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If you’re into woodworking and are looking for a table saw, you certainly want to know what the best table saw on the market is. Table saws are also known as bench saws in some parts of the world. They feature a flat surface on which to cut something. You can cut various materials in a variety of ways. We delve into this in detail below (Source). Table saws provide many benefits. They let you cut from varying angles and depths. They also allow you to make perfectly accurate cuts. Additionally, they give you the option of using different types of blades to make different types of cuts (Source). Plus, you can such saws to cut metal objects. There are many variables to consider when shopping for a table saw, like size, portability, intended use, feature set, etc. You must also understand different types—such as cabinet saws, jobsite saws, and contractor saws—and what are used for. Don’t worry, we’ll explain all of this as we go. Let’s dive into our comprehensive table saw guide. It’s full of reviews, tips, and educational information to help you find the best table saw for your unique needs. A Quick Look at the 10 Best Table Saws Below we provide full reviews of our top picks for the best table saw. But first, we’ll prime you up and get you ready for those reviews. Here is a quick look at the top 10 in the order we ranked them. SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw: Best Rated Table Saw [TOP PICK] Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw: Best Cabinet Table Saw DeWalt [DWE7491RS] Table Saw: Best Table Saw for the Money SawStop Jobsite Saw PRO: World’s Safest Table Saw Milwaukee 2736-21HD Table Saw: Best Cordless Table Saw Bosch 4100-10 Jobsite Table Saw: Best Jobsite Table Saw Makita 2705 Contractor Table Saw: Best Contractor Table Saw SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw with Folding Stand: Best Budget Table Saw DeWalt [DW745] Table Saw: Best Table Saw Under $500 SKIL Portable Worm Drive Table Saw: Best Portable Table Saw How Do Table Saws Work? Table saws, from a high-level perspective, feature a flat “tabletop” on which you place the material you wish to cut. Then, you brace that material with what’s called a “fence,” which we explain below. Once braced, you slide the material across the saw’s blade and your cut is complete. How Much Is A Table Saw? The most expensive table saws are meant for professional, industrial use and cost as much as $13,000. But don’t worry, those models are beyond the scope of this review guide. The saws we’ll be reviewing have prices ranging from a few thousand dollars down to a few hundred dollars. 10 Best Table Saws: Comprehensive Reviews Let’s not waste time and instead dive right into our reviews of the best table saws on the market today. We start with our top pick, from SawStop. 1. SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw: Best Rated Table Saw [TOP PICK] SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw, 3-HP, 52-Inch Professional TGlide Fence System (PCS31230-TGP252) 52-INCH T-GLIDE FENCE ASSEMBLY: The 52-inch T-Glide Fence & Rail are made of heavy-gauge steel for sure lockdown and reliably square cutting for years without deflection.SAWSTOP PATENTED SAFETY SYSTEM: Stops a spinning blade on contact with skin. The blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, and drops below the table, minimizing a potentially life-altering injury to a mere scratch.UNMATCHED QUALITY: The trunnion and arbor are built for precision, strength and stability. The gas piston elevation delivers smooth and easy adjustability. Table flatness is measured diagonally at 0. 010” maximum gap.DUST COLLECTION: 99% dust collection is delivered above the table with the included dust collection blade guard, and below the table with advanced shrouding around the blade. Available Overarm Dust Collection (Model # TSA-ODC, sold separately) routes dust away from the blade and into the 4” port.RELIABILITY: The Control Box houses the on-off switch, power paddle, and on-board computer, and constantly checks that all systems are working to reliably keep you safe. Buy on Amazon SawStop is a household name among woodworking enthusiasts. It’s a leading table saw brand that’s loved by those who invest in one of its high-end saws. Below are a few reasons why the SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw is at the top of our list. Rock-Solid Design This is a heavy, solid table saw; it weighs 449 pounds. If you take care of it, this saw could last decades or even a lifetime. Its two cast iron tabletops are impeccably designed and perfectly level. That, along with its heavy-gauge steel, 52-inch fence, provide maximum durability. Mobility Despite its weight, it features an integrated mobile base with two fixed wheels. Add to that a pair of 360-degree casters, and an automatic lift mechanism. These features make it easy to move your saw around your workshop. Power and Quality This SawStop includes a three-horsepower (HP), 220-volt engine strong enough to slice through most things with ease. Every part of this commercial cabinet saw is produced from heavy-duty materials and made to last. Although it’s a little more expensive than other similar saws, you do get what you pay for. Safety First SawStop’s patented safety system is the best in the industry. We’ll discuss it in more detail below. But it deserves a mention here as well. Let’s just say you won’t be losing any fingers to the SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw. 2. Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw: Best Cabinet Table Saw Powermatic PM1000 1791001K Table Saw 50-Inch Fence PRECISION-GROUND CAST IRON WORK SURFACE: Features a beveled edge for smoother operation.POLY-V BELT DRIVE SYSTEM: Reduces vibration and maximizes efficiency.MITER GAUGE PIVOTS 60° LEFT/RIGHT: Allows easy adjustment for a full range of cuts.ARBOR LOCK: One-handed blade changes with minimal tools.EXCLUSIVE ACCU-FENCE SYSTEM: Provides rigidity and precision. $2,429.99 Buy on Amazon The self-proclaimed “Gold Standard Since 1921,” Powermatic is one of the most established, high-quality saw makers in the world. With 100 years of experience, it has extensive expertise that’s displayed in the quality of its products—including cabinet saws (a type of table saw). The Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw is a great example of a century’s worth of experience and continual learning. We named it the best cabinet saw for a valid reason. Powerful yet Energy-Efficient Cabinet saws are the most powerful table saws. Delivering such power normally requires a lot of energy; typical cabinet saws operate with 240 volts of electricity. However, users can plug this saw into a normal 120-volt outlet because it only requires 115 volts to operate at full capacity. That’s because its 1.75 HP belt drive motor was designed to minimize vibration and maximize energy efficiency. Ample Workspace The Powermatic PM1000 features a super solid miter gauge that can pivot up to 60 degrees on both sides. This gives you lots of room to work with and the ability to adjust your cutting range to cover a broad spectrum of angles. Still Dense, Still Delivers Despite its smaller, lower-HP motor, this Powermatic is just as heavy-duty and solid as other cabinet saws. It weighs in at 465 pounds—heavier than the SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw above. With its cast-iron build, it’s still as heavy-duty as you’d expect from a cabinet saw. 3. DeWalt [DWE7491RS] Table Saw: Best Table Saw for the Money DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity (DWE7491RS) Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10" 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, 2x blade wrenches, blade guard assembly manualOther Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22” | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2” | Max width of Dado – 13/16” | Arbor size – 5/8” | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45° – 2-1/4” | Depth of cut at 90° – 3-1/8” | No Load Speed: 4800 RPMRolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stabilityRack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurateFeatures a 15.0A high torque motor with the power to cut pressure treated lumber and hardwoods $599.00 Buy on Amazon Many would argue that this DeWalt is the best overall table saw available today, period. We agree that it’s an impressive machine—there is no disputing that. But it can’t truly compete with the SawStop or Powermatic models above, which cost three to five times more. However, if not for the cabinet saws above, the DeWalt [DWE7491RS] would be at the top of our list. It’s certainly the best table saw under $1,000. Ox-Like Strength Despite its significantly smaller, compact size, this DeWalt model is way more powerful than you’d suspect at first glance. For example, the Powermatic PM1000 reviewed above weighs over 500% more than this DeWalt jobsite saw. However, the DeWalt delivers more horsepower—2 HP to be exact. It can slice and dice 4x4s into kindling. Compact But Not Lightweight This saw is small in size. However, it weighs in at 90 pounds; it’s not what we’d call “lightweight.” Some of the lightest weight table saws available—two of which are reviewed below—weigh half what this model weighs. But that doesn’t stop it from getting the job done better than nearly every other table saw on the market. Superior Rolling Stand One of the DeWalt [DWE7491RS] model’s standout features is a table saw stand with wheels. It is extremely stable and convenient on the jobsite. Users can easily roll it around to each spot where they need to cut something while on the job. Moreover, it breaks down quickly for easy storage and transportation. 4. SawStop Jobsite Saw PRO: World’s Safest Table Saw SAWSTOP 10-Inch Jobsite Saw Pro with Mobile Cart Assembly, 1.5-HP, 12A, 120V, 60Hz (JSS-120A60) SAWSTOP PATENTED SAFETY SYSTEM: Stops a spinning blade on contact with skin. The blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, and drops below the table, minimizing a potentially life-altering injury to a mere scratch.CLASS-LEADING FEATURES: 24 5/8” table depth means better accuracy and easier, safer cutting of larger work pieces. Included Active Dust Collection Guard for class-leading dust management. One-turn elevation allows the user to raise and lower the blade in a single turn, and the Quick-Tilt adjustment tilts the blade easily and quickly to the ideal angle in 1 degree increments.RELIABILITY: The Control Box houses the on-off switch, power paddle, and on-board computer, and constantly checks that all systems are working to reliably keep you safe.HIGH-LOW T-STYLE FENCE WITH ERGOLOCK: The updated Jobsite Saw T-Style Fence slides smooth and lock firm with one touch. Extend the On-Demand shelf for added support, and use the low fence and deeper fence face for safer cutting of thin work pieces.EASY MOBILITY: Simple, intuitive foot pedal extends the mobile cart for use and collapses the cart for transport. Buy on Amazon It would make sense to also call this SawStop model the best beginner table saw. Someone using a table saw for the first time is exponentially more likely to injure themselves than a seasoned user. This saw would prevent that from happening. But safety isn’t the only reason the SawStop Jobsite Saw PRO made our list, it’s just the most compelling reason. We’ll cover a few more below, but we have to start with safety. Industry-Leading Safety The SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw, at the top of our list, uses the same patented table saw safety stop mechanism as this jobsite saw. A built-in sensor detects skin coming in contact with the saw’s blade and triggers an automatic shutoff mechanism that stops the saw in five milliseconds. However, SawStop calls this model the “World’s Safest Saw” because it features an additional safety feature mentioned below. Dust Collection as a Safety Feature Many table saw users don’t fully grasp the correlation between dust collection and safety. When dust accumulates it can result in more accidents, not to mention a sloppier cut. For example, let’s say you place your hand on a dust-covered table, then put your weight on it. Your hand may slide causing your body to lunge forward. You can imagine the rest. That’s not a concern with the SawStop Jobsite Saw PRO. It features an active dust collection blade guard that captures tabletop dust. This ensures a safer workspace, further reduces the risk of injury, and wins more points for the “World’s Safest Saw.” 5. Milwaukee 2736-21HD Table Saw: Best Cordless Table Saw Sale Milwaukee Electric Tools 2736-21HD Table Saw Tool Product is manufactured in ChinaThis product meets customer requirement5 year warranty on material and workmanship $699.00 Buy on Amazon This cordless table saw, manufactured by Milwaukee Electric Tools, is a fan favorite. During our research and testing process, we didn’t speak to a single user who was dissatisfied with their Milwaukee 2736-21HD Table Saw. Let’s delve into why. It’s Cordless Yes, you assumed this after reading the title we gave it. Most table saws require a corded electrical connection to produce the power and cutting capacity expected from a table saw. But, not the Milwaukee 2736-21HD. Its M18 lithium-powered, high output HD12.0 battery provides all the energy it needs to operate on par with its competitors. Let’s not overlook the convenience of a battery-operated table saw. It can be used miles away from the nearest electrical socket, making it the most versatile saw on the list. Power and Battery Quality The battery that powers the Milwaukee 2736-21HD is what the company refers to, and has trademarked, as a RedLithium battery. This saw’s RedLithium high output HD12.0 battery pack provides 50% more power and runs 50% cooler than Milwaukee’s standard RedLithium HD packs. Its blade size is only 8.25 inches. But the speed at which it spins more than compensates for that. At 5,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) it reaches a top speed of 159 miles per hour (MPH)—10 MPH faster than a corded 10-inch model. Being battery-powered, you would expect this saw to be used by hobbyists and homeowners. However, with its power output, it is designed for use by professional carpenters, remodelers, and contractors. 6. Bosch 4100-10 Jobsite Table Saw: Best Jobsite Table Saw Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Tablesaw - 10 Inch Jobsite Table Saw with 25 Inch Cutting Capacity and Portable Folding Table Stand Powerful table saw – has 15-Amp saw with 4. 0 max HP and 3, 650 rpm, for rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materialsDimensions: 37.7" D x 29.4" W x 19.4" H | Product Weight: 110 lbLarge cast aluminum top – provides increased work space and material support with a 30 In. ripping capacitySoft-start circuitry – manages intensity of motor start-up and minimizes the likelihood possibility of tripping a circuit breakerConstant Response circuitry – helps maintain speed under load $812.89 Buy on Amazon If a jobsite saw is what you need, you just found the best one out there. Another highly-rated crowd pleaser, the Bosch 4100-10 Jobsite Table Saw delivers on many fronts. Let’s unpack a few of those. High Mobility This Bosch model’s portability is a key selling point for those who need a powerful, yet easy-to-transport jobsite saw. It sits atop a gravity rise stand that collapses and unfolds with one smooth motion. When you pull its fold lever, the stand collapses or unfolds in about 40 seconds. This equates to best-in-class transportability, which is what jobsite users need and want. Onboard Accessory Storage Adding to its attractiveness to jobsite users, the Bosch 4100-10 Jobsite Table Saw features industry-leading onboard storage capacity. Every attachment and accessory that jobsite users need can be stored on the saw body, which makes transportation even easier. There is a dedicated place to store your blade wrench, rip fence, extra blades, miter gauge, and more. Safety Features Jobsite users often work quickly because their time is money. Therefore, they need safety features that prevent the accidents that happen when someone uses a power tool in a hurry. Similar to SawStop’s patented flesh sensor cutoff feature, this Bosch model features the company’s own version. Bosch calls it their Smart Guard System. It also includes additional safety features that prevent unintended human contact with the blades. 7. Makita 2705 Contractor Table Saw: Best Contractor Table Saw Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM""Tool-less"" modular blade guard system with an adjustable riving knife/spreaderBlade guard assembly with cam lock provides easy ""tool-less"" installation or removalAdjustable dual side guards allow for ease of measurement from the blade to the rip fence for cutting set-upsTwo onboard independent stowable anti-kickback pawls and riving knife/spreader for through cuts Buy on Amazon Any contractor looking for a best-in-class professional table saw need look no further. When they find the Makita 2705 Contractor Saw, they’ll stop looking. No-Stand Deign It does not include a saw stand but rather can be placed on any flat surface and used as you would use any table saw. This is very convenient for contractors because it allows them to use it in their workshop, on the jobsite, or wherever they want. But maximum convenience isn’t the only selling point for the Makita 2705. Precision Another attractive feature is the level of precision delivered by this contractor table saw. Its carefully designed tabletop remains flat and true under all conditions. This ensures you get the most accurate, precise cut every time. Precision is important for contractors because one mistake can cost them a job. Flexibility and Smooth Adjustments This Makita features smooth action rip fences that slide effortlessly across the saw’s tabletop This allows users to make quick and accurate adjustments as they work. It also considerably “cuts” the time needed to finish the job (pun definitely intended). Powerful Performance The 15 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM. With that motor and its significant cutting capacity, it can rip through a 4x4 in a single pass. This machine even accommodates a 13/16-inch dado blade (we discuss dado blades below). 8. SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw with Folding Stand: Best Budget Table Saw SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand 20-inch x 26-inch cast aluminum table extends to 20-inch x 32-inch for longer work pieces3-1/2-Inch cut height capacity for cutting through 4x materialsHeavy-duty steel stand for fast setup and easy transport. Bevel angle range:0° to 47°Self-aligning rip fence for accurate measurementsEZ view measurement system for accurate settings. Cord length: 6 feet Buy on Amazon This SKIL saw was designed for the “do-it-yourself” (DIY) type of person. In other words, hobbyists who enjoy making things themselves rather than buying cheap prefabricated versions. However, plenty of professionals use the SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw on the jobsite. Ultimately, though, most professionals will want more than this budget saw provides. It is ideal for home use because it includes a broad set of value-added features. Price and Value This is an obvious one, but everyone has their own personal budget and can only spend so much on a given product. The SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw delivers more value for the money than any other saw we reviewed while compiling our top 10 list. Simply put, if you want high quality at a reasonable price, this SKIL table saw deserves a closer look. Surprisingly Powerful It is surprisingly powerful considering its price point. With a 15 Amp motor capable of spinning at 5,000 RPM, this SKIL saw can easily rip through wood that’s 4 inches wide (e.g., a 4x4 board). Heavy-Duty Foldable Stand The SKIL 3410-02 comes fully-equipped with a heavy-duty steel stand that can be folded for easy storage and transportation. Self-Aligning Rip Fence for Maximum Accuracy This SKIL features a self-aligning rip fence and SKIL’s “EZ Measurement System.” These features combined facilitate the most accurate cut possible. 9. DeWalt [DW745] Table Saw: Best Table Saw Under 500 Dollars DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw, 16-Inch Rip Capacity (DW745) 22 kilograms unit weight and optimized footprint make this the most portable saw in its class. Shoe bevels 0 to 45 for beveled cutsSteel roll cage protects saw against jobsite drops and impacts, rack and pinion fence system, front and rear fence lock and large, clear scales combine to give an extremely accurate and easy to use sawPowerful 1850 Watt motor for high performance in all applications. Max Rip To Left Of Blade 12 inch. Max Rip To Right Of Blade 20 inchFence system provides 610 millimeter of rip capacity in a portable design for cutting large sheet materials to sizeCast table top design ensures accuracy and precision, Overload protection system ensures powerful performance in hard, wet or frozen woods, Quick bevel lock with large scale for easy, accurate adjustments Buy on Amazon This DeWalt 10-inch table saw is a great beginner saw for those just getting their feet wet. Some of its better features include: Lightweight Design At around 45 pounds, the DeWalt [DW745] is easy to move from one place to another. This is a strong selling point for those who work in different locations around the house, depending on the weather. Steel Roll Cage for Maximum Durability Many table saws that do not include a stand—and this one doesn’t—feature a hard plastic base. Not the DeWalt [DW745]. Instead, it features a steel roll cage that protects against accidental drops, falls, etc. It’s a durable table saw. Power Output A powerful 1,850 Watt, 15 Amp motor delivers plenty of torque. It can easily handle tough jobs like cutting through hardwoods and pressure-treated timber. Its 10-inch blade spins at a no-load speed of 3,850 RPM. Telescoping Fence Rails This saw’s telescoping fence rails allow users to accurately and smoothly adjust the rip fence to accommodate the cutting of a range of material sizes. Adjustable Feet The rear feet on the DeWalt [DW745] are adjustable and can be lowered or raised to fit your working conditions. This is super convenient when you take your portable table saw for a ride and are forced to work on uneven surfaces. 10. SKIL Portable Worm Drive Table Saw: Best Portable Table Saw SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 10 In. Portable Worm Drive Table Saw First ever brass-geared Worm Drive table saw for maximum power and torque15 Amp solid construction dual-field motor for increased cutting speed and extended motor life25 inch rip capacity and 3-1/2 inch depth of cut for ripping a wide variety of materials; Fit Dado blades with the Skilsaw SPTA70WT-DD Dado Insert (Sold separately)Self-aligning rip fence with on-tool storage for a true cutPortable and compact while staying lightweight at only 49 pound Buy on Amazon This SKIL model is among the best portable table saws you can find—it’s certainly the best that we could find. It’s also the best compact table saw on the list. Again, it’s hard to go wrong with a SKIL saw and the SKIL Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is no exception. It is widely used and loved by many. Some of the reasons for its popularity include: Convenient Size It is a relatively small table saw, which you would expect from the “best portable table saw.” Out of all the portable saws we reviewed and tested, no other came close to this SKIL. If portability and convenience are what you’re after, take a close look at this saw. Continuous Cutting This SKIL model features a 15 Amp dual-field motor designed to keep things cool. This allows you to continue cutting for long periods of time as the motor self-cools to prevent overheating. It eliminated the need to power down the saw and give it a rest to cool off when you have a large project in front of you. Portable Power Surprisingly, this little guy packs an unexpected punch. With 120 volts and 1,800 watts of power, the SKIL Portable Worm Drive Table Saw can easily tackle larger projects than might seem possible. It can effortlessly cut through full sheets of plywood and 4-inch thick wood such as 4x4 boards. Buyer's Guide We developed this table saw guide to help buyers understand certain aspects of table saws and make informed purchase decisions. We’ll start by touching on the various types of table saws. Table Saw Types There are multiple types of table saws, each designed for use in a specific context. However, there are differences between these types. We can separate the multiple types into two groups: 1. Stationary Table Saws Stationary table saws are larger, more powerful, and heavier-duty than the other main type: portable table saws. They are used by carpenters, hardcore woodworking enthusiasts, and cabinet makers. In other words, a stationary table saw wouldn’t be the best table saw for beginners. Cabinet Table Saws: A cabinet saw is not necessarily a table saw for cabinet making. They can be used for any heavy-duty job. They include an interior dust collection cabinet—hence the name—and are built for power and precision cutting. They’re normally constructed of cast iron with heavy-duty steel parts. Of course, you already learned that in our Powermatic PM1000 review above. Contractor Table Saws: This type of table saw is not very common these days. Originally, they were quite large and built for professional use only. However, today they are a bit smaller and are often confused with jobsite table saws. Hybrid Table Saws: Hybrid saws are a cross between contractor and cabinet saws. They often include an enclosed dust collection cabinet, although some models do not. Like contractor saws, they aren’t the most common type of saw you’ll find. 2. Portable Table Saws These saws are more compact, smaller, and mobile than stationary table saws. Therefore, they are used for a broader range of jobs. There are a few different types of portable table saws, which we’ll cover now. Benchtop Table Saws: These lightweight table saws don’t include a stand. Instead, you place them on a benchtop—also ironically known as a table saw table—just as the name suggests. They are easily transportable and mostly used by hobbyists and homeowners. These are good beginner table saws. Plus, they offer excellent value for the price. Compact Table Saws: Oddly enough, compact table saws are not as compact as benchtop table saws. They loosely resemble contractor saws but are smaller. Jobsite Table Saws: Jobsite table saws are the largest type of portable table saw. They’re designed for professionals who need to transport a table saw to a new jobsite every day, or even multiple sites per day. Unlike the other two above, they are mounted on a stand. Although they are constructed with a lightweight design, they are more durable and rugged than their two portable counterparts. Table Saw Blades Table saw blade size is one of the most important variables to look for in a table saw. Blades are judged by arbor size, number of teeth, diameter, speed, and the material they are made of. The 10-inch blades are the most common, although smaller and larger blades are also available. Using the best table saw blades is essential to completing a high-quality job. Arbors Also known as “shaft bores,” arbors are rods that pass through the center of the saw blade. The arbor Is responsible for spinning the blade, much like a car axel fits into the center of a car’s wheel and when it spins, the wheels turn. In the case of table saws, arbors are normally circular and the larger they are, the higher-velocity spin they generate. Rip Fences Commonly referred to simply as “fences,” they are solid, straight, rectangular bars that run parallel to the line you plan to cut. They guide and ensure a straight cut by locking down the material being sliced, much like a standard clamp. Having a high-quality fence is important if you want to make highly-accurate cuts. Rip Capacity Rip capacity refers to the size of the object you can “rip” through. It is calculated by measuring the distance between the saw blade and the fence when the latter has been extended as far as possible from the blade. It’s an important spec to keep in mind. If you plan to rip through large items, you need a greater rip capacity. Motor Configuration The type of motor configuration your table saw features determines the power behind the cut. There are two kinds of configurations: 1. Belt Driven Table Saw Motors Belt drive motors are used by stationary saws and produce more power than direct drive motors. They use an induction motor and the belt’s speed dictates the amount of power the saw puts out. Belt driven motors generate anywhere between 3 to 5 HP in single-phase mode and up to 7.5 HP in three-phase mode. Plus, they produce less noise than direct driven motors and can slice through much denser material. 2. Direct Driven Motors Direct drive motors are used in portable table saws and can actually produce a decent amount of power. But that power is accompanied by a significant amount of noise. They are handy because they can be connected to a standard 120-volt outlet and produce up to 2 HP of power. That’s not as powerful as belt driven motors but still powerful enough to get the job done for professionals who use jobsite table saws. Top Table Saw Brands As you may imagine, we aim to identify the best tools available to you, which we did with our top ten list of the best table saws. Therefore, the top table saw brands are the ones listed above. However, we’ll narrow the list above down to what consider the top three table saw brands. Although none of the brands below landed the number one spot on our list, they are the most prolific, reliable brands out there. 1. DeWalt DeWalt is a household name when it comes to power tools in general, table saws included. A little known fact about DeWalt is that it is actually a trade name owned by Black & Decker (officially: Stanley Black & Decker Inc.). However, DeWalt was an independent company founded in 1927. It was acquired by Black & Decker in 1960. All of the DeWalt tools you’ve come to love over the years were in fact manufactured by Black & Decker. This is not a bad thing at all; Stanley Black & Decker has been around for over 170 years and today is a member of the Fortune 500. 2. Makita Makita is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools. The company was founded in 1915 so it’s been around the block and learned a few lessons along the way. Those lessons learned led to significant innovation and the introduction of new technologies that pushed the power tool industry to evolve. Additionally, Japanese engineering is among the best in the world. Hundreds of new technologies have emerged from Japan over the years. Makita follows in the footsteps of many innovators that came before and is paving the way for those that will follow. 3. SKIL Rounding out our list of the best table saw brands is SKIL—another household name in the power tool space. SKIL—as a brand name—was founded in the United States in 1926, although its roots trace back beyond that. The company originally produced saws only—which supports our decision to call it one of the best table saw brands in the world. The company has been refining and driving the evolution of saws for nearly a century. Today the company manufactures a vast array of non-electric and electric tools. Those include drills, sanders, sealant guns, hammers, mixers, measuring tools, and so on. But their original strength and area of expertise was saws. That continues to be the case today. Frequently Asked Questions At this point, we hopefully answered the majority of your questions in our reviews and buyer’s guide. However, a few frequently asked questions still remain, and we’ll cover those below to ensure we leave no stone unturned. What can you do with a table saw? You can do many things with table saws. So, for simplicity, we’ll briefly explain the different types of cuts a table saw can do: Rip Cuts are made in a straight line and are the most common type of cut made by a table saw. Cross Cuts are made across the wood’s grain, as opposed to along the grain. Miter Cuts are diagonal cuts across a piece of wood at an angle other than 90-degrees. Bevel Cuts are also diagonal cuts, however, they cut diagonally down through the wood. Dado Cuts produce a three-sided slot in the wood rather than slicing completely through it. Rabbet Cuts are similar to dado cuts but are made at the wood’s edge, leaving a two-sided, 90-degree angled slot. Which table saw blade should I buy? This depends on what you want to do with your blade. We’ll explain the three most common types and what they’re generally used for: Flat Top Grind (FTG) Blades: They cut across the wood’s grain, leaving a course edge rather than a smooth one. Alternative Top Bevel (ATB) Blades: They make bevel cuts and are also the best blades for cutting plywood. Additionally, an ATB is the best blade for cutting melamine, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and hardboard. These last three are very dense materials and will wear down the blade’s teeth. But an ATB is the only blade that will leave a smooth edge on these chip-prone materials, so the tradeoff is worth it. Triple-Chip Grind (TCG) Blades: They alternate between a raker tooth and a chamfered tooth. TCG blades are the best at cutting through super-dense materials like plastic laminate, brass, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals. Which table saw has the best fence? The best fence for you and your needs likely isn’t the best fence for your neighbor and their needs. So, it depends on what you’re looking for. From the saws reviewed above, we feel the SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw has the most durable, heaviest-duty fence. We also feel the DeWalt [DWE7491RS] Table Saw has the most adjustable, accurate fence. It ultimately depends on what “best fence” means to you. Which table saw is best for ripping? The best ripping depends more on the blade than the saw using it. Two blades, in particular, deserve to be mentioned here. The Freud Heavy-Duty Industrial Rip Blade is considered the best blade for ripping plywood and other splinter-prone composite materials. The Forrest Chopmaster ATB Blade is considered the best for ripping solid pieces of wood. Ready to Try Your Hand at Table Saw Cutting? Now you know about the various types of table saws. You’ll quickly find there are many models to choose from. But, if you go with any of the table saws listed above, you’ll walk away satisfied. That said, always complete extensive research when investing in a tool like a table saw. It’s important to understand your needs and align your search with those needs. Take your time and don’t rush your decision. Ponder on it. As you consider your options, you may decide to pass some time on a few jobs around the house. And, if it’s autumn where you live, your yard may be full of leaves. If that’s the case, it might be time to invest in a new cordless leaf blower. If it’s summer, it’s probably time to finally make the transition from that old, stinky gas-powered lawn mower to a quiet, energy efficient, electric lawn mower. Regardless of how you pass the time contemplating which table saw to buy, this guide should lead you to the right one to fit your needs.