Best Table Saws in 2023 – Top Picks, Guide and Reviews

When you’re tackling a mammoth project — or dealing with large pieces of material — there’s no tool that makes the cut like a table saw. While initially appearing imposing — these mighty machines make light work of substantial mediums such as plyboard, timber, and MDF. An integrated table allows you to ‘feed’ through your wood or another medium — increasing accuracy, delivering a clean finish, and adding stability. And, being available as a huge cabinet or small portable unit — they’re suitable for everyone from the tradesperson through to the casual DIYer.

Table Saw Categories 

Portable Saws

Portable Saws

Ideal for the hobbyist or intermittent user, these portable power tools are the budget solution to large sawing projects. Available as bench tops or on foldaway or wheeled stands — these are the ideal units for small workshops and garages. While not as powerful or stable as the larger machines, they provide more accuracy than a handheld circular saw.

Contractor Saws

Contractor Saws

Larger and more powerful than a portable version, the contractor saw is designed for the professional or enthusiastic DIYer who needs to take their machine from job to job. While heavier than the bench-top models, they’re not as substantial as cabinets — nor do they deliver as much power. That said, they are more than adequate for most home projects.

Hybrid Saws

Hybrid Saws

The hybrid table saw bridges a gulf between contractor and cabinet forms. Intended to remain in-situ, they allow for heavy-duty projects but without carrying the hefty price tag of the professional models. Typically, they boast motors in the 1.5-1.75 HP range — and suit serious amateurs/hobbyists who have workshop space.

Cabinet Saws

Cabinet Saws

Usually delivering power of around 3 to 5 horsepower, these saws ooze sheer brawn. The fully enclosed cabinet base houses the motor — keeping noise to a minimum. As top-end machines, they typically have heavier pulleys and bearings and smoother tables — delivering the ultimate in material finish. Being large, costly, and heavy — these are true workshop units.

Table Saws Top Picks From Each Categories

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Dewalt DW745
  • MOTOR: 15 Amp
  • HORSEPOWER: N/A
  • DIMENSIONS: 25.8 x 26.5 x 13.9 inches
  • WEIGHT: 53 lbs
Check Price at AmazonDewalt DW745 Review Dewalt DW745 Review
Dewalt DWE7491RS
  • MOTOR: 15 Amp
  • HORSEPOWER: N/A
  • DIMENSIONS: 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches
  • WEIGHT: 110 lbs
Check Price at AmazonDewalt DWE7491RS Review Dewalt DWE7491RS Review
Grizzly G0715P
  • MOTOR: 16 Amp
  • HORSEPOWER: 2 HP
  • DIMENSIONS: 26 x 30 x 43 inches
  • WEIGHT: 450 lbs
Check Price at AmazonGrizzly G0715P Review Grizzly G0715P Review
SawStop PCS175-TGP236
  • MOTOR: 13 Amp
  • HORSEPOWER: 1.75 HP
  • DIMENSIONS: 39.1 x 33 x 34 inches
  • WEIGHT: 470 lbs
Check Price at AmazonSawStop PCS175-TGP236 Review SawStop PCS175-TGP236 Review

Finding the Best Table Saw – Buying Guide 

As you can see above, there are four main categories you can choose from, depending on your needs. It’s quite important that you buy the correct type of table saw for your requirements, or you’ll waste a lot of money on something you might not use. Take a look at our buyer’s guide below, to help you find the most suitable type for your planned projects.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TABLE SAWS

Portable/Bench Table Saw


Benchtop units don’t come with a stand but, as the name suggests, they are designed to be mounted on a table or workbench. As far as portability goes, this type is obviously the most suitable. Also, these saws are usually lightweight in comparison to other types.

Even though they are the smallest ones as far as dimensions go, they don’t all lack durability and sturdiness. Good quality portable saws are made of robust materials and can withstand drops and hits. Because they’re constantly being moved from place to place, they need to be reliable.

High-quality Portable Table Saws

The most common misconception about these is that they’re not safe. However, it’s a completely wrong assumption. In fact, most portable saws incorporate a high level of safety, which is of utmost importance when you’re dealing with heavy-duty units.

Some of these units even come with tool storage. You would think there’s no room for any storage, due to their small dimensions, but don’t underestimate the capabilities of modern technology — manufacturers will always try to find a way to surprise their customers.

If you’re a devoted DIYer, this type is a good choice. Apart from being the easiest one to operate, it’s also the most affordable category of them all. Make sure you read the user manual before operating these units, for your success — and safety.

Contractor Table Saw


These saws are larger and significantly heavier than the portable types. Also, they are usually attached to a base, which often has wheels. Contractor saws are mainly used by hobbyists and DIYers because they can be plugged into a standard (home) electrical grid. The motor usually kicks out 1 to 2 horsepower.

Due to the position of the motor, dust collection can be an issue with these units. However, an industrial vacuum is usually a small and worthy investment that should solve the issue effectively. The main advantage of this type is the fact that it’s much cheaper than its nearest equivalent — the cabinet type.

Contractor Table Saws

Safety and precision are usually quite good, depending on the model. Budget units often don’t have any impressive features, but the high-end ones do. Thanks to modern technology, contractor saws are well-designed and offer an envious level of safety and security.

DIYers love this type, due to its simplistic yet effective operation. However, it’s not unusual for professionals to invest in these in order to save money or avoid investing in cabinet models. Speaking of money, you should prepare yourself for a hefty investment if you opt for this particular type. However, most models are well worth the money. 

These appliances last for years and generally don’t require a lot of maintenance, apart from occasional blade replacements and minor adjustments.  They aren’t as easy to use as portable models, but you’ll learn how to use them in a matter of hours or days, as long as you follow the guidelines spelled out in the user manual.

Hybrid Table Saw


This type was designed to compete with high-end contractor saws, but with a lower price tag and fewer features.The vast majority of hybrid units on the market offer enclosed cabinets, which significantly improves dust collection. In fact, as far as dust collecting goes, the hybrid is quite close to contractor type.

You will normally find that this particular type is somewhere between portable and contractor types. Some people can finish their projects with bench top saws, but will often opt for hybrid saws because they are cheaper than contractor ones. We wouldn’t say they are cheap as such, but they’re a significantly smaller investment in comparison to contractor models.

Hybrid Table Saws

Safety and precision are usually at a high level. Some models even offer a sliding table as an option to mitigate cross-cutting. Needless to say, hobbyists love the sliding feature as it saves a lot of time and — most importantly — nerves. As far as the drive mechanism goes, there are three possible options — single V-belt, serpentine belt, and multiple V-belts.

The biggest advantage of hybrid saws is the fact that they can be plugged into a regular 110V/220V outlet. Therefore, you don’t need any additional power sources in order to use these units, thus avoiding further investment. 

These saws are quite easy to use if you know what you are doing. However, if you’re a newbie, remember to read the manual before turning your saw on. It will save you a lot of headaches and also keep you safe.

Cabinet Table Saw


When it comes to sturdiness, precision, and professional performance, the cabinet type is the way to go. These units are heavy, accurate, and they offer the widest variety of features of them all. Naturally, they are the most expensive in these categories.

Therefore, DIY enthusiasts don’t usually consider cabinet saws due to their high price and maintenance requirements. On the other hand, professionals often choose this category, resting assured that every project they need to tackle will be done in record time.

Cabinet Type of Saws

It requires a heavy-duty circuit because it’s driven by a powerful motor, usually between 3 and 5 horsepower. The blade is driven by three parallel V-belts, which ensures smooth operation and efficient transfer of energy. 

There are two categories of this type — American and European. They are similar to each other, although with some minor differences. For example, due to European laws, table saws are not equipped to allow the use of a stacked dado blade set. While it’s not a crucial difference, we feel it’s worth mentioning.

Needless to say, if you plan to tackle big projects, you might want to consider investing in a high-quality cabinet saw. If you’re a professional and need a high-quality piece of equipment, don’t hesitate to check these models out. 

A cabinet table saw is usually the best of the best, but will cost you a significant amount of money — however, it will pay for itself relatively quickly.

Thing to Consider When Choosing the Best Table Saw

Before you decide to invest in a unit, you must first know what to look for in order to find the best table saw. You may think buying a table saw is a piece of cake, but the reality is completely different. There are a few things you should think about before buying one, especially if you don’t have any previous experience. Take a few minutes to read this article, it will help you a lot.

Safety

As you can assume, safety is of utmost importance when it comes to heavy-duty tools. No matter how experienced you are, a single moment of negligence can cost you your life. The best case scenario is losing a finger or two — not really a tempting offer, is it?

The blade guard is the most noticeable and the most important safety element of every saw. Its purpose is very simple — it keeps your fingers away from the blade. Some users choose to remove this part to speed up the cutting process, but that’s a huge mistake. In fact, a significant number of injuries take place because people alter the safety mechanisms in order to work faster. Risking your life for a few hours of effective work isn’t worth it, to say the least.

Make Sure it’s Flat

The work surface needs to be flat to avoid issues with uneven cuts. The tolerable deviation is around 0.005 inches. If you’re buying a saw in a shop, check it with a leveler if you have one. If you’re browsing in a hardware store, they’ll already have a leveler — borrow one for a few seconds.

If you’re shopping online, pay attention to customer reviews. In most cases, these comments are a most trustworthy source of information. Therefore, if you see that a particular model is regularly criticized because of its non-flat surface, avoid it.

Fences

One of the components that make a model worth investing in is the fence, or guide. It dictates the accuracy and precision of the unit. The better the fence is, the more successful your project will turn out in the end.

Dust collection

Last but not least, pay attention to the dust collecting capabilities of a particular model. Portable units usually have inferior or non-existent dust-collecting capacity, but they aren’t expected to be used for large projects. 

However, all other types will feature some kind of dust collecting system. The first thing you should check is the diameter of the dust port. The larger it is, the less debris you’ll have flying around. Also, check out the vacuum requirements because some models work only with super-expensive vacuums, making them less cost efficient. However, if you don’t have budget limitations, invest in a high-end vacuum, it makes a huge difference.

Important Features to Look For In A Table Saw

Apart from the crucial elements above, you should also look for some additional features that could mitigate the use of a particular model.

on/off switch

The On/Off switch

Even though it seems pretty irrelevant, the position of the on/off switch is quite important, especially if you’re a frequent user of these tools. In today’s models, the switch is usually level with your knees. 

The main thing you should look for is the size of the OFF switch. It has to be big enough so that you can turn the unit off immediately, with either your knees, elbows, or hands. The so-called panic button is one of the essential elements of every unit.

If something unexpected happens, it’s preferable to have a huge, accessible button that cuts the power off in an instant, rather than having to look for it through a cloud of sawdust.

extensions

Table Extensions

Bigger tables offer more potential for extensions. For example, if you’re planning to process a massive piece of wood but need to cut it into smaller pieces — this is where a table extension will come in handy. 

There are a lot of commercial add-ons to choose from, but you can also make one if you’re experienced enough. Whether you buy or make one, keep safety in mind at all times. Once you’ve installed the add-on, ensure it’s completely safe to use, paying special attention to the amount of vibration and the overall stability of the table.

storage

Storage

You shouldn’t expect a massive amount of storage but, being a table, most offer some level of free space. In fact, some models even have storage areas for fences, gauges, blades, and other necessary equipment. This means you’ve always got the necessary tools within arm’s reach. It will make jobs easier and also a lot quicker.

However, there is a little life hack when it comes to utilizing storage during work. If you have a unit without drawers or free space, put an old nightstand beside your table saw, and the problem is solved, simply and cheaply.

Top Table Saws from Each Category

Dewalt DW745 Job-Site Model


Our Rating: 4.7

When it comes to compactness and efficiency of job-site models, the Dewalt DW745 is among the best. Due to its light weight, it’s regarded as one of the most portable units in its category. Also, the steel roll cage acts as a great protection against drops and impacts.

It features an 1850-watt motor which delivers more than enough power for any heavy-duty task or DIY project. Dewalt is well known for designing quality tools, and didn’t disappoint with this particular model. The fence system offers 610mm of rip capacity. Even though it’s a portable unit, it easily cuts large pieces of wood to size.

Apart from a sturdy and stable design, this model also offers a great amount of precision and accuracy. Needless to say, precision is something every artisan should think about because safety is a crucial element, especially where heavy-duty tools are concerned.

Speaking of safety, the convenient guarding system keeps your fingers and hands protected at all times. Furthermore, the tool-free adjustment comes in handy if you’re in the middle of a project. You don’t have to stop whatever you’re doing and divert your attention to fine-tuning. Instead, you can make changes on the go, without any additional tools. Don’t forget to wear protective gear — it can make the difference between life and death.

One thing we aren’t happy about is the fact that the blade housing tends to go off center sometimes. If you have some experience with these units, it shouldn’t be an issue to find the center again. However, if you’re a beginner, it can be a burden.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw


Our Rating: 4.7

Smooth and fast adjustments are this model’s specialty. If you’re looking for something portable and versatile, this particular product may be of interest. It features a 15-amp motor, which cuts through thick plywood like a hot knife through butter.

The first thing people notice about the unit is its design. The rolling stand is specially designed to mitigate the transport of this saw. In simpler words, whenever you need to move it, simply roll the unit on its wheels. One more notable thing is the 2-inch dust collector port. You can easily connect it to a vacuum and extract the dust efficiently and with little effort.

As for ease of use, it’s somewhere in the middle. In other words, some people find it quite easy to use, while others stumble upon a few issues while during operation. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always read the user manual before using any electric tool, including this one.

Safety is at a high level, to say the least, with several integrated mechanisms that prevent accidents from happening. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care — and don’t forget to wear safety equipment at all times. 

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, you’ll definitely like this particular model due to its versatility and great potential.

The thing you might not like is the non-flat table top. Many people see this downside as quite a burden, particularly if you’re processing perfectly flat wood. Also, the protective coating on the top side of this model is below par. In fact, it barely protects anything, consequently, it will peel off quite quickly. 

Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw


Our Rating: 4.7

Smooth and fast adjustments are this model’s specialty. If you’re looking for something portable and versatile, this particular product may be of interest. It features a 15-amp motor, which cuts through thick plywood like a hot knife through butter.

The first thing people notice about the unit is its design. The rolling stand is specially designed to mitigate the transport of this saw. In simpler words, whenever you need to move it, simply roll the unit on its wheels. One more notable thing is the 2-inch dust collector port. You can easily connect it to a vacuum and extract the dust efficiently and with little effort.

As for ease of use, it’s somewhere in the middle. In other words, some people find it quite easy to use, while others stumble upon a few issues while during operation. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always read the user manual before using any electric tool, including this one.

Safety is at a high level, to say the least, with several integrated mechanisms that prevent accidents from happening. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care — and don’t forget to wear safety equipment at all times. 

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, you’ll definitely like this particular model due to its versatility and great potential.

The thing you might not like is the non-flat table top. Many people see this downside as quite a burden, particularly if you’re processing perfectly flat wood. Also, the protective coating on the top side of this model is below par. In fact, it barely protects anything, consequently, it will peel off quite quickly. 

Grizzly G0715P Polar Bear Series


Our Rating: 4.0

As we already said, hybrid saws are pretty hard to categorize, but the G0715P definitely belongs in the said category. It has a single-phase 2HP motor, which is designed to work both on 110V and 220V grids. The arbor speed is around 3850RPM and it will cut or chop wood effortlessly.

A great thing about the design is the fact that you can get both contractor and cabinet style table saws in one unit. While some people don’t mind the design of this table saw, we felt it could benefit from some improvements.

Dust control is well-designed. The large, 4-inch dust port offers a no-hassle setup, especially with vacuums of lower quality. In simpler words, you don’t need to purchase a super expensive vacuum for this particular unit — any affordable one should do the job well.

The power transfer system is neat — the model features a serpentine belt which is quiet and smooth during operation, therefore, the noise level is satisfactory. Precision is a feature that makes this model worth checking out. Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, you’ll definitely appreciate the accuracy of this model. 

The price is acceptable. I can’t say it’s a cheap piece of equipment because it’s not. But, the high quality of production and a great level of precision justify the somewhat premium price tag. If you’re a devoted professional, it will be a worthy investment. The only downside many people reported is the quality control within the company — a number of products were delivered with broken or missing parts.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

SawStop PCS175-TGP236 Cabinet Saw


Our Rating: 4.8

If you’re a devoted professional in need of a high-quality cabinet saw, this particular model might be the thing you’re looking for. When it comes to safety and precision, the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 does the job quite well. The T-Glide fence system allows you to cut wood of any size without having to re-adjust anything.

The SawStop safety system ensures smooth and flawless operation, while protecting you from a variety of hazards. However, regardless of the safety features, you should always wear protective equipment, especially gloves and goggles. One of the most notable things about the design is the fact that it provides 99 percent dust collection both below and above the table. 

The integrated blade carries an electrical signal. Once it comes in contact with human skin, the signal changes because of the skin’s conductivity and the blade immediately stops. Although some people don’t like the process of resetting the blade, it’s quite easy, and it takes only a short time. It’s better to take a few minutes to reset the blade than lose a few fingers.

The price is not cheap — in fact, it may seem expensive to some, but it’s well worth paying extra for product quality, especially for professional use. SawStop is a well-known manufacturer, and the company has a pretty good quality control department, instilling consumer confidence in its products.

As far as downsides go, there are no major flaws. The only thing you might find annoying is the fact that you have to fine tune the appliance when you receive it. However, the user manual is comprehensive, and you won’t need more than a few minutes to complete the setup.

SawStop PCS175-TGP236 Cabinet Saw


Our Rating: 4.8

If you’re a devoted professional in need of a high-quality cabinet saw, this particular model might be the thing you’re looking for. When it comes to safety and precision, the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 does the job quite well. The T-Glide fence system allows you to cut wood of any size without having to re-adjust anything.

The SawStop safety system ensures smooth and flawless operation, while protecting you from a variety of hazards. However, regardless of the safety features, you should always wear protective equipment, especially gloves and goggles. One of the most notable things about the design is the fact that it provides 99 percent dust collection both below and above the table. 

The integrated blade carries an electrical signal. Once it comes in contact with human skin, the signal changes because of the skin’s conductivity and the blade immediately stops. Although some people don’t like the process of resetting the blade, it’s quite easy, and it takes only a short time. It’s better to take a few minutes to reset the blade than lose a few fingers.

The price is not cheap — in fact, it may seem expensive to some, but it’s well worth paying extra for product quality, especially for professional use. SawStop is a well-known manufacturer, and the company has a pretty good quality control department, instilling consumer confidence in its products.

As far as downsides go, there are no major flaws. The only thing you might find annoying is the fact that you have to fine tune the appliance when you receive it. However, the user manual is comprehensive, and you won’t need more than a few minutes to complete the setup.

Table Saw Injury Prevention – Safety First


We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to think about safety at all times while using these tools. Even the slightest mistake can make a difference between life and death. The worst part is the fact that an accident usually happens in an instant, leaving you no time to react at all. Therefore, whatever you do, don’t forget that there’s a thin line between you having 10 fingers at one moment and eight in the next.

Safety Equipment


The first thing you should do before starting up your unit is to ensure that you’re wearing and using all the necessary safety equipment. Many people don’t like to wear gloves but, apart from keeping your fingers safe, they also offer protection against splinters. Working with wood, there’ll be a lot of splinters flying around. However, gloves aren’t mandatory, and they won’t offer much protection beyond this.

Using the guards that were supplied with the saw is crucial for the safety of your hands. If you’re working with smaller pieces, make or buy a sled with a work clamp so that you can maintain a safe distance from the blade. The clamped sled can be as simple as a piece of plywood with a track on the bottom, responsible for riding in the groove. It’s quite simple to construct, saves time and — most importantly — fingers.

Take Everything Off


Before using the unit, make sure you’re not wearing jewelry, long sleeves, watches, or anything that can get caught up. Even though the vast majority of table saws now have excellent safety mechanisms, it’s always smart to lower the chances by eliminating the danger factors.

Custom-Made Push Blocks 


One other thing you can do is build a push block (stick). It’s a pretty simple concept and yet very effective. All you need is a rectangular piece of wood and a metal handle. Screw the handle into the wood and use it as an extension of your arms.

Wood Sawing Safety

Stay Focused


Concentration is extremely important. A high percentage of injuries happen due to the lack of focus at any given moment. Remember, if something goes wrong, it will usually happen in under a second, giving you no time to react properly. 

Music is something that can be dangerous and relaxing at the same time. Some people love working while listening to their favorite tracks, but it significantly lowers your concentration level. Therefore, you should avoid listening to music while operating a heavy-duty piece of equipment.

Riving Knife


A riving knife is a piece of metal, shaped like a surfboard fin, that should be included with your new saw. Sadly, not all models are supplied with this crucial part. If you purchase a model without it, design and make one for yourself as soon as possible. 

The construction of this piece is no big deal — you can cut the shape in a matter of minutes and install it. The purpose of the riving knife is to prevent wood and debris from getting caught in the back of the blade, stopping it from kicking back and jeopardizing your safety.

Table Saw Safety

Don’t Mess With Safety Elements


We mentioned earlier that some people tend to remove the safety elements to speed up their projects. Needless to say, this is a huge mistake. Those things are there for a reason, and should remain installed at all times. As soon as you meddle with such parts, you jeopardize the machine’s integrity and your own safety. Even the best table saw cannot protect you enough if you tamper with the components.

Goggles


Goggles, or safety glasses, are yet another item people often don’t like wearing. However, it’s not about comfort, but saving your eyesight. As you’re cutting wood, there’s a lot of sawdust flying around. In order to prevent it from going in your eyes, safety glasses should be worn. 

There are hundreds of models to choose from, but make sure the ones you choose are certified as safe for using in the workplace. Don’t simply use the first ones you find, assuming they’ll work. Invest in high-quality safety glasses or goggles, you’ll appreciate them.

Don’t Make Crosscuts With a Saw


Cutting a board to length by using the fence as a guide is one of the most dangerous yet very common techniques. The fact that it’s quite common among DIYers doesn’t make it safe. In fact, it’s extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences. 

There is a high risk of kickback if you’re using this particular technique. Needless to say, the forces involved are immense, and you could end up with a piece of wood in your face. You might say, “But, I’m wearing safety goggles!” Even though it may be true, goggles won’t help much when a dense piece of wood is flying toward your face at a few hundred MPH. The solution is pretty simple — use the miter gauge or build a cross-cutting sled.

The conclusion


We’ve offered lots of comprehensive advice above, about different types of table sawsIf you’re a DIY enthusiast and new to all this, you’ll definitely find something of interest. Professionals can also find useful pieces of information on this page. 

The models we’ve reviewed and recommended are all worth looking at, and you can rest assured that they are of high quality. After reading the short reviews above, click through to find full details about each particular product. 

We’ve also covered other aspects, such as the safety and proper use of these tools. Make sure you thoroughly read our articles — particularly if you’re a beginner — they could save your life. The only thing you need to do now is decide how much money you want to spend and which type is the best table saw for your needs.

Table Saw Categories

Best Portable Table Saw
Best Contractor Table Saw
Best Hybrid Table Saw
Best Cabinet Table Saw