Best Cabinet Table Saw Reviews
A large, weighty unit, the cabinet saw typically delivers between 3 and 5 horsepower, making heavy-duty projects a breeze. The motor is housed in a fully enclosed cabinet base — ensuring noise is kept to a minimum. In general, these top-end machines have heavier bearings and pulleys, with smoother tables — providing the best finish possible. Read our best cabinet table saw reviews to find out more about these professional units.
Cabinet Table Saw Top Picks
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best for Durability
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Best for Durability
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Features
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Check Price at AmazonSawStop PCS175-TGP236 Review SawStop PCS175-TGP236 Review | |
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Best for Prosumers
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Best for Prosumers
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Features
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Check Price at AmazonGrizzly G0690 Review Grizzly G0690 Review | |
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Best Industrial Grade
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Best Industrial Grade
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Features
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Check Price at AmazonDelta 36-L552 Review Delta 36-L552 Review | |
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Best for Safety
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Best for Safety
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Features
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Check Price at AmazonJET 708675PK XACTASAW Review JET 708675PK XACTASAW Review |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Cabinet Table Saw
Good for
Cabinet table saws are great for a variety of applications, but their main responsibility is to cut through particularly large or dense timber. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, if you have a massive project in mind, a cabinet table saw is likely to be one of your best options. Many other types of table saw could struggle when it comes to heavy-duty work.
One of the biggest advantages of these units is their accuracy. Even though others are also able to cut with precision, the cabinet table saw is generally more accurate. Furthermore, the miter gauge and other measuring instruments are also usually well-designed and reliable. Safety is at a satisfactory level 99% of the time, which is the first thing you should think about when buying any heavy-duty tool.
Not Recommended for
This type of table saw is the heaviest and most immobile. Therefore, if you’re planning on moving the machine frequently, a cabinet saw isn’t the best option. Even though these machines outperform others, they aren’t recommended for absolute beginners or occasional users.
Finally, these machines come with a pretty hefty price tag, being the most expensive option of this type. If you’re on a budget, look around at other models, which may offer similar features but cost significantly less, such as hybrid saws.
Top Rated Cabinet Table Saws
The exceptional design and patented safety system of the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 make it the best cabinet saw in our opinion.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The exceptional design and patented safety system of this product makes it the best cabinet table saw, in our opinion. As you may already know, SawStop is a well-respected brand that manufactures accurate, safe and affordable machines.
Needless to say, the PCS175-TGP236 is no exception. It has a myriad of useful features, plenty of power, and it’s not as complex as you might expect. If you’re a devoted professional with a lot of projects in mind, take a look at this particular model — you might find it ideal for your needs.
The design has some great features, one of which is its dust-collecting capabilities. It collects 99% of dust, both below and above the table. It’s also a fully enclosed unit, meaning there will be no debris flying around when you turn it on — everything is removed through the 4-inch dust port
The fence is stable, flat, and can be clamped onto either side of the table. This means that instability isn’t an issue when it comes to this model, unlike many others. One thing I’m sure we all appreciate about all SawStop models is the safety aspect, in particular the SawStop patented safety system. It works on a basic principle — if your skin touches the blade, it stops in an instant, detecting the changes in the electrical signal caused by human skin.
The price is reasonable for the product’s quality and features. The only thing we didn’t like was that the unit arrived in several boxes and required some assembly. If you’re inexperienced, we suggest that you hire a professional to assemble the parts for you, saving a lot of time and effort. The outlay will be worthwhile!
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.6
When it comes to sheer power and performance, not many models can outperform the Grizzly G0690. Its motor can deliver up to 4300 RPM — more than enough to cut through any wood with ease. The maximum rip capacity is a staggering 29.5 inches. The height of the table is around 34 inches, meaning you won’t experience any back problems, unlike some models on the market.
The design of the G0690 is quite conventional. There are no impressive features, but it’s still a reliable and sturdy machine. The measuring instruments are well made and stable — a good feature, as stability is one of the most important factors for accurate and precise cuts.
The safety features are adequate, with a riving knife and a blade guard included. Both of these components are made of good quality materials for your protection and peace of mind. A few quick-release methods are installed throughout the unit. So, instead of wrestling with a number of tools, all you have to do in order to switch or repair a particular part of the machine is to push the quick-release button. It’s a convenient addition to an already versatile model.
People who bought the Grizzly G0690 have praised its price-to-quality ratio. We can’t say it’s a cheap model, but it’s definitely cost-efficient, making it one of the most desirable within its category.
We found very few downsides mentioned by users. However, apparently the included blade was reported to be out by a couple of hundreds of an inch. Therefore, if you’re buying this for professional use, you might want to switch the blade. However, for DIY projects, this minor deviation shouldn’t be a big deal.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The powerful dual voltage 15-amp ball bearing motor is able to deliver a lot of power. In other words, when it comes to the density of wood, this unit doesn’t care; it will cut through anything with ease. The table top bevel scale allows you to set up the blade with high accuracy. Also, the cast iron surface with 30-inch rip capacity offers more than enough free space for various applications.
The safety aspect is pretty good, but there are other models within the same price category that offer a bit more. However, that doesn’t mean this model isn’t as safe as it can be. There are plenty of mechanisms that prevent bad things from happening, especially if you aren’t as experienced with heavy-duty tools.
As for the precision, it’s great. The rip fence has micro adjustment features for precision settings meaning deviations are minimal. The miter T-slots are machined into the table with an indexing miter gauge. However, you can add other optional accessories and implement them into the machined slot. As you can tell, versatility is one of this model’s strongest points.
There aren’t many downsides when it comes to the PCB270TS. Some people complained about missing parts, but it’s due to the negligence of the shipping company. The quality control department in the Porter-Cable Company is well-respected and known for its efficiency. Therefore, the chances of you getting a faulty unit are at a bare minimum. However, choose the shipping company carefully, and don’t spare money, you might regret it eventually.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.0
Smoothness and dependable accuracy are the two strongest points of this particular model. The single-cast trunnion system of the Delta 36-L552 offers excellent vibration control and great stability.
Many people have issues with blade adjustments on these machines. The Delta Company has solved the problem with a simple yet effective solution — dual front cranks. These allow you to adjust the height and blade bevel with ease.
The materials used in production are reliable and sturdy. It’s capable of withstanding quite a beating, even if you’re on a busy construction site. The motor is available in both 3 and 5 HP. The difference between these two is quite significant, so choose carefully. Both motors have plenty of power but your choice will depend on the required application.
The price is somewhat premium, but this is justified by high-quality components. It’s slightly more expensive than other models within the same category, but pays for itself quickly, thanks to its versatility and quality.
The downsides are pretty subtle and minor. The only frequent complaint people seemed to have was about shipping, with parts often missing on arrival.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The first thing people notice when this model is in question is its level of noise, or — to be precise — lack of noise. We can’t say it’s a silent model, due to the fact that it’s a heavy-duty tool, but it’s much quieter than its competitors. Besides that, there are also plenty of other useful features that can make your job much easier.
The design is neat, sturdy, and stable. In fact, when it comes to stability, it’s one of the best cabinet saws around. It is made of sturdy and reliable materials meaning you don’t have to worry about integrity and stability at all. Changing the blade is a piece of cake with this unit. The convenient push button arbor lock enables you to change the blade in a matter of seconds, instead of messing with various tools — all you have to do is push a single button.
Safety is at a satisfactory level. The blade guard and riving knife are well made and positioned correctly. As a matter of fact, even beginners can use this machine with confidence, thanks to the excellent safety system. However, make sure you read the user manual, regardless of your level of expertise.
The dust-collecting capabilities of this machine are excellent. A flex hose is connected to the internal shroud, which leads to a 4-inch port. The price is affordable too — several other models cost more but have similar features and capabilities. Therefore, if you’re on a budget, don’t hesitate to check this one out; it might be just what you’re looking for.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Quick Product Comparison
| POWER SOURCE | MOTOR | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SawStop PCS175-TGP236 | Corded | 14 amps | 470 pounds | $$$ | Check Price |
Grizzly G0690 | Corded | 3HP, max 4300 RPM | 530 pounds | $$ | Check Price |
|
Porter-Cable PCB270TS | Corded | 15 amps, 3450 RPM max | 250 pounds | $ | Check Price |
Delta 36-L552 | Corded | 5HP, 30 amps | 600 pounds | $$$ | Check Price |
|
JET 708675PK XACTASAW | Corded | 3 HP | 510 pounds | $$$ | Check Price |
Before You Buy: How Does a Cabinet Table Saw Work?
It’s critical that you comprehend the working principles of these machines before you decide to buy one. The reasons are pretty simple – you’ll make a much better choice if you have enough insight and knowledge about a particular matter. Therefore, it’s essential to educate yourself in advance, to avoid ending up with an overpriced unit that doesn’t meet your expectations and requirements.
Motor
Cabinet saws usually have induction motors with 3 to 5 horsepower. If you’re planning on using these machines in your home, this will require a heavy-duty circuit to be installed. What makes these motors different from the other types is the fact that they are enclosed in the base. In fact, this is the main characteristic of cabinet table saws, ensuring less vibration and fewer deviations.
The Base
Every unit that is worth checking out is made of either cast iron or a similar type of heavy and durable metal. The imperative issue is the reliability of the material used in production, because these machines are almost always used for demanding projects.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in heavy-duty tools. No one should consider operating a cabinet saw before making sure it’s as safe as possible. Luckily, the vast majority of commercial units have numerous safety features. Look for anti-kickback systems and blade guards, for example, which are a standard set of safety precautions in almost every unit available on the market.
Measuring Instruments
A quality saw should have as many measuring instruments as possible. However, even if it does feature a lot of measuring instruments, that doesn’t mean they are accurate or reliable. The quality of manufacture is extremely important in this area, and cheap models are easily distinguished.
Finding the Best Cabinet Table Saw – Buying Guide
As we mentioned above, buying a high-quality table saw shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. You have to be aware of many things before opting for a particular model. If you don’t know what to look for or pay attention to, read this article to get a better idea. The key is in finding something affordable, yet reliable and trustworthy enough.
In order to recognize these elements, the following are most important:
Power
The amount of power in a particular model is a good starting point for any buyer, with a significant difference between 2 HP and 5 HP motors. However, it all depends on your requirements. If you’re not planning on tackling a massive project, a 3 HP motor could offer more than enough power for your plans. However, if you need a cabinet table saw for professional use, bigger is usually better.
Choosing the appropriate amperage is the easy part — most of the units available on the market today feature a 15-amp motor. Therefore, everything below that particular value can be considered underwhelming. Once again, it all depends on your intentions. In simpler words, less power is not always the worst solution.
Safety
Needless to say, the safety features and mechanisms are the things that can make or break a table saw. Many less-known models struggle with safety elements, and that’s why people avoid investing in such machines. After all, these units can end one’s life in a matter of seconds meaning it’s not worth gambling with cheap models.
When it comes to safety, you should always pay as much money as you can, and a little more. We cannot emphasize enough who crucial it is for you to find a completely safe unit. Therefore, this is not the ideal step for saving and sparing money.
Price
As you may have noticed, cabinet table saws are quite expensive, to say the least. However, the price is usually justified by the usefulness and quality of these machines.
Obviously, buying a cheap model and thinking you’ve cheated the universe is going to cost you more than actually investing a bit more in a unit of better quality. There are very few free rides out there. Whatever you decide on, go with the best quality you can afford. The cheapest products are often the most expensive, because you’ll soon have to buy a replacement. A good quality power tool could last a lifetime.
Stability and Design
The aesthetic aspect is solely your personal choice. We won’t concentrate on colors and shapes, because these don’t affect the overall performance. However, the materials used in production and their overall stability are extremely important. Therefore, you should always aim for sturdy and stable machines.
Try to find a machine that’s low on vibration and noise. As you can assume, not many models are particularly mobile due to their hefty weight, but there are a few models on the market that offer a certain degree of mobility. However, this type may not be as stable as their heavier counterparts.
The Brand’s Reputation
Many people don’t want to accept the fact that a brand’s reputation affects the overall quality of a particular model. In simpler words, even though you’re bound to pay more for a famous brand, you’ll often get more benefits. For example, a well-known brand can’t afford to have a bad reputation. Therefore, if you choose a respectable company, you shouldn’t have to worry about customer support and quality control if you run into problems — they will be more than happy to offer help. On the other hand, unknown brands often may not be so worried about neglecting their customers if they don’t already have a good reputation.
The Conclusion
Cabinet table saws are high-quality units that are most appreciated by professionals. Hobbyists rarely invest in these products, because they are expensive and overkill for the average DIY project. On the other hand, professionals appreciate the accuracy, power, and stability of these machines. Nothing can outperform a high-quality cabinet saw when it’s being operated by an individual who knows what they are doing.
As far as we are concerned, the models we’ve covered are all worth checking out if you’re in search of a quality machine. Some offer fewer features than the others but are slightly cheaper. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to choose the one that is closest to your demands. For a more detailed insight into the abilities of these products, read our full page reviews of the best cabinet table saws, where you’ll find plenty of useful information.
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