances.
- While compact, it still requires a reasonable amount of space to operate safely.
Overall, this DEWALT table saw delivers impressive performance and thoughtful features for a jobsite tool. It’s a solid investment for anyone needing a reliable and portable cutting solution.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Finding a Great Deal on a Table Saw
Are you looking for a table saw without breaking the bank? A table saw is a fantastic tool for any DIYer or woodworker. It helps you make straight, accurate cuts in wood. Finding a cheap table saw doesn’t mean you have to settle for something that won’t do the job. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs and budget.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a budget-friendly table saw, keep these important features in mind:
- Motor Power: This tells you how strong the saw is. For most DIY projects, a motor between 10-15 amps is good. More power means it can cut through thicker or harder wood without struggling.
- Blade Size: Most small table saws use 10-inch blades. This is a standard size and works well for most tasks.
- Rip Capacity: This is the widest piece of wood you can cut along the grain. Look for a rip capacity of at least 24 inches. This lets you cut wider boards.
- Miter Gauge: This helps you make angled cuts. A good miter gauge will be sturdy and have clear markings. It should fit snugly in the miter slots.
- Table Size and Stability: A bigger table gives you more room to work with larger pieces of wood. A stable table that doesn’t wobble is very important for safety and accuracy.
- Dust Collection: Sawdust can be messy and harmful. Look for a saw with a dust port so you can connect a vacuum cleaner.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a table saw affect its durability and performance:
- Cast Iron vs. Steel: Many professional saws have cast iron tables. They are heavy and stable. Cheaper saws often use steel or aluminum. Steel tables can be good, but they might not be as heavy. Aluminum tables are lighter but can sometimes warp.
- Blade Quality: The blade that comes with the saw might not be the best. Consider buying a better blade separately if you can. A sharp, good-quality blade makes a big difference.
- Fence Material: The fence guides the wood for straight cuts. A sturdy metal fence is better than a flimsy plastic one. It should lock in place securely.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a cheap table saw perform better or worse:
- Build Quality: How well is the saw put together? Check for loose parts or wobbly components. A well-built saw feels solid.
- Alignment: The blade needs to be perfectly aligned with the miter slots and the fence. Many cheaper saws may need some adjustment out of the box.
- Motor Type: Universal motors are common in smaller saws. They are lighter but can be louder and wear out faster. Induction motors are found in more expensive saws. They are quieter and last longer. For a budget saw, a good universal motor is usually fine.
- Safety Features: Look for a blade guard, a riving knife (which helps prevent kickback), and a push stick. These are crucial for safe operation.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your table saw? This will help you decide what’s most important.
- DIY Home Projects: If you’re building shelves, birdhouses, or doing small repairs, a compact and portable table saw might be perfect. These are often called “jobsite” or “benchtop” saws. They are lighter and easier to move.
- Hobby Woodworking: For more serious hobbyists, a slightly larger saw with a better fence and more power might be needed. You might want a saw that can handle slightly larger projects.
- Beginner Woodworkers: Start with a saw that is easy to set up and use. Look for clear instructions and safety guides. A good starter saw will help you learn the basics without frustration.
Remember, even a cheap table saw requires care and attention to safety. Always read the manual and wear safety glasses. With this guide, you can find a table saw that fits your budget and helps you create amazing things!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Table Saws
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in a cheap table saw?
A: The most important feature is safety. Make sure the saw has a blade guard, a riving knife, and a way to connect a dust collection system.
Q: Can I make accurate cuts with a cheap table saw?
A: Yes, you can. However, you might need to spend time aligning the blade and fence properly. A good blade also helps a lot.
Q: What kind of wood can a cheap table saw cut?
A: Most cheap table saws can cut softwoods like pine and poplar. They can also cut hardwoods like oak, but it might be slower and require more power.
Q: How loud are cheap table saws?
A: Cheap table saws, especially those with universal motors, can be quite loud. It’s always a good idea to wear hearing protection.
Q: Do I need to assemble a cheap table saw when I buy it?
A: Yes, most table saws, even budget ones, require some assembly. This usually involves attaching the legs, fence, and blade guard.
Q: What is “kickback” and how can I avoid it?
A: Kickback is when the wood is suddenly thrown back towards you. Using a riving knife, keeping the wood against the fence, and not forcing the cut helps prevent it.
Q: Is a portable table saw good for a beginner?
A: Yes, portable table saws are often a good choice for beginners. They are lighter, take up less space, and are usually less expensive.
Q: How often should I replace the blade on a cheap table saw?
A: You should replace the blade when it becomes dull. A dull blade makes cutting harder and increases the risk of kickback.
Q: Can I upgrade parts on a cheap table saw?
A: Sometimes you can. You might be able to upgrade the fence or the miter gauge. However, major upgrades might not be worth the cost.
Q: Where can I find reviews for cheap table saws?
A: You can find reviews on retailer websites like Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. There are also many woodworking blogs and YouTube channels that review tools.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!