A table saw is the staple of any well-rounded woodworking shop, whether you're a weekend warrior or dedicated craftsperson with a productive business. They're incredibly efficient and allow you to rip and cross-cut boards and sheets in seconds, a task that would take considerably more time and effort with a hand saw.
They typically use a circular saw blade that rises from the bottom of the table, which remains stationary while you run your wood piece through it. Table saws can be dangerous, so you'll want to look for safety features when purchasing one.
I've worked as both a residential and commercial carpenter. The selections in this guide are based on my experience using a range of table saws.
As a residential and commercial carpenter, I've used a wide variety of table saws. That includes massive, standalone 10-foot models in a woodshop and portable versions that can travel to and from job sites. I used this experience to create this guide and choose the best table saws for a variety of uses.
I also spoke with Nick Yahoodain. He's the owner of Advanced Builders and Contractors, a professional home remodeling company in Los Angeles, who has been in business for nearly 16 years.
The best table saw overallDeWalt
The DeWalt 15-Amp DWE7491RS combines portability and power in a rugged, easy-to-use package, and its extendable fence can fit large boards and sheets.
Pros: Includes push stick, integrated dust collection system
Cons: Relatively expensive, somewhat bulky
I'm a huge fan of this little saw and used it frequently during my time as a residential and commercial carpenter. It was a staple in our woodshop. It also came with us to job sites, thanks to its compact size and portable design. Yahoodian recommends this model, too, citing this convenient portability.
The onboard storage capability makes the DeWalt 15-Amp DWE7491RS even more convenient. I love little features like these. The power cord storage system keeps the cord wrangled when you're storing it. Keeping your safety items close at hand — like push blocks and sticks — is especially important. It's a good reminder to use them, and it means you won't lose them as easily.
A collapsible frame also allows you to store the DWE7491RS out of the way when it's not in use, and the wheeled base lets you roll it dolly-style around the shop wherever you like it.
I found its weight to be a nice balance. It's light enough to transport relatively easily but heavy enough to provide the sturdy work surface you need when ripping boards. This weight comes in handy when dealing with oversized boards that wouldn't have enough stability with a smaller or less sturdy saw platform.
Even though the DeWalt DWE7491RS is relatively compact, its fence can be adjusted to accommodate 32.5-inches to the right of the blade. A rack and pinion system makes manipulating the fence simple and easy and allows you to lock it securely in place at your preferred measurement. You can even flip the fence to the opposite side, depending on what's best for your current setup.
DeWalt's warranty is another reason why this table saw is a great choice and will come in handy if anything goes wrong in the first three years.
The best heavy-duty table sawSawStop
The large size and impressive SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw safety feature make this saw an ideal option for busy woodworkers, and the rugged construction ensures that it can withstand heavy use.
Pros: Blade stops in contact with skin, comprehensive dust collection
Cons: Very expensive, may be too bulky for a smaller garage or shop
I'm a big fan of how dust collection is prioritized in the design of the SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw. It's especially important for a larger saw like this that will likely be handling a large quantity of lumber. It advertises 99% dust collection, utilizing shrouding both above and below the table systems, ensuring you'll have as little cleanup as possible.
The most important part of this saw is its SawStop safety feature. It stops the blade immediately — within five milliseconds — if it comes in contact with skin, then drops the blade below the table. This won't totally prevent any injuries, but it will reduce the risk of a catastrophic injury. Yahoodian also stressed the value of this capability.
The cast-iron table makes this saw rugged enough to stand up to frequent use in a busy workshop. Designed with maximum precision in mind, it ensures a flat surface within 0.01-inches. This construction adds to its hefty weight, so you'll probably need an extra set of hands to help you out.
I'm also a big fan of the fact that this saw can be easily wheeled around, thanks to a foot pump that raises the unit onto four wheels. This makes this saw a great option for those who want the option of quickly maneuvering the saw out of the way when they need more space.
All these features add up, and the price makes the SawStop best suited to those who will get a lot of use out of it.
The best compact table sawDeWalt
Despite its small size, the DeWalt DWE7485 still has bells and whistles found on larger saws, as well as the power to be useful for most basic carpentry tasks.
Pros: Sturdy construction, good value for the price
Cons: Does not have wheeled base
I always try to prioritize safety when making my tool choices, which is why I'm such a big fan of the power-loss reset switch on the DeWalt DWE7485. It's an invaluable safety feature and will prevent the machine from automatically restarting in the event of a power outage.
Automatic restarts can be extremely dangerous, and I've had several close calls when working with older power tools that don't have this mechanism. The transparent guard that fits over the blade also increases the safety of this tool and reduces the chances of potential injury.
The DeWalt DWE7485 is also powerful enough to rip through plywood thanks to its 5800 RPM speed and 15-Amp motor. Plus, you also get a push stick, wrenches for blade changes, and a miter gauge.
Even though it's lighter than the other DeWalt tool above, this saw is still heavy enough to remain stable on your work surface but light enough for one person to carry. The rubber feet help make it even more sturdy and should help prevent any dangerous sliding or slipping on your work surface.
Its size makes it convenient to store or put in your trunk. This small surface area can be expanded, thanks to its rack and pinion fence, to fit 24.5 inches to the right of the fence. Its metal roll cage also acts as a handle, making it easy to carry around with one hand.
The DWE7485 doesn't have the rolling stand like our top pick, but it is also considerably cheaper.
The best budget table sawWorx
If you don't have the budget for higher-end options, the Worx WX572L BladeRunner could be a suitable substitute. It has a wide blade selection and small frame for easy transport.
Pros: Blade replacement is much cheaper than circular saw models
Cons: Relatively short blade won't be ideal for thicker boards, not durable enough for everyday use
Even though this saw uses a jigsaw blade instead of a circular one, it can still perform the same cutting functions. It's an affordable option if you need to make rip or cross-cuts. It can even make miter cuts from 0 to 60 degrees, so it's even more versatile.
My favorite feature is its two mounting holes, one on either side, so you can bolt the saw down to your workbench. If you decide to keep it mobile, the rubber non-slip feet should provide a nice, sturdy foundation while you cut.
This smaller blade, combined with its limited work surface, means that this saw probably won't be efficient or fast enough for those who need to rip long boards. But for most smaller tasks, it could be a great fit. This blade also gives the Worx a small frame and weight, making it great for those who struggle with heavier tools.
The jigsaw blade is appropriate for projects like intricate woodworking cuts and scroll sawing. Thanks to its five different saw blades, it can be used with aluminum, tile, and steel in addition to wood. These blades can also be switched out without a tool, unlike circular saw blades that usually require a wrench to remove or install.
Even though this saw is priced lower than most, it still features a dust collection port. This 1.25-inch port allows you to connect a shop vac hose directly to the saw, which can minimize the amount of sawdust you need to clean up afterward. Less dust also increases visibility, which should lead to more accurate cuts.
The best hybrid table sawGrizzly Industrial
If you're looking for a freestanding cabinet-style table saw but still want some maneuverability, the Shop Fox W1837 and its rolling castors could be exactly what you're looking for.
Pros: Heavy-duty riving knife, four-inch dust port
Cons: Expensive
The mobile base of the Shop Fox W1837 could make this saw useful to a lot of home DIY-ers that don't have a lot of room. Just push down on the foot levers, and two castors lower to the ground. It's small enough to move around without too much effort.
We also love the design of its transparent blade guard, which allows you to maintain a full view of the blade and the material you're cutting. The guard increases overall cutting safety without sacrificing much in terms of visibility. This guard also helps reduce flying wood chips and other debris.
I'm also a big fan of the oversized on/off paddle switch of the Shop Fox W1837, which should come in handy for emergency shutoffs. Plus, anti-kickback pawls ensure that whatever you're running through the blade is only traveling in one direction and will slow down or stop the workpiece in the event of kickback.
Even though this saw is relatively compact for a cabinet model, it will take a decent amount of time to assemble.
Table saw FAQsTable saws' design makes them one of the more dangerous woodworking machines you can use, and their exposed blade must be treated with the utmost respect. You should always be aware of your surroundings, since slips and falls while cutting are a common cause of table saw injuries.
You should also research push blocks and push sticks, which are safety tools that can help keep your fingers away from the blade when you're pushing wood through the saw. Auto-shutoff features are also good for safety, as they'll turn the tool off in the event of a power outage.
If you've never used a table saw before, either get an experienced friend to walk you through the best practices or watch some tutorial videos on YouTube.
Table saw glossaryCross-cut: A cut that's made perpendicular to the wood grain.
Kickback: When the wood accidentally slides into the blade's path, the speed of the blade can cause the material you're cutting to fly into the air. The consequences are extremely dangerous.
Miter gauge: This tool lets you make cross-cuts at different angles.
Push block and push stick: Usually made of plastic or wood, these tools help guide the material as you cut it and provide pressure to reduce the chance of a kickback.
Rip capacity: This is the amount of space between the blade and the rip fence; between 24 and 28 inches is usually sufficient for most home projects.
Rip cut: A cut that's made parallel to or along the grain.
Rip fence: The fence lies adjacent to the blade and provides an extra layer of protection and accuracy, giving you a straight edge as you cut.
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