What Table Saw Should I Buy? A Comprehensive 2024 Guide

Deciding what table saw to buy can feel overwhelming. The answer is, it depends on your needs, skill level, and budget. This guide will walk you through the different types of table saws, their features, and what to consider before making a purchase. This table saw buying guide will help you choose the best table saw for beginners or the best table saw for advanced woodworking.

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Types of Table Saws

There are several types of table saws, each suited for different purposes. Consider these types to figure out what is best for your needs:

Portable Table Saws

These saws are designed for job site use. They are lightweight, easy to transport, and often have folding stands. If you need a portable table saw, then this is the best option.

• Pros:
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Relatively inexpensive
  • Good for small projects and job site work
• Cons:
  • Less powerful than other types of table saws
  • Smaller table size limits the size of materials you can cut
  • Can be less accurate than heavier saws
• Who is it for?: Carpenters, contractors, DIYers needing portability.

Contractor Saws

Contractor saws are a step up from portable saws. They have a heavier build, a more powerful motor, and typically a belt-drive system. Let’s compare the cabinet saw vs contractor saw.

• Pros:
  • More powerful than portable saws
  • Larger table size
  • Better accuracy than portable saws
• Cons:
  • Heavier and less portable than portable saws
  • Motor hangs off the back, taking up more space
  • Can vibrate more than cabinet saws
• Who is it for?: Serious DIYers, hobbyist woodworkers with more space.

Hybrid Table Saws

Hybrid table saws blend features of both contractor and cabinet saws. They offer a good balance of power, precision, and price. Many consider this to be the best option to bridge the gap of the other two styles.

• Pros:
  • Good combination of power and precision
  • Enclosed cabinet for dust collection
  • More affordable than cabinet saws
• Cons:
  • Can be heavier than contractor saws
  • Not as powerful or precise as cabinet saws
• Who is it for?: Woodworkers seeking a balance of performance and value.

Cabinet Saws

Cabinet saws are the top-of-the-line option. They feature a heavy, fully enclosed cabinet, a powerful motor, and exceptional accuracy.

• Pros:
  • Most powerful and accurate type of table saw
  • Very little vibration
  • Excellent dust collection
• Cons:
  • Most expensive type of table saw
  • Heavy and difficult to move
  • Requires dedicated space
• Who is it for?: Professional woodworkers, serious hobbyists with large budgets.

Table Saw Comparison Table

Feature	Portable Table Saw	Contractor Saw	Hybrid Table Saw	Cabinet Saw
Portability	Excellent	Fair	Poor	Very Poor
Power	Low	Medium	High	Very High
Accuracy	Fair	Good	Very Good	Excellent
Price Range	\$100 – \$500	\$500 – \$1500	\$800 – \$2000	\$2000+
Dust Collection	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Typical Usage	Job Site, DIY	Home Shop, DIY	Home Shop, Semi-Pro	Professional Shop

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a table saw, consider these essential features:

Motor Power

The table saw motor power is measured in horsepower (HP). More horsepower means the saw can handle thicker materials and tougher cuts without bogging down.

• 1.5 HP: Suitable for light-duty tasks and softwoods. Common in portable saws.
• 2 HP: A good option for general-purpose use, including hardwoods. Common in contractor and hybrid saws.
• 3 HP or higher: Needed for heavy-duty use and thick hardwoods. Common in cabinet saws.

Table Size and Material

A larger table provides more support for large workpieces. The table material should be durable and flat.

• Cast Iron: The best option for flatness and vibration dampening. Common in contractor, hybrid, and cabinet saws.
• Aluminum: Lighter and more affordable, but not as flat or durable as cast iron. Common in portable saws.

Fence

The table saw fence guides the wood as you push it through the blade. A good fence should be accurate, easy to adjust, and lock securely in place.

• T-Square Fence: Considered the most accurate and user-friendly type of fence. Common in hybrid and cabinet saws.
• Rip Fence: A simpler design, but can still be accurate if well-made. Common in contractor and portable saws.

Miter Gauge

The miter gauge slides in a slot on the table and allows you to make angled cuts. Look for a miter gauge that is sturdy and has positive stops at common angles.

Dust Collection

Table saws create a lot of dust, which can be harmful to your health. Look for a saw with a dust port that connects to a shop vacuum or dust collector.

Safety Features

Table saw safety is critical. Look for saws with:

• Blade Guard: Protects your hands from accidental contact with the blade.
• Riving Knife: Prevents the wood from pinching the blade and causing kickback.
• Push Stick/Blocks: Allow you to safely guide the wood through the blade without placing your hands too close.
• Emergency Stop Switch: Allows you to quickly shut off the saw in case of an emergency.

Blade

The blade is a critical part of the table saw. Different blades are designed for different materials and cuts. Consider the following:

• General Purpose Blade: A good all-around blade for ripping and crosscutting.
• Rip Blade: Designed for making long cuts along the grain of the wood.
• Crosscut Blade: Designed for making cuts across the grain of the wood.
• Dado Blade: Used for cutting wide grooves or dados.

Navigating the Price Range

The table saw price range varies widely depending on the type of saw and its features.

• \$100 – \$500: Portable table saws
• \$500 – \$1500: Contractor saws
• \$800 – \$2000: Hybrid table saws
• \$2000+: Cabinet saws

Table Saw Reviews

Before making a purchase, read table saw reviews from reputable sources. Consider user reviews, professional reviews, and comparisons to get a well-rounded picture of the saw’s performance and reliability. Look for reviews that address the following:

• Accuracy
• Power
• Ease of use
• Dust collection
• Durability

Example of Table Saw Reviews

Portable Table Saw Review:

• Brand X Model Y: Users praised its lightweight design and portability. Some noted that the fence wasn’t as accurate as they would like.
• Brand A Model B: Known for its robust motor. Customers noted the dust collection was subpar.

Cabinet Saw Review:

• Brand Z Model Q: Consistently received high ratings for its power, accuracy, and smooth operation. Some users mentioned the high price tag as a drawback.
• Brand R Model T: Easy setup process. Some noticed minor vibrations.

Safety First: Essential Tips

Before operating any table saw, be sure to follow basic safety precautions:

• Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
• Read and heed all safety instructions.
• Use a push stick or push block when cutting small pieces.
• Never reach over the blade.
• Keep the blade guard and riving knife in place.
• Never force the wood through the blade.
• Disconnect the power before making any adjustments or changing the blade.
• Be aware of the risk of kickback and take steps to avoid it.
• Keep your work area clean and well-lit.
• Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the blade.

Maintaining Your Table Saw

Regular maintenance will help keep your table saw running smoothly and safely.

• Clean the saw regularly: Remove dust and debris from the table, blade, and motor.
• Lubricate moving parts: Use a dry lubricant on the fence rails, miter gauge slots, and blade elevation mechanism.
• Check the blade for sharpness: Replace the blade when it becomes dull.
• Inspect the power cord: Look for any signs of damage.
• Check the alignment of the blade and fence: Make sure they are parallel to each other.

Fathoming Arbor Size & Blade Compatibility

The arbor size is the diameter of the shaft that the blade mounts onto. It’s crucial to match the blade’s arbor hole to the saw’s arbor size for safe and proper operation. The most common arbor size in North America is 5/8 inch. Always verify compatibility before installing a blade. Using an incorrectly sized blade can be extremely dangerous.

Power Requirements

• 120V: Most portable and contractor saws operate on 120V power.
• 240V: Larger cabinet saws often require 240V power. Ensure your shop has the appropriate electrical outlet before purchasing a 240V saw.

Alternative Cutting Options

If a table saw isn’t quite right for your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Circular Saw: Handheld, portable, good for rough cuts and demolition work.
• Miter Saw: Used for making accurate crosscuts and angled cuts.
• Band Saw: Versatile saw for cutting curves and resawing lumber.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best table saw for a beginner?

A: A portable table saw is often the best table saw for beginners. They are affordable, easy to use, and relatively safe. Look for a model with a good fence and safety features.

Q: Can I use a table saw to cut metal?

A: No, table saws are designed for cutting wood. Using a table saw to cut metal can damage the saw and be extremely dangerous. Use a metal-cutting saw instead.

Q: Who is SawStop?

A: SawStop is a table saw manufacturer known for its patented safety system that detects when skin comes into contact with the blade and stops the blade within milliseconds, preventing serious injury.

Q: What is kickback and how can I prevent it?

A: Kickback is when the wood being cut is thrown back towards the operator at high speed. It can be caused by the wood pinching the blade or by not using the proper safety techniques. To prevent kickback:

• Use a riving knife or splitter.
• Use a push stick or push block when cutting small pieces.
• Never force the wood through the blade.
• Keep the blade sharp.
• Stand to the side of the blade, not directly behind it.

Q: How often should I change my table saw blade?

A: Change your table saw blade when it becomes dull or damaged. A dull blade will require more force to cut through the wood, increasing the risk of kickback.

Q: Is a more expensive table saw always better?

A: Not necessarily. A more expensive table saw will typically have more features, power, and accuracy, but it may not be necessary for your needs. Consider your budget, skill level, and the type of projects you plan to work on.