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When something needs to be cut, there are many tools for the job. Depending on how large and thick the workpieces are and where they are to be processed, different saw variants are suitable for this. For long and precise cuts, the table saw is unbeatable.

Before buying, however, you should consider how often you will use it and how precisely you need to be able to work with it because there are significant differences in price as well as in manufacturing quality and features. We have tested 4 circular table saws and selected recommendations for narrower and wider wallets.

The Best Table Saw

DEWALT Table Saw

 4,9 Rating

DEWALT Table Saw

Features:

  • 8-1/4-Inch.
  • 24.5 inches of rip capacity.
  • Power: 15 Amp, 5800 rpm motor.
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Maximized for accuracy and capacity this table saw includes onboard storage for blade guard assembly, non-through cut riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, blade change wrenches, miter gauge, and push stick. The powerful 15 amps, 5800 RPM motor allows users to complete a majority of applications. The rack & pinion fence allows for fast, easy adjustments and provides the capacity to rip 4×8 sheet goods.

A brief overview of the Dewalt table saw – Video

What are the advantages of working with a table saw?

Table saws have many advantages that make your work easier and ensure good results. They give you reliable and precise results, are fast and extremely efficient, have saw blades of the highest quality, and provide you with enough surface for safe cuts.

Reliable and precise results

Circular table saws are usually stationary and therefore sturdy. They provide a safe and stable stand, so you can achieve good cuts even with hard workpieces and great resistance in most cases. Some models even come with a mobile base. This makes you mobile and flexible.

Circular table saws are fast and effective

With up to 3,000 watts of power, circular saws make for extremely efficient work. No matter whether soft or hardwood, metal or plastic: They get almost everything small and at high speed. With a good rip fence, this is especially noticeable when cutting many pieces.

Saw blades for many requirements

Circular table saw blades have a larger diameter than, for example, saw blades for hand-held circular saws. This gives you far more flexibility when sawing. There are fewer restrictions on the dimensions of the workpieces. And: Changing saw blades is very easy because you only have to hook them in.

A large saw table for good results

The large saw table offers you a safe cut and a generous surface for all kinds of sawing work. On some table saws, this can even be enlarged so that you have even more working space.

In addition, the table or the frame on some circular table saws is even height-adjustable. So you can adjust it to your size. Your back and joints will thank you.

Do not underestimate the space requirements of a table saw. A spacious workshop is recommended here. A hand-held circular saw, on the other hand, is very compact and better suited for occasional use. Price also plays a crucial role. Hand-held circular saws are significantly cheaper than table circular saws. The following applies: occasional use and smaller workshop = hand-held circular saw, large workshop and very professional work = table saw.

To spare you such disappointments, we have compared four different saws in different price categories for you in our table saw the test. We also provide you with a host of criteria that you can use to compare circular table saws like a real expert in the future. After all, it’s important to know what you can expect from the specified power, the associated base, or the saw blade before you buy.

Finding a perfect and stable table saw is not always easy. Often, the price promises more than the saw can deliver in the end.

Buyer’s guide for the table saws

Table saws with and without frame. Sturdy, easy-to-read, and accurate parallel and angular fences as well as dust extraction are important. We show you the best circular table saws currently on the market.

The best table saw for DIYers

Best Table Saws

Table saws in comparison

All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the table saw we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.

Best Circular Table Saw with Wheels

Bosch table saw

Bosch 4100-10 Table saw
  • Powerful 15 Amp saw with 4. 0 max HP.
  • Restart protection.
  • Voltage: 120 volts.

 4,8 Rating

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Table saw is providing increased workspace

Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand delivers both professional rip capacity and outstanding portability for a tool that can get the job done, wherever it is. The powerful 15 Amp saw delivers 4. 0 max HP for outstanding productivity. It also incorporates soft-start circuitry for the smooth but quick ramp-up to the operating Speed to manage the intensity of motor start-up and minimize the possibility of tripping a circuit breaker.

Best Table Saw with Worm Drive

SKILSAW Portable Table Saw

  • 2-5/8 inch depth of cut and 25-inch rip capacity.
  • Weight: 44 pounds.
  • Power Source: Corded.

 4,8 Rating

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Created for job productivity

Legendary worm drive gearing offers maximum torque for ripping applications. The precision rack and pinion system make fence adjustments quickly and smoothly for accurate cuts. Lightweight and compact footprint make it easy to move around the Job.

Best Portable Tabletop Saw

Rockwell Tabletop Saw

  • 5.5 amps of power.
  • A no-load speed of 3000/min.
  • Voltage: 120 Volts.

 4,9 Rating

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Sets up in seconds

The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw is the solution to the problem of having to take materials back to the workshop to cut them and then bring them back to the job site later on. The BladeRunner is only 15 lbs, so while stable and sturdy, it’s easy to toss in the back of the truck. And with a footprint of only 15.75” x 17”, it doesn’t take up an entire workbench like traditional table saws.

How to choose a table saw based on features

Table saw has been very popular for some time and is used in many ways. It has been continuously developed over the course of time. No matter whether in the private hobby area, with advanced ambitious do-it-yourselfer or in the commercial area, for example in joiner’s workshops: For qualitative, speedy, and accurate work, even with large pieces of wood, the table saw is very well suited.

Which table saw should I use for which purposes?

There are special circular table saws or functions that are tailored to specific applications. We explain some of them below.

Circular saw for firewood

If you mainly want to cut firewood, you should rather tend to a rocker circular saw. Tilting saws are specifically designed for cutting firewood. However, if you don’t just want to cut firewood, but also need the saw for other jobs, a table-top rocker saw might be the right choice.

Table saw for aluminum

For aluminum, you’d better not use a table saw, but a cutter knife or jigsaw. Sawing aluminum often proves difficult for the do-it-yourselfer. The main reason is the low melting point of the soft metal.

While professional stores often use special equipment such as a folding bench or high-quality metal saws, it is not really worthwhile for the do-it-yourselfer to purchase such equipment if you work primarily with wood.

So, if you want to cut aluminum at home, instead of a table saw, we rather recommend a cutter knife or tin snips for thin aluminum sheets. If the profiles are somewhat thicker, you can also use a jigsaw. However, you should make sure that the pendulum stroke is switched off and the speed is reduced. It is also important to use a coolant when using jigsaws. If you absolutely want to use a table saw, then it is best to use a sliding table saw.

Table circular saw for furniture making

It is important that the table saw cuts very precisely and is suitable for making accurate miter cuts. A large support surface is also an advantage if you want to cut long cabinet walls, for example. To ensure a clean transition when joining two wooden panels, we also recommend you use a table saw with an undercut function.

Circular table saw for model making

Fine-cutting table circular saws or precision table circular saws are very suitable for model making and small craft work.

Some of these circular saws can be classified as mini table saws or small table saws, so they fit well in the craft room. Since every millimeter counts in a model building, you should make sure that the fences can be precisely adjusted by a set screw and set to within 1/10 of a millimeter.

A saw blade that can be tilted by 45 degrees and adjusted in height can also be advantageous to enable double miter cuts with an angle fence. Finally, an adjustable speed is also important so that you can adapt the precision table saw to the various materials used in model making.

table saw test

Table saw purchase criteria

Circular table saws offer a great many functions that are designed to promote optimal sawing and your safety. In the following, we present the various product criteria and explain what they are all about. This should make it easier for you to choose your future saw.

Basically, these criteria can be identified:

  • Power
  • Base
  • Saw blades, cutting height, and inclination
  • Equipment
  • Accessories
  • Safety

Power

The power of your table saw is a crucial factor. For appealing sawing work, we recommend at least 1,200 watts and a high idle speed. To protect your saw’s motor, a smooth startup is very useful.

The motor is the heart of the table saw. The best accessories are of no use if the performance of the motor is too weak. It also always matters what you want to saw. The thicker the pieces to be cut, the more power you need. Too little power can lead to unclean edges or jammed saw pieces.

The general rule is: At least 1,200 watts should be required, even for entry-level models. For advanced users, 1,500 watts, and for professionals, 2,000 watts is an approximate guideline.

Another important factor is idle speed. This depends on the motor power and indicates how fast the saw blade can rotate. Again, the higher, the better to ensure clean sawing. It should be at least 3,000 revolutions per minute. Some circular table saws have controllable motors. With these, you can continuously adjust the speed of the saw piece. This allows you to work ideally – tailored to the different materials.

A nice additional function is a smooth motor start, also called “soft start”. Your table saw does not start at full power, but slowly increases to full power. This increases the service life of your table saw.

Important is the tempo power of the engine and the idle speed. In addition, you can still pay attention to controllable motors and smooth engine startup.

Under frame

A stable base is important so that your table saw can cut safely and precisely. A basic distinction can be made between circular table saws that are equipped with a base frame and those that are not. Both variants have their advantages and disadvantages in terms of precision and mobility.

High-quality saws are usually equipped with a stable base. The secure stand ensures that the work surface does not vibrate when sawing – an indispensable aspect when working with millimeter precision. With cheap models, however, the substructure may not be particularly stable. Wobbly feet or a warped frame can then lead to poor sawing results.

Again, you should consider how you want to work with the saw. If you already have a stable work table that is the right height, you can do without a base. If not, you should opt for a table saw with a stable frame. If you want to be mobile with the saw, then there are two options: Either you buy a circular table saw without a base frame, as these are lighter and not as bulky. Or you can choose a circular saw with a base that has wheels. This way you can easily move the saw back and forth in the workshop or on the construction site.

Note: Some saws come in both versions – with and without a base.

Some saws are also height adjustable. So if you already have back pain or want to prevent it, look for models like these.

Saw blades/cutting height/pitch

The value and size of the saw blades are important factors for the sawing process. The cutting height determines the maximum size of the workpieces and the inclination allows you to saw at different cutting angles.

Did you know that there are different saw blades for your table saw? Not every circular saw blade is meant for every material. A fine saw blade is suitable for hardwoods as well as metal and plastic. You can saw lumber and firewood with a coarse blade. The finer the saw blade, the cleaner your cutting edge will be.

The quality and design of the circular saw blades are decisive for your sawing success. Most of the time, you will receive one or more saw blades with the purchase of your table saw. You should always keep in mind that the shape and size of the circular table saw blades should be based on your goals in order to achieve optimal results. However, the saw blade diameter for the saw is defined by the manufacturer. Therefore, you should look at what range the table saw is in before you buy.

Generally, the larger the saw blade, the thicker workpieces can be cut.

Another important aspect is the maximum cutting height (also called the depth of cut). It provides information on the maximum size of the workpiece to be sawn. Accordingly, a large cutting height also provides more freedom when sawing.

Most circular table saws have a cutting height of at least 75 millimeters. You should orient yourself to this value. Professional devices can also offer cutting heights of approx. 100 millimeters.

The inclination of the saw blade is also important. To enable you to make miter cuts, the circular saw blade should be able to tilt from 0 to 45°. Also, make sure that you can adjust the tilt of the saw blade continuously to work more flexibly.

More expensive models can have a larger cutting angle, for example, from -1 to 47°. These saws have the so-called undercut function, which you can use to ensure almost seamless transitions between different workpieces, for example in furniture construction.

heavy-duty table saw

Equipment

Good equipment brings many advantages. A table magnification offers you more flexibility, the sliding carriage more precision and the extraction function ensures a clear view.

Many table saws now offer table magnification. This can be especially useful if you want to work with quite long workpieces. In general, you are far more flexible if you can enlarge your circular saw table. In addition, the enlargement provides you with an optimal surface for precise cutting.

Circular table saws with a sliding carriage are suitable for sawing workpieces exactly at right angles and allow you to work safely and very precisely. The workpiece is “pushed” through the saw blade. Many circular table saws in the lower price range do not come with a sliding carriage. However, you can build this yourself. The opposite is a pull function. Here, the saw blade is pulled through the workpiece.

Did you know that you can also make mortise and tenon joints with a table saw?
With a suitable guide block, various connections can be made very easily with your table saw. Your workpiece is clamped in the guide block and guided over the saw blade.

Most table saws today are equipped with an extraction function for wood chips. As a rule, these offer the possibility of connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner or similar. The extraction has two main advantages: First, dust and sawdust are sucked indirectly during sawing. This gives you a clear view of the workpiece and keeps your saw clean. Secondly, you do not breathe in dust, which is good for your health.

Accessories

Above all, it is important that the accessories are of high quality. It is true that even the cheap circular table saws usually offer similar extras to the higher quality models. However, there are sometimes glaring differences in quality.

The various fences, which are part of the accessories on almost all saws, are essential for precise work.

The rip fence (also called the longitudinal fence) is primarily used to align workpieces at an exact 90° angle and to cut several identical small pieces out of a large piece of wood without having to measure again for each cut. This is worthwhile for parquet work, for example.

The crosscut fence enables you to make exact angle cuts. Here, too, you can set the desired angle and then cut several workpieces with the same angle. This also allows you to make miter cuts.

Safety

Careless use of a table saw can be very dangerous. For the sake of your health, you should pay attention to certain safety features.

  • Clothing and protective equipment

Proper clothing and protective equipment are essential for safe sawing. Avoid gloves, clothing with long sleeves, or jewelry. These could be caught by the saw blade! Also, always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Chips may fly in your direction, and some table saws are very loud. To avoid permanent strain on your ears, you should protect them.

If your table saw does not have a chip extraction function, or you do not use it, a mouth guard is a way to go. This way you won’t inhale any chips or dust.

With cheap saws, it is possible that the angles are rickety and therefore have too much play. In that case, unfortunately, they won’t do you any good – especially not precise results.

  • Circular table saw

Your table saw should have a riving knife and guard to prevent the cut material from jamming the circular saw blade. This could result in the workpiece being thrown in your direction, causing serious injury. If things get critical during sawing, an emergency stop switch is very helpful. With it, you can switch off the machine in no time at all and avoid worse.

A motor brake ensures that your table saw does not run out for so long after it has been switched off. Otherwise, there is still a risk of injury from the saw blade for some time after switching off.

Tip: Some saws also have a motor that allows you to adjust the speed to the material. Use this function to avoid problems when sawing.

  • Saw blade and accessories

You should only use high-quality circular table saw blades that are suitable for the material you are cutting. These must be regularly maintained and cared for and replaced immediately if they are defective.

In addition, the fences should only be adjusted when the motor is off and, in general, everything should be perfectly prepared before you turn on the motor. Use a push stick to push thin and small workpieces towards the saw blade. This way you won’t put your fingers in danger.

Portable Worm Drive Table Saw

Tips and tricks for working with a table saw

  • Protect yourself: Safety glasses and hearing protection are mandatory and are for your safety.
  • Do not wear excessively long shirt sleeves or gloves: they could be pulled into the circular saw.
  • For precise work, you should use the rip fence and angle stop.
  • Follow established procedures such as the 5-cut method for angular accuracy.
  • Use suitable circular saw blades.
  • Ensure that your circular saw is secure and stable.

Table Saws Price

Table Saw Under $150:

  • Rockwell Tabletop Saw

Table Saws Under $400:

  • DEWALT Table Saw
  • SKILSAW Table Saw

Table Saw Under $860:

  • Bosch  Table Saw

How to Use a Table Saw - Video

FAQs- Table Saw

✅ Do I need a table saw or miter saw?

A table saw is more versatile than a miter saw. While a miter saw cannot cut large pieces of wood, a table saw can make virtually any cut a miter saw can make—with a lower level of precision.

✅ Is worm drive table saw better?

The extra torque from a worm drive is excellent for the higher stress rip cuts that a table saw has to endure by nature.

✅ Why won't my table saw cut straight?

There are many reasons a table saw may not cut straight. The most common reasons include you are inexperienced and using poor form; the saw’s blade has been warped; the blade is not securely tightened; the blade is not square to the tabletop; and the saw’s rip fence is not perfectly parallel to the blade.

Max Welder

Max Welder

Hi! I'm Max Welder (toolsproper.com). I always wanted to work with my own hands, repair something, do things. Now I combine my knowledge with computers and my own knowledge in the field of mechanics in order to understand which tools I like the most. I hope to convey some knowledge and experience.

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