Table saws consist of a saw blade that is mounted to arbor driven directly by gears or a belt. The saw blades extends above the surface of the table – the table acts as support for the work piece that is going to be cut. Given a table saws big size and footprint, it is considerably less portable than say a circular saw or miter saw.
Cut depths can be varied by the moving of the cutting blade either up or down – depending on the depth of cut you wish to achieve. If the blade is extended higher from the table then this will result in a deeper cut being made to the work piece, and vice-versa. You can even adjust the angle of the blade to control the angle of the cut, if required.
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Table saws are extremely versatile and powerful tools and are usually used for cutting large work pieces (typically wood) quickly and easily – in comparison to band saws or scroll saw which is what you would use for more intricate, smaller cuts.
In this review of the best table saws in 2019 we will look at some of the best currently available to purchase; comparing their build quality, performance and power to give our honest recommendations.
Best Rated Table Saws Available Right Now
Table of Contents
1. Evolution RAGE 5-S 10 Inch Multi-Purpose Table Saw
It has been a few years since the Evolution brand came first on to the scene and in that time they have developed quality blades and top of the range multipurpose cutting technology.
This table saw really makes the most of its low RPM and high torque gear box, meaning it is robust enough to cut through not only wood, but also plastic, aluminium and even steel.
It does this whilst building up no heat and leaves a smooth finish with very few sparks (when cutting steel) and no burr.
The RAGE5-S comes with a 28 teeth multipurpose blade that is 10 inches long and has a bore diameter of 1 inch. It has been designed to cut through almost any material and is highly robust.
Both bevel and miter cuts can be made with great precision with the table saw having an adjustable rip fence with settings for angles ranging from -60 through to 60+ degrees.
The RAGE5-S comes with a 3 year warranty.
However, the dust collection capabilities leave something to be desired and the table does not sit perfectly flat.
- Robust
- Quality blade
- Precise cuts
Cons:
- Quality of dust collection
- Table not flat
Specifications:
- A 10 inch multipurpose cutting blade (28 teeth)
- A bevel angle range of -60 to +60 degrees
- A miter angle range of -60 to +60 degrees
- 3 year warranty
Check out the price for the Evolution RAGE 5-S
2. DeWalt DWE7480 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw
The design and build quality of the DWE7480 is as good as it gets, whilst at the same time being pretty light weight – just 53 pounds.
The table saw is powered by a 15 amp motor and has the capacity of a 20 inch rip.
Armed with an impressive 4,800 RPM load speed, the DWE7480 has a maximum of over 3 inch cutting depth, at a 90 degree angle, and over 2 inch, at a 45 degree angle.
This means that it produces cuts that are not only accurate, but does so quickly.
The sturdy roll cage base, made of metal, provides a high level of durability and strength.
When working in conditions where there is an uneven floor surface, the table saw has adjustable rear feet, allowing their height to be adjusted accordingly in order to get a flat table level.
Where this table saw lets its self down is the quality of the cutting saw that comes as standard and the miter gauge.
- Light weight
- Quality of cuts
- Sturdy roll cage base
Cons:
- Quality of cutting blade
- Miter gauge
Specifications:
- A high powered 15 amp motor
- Up to 4,800 RPM
- A total weight of 53 pounds
- A 20 inch rip capacity
- Telescoping fencing rails
Check out the price of the DeWalt DWE7480
3. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw
This table saw provides accurate cuts, along with top quality performance and a great cutting blade all in one.
It comes with a riving knife which automatically changes to action after equal cutting blade tilts for greater performance.
The G0690 is made from materials which are both heavy duty and of the highest quality – so this table saw should last a life time.
It comes with a 4 inch dust collection port to ensure your work space is kept clean, tidy and safe at all times.
The massive table of the G0690 is impressively big, with large wings to provide greater freedom and maneuverability when working with longer work pieces.
The table saw cuts with a high level of precision and accuracy thanks to its camlock T-fence.
When you first begin using this particular table saw it can take some time to understand how to use it – this is also true of when first setting it up.
- Riving knife
- Heavy duty
- Big table and wings
Cons:
- Difficult to set up and understand
Specifications:
- A 4 inch dust port
- A camlock T-fence
Check out the price of the Grizzly G0690
4. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 10 Inch Table Saw
The SPT70WT-01 is specially designed with ripping as its main focus – a world first according to SKILSAW.
Armed with impressive power and torque as a result of its gearing which has been manufactured with worm drive.
It boasts a motor that is dual field meaning it has increased speed of cutting and starts up nice and smooth – resulting in a longer lasting and cooler running table saw.
The SPT70WT has a rip capacity of 25 inches and cut depth of 3.5 inches – so can easily managing cutting through full plywood sheets and other larger work pieces.
This is a light weight table saw (weighing just 49 pounds) and has a highly durable roll cage, which is made from steel and die cast aluminium.
It would be highly useful if this table saw came with a stand.
- Impressive power and torque
- Dual field motor
- Light weight
Cons:
- Comes without a stand
Specifications:
- A 25 inch rip capacity
- A 10 inch multipurpose cutting blade
- High power and torque
- A dual field motor
- A total weight of 49 pounds
Check out the price of the SKILSAW SPT70WT-01
5. Einhell TC-TS 2025/1 U Table Saw
Einhell is a lesser known brand but don’t that let you put off what is actually a great table saw.
The TC-TS 2025/1 has a motor that is 1,800 Watts and is capable of generating up to 5,000 RPM.
It has an extremely resilient 10 inch cutting blade that is Carbide tipped and, as a result, will cut its way through almost any materials that is put in front of it – although it is not recommended you cut any metals with it.
The base frame of the TC-TS 2025/1 is well built, giving greater stability and boasts extensions for the widest of rip saw cuts.
Precise angled cuts of between 0 and 45 degrees are made easy thanks to a rip fence quick clamp that easily secures your work pieces.
Although the base frame feels like it is good quality, that is where the quality ends with lots of plastic parts which feel like they could easily break or snap off.
- Resilience of cutting blade
- Quality of base frame
Cons:
- Poor quality plastic parts
Specifications:
- A 1,800 Watt motor
- A 10 inch Carbide tipped cutting blade
- Up to 5,000 RPM
Check out the price of the Einhell TC-TS 2025/1
Buyer’s guide
When considering a table saw you should think about what your needs and requirements are from the tool, including where it will be used and what materials it will be used to cut.
The first thing to consider is what type of table saw you need. There are cabinet and hybrid table saws, which are both stationary, and there are jobsite, contractor, compact and benchtop, which are all portable.
Cabinet
The largest and most powerful of these is the cabinet saw. It is made up of a heavy iron table, usually with extensions on each side, that sits on top of belt driven motor inside of a cabinet.
It is the cabinet that stops the dust from going everywhere and also acts as protection to the motor.
For a professional tradesman in a workshop, this is the table saw they would choose.
Hybrid
This is a smaller version of a cabinet saw, boasting many of the same features, but it is not quite as powerful and is lighter.
For most people, however, portable table saws are the most practical and best. They may be lighter and smaller than the aforementioned table saws, but they obviously have greater versatility – which is why we only reviewed these type of table saws.
Their own problem being that they need to be operated with close proximity to a source of power.
However, with today’s modern technology, which has seen battery power advancing greatly, cordless table saws are now becoming serious contenders to the mains powered versions. Of course, you don’t get the same level of absolute precision cuts or build quality as you do with cabinet saws, but the finish quality on portable versions is good enough for most.
Table saws that are stationary are also considerably quieter than their portable counterparts; due to the fact the motor in encased within a cabinet and because the mechanism that drives the cutting blade is different.
Whereas a stationary table saw uses an induction motor and a pulley or belt system to drive the cutting blade; a portable table saws cutting blade is driven by the motor drive shaft which means that any vibrations are sent back down the unit, which results in increased levels of noise.
Portable table saws do come with built in dust collection units; however, they do require being attached to a vacuum cleaning tool.
Benchtop
This is the most basic of the portable saws. These are able to be operated on any surface that is flat.
Benchtop saws do not come with stands, but they can be bought as a separate attachment. Other than micro and mini saws, which are more hobbyist saws, benchtops are the most portable of all the table saws as they are light enough to easily be carried by hand – it main selling feature.
The reason benchtop saws are so portable is due to the fact that they are made from light materials, such as the table being made from aluminium, rather than other heavier metals like, for example, cast iron. Even still, they are still highly durable tools.
Extensions to the table are not available for benchtop saws which makes working on larger, more awkward, work pieces difficult or down right impossible.
There is also less space to manoeuvre work pieces, particularly for a miter gauge, as the cutting blade on benchtop saws are traditionally located at the tables front. Fences on benchtop saws can not be replaced with universal versions made by third party manufacturers as they are not made to fit exactly the original manufacturer’s table design.
However, with all things considered, benchtop saws are still great pieces of kit for both hobbyist DIYers and tradesmen.
Jobsite, contractor, compact
These are a level up from the benchtop saw. They remain highly portable but come with a stand and wheels to sit on. They come with bigger motors and so can generate more power that benchtop saws, and are generally more robust.
Although more powerful than benchtop saws, there are considerably quitter, and thus provide a more comfortable user experience, due to their use of an induction motor with a belt operated drive system.
These types of table saws have the capability to be attached to extension tables, which usually are supplied as standard. They also do not have the constraints of benchtop saws in that the parts are more universal, meaning miter gauges and fences can be replaced with parts produced by third party manufacturers.
Now you know all there is to know about the different types of table saws, it is time to learn about the different components and features (including safety features) that make up a table saw.
Miter gauge
This acts a straight edge for angled and cross cuts that are against the grain. It consists of an adjustable semi circle piece and a guide.
This moves along track in the surface of the table which runs parallel to that of the blade. The semi circle piece has the ability to pivot along the guide at a 45 degree angle at each side of vertical.
To select the angle of the cut, the semi circle needs to be locked into place. Then place your work piece next to it and slide the work piece and the gauge in the direction of the cutting blade.
This mechanism is one that is super smooth on the better quality table saws – it will be wobbly or flimsy on those that are poorer quality. The highest specifications table saws have a slot (in the shape of a upside down T) for the guide and should provide an even tighter fit.
Blade
This one of the most important components on any table saw. The cutting blade supplied with most table saws is usually a run of the mill, general blade that is specifically designed to meet the specifications of the saw.
When replacing the cutting blade, you should consider what materials you will be cutting and what types of cuts you will be making for purchasing one. As well as this, you should also consider the cutting blades diameter, size, hole size and width – making sure it is compatible with your table saw.
Most table saw has a cutting blade diameter of 10 inch – equal to a cutting depth of approximately 3.5 inches.
You should be able to cut work pieces at different vertical depths by moving the handle to lower or raise the cutting blade. For bevel cuts, there is a different handle that tilts the cutting blade at an angle of up to 45 degrees, both to the right and to the left.
To ensure any dust or debris does not fall by the edge of the cutting blade and into either the driveshaft or arbor (depending on the type of table saw) there is a throat plate that surrounds the cutting blade.
Fence
This is a metallic gauge which is fixed at the table saws edge and is aligned on a parallel fixing to the cutting blade.
The fence is a fixed point guideline that sits parallel to the cutting blade and allows work pieces to be put up against it when you make rip cuts. On those better quality table saws the fence will be aligned at a greater level of accuracy – this will result in cleaner, more accurate cuts.
Table extensions
These are super useful when working with work pieces that are considerably bigger in area the size of the saws table.
Some extensions are pre attached to the table saw via a telescoping mechanism or a hinge. Other extensions are attached to the table saw via supports as standalone units.
Dust collection
Collecting and removing the dust generated from sawing (saw dust) is vital to ensure the table saw runs in an efficient manner and stays in good working condition.
It also helps to keep the table saw safe as a build up of any dust and debris could lead to it catching fire if it was to come into contact with the fast moving cutting blade that can be red hot due to friction.
With cabinet saws this is not really an issue as the saw dust is collected inside the cabinet which is then funneled into a 4 inch dust extraction unit that is connect to a hose. Applying a suction vacuum to this removes the dust and debris from inside the cabinet.
With portable table saws it works slightly differently as they were not designed in the same way. They come with a smaller 2 inch dust extraction unit, onto which a vacuum can be attached.
However, further vacuuming will be required, as due to a portable table saws open design and the fact that the base is so close to the ground, more saw dust will gather.
Riving knife
This is a piece of metal (shaped like a fin) which very closely sits behind the cutting blade.
Its purpose is both to protect you from the cutting blade and to prevent the table saw from kicking back by ensuring the two sawn work pieces come apart as the cutting blade goes through them, stopping them from binding against the cutting blade.
Anti-kickback pawls
Tiny spring loaded steel arms that attach to the guard on the cutting blade that down facing teeth are put on to.
These arms sit above the two cut work pieces and if a kick back happens, those teeth bite on to the work piece to stop it from moving.
Blade guard
The most important safety feature on any table saw is the blade guard – this should be present on all models, regardless of cost or quality.
The blade guard sits over the cutting blade itself to protect your digits from getting caught in it.
This should be used every time you use a table saw. However, there are certain occasions when the blade guard needs removing. These include occasions when changing the blade, when not cutting all the way through the work piece and when / or if the work piece gets stuck.
Better model table saws usually come with plastic transparent blade guards, rather than opaque ones, as they provide greater visibility and control when cutting.
On-off switch
An essential thing on any power tool. All table saws include an on-off switch, with some also offering ones with further safety features.
When cutting through larger work pieces, and using two hands, there may be instances when you need to cut off the power. For these instances, larger, knee height on-off switches are in place.
Most of the better table saw models now have on-off switches that are magnetic. In instances where there is a power cut, the magnets stops the saw from automatically starting up again at the point when the power is restored at the mains.
Where a flap covers the on-off switch in a recess, this is to protect the switch from being switched on or off by accident.
Flesh detection / automatic braking
It works by detecting when a piece of flesh comes into contacting with the cutting blade (whilst it is moving) and stops immediately – approximately 5 milliseconds. The table saw is able to distinguish between wood and flesh due to the fact that flesh is a good conductor of electricity and wood is not a good conductor of electricity.
However, this feature does not work with wood that is wet – as wet wood is a good conductor of electricity (unlike dry wood).
If the automatic braking feature is implemented, then the mechanism itself, along with the cutting blade will need replacing. However, you will avoid cutting into your flesh!
Being aware of the above mentioned safety features is one thing. However, you should also know how to use a table saw in a safe way. Before use of a table saw, you should always check to see that you are not wearing items of clothing or jewelry that could potentially get caught in the cutting blade.
Our advice is to always where the correct clothing when operating a table saw.
Similarly, we advise that you always wear a pair of safety goggles (fully certified ones) to protect from dust and debris.
Ear defenders / ear plugs are also a must as table saws create a lot of noise – particularly those with direct drives. Heavy duty work gloves are also a must when operating a table saw, as well as a hard hat and face mask to protect your face and head.
Finally, we advise that you read the instructions before use! This is a highly important thing that many of us do not make the time it warrants to do.
If you follow our precautions, you should have many years of happy and safe usage of your newly purchased table saw.
Conclusion
We hope our list of the best table saw in 2019 was helpful. If you believe we left out a table saw that should have been on the list, then please let us know.
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