What’s The Best Table Saw? A Comprehensive 2024 Comparison

What is the best table saw? The “best” table saw depends entirely on your needs, budget, and the type of woodworking you plan to do. This article provides a comprehensive table saw buying guide, complete with table saw reviews and table saw recommendations to help you choose the top rated table saws for your workshop. We’ll explore different types like the portable table saw, contractor table saw, and the precision table saw behemoth, the cabinet table saw. We’ll offer a detailed table saw comparison to help you make the right decision.

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Exploring Different Types of Table Saws

There isn’t a single “best” table saw for everyone. The right choice depends on several factors. Let’s look at the main types to help you decide.

Portable Table Saws: Convenience on the Go

Portable table saws are designed for job sites. They are lightweight and easy to move. If you need a saw you can quickly set up and take down, this is a great option.

• Pros: Lightweight, easy to transport, relatively inexpensive.
• Cons: Less powerful, smaller table size, less accurate than stationary models.
• Best For: Contractors, DIYers who need to move their saw often, small projects.

Contractor Table Saws: A Balance of Power and Portability

Contractor table saws offer more power than portable models but are still manageable to move. They often have a heavier build and a more powerful motor.

• Pros: More power than portable saws, decent portability, good value.
• Cons: Less precise than cabinet saws, can vibrate more.
• Best For: General contractors, serious DIYers, small shops.

Cabinet Table Saws: The Pinnacle of Precision

Cabinet table saws are the kings of the shop. They are heavy, powerful, and incredibly accurate. These saws are designed for serious woodworkers who demand the best.

• Pros: High power, exceptional accuracy, minimal vibration, long lifespan.
• Cons: Very heavy, expensive, require dedicated space.
• Best For: Professional woodworkers, serious hobbyists, furniture makers.

Hybrid Table Saws: Bridging the Gap

Hybrid table saws attempt to combine the best features of contractor and cabinet saws. They often have enclosed cabinets for dust collection and heavier builds for stability.

• Pros: Good power and accuracy, better dust collection than contractor saws, often more affordable than cabinet saws.
• Cons: Can be difficult to distinguish from high-end contractor saws or entry-level cabinet saws.
• Best For: Woodworkers who want cabinet saw features without the full cabinet saw price.

What to Consider When Buying a Table Saw: A Buying Guide

Choosing a table saw is a big decision. Here’s what you need to think about.

Power and Motor

The motor’s power determines how easily the saw cuts through different materials.

• 1.5-1.75 HP: Suitable for hobbyists and light-duty tasks like cutting thin hardwoods and softwoods.
• 2-3 HP: Ideal for general woodworking and handling thicker materials.
• 3-5 HP: Necessary for professional use and cutting hardwoods like maple and oak.

Table Size and Material

A larger table offers more support for bigger workpieces. Look for a table made of cast iron or machined aluminum for flatness and durability.

• Cast Iron: Heavy, stable, and resists vibration. A must for cabinet saws and high-end contractor saws.
• Aluminum: Lighter than cast iron, often found on portable saws.

Fence System

The fence guides the wood for accurate cuts. Look for a fence that locks securely and is easy to adjust.

• T-Square Fence: Slides along a rail and locks in place. Provides excellent accuracy.
• Camlock Fence: Uses a cam to lock the fence. Less precise than a T-square fence but acceptable for light use.

Dust Collection

Sawdust is a health hazard. A good dust collection system is essential for a clean and safe workshop.

• Dust Port Size: Look for a 4-inch dust port for connecting to a dust collector.
• Enclosed Cabinet: Helps contain dust at the source.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount. Make sure the saw has essential safety features.

• Blade Guard: Protects your hands from the blade.
• Riving Knife: Prevents kickback by keeping the kerf open.
• Anti-Kickback Pawls: Help stop the wood from being thrown back at you.
• Push Stick/Block: Used to safely guide the wood past the blade, especially for narrow cuts.

Table Saw Comparison: Top Models in 2024

Let’s compare some of the top rated table saws on the market.

Feature	SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Professional Cabinet Saw	DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw	Powermatic PM2000B Cabinet Table Saw	SKILSAW SPT99-11 10 In. Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw
Type	Cabinet Table Saw	Portable Table Saw	Cabinet Table Saw	Worm Drive Table Saw
Motor	3 HP, 230V	15 Amp, 120V	5 HP, 230V	15 Amp, 120V
Table Size	36″	20″ x 22″	36″	24.25″ x 35″
Fence Type	T-Glide	Rack and Pinion	Accu-Fence	Rack and Pinion
Dust Collection	Excellent	Decent with shop vac adapter	Excellent	Decent with shop vac adapter
Safety Features	SawStop’s patented safety system	Blade guard, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls	Blade guard, riving knife	Blade guard, riving knife, anti-kickback pawls
Price	$$$$	$$	$$$$	$$$
Best For	Professional woodworkers, serious hobbyists	Job site use, small shops	Professional woodworkers	Ripping large stock on job sites

(Prices are indicated by dollar signs, with more signs indicating a higher price range.)

Detailed Table Saw Reviews: Top Picks for 2024

SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Professional Cabinet Saw: Unmatched Safety and Precision

SawStop is famous for its safety technology. If the blade touches skin, it retracts instantly, preventing serious injury. The PCS31230-TGP236 also offers excellent power, accuracy, and dust collection. This precision table saw is ideal for professionals who demand the best. While expensive, the peace of mind and performance are worth the investment.

DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw: Portability and Reliability

The DEWALT DW745 is a popular choice for contractors. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and offers decent power for most job site tasks. Its rack and pinion fence system is easy to adjust and provides good accuracy. While it lacks the power and precision of a cabinet saw, it’s a reliable and affordable option for on-the-go woodworking. This is a great portable table saw for a reason.

Powermatic PM2000B Cabinet Table Saw: A Workhorse for Serious Woodworkers

The Powermatic PM2000B is a top-of-the-line cabinet saw known for its power, accuracy, and durability. It features a heavy-duty motor, a cast iron table, and a smooth-operating fence system. This is a table saw that will last for decades. It’s an excellent choice for professional woodworkers and serious hobbyists who need a saw that can handle any task.

SKILSAW SPT99-11 10 In. Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw: Power for Ripping

The SKILSAW SPT99-11 is a unique worm drive table saw designed for ripping large stock. Its worm drive motor delivers high torque, making it easy to cut through thick hardwoods. The saw features a durable construction and a rack and pinion fence system. While it’s not as versatile as a cabinet saw, it excels at ripping and is a good choice for framing and construction work.

Factors Affecting Table Saw Price

The price of a table saw varies widely. Here are the main factors that affect cost:

• Type: Cabinet saws are the most expensive, followed by hybrid, contractor, and portable saws.
• Motor Power: Higher horsepower motors cost more.
• Features: Advanced features like SawStop’s safety system, digital readouts, and sophisticated fence systems increase the price.
• Build Quality: Saws made with higher-quality materials and more precise manufacturing processes cost more.
• Brand Reputation: Well-known and respected brands often charge a premium for their products.

Maintaining Your Table Saw

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your table saw in top condition and ensuring safe operation.

• Clean Regularly: Remove sawdust and debris from the table, blade, and motor.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply lubricant to the fence, miter gauge, and other moving parts.
• Check the Blade: Inspect the blade for damage and sharpen or replace it as needed.
• Adjust the Alignment: Ensure the blade is parallel to the miter slots and the fence is square to the blade.
• Inspect Power Cord: Check the power cord for damage and replace it if necessary.

Deciphering Key Table Saw Terminology

• Arbor: The shaft that holds the saw blade.
• Bevel: An angled cut.
• Dado Blade: A wide blade used to cut grooves.
• Featherboard: A safety device that holds the wood against the fence.
• Kerf: The width of the cut made by the blade.
• Miter Gauge: A guide used to make angled cuts.
• Riving Knife: A safety device that prevents kickback.

Additional Table Saw Recommendations

Beyond the models mentioned above, here are a few other table saw recommendations to consider:

• Grizzly Industrial G1023RL: A popular cabinet saw that offers excellent value for the price.
• Bosch 4100-09 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw: A well-regarded portable saw with good power and accuracy.
• Shop Fox W1819 Hybrid Table Saw: A hybrid saw that combines features of both contractor and cabinet saws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I cut metal with a table saw? No, unless you have a specific metal-cutting blade and the saw is designed for metal. Using a wood-cutting blade on metal can be extremely dangerous.

What is kickback, and how can I prevent it? Kickback is when the wood is thrown back at you by the blade. Prevent it by using a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and proper technique. Never stand directly behind the blade.

How often should I sharpen my table saw blade? It depends on how often you use the saw and what materials you cut. If the blade is not cutting cleanly or requires more force, it’s time to sharpen or replace it.

What safety gear should I wear when using a table saw? Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask. Consider using a face shield for added protection.

How do I choose the right table saw blade? Choose a blade based on the type of cut you want to make and the material you are cutting. For ripping, use a blade with fewer teeth. For crosscutting, use a blade with more teeth.

Who makes the safest table saws? SawStop is widely recognized for manufacturing the safest table saws due to their patented safety system that detects contact with skin and stops the blade.