Best Table Saw - Reviews of the Top 5 in 2018

Article Last Updated: Tuesday, August 28th 2018

A dive into the seemingly endless variety of power saws can be overwhelming for any DIY lover. With different aspects to factor in your selection, you need the backing of a reliable source for information. To help you out, we have narrowed your selection to the five best table saw brands. The DEWALT DW745 is our top pick if you feel like skipping our detailed analysis of each brand.

Best Table Saw - Dewalt DW745

Compact table saw with 10-Inch 24 tooth carbide blade!

greatest portable table saw critique of Dewalt DW745

Finding the Ideal Table Saw - Which Type to Buy?

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the different types of table saws available and how to select the right one. 

The concept of a circular blade attached to an arbor remains the same from the rudimentary forms to the most sophisticated table saws. From there, all table saws are categorized under two types: Portable and stationary table saws. Each category is further subdivided into much defining groups as we can see below:

Portable Table Saws

There are three kinds of portable table saws: benchtops, compact, and contractor table saws. All emphasize on portability by significantly reducing the use of heavy materials in their design. However, each type has distinct features that set it apart from the other.

ideal table saw for portability bosch 4100-9

Bosch 4100-09 Portable Table Saw

 

  • Benchtop table saws are designed for light-duty wood work. Their tables are smaller and lack transportation stands. With a limited rip capacity, don’t expect much action. However, they are a cheap option if you are looking to save money and require less horsepower.
  • Compact table saws are an upgrade from the benchtops. Even though a direct translation of the former, they include additional features such as stands, cast iron table stands, and more rip power.
  • Contractor table saws are the kings of rip cuts when it comes to portable table saws. As a result, they are the ideal choice for off-site work jobs. They are more robust and rugged in their construction. However, they cannot be compared to the true contractor table saws found in workshops.

Please note that according to major consumer feeds, benchtop and jobsites table saws are contractors’ favorites. We have outlined a way to build your own portable saw or stationary workstation if you are feeling ambitious.

Stationary Table Saws

Stationary table saws consist of three types: contractor, hybrid and cabinet table saws. Woodtek offers all three types. Compared to portable table saws, they are much bigger, heavier and powerful with more precision taken into account. Stationary table saws are powered by belt drive motors. Their tables are usually made of heavy cast iron with some exceptions of granite or aluminum. Despite sharing similarity in design, each has its own unique features as we can see below.

stationary table saw reviews and safety precautions

 

  • Cabinet table saws are the superiors of the whole bunch. They are made to withstand heavy-duty work with the highest precision. Cabinet tables saws are bulky, robust and highly durable. Their tables are huge and feature extensions. These table saws are meant for professional use only.
  • Contractor table saws were initially designed as alternatives to cabinet table saws for hobbyists and professionals. As cheaper options to the cabinet table saws, they are a lot more powerful than the portable contractor table saws. Earlier versions can be spotted to have outboard motors, however, they are extremely rare to find.
  • The hybrid table saw is a middle ground between full-size industrial cabinet table saw and the traditional contractor table saw. They usually feature open leg stands but some hybrid table saw models have full enclosures.

Buyers Guide

Before we can jump into the table saw reviews, it is important to have a detailed understanding of how to select the right table saw for your workshop needs. Check out out our miter saw vs table saw comparison if you are still not sure which one fits your projects needs. Here is a sneak peek of some of the vital factors to consider before purchase:

The Blade System Test

Having the wrong blade can result in poor workmanship or in the worst case, cause an accident. Therefore, finding the​ ​right blade to rip hardwood is crucial. You need to consider first the material you are cutting and its thickness. Afterwards, factor in other aspects of the blade system such as diameter, number of teeth, arbor size, kerf size and speed.

top table saw with blades for ripping and cross cuts

Another vital aspect of the blading system is the type of blade used. The basic two types include, the rip blades and the crosscut blades. Rip blades are ideal for rough cuts as they have smaller number of teeth with large gullets. Crosscut blades on the other hand are adapted for smoother cuts. You may also opt for a specialized blade that is designed to cut certain materials such as plywood or metal.

Availability of a Dust Port

Go for a table saw with a dust port. Dust ports suck all the debris your blade creates, keeping your workspace clean and safe. We recommend an electric vacuum as a great pick.

Miter Gauge Range

The miter gauge allows you to change the angle of the wood when making complex cuts. To get more out of your table saw, look for a miter gauge with a wide angle range.

Fence Construction

Fences lengthen your working area to accommodate longer boards. Ensure the fence that comes with the table saw remains parallel and is highly durable.

Cutting Power

For home projects, we recommend a table saw with a motor horsepower of three to five. But if you are inclined to work with heavier and thicker woods, it is best to buy one with more power.

Accessories

Accessories extend the basic function of your table saw. Rockwell and Ryobi make the top accessories out there. Look for brands that come with upgrades or are adaptable. You should also check out our GRR-Ripper Pushblock Review for a tool that will drastically improve the speed you can make cuts.

Do you need a cross cutting sled?

We outline some of the key functions and uses for a cross cutting sled on our website. Rockwell makes the best one and they also make a pretty nice table saw to boot. 

Safety Features

With thousands of table saw cases brought to the ER, it is important to be precautious when handling table saws. Look for safety features such as riving knifes, splitters, and anti-kickback pawls that minimize chances of kickbacks. All the table saws considered in our review come with blade guards that help you keep your fingers intact.

You will also have to carefully consider the material you are cutting. If you are cutting materials like plexiglass or other plastic (rather than wood) you need to do your homework.

Brand

Look for a reputable company that guarantees you zero defects in their craftsmanship. Our selected table saw brands offer extensive warranties that cover a longer period of time. Some even offer unconditional money-back guarantees in case of malfunction.

Reviews of 5 Best Table Saw Brands

We understand that everyone’s needs are different when it comes to finding the right table saw. As a result, our evaluation is based on some of the important factors to consider when selecting the best table saw. Side by side we analyze five of the leading table saw brands according to consumer feeds. These brands consist of Delta, Bosch, Ryobi, Craftsman, and Dewalt table saws.

Please note that for each brand we have selected their best seller model and compared it with other leading rival brands. We have factored in every aspect that makes them great not withholding the minor defects that plague them. For more on each, let’s dig in!

When you are in the market for an efficient table saw, the new DEWALT DW745 is a great pick. Rated the best seller in one of the leading online stores, the DW745 is a force to recon with.

This compact table saw comes with a 10-Inch 24 tooth carbide blade that’s powered by 15 amp, high-torque motor. The blade spins at 3850 rpm for fast, clean cuts regardless of the application. With such power, the table saw easily cuts through tough wood and pressure-treated lumber.

The Dewalt table saw portable design enables easy transportation to worksite. It weighs 45 pounds and comes with on-board storage for convenience purposes. The table saw also features a 2.5-inch dust collection port that enables you to connect a Shop-Vac for effective dust removal.

Dewalt’s Site-Pro Modular guarding system is not only easy to set up but allows tool-free adjustments for specific application guarding components. Another plus to this amazing table saw is its coated table surface that reduces friction for better cut quality. Unlike plastic based table saws, the Dewalt DW745 features a sturdy metal base that is highly durable.

The table saw comes with a three-year limited warranty, 90-day money back guarantee, and one-year free service. Included in its packaging is a miter gauge, push stick, and blade guard.
Despite all its splendor, Dewalt table saw lacks a stand and as a result you may need to purchase them separately. Nevertheless, this is a powerful table saw proven to work when put to the test and easy to use for DIY projects. You can always grab one on Amazon.


The Bosch 4100-09 is a contractor’s dream. If you are interested in a more detailed analysis of this saw check out our full Bosch 4100-09 review article. This precise table saw comes with enhancements that make cutting a breeze. On board is Bosch’s advanced smart guard system, the first modular blade guard that features a riving knife system and anti-kickback pawls for full control and maximum protection when making cuts.

One feature of the Bosch table saw that drew our attention is the gravity-rise wheeled stand that increases portability. It comes with 8-inch treaded pneumatic wheels for easy transportation on different terrains. The stand’s folding design reduces storage space requirements. Furthermore, this stand is highly durable thanks to its powder-coat finish.

When we talk of cutting power, Bosch’s 4100-09 25-inch rip capacity provides plenty of muscle need for tough Jobs. Its 40-tooth, 10-inch carbide-tipped blade is powered by a 4.0 HP motor for high precision cutting.

The package comes with one 10-Inch table saw, carbide tipped blade, a gravity-rise table, rip fence, smart guard system, miter gauge, and Push Stick.

One major defect that seems to go unnoticed by the Bosch design team is the dust management. The dust bag does a pretty good job at collecting dust, however some seem to end up on the floor or make their way to your face. Regardless, this is one amazing Bosch table saw that comes with a one-year warranty. 


The Delta power tools 36-6020 is a great selection for DIY lovers. It comes with a miter gauge, blade guard, push stick, and 10-inch Blade.

This delta table saw features the necessities that make a good table saw system. Its folding stand makes storage a lot easier. When setup, the stand features a storage area for quick reach whenever you need your accessories.

We are blown away by the rip power this tool can pull. From the whole bunch the Delta power tools 36-6020 comes with a 30-inch rip capacity that’s great for taking larger lumbering projects.

The Delta table saw, however, suffers some major backlash on its fence design. Most users complain of having to lock both the front and back. Despite this setback, this is one impressive selection that is low on the price range. Feel free to purchase it on Amazon.

Another amazing selection for your lumbering needs is the Craftsman Evolv table saw 28461. The craftsman table saw comes with a 24-teeth carbide tipped blade, blade guard assembly, blade wrenches, push stick, rip fence, anti-kickback pawls, stand, miter gauge, hex keys, and operator's manual.

This 10-inch table saw comes with an impressive sheer table top for even cuts. The table top supports different material sizes and comes with a push stick table mount that helps you keep your worktop mess free.


For a stable and comfortable working ground, the table saw features a steel stand that is highly durable.

We find the miter gauge easy to adjust for quick and accurate control over your bevels and tight corners. Just like Bosch 4100-09, Craftsman table saw 28461 features state of the art guarding system that delivers flexibility and more blade coverage in a safe package. The table saw is backed with a one year limited warranty.

Bottom line, this one decent table saw that saves you money with a promise to deliver. 


The Ryobi RTS10G table saw is a certified refurbished product that includes all the original accessories. It is a must-have for both contractors and DIY lovers.

The Ryobi table saw features an adjustable miter gauge, heavy-duty steel stands for additional support, and a larger table surface that can support the best blade ripping action.

This amazing table saw is backed by a limited one-year warranty with a 90-day money back guarantee.

The best feature about this Ryobi table saw is its large table surface that gives ample room for larger lumbering projects. However, we find the stand not to be as impressive as stated.
Grab yourself a pair on Amazon.

Conclusion

If you are a serious woodcrafter, it is essential that you find the best table saw for your work. By following the highlighted tips, selecting one won’t be much of a problem. Feel free to choose any of our mentioned table saw brands as your final pick. They are all proven to work well, be durable and are not a waste of your money.