By Glenda Taylor and Bob Beacham and Mark Clement | Updated Mar 31, 2022 10:43 AM

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Table saws top the wish lists of both DIYers and seasoned woodworkers. These powerful saws cut with more accuracy than circular saws, and they can cut larger pieces of material, including wood, plastic, and aluminum sheeting, better than miter saws. A table saw’s main function is to perform rips, or cuts along the length of a board. While you can make rip cuts (lengthwise cuts), crosscuts, angled cuts, and even create a bevel cut along with dadoes, ripping remains its primary purpose.

Whether you’re building bookcases, framing your own garage, or even making your own trim for a feature wall, having a table saw in your workshop will speed the project along. Read on to learn more about this useful saw and to find out why one of the following models will be just right for your workshop, whether you’re a pro or a hobbyist.

While all table saws function in a similar manner—a flat tabletop surface supports the material being cut as you manually feed it into the saw blade—they differ in design, power, and best use.

Designed to be bolted to a workbench or attached to a stand, a benchtop table saw is compact and relatively lightweight, averaging 45 to 60 pounds. While some benchtop table saws have the cut capacity for cutting sheet goods, they are not really designed for this.

It’s possible to cut sheet material from time to time alone (better if there is a helper), but these saws are generally considered too compact and not quite stable enough for ripping something like ¾-inch MDF, sheet materials such as plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), or plastic and aluminum paneling. For planks, deck boards, 2-by material and the like, these tools are indispensable.

Benchtop saws are more affordable than larger table saws, which can cost $600 or more. But since they’re on the small side, these tools are limited by the width of the material they can cut—usually about 18 to 20 inches (see “Rip Capacity” below).

A contractor table saw is designed to be somewhat mobile in a shop setting by utilizing a wheel kit. While some contractors use these on job sites, the tools are often set up in a workshop for months on end. These job-site table saws are also good for serious DIYers who have a place for it and are doing a variety of tasks that require cast-iron stability and horsepower.

They’re heavier than bench saws (90 to 150 pounds) and are generally capable of cutting sheet material up to 24 inches in width or wider. These tools can run as much as $1,500 or more, depending on quality and power.

Packing more power than other table saws, which often require a 220-volt circuit, cabinet saws are large stationary table saws. These are the priciest option, ranging from $1,200 to $5,000 or more, depending on power and quality. The motor is fully enclosed in a cabinet below the table.

Cabinet-saw users also often build support tables for these tools—called in-feed and out-feed support—to make it easier to manage sheet goods like MDF, plywood, and heavier material. Often found in professional or industrial workshops and in trade schools, these heavy saws can weigh more than 600 pounds.

The hybrid table saw is a combination of the cabinet and contractor types. It offers at least as much power as a contractor saw, but without requiring a dedicated 220-volt circuit. Expect to pay from $750 to $1,500 for hybrid table saws, which are sometimes described as souped-up contractor saws.

Hybrid saws come with enclosed cabinets, mimicking the look of cabinet saws, but they weigh less, averaging 275 to 325 pounds. They’re usually moved with a hand truck, but wheel kits are available for them as well.

Table saws run the gamut in quality and price, so consider the guidance below when shopping for the best table saws.

In short, the more horsepower in a table saw motor, the more cutting power the saw has. Smaller benchtop saws that typically feature horsepower in the range of ¾ HP to 1½ HP are sufficient for most things a larger table saw can cut; however, they may not leave quite as smooth a cut as a contractor or cabinet saw. Be aware that these ratings are typically shown in “amps” (e.g., 15 amps) and refer to how many amperes the tool draws. Benchtop tools are regular job-site and workshop occupants, sizing everything from shelving, to hardwoods for a woodworking project, to pressure-treated lumber.

Larger bench saws and contractor saws come with 2-HP to 4-HP motors, and cabinet table saws often feature 5-HP or larger motors. The more powerful motors run longer under heavy use without overheating (think cabinet shop where they’re used every day, all day, for years on end) and easily cut through denser materials, such as ironwood or Brazilian walnut.

Table saws are labeled by the size of the circular blade they accommodate; the vast majority take 10-inch blades, while a handful take 12-inch blades. The blade height and angles are adjustable, so it can make a shallow cut just a fraction of an inch deep as well as deeper cuts.

The most common blade sizes for these saws are 10-inch and 12-inch. With a 10-inch table saw, users can often make a maximum cut up to 3½ inches deep (that enables the user to rip a 4×4 in half).

The fence on a table saw is the adjustable guide that holds the material in place while cutting. There are two fence styles that come with most table saws: one is a T-square fence, which is in all categories of table saw and built with varying degrees of quality based on the saw’s intended use. The other type of fence is a rack-and-pinion-style fence, which is found primarily in the benchtop category.

Some saws also come with extendable fences that either fold or slide out to accommodate larger sections of wood. Other table saws feature fences with embedded magnifiers that allow the user to better see the measurements on the saw when adjusting the fence. However, many users simply rely on a tape measure. By measuring from the fence to the tip of a blade tooth, the accuracy (or not) of the fence’s pointer doesn’t need to be depended on or interpreted.

Table saws are key to ripping wide sheets of material, but the maximum width of material that will fit between the saw blade and the fence—the rip capacity—varies. Rip capacity starts around 18 inches for entry-level benchtop saws and runs up to 60 inches or more for professional cabinet saws.

Depending on the planned projects, choose a table saw with a rip capacity large enough to accommodate the dimension of material. For example, if the goal is to build 2-foot-high toy boxes, a saw with a rip capacity of at least 24 inches can cut sections of plywood wide enough for the sides and back. On the other hand, many pros use track saws for this purpose; whether it’s cutting down a door to accommodate new flooring or sizing sheet stock for building a bench, track saws are light and accurate.

If you’re working in a closed workshop, dust collection ports will help keep the air dust-free and collect sawdust chips that would otherwise have to be swept up later. Table saws have dust collection ports designed to connect to a standard shop vacuum. Users need to run the workshop vacuum while operating the saw to catch dust and sawdust.

For cutting synthetic material outdoors, such as composite decking or PVC trim, it’s a good idea to put a box or bucket under the saw to catch the shavings if the saw is set up on the grass. Standing on a large sheet of cardboard or a drop cloth also helps. Once those shavings get in the grass, they’re nearly impossible to get out.

Many table saws on the market today look similar, but the best ones offer power and precision in addition to ease of use. The following models rank as best in their various classes, and one is certain to be the right option for your skill level, workshop, and price range.

With a 2-horsepower motor and a large 32½-inch rip capacity, this 10-inch DeWalt saw is a great choice for the job site and arguably the best table saw for small-shop use. This contractor table saw weighs in at 46 pounds and comes with a rolling stand that makes it easy to move from one location to another.

The DeWalt is capable of cutting to a maximum depth of 3⅛ inches, and a telescoping fence extends for cutting material up to 32½ inches wide. It also comes with a dust collection port that attaches to a standard 2½-inch shop-type vacuum hose.

Get the DEWALT table saw (DWE7491RS) on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

The Bosch 10-inch worksite table saw makes a strong argument for top spot. The 15-amp motor is as powerful as anything in its class. It offers competitive cutting capacities with 3⅛-inch depth and 30-inch ripping (slightly less than the DeWalt). It has the robust build demanded by professionals, and it’s easy to use by amateurs.

The gravity stand is superb, providing one-handed transformation from trolley to sturdy platform. It takes a few minutes to assemble when it arrives, but it’s a one-time task only. The soft-start motor features load-balancing circuitry, which adjusts power to cutting demands. We would prefer to see rack-and-pinion for the fence extension, though the fence clamping system is very solid.

Get the Bosch table saw at The Home Depot or on Amazon.

Those looking for great performance at an affordable price would do well to consider the SKIL 15-amp 10-inch table saw. It has rack-and-pinion fence guides, and although it comes with an integrated folding leg stand and an impressive 15-amp motor, it remains comparatively lightweight.

The maximum cutting depth of 3½ inches exceeds that of several more expensive competitors and allows it to cut 4×4 lumber. At 25½ inches, the ripping capacity is not quite so generous, yet it will be sufficient for many. While the SKIL might not have the robust build of the DeWalt or Bosch, it offers tremendous value for light trade or regular DIY use.

Get the SKIL table saw on Amazon or at Acme Tools.

The Ridgid 10-inch table saw is a fine example of the benefits a hybrid saw can offer. While the 3¼-inch depth of cut is fairly typical, the 30-inch ripping capacity is a major advantage to those who often work with large sheet materials.

Its polished cast-iron table offers a large, stable work platform. In combination with a sturdy die-cast fence and well-made miter gauge, this saw allows for consistently accurate production. Although not designed to be portable, a built-in, foot-operated caster set makes moving the saw relatively easy if necessary. A 4-inch dust port allows for heavy-duty extraction to be connected.

Get the RIDGID table saw at The Home Depot.

With its detachable folding stand, the Ryobi 10-inch table saw appears very much like many contractor models. However, a quick look at cutting capacities reveals it is targeted more to the new or occasional user. Maximum depth is a reasonable 3 inches, but maximum rip capacity is just 12 inches.

Nevertheless, this is probably the best table saw for beginners, particularly those wary of committing large sums of money to their purchase. It will also suit DIY enthusiasts who only have an occasional need for a table saw. The 15-amp motor provides more than enough power. It comes with a rip fence and miter gauge, full guard and riving knife assembly, and includes a push stick. To move from bench use to the stand requires fitting just four bolts with wing nuts, thus not requiring a wrench.

Get the RYOBI table saw at The Home Depot.

Contractor table saws can be quite large, often making it difficult to find space for one at home. The DeWalt 8¼-inch table saw is an effective solution for many. It offers quality features like rack-and-pinion fence adjustment, a powerful 15-amp motor, and a metal roll cage to protect the motor and adjustment mechanisms. Yet it weighs just 54 pounds and is compact and easy to store when not needed.

At a fraction over 2½ inches, the maximum depth of cut may not seem great, but it’s perfectly adequate for cutting many common lumber sizes, including 2x4s. The 24½-inch ripping width is impressive on such a small machine. A leg stand is available at extra cost.

Get the DEWALT table saw (DWE7485) on Amazon or at Lowe’s.

The best cabinet saws require considerable investment but are built to withstand the demands of high-productivity workshops. The SawStop is a fine example. It comes with a powerful 3-horsepower motor with a belt drive for consistent power delivery and reduced vibration. The cast-iron table is accurately machined, providing both unrivaled durability and a rigid platform to work from. The steel fence won’t deflect under pressure, so sawing is always true.

Cutting depth is fairly standard at 3⅛ inches, and ripping is 30 inches. Blade adjustment is gas assisted, both for ease of use and precision.

SawStop’s main feature, however, is its flesh-sensing technology. If the user’s flesh contacts the blade, the blade stops immediately and is dropped below the table. One thing to note: Wet lumber, like pressure treated, can set off the flesh-sensing tech.

Get the SawStop cabinet saw at Acme Tools or on Amazon.

There are a lot of good portable table saws available, but very few options free users from needing somewhere to plug in. The cordless Milwaukee is particularly attractive to contractors, allowing them to work without main power or a job-site generator. Because it weighs in at only 45 pounds, it’s easier to move than some portable saws.

Maximum cut depth is 2½ inches, which is enough for much of the dimensioned lumber used by carpenters and other trades. Ripping capacity is up to 24½ inches. There’s rack-and-pinion adjustment and a fence that locks both ends for repeatable accuracy. “One-Key” Wi-Fi compatibility means the tool can be locked via smartphone and its location monitored. The brushless motor maximizes battery efficiency, and the impressive 12Ah battery offers longer runtime than leading competitors. However, professionals are likely to want to invest in a spare battery—and they are expensive.

Get the Milwaukee table saw at The Home Depot or Northern Tool + Equipment.

The DEWALT table saw is a superb all-arounder that offers terrific capacities, although it might be too expensive for occasional DIY users. The SKIL table saw is the best budget table saw, although beginning home users with very little money to invest should also consider the RYOBI table saw.

In our team of writers, one of us is a former woodshop owner and one of us is a general contractor; therefore, we have extensive experience using table saws of different sizes. We understand the requirements of users and how various models provide for them. In addition, our team researched all the current tools available, so we were aware of the latest developments.

While depth of cut is important, most table saws are 10-inch models, and specifications are very similar. However, ripping capacity varies tremendously and is a key feature for those who cut large sheet material. We were careful to source solutions for all types of users.

For many users, a compact, portable table saw is the ideal solution. For others, physical size is less important than capacity and stability. We made sure to include a comprehensive selection to cover those who work with these saws on-site or in small spaces at home and those who have a large workshop available.

We avoid cheap table saws, which are often poor in terms of durability and reliability. While buying from the leading table saw brands can mean you pay a little more, this almost always results in better long-term value.

Owners will doubtless spend many hours learning how to get the best from their table saw. The following quick tips give a useful place to start.

The information above covers many of the key aspects of the best table saws, as well as details on a range of high-quality options that will suit a variety of users. Although it will have answered the majority of questions that occur to potential buyers, some users might have more general use questions, which have been answered below.

Apart from protective goggles or safety glasses and perhaps a stand, everything you need should come with the saw. In addition to providing some basic tips for using the table saw above, there is a more in-depth beginner’s guide here.

A few 10-inch table saws will cut a 4×4 in a single pass, but not many. Bear in mind that 4×4 refers to dimensioned lumber that is actually closer to 3½ inches square. A common maximum for 10-inch table saws is 3⅛ inches, though the cut can usually be completed by turning the material over and running it through the saw again.

It might be possible, but it is not recommended. Miter saw bases are fixed differently, so the result would probably be unsafe.

A sturdy bench can work, and it isn’t difficult to find plans for DIY table saw stands. You could also consider investing in a purpose-built stand.

Usually behind the saw table and to the left of the blade. Make sure you are comfortable and not stretching. If working with large sheet material, it’s a good idea to have someone support it on the out-feed side.

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