We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 8 Best Table Saws of 2024

Make the most accurate rip cuts, cross cuts, and angled cuts

In This Article

In This Article

DeWalt DWE7491RS and SKIL SPT99T-01 table saws displayed outdoors
The Spruce / Justin Park

A table saw uses an adjustable, partially-exposed spinning blade to create fast and accurate cuts. In terms of basic use, table saws are similar to circular saws, but instead of being handheld, a table saw's blade is encased in the worktable, which means your cuts are more accurate, especially when cutting numerous pieces to the same size.

When selecting a table saw, consider how much space you have and the types of projects you intend to complete. "A portable table saw with a stand can be easily tucked into a corner when not in use, but has limited capabilities due to the lower horsepower motor and smaller work surface," says ​​Vineta Jackson, the founder of DIY website 'The Handyman's Daughter.' "A contractor or cabinet table saw will be more powerful, but will take up a bigger footprint, and they aren't easy to move."

You also want to consider the material of the table as well as the portability. The best table saws have cast iron or steel tables since they dampen the vibration created by the motor and blade. Less-expensive or portable models often have aluminum tables, which can transmit more vibrations but are also lighter and easier to transport.

The most common blade size for a table saw is 10 inches. However, heavy-duty professional machines can take 12-inch blades, and compact table saws usually have 8-1/4-inch blades or even smaller. Note that you cannot use blades of different sizes on a table saw, only the size blade for which it was designed. 

We researched the most popular table saws available today, evaluating each for accuracy, ease of use, power, cutting capacity and depth, extra features, and overall value.

What We Like
  • Large rip capacity

  • Rack-and-pinion fence rails

  • Wheeled stand

What We Don't Like
  • Miter gauge not extremely accurate

This table saw from Dewalt truly impressed us with its exceptional ability to slice through a wide range of materials and boards with remarkable ease and speed, when we used it to rebuild a large deck. It can be used to cut wood, plastic, and PVC, which means it can tackle most outdoor and indoor DIY jobs. The legs fold up, which was greatly appreciated since it made it easy to move the saw to any desired location.

The Dewalt’s table measures 26.25 by 22 inches, although its sturdy wheeled stand makes it fairly easy to push out of the way when not in use. As it weighs 110 pounds, that’s a good thing since it will remain stable while you work, eliminating any concerns you may have had about it shifting or moving.

With a 10-inch blade and 32 ½-inch rip capacity (the largest on our list)—the fence rails extend smoothly and sturdily for oversized boards—and a 15-amp motor capable of up to 4,800 rpm, the DWE7491RS is more than prepared to deliver 3 ⅛-inch deep cuts to thick slabs of wood effectively.

It can handle dado cuts up to 13/16-inch wide with the appropriate blade (not included) and throat plate. The table tilts up to 45 degrees to make bevel cuts, although it can be tricky to adjust the bevel lock lever. It can make miter cuts as well.

The fence system of the Dewalt saw, which serves as a guide for boards running parallel to the blade, is equipped with a rack-and-pinion mechanism that can be adjusted by hand. It is user-friendly and highly precise. We were confident in the fence we built, and its measurements, allowing us to work more efficiently without repeatedly measuring everything. All in all, we highly recommend this sturdy and accurate table saw for any DIYer looking to upgrade their tool collection.

Type: Jobsite | Blade Size: 10 inches | Rip Capacity: 32.5 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 4,800 rpm | Weight: 110 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: Yes

DEWALT DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw slicing a piece of wood

The Spruce / Justin Park

​​Is higher RPM better for table saw?

When we’re talking about table saws, a higher RPM doesn't always equal better results. In many cases, a lower RPM is actually required to complete a woodworking task in order to get the desired results. Increasing the blade's speed can have a number of issues, one of which is that it can amplify any vibrations, producing a rougher cut and more noise. In addition, if the blade speed is too high, hardwood may burn. However, reducing the RPM helps to solve these problems, resulting in a smoother, more accurate cut that is less likely to harm the wood.

What We Like
  • Folding stand

  • Reliable performance

What We Don't Like
  • Small rip capacity

If budget is your main concern and you don't need a large table saw or a lot of extras, then you'll find that this jobsite option from Craftsman is a fine addition to your tool collection. It has a 15-amp motor that spins the 10-inch blade up to 5,000 rpm and a maximum cutting depth of 3.125 inches at 90 degrees and 2.25 inches at 45 degrees.

It cuts bevels up to 45 degrees and includes a miter gauge for cutting miters as well. You can cut dado grooves up to 1/2 inch in width, but you'll need to purchase a dado blade and throat assembly separately. The cast aluminum table measures 27-3/8 inches by 21-7/8 inches and allows for rip capacities of 12 inches to the right and 10 inches to the left. That's much smaller than many other table saws, but if you don't work with large boards, it should be sufficient for most DIY projects.

The saw includes a folding stand, so you won't need to take up space on your workbench. While not a professional-quality table saw, this is still a fine choice for anyone who only needs a table saw for occasional small projects and doesn't want to spend a bundle on a high-level tool.

Type: Jobsite | Blade Size: 10 inches | Rip Capacity: 12 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 5,000 rpm | Weight: 58 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: Yes

What We Like
  • Relatively lightweight

  • Powerful

  • Sturdy construction

What We Don't Like
  • No stand included

This sturdy benchtop model from Skil is easy to tote to your worksite and plenty powerful once it gets there. The 15-amp motor keeps the 8-1/4-inch blade spinning at up to 5,300 rpm while the saw neatly slices through sheet wood and other lumber. The saw has a 27-3/4-inch by 22-inch work table and a maximum rip capacity of 25 inches to the right of the blade and 12 inches to the blade's left.

At 90 degrees, you can cut up to 2-5/8 inches deep, and at 45 degrees, the maximum depth of cut is 1-7/8 inches. Tilt the blade to the left up to 46.5 degrees for cutting bevels, or use the included miter gauge for making accurate miter cuts across your board. The rack-and-pinion fence makes it easy to keep your rip cuts accurate, and with an optional dado blade and throat assembly, you can use this saw to make dado and rabbet cuts as well.

Our only real complaint about the saw is that it does not include a stand, although you can purchase one. But its all-metal construction is highly durable, and this is a saw willing to take just about whatever you throw its way on a jobsite or in the workshop.

Type: Benchtop | Blade Size: 8-1/4 inches | Rip Capacity: 25 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 5,300 rpm | Weight: 50 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: No

What We Like
  • Wireless tool connectivity

  • Storage for guard and riving knife

  • Long battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Should be calibrated before first use

While most power saws on the market are corded given how much energy they require to keep them going, finding one that’s cordless and powerful is a rare find. One such tool is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel One-Key Table Saw Kit, which has all the oomph of a corded table saw but runs on an M18 battery.

The battery is strong enough to rip up to 600 linear feet of board before recharging, so don’t fear you’ll have to interrupt your work sessions frequently. Now you can work anywhere without having to look for the nearest outlet. The saw’s brushless motor reaches speeds of up to 6,300 rpm (the highest on our list), and the 8-¼-inch blade cuts up to 2.5 inches deep at a 90-degree angle or 1.75 inches deep at a 45-degree angle.

The table provides a rip capacity of 24.5 inches to the right and 12 inches to the left and has rack-and-pinion fence rails that are easy to adjust. The bevel setting allows you to tilt the table up to 47 degrees to the left, and the saw comes with a miter gauge for making accurate miter cuts. You can add an optional dado blade and throat assembly as well. And with the tool’s “Smart Key” app, you can track the tool’s location remotely, disable it from a distance, and keep track of its battery. 

Note that this table saw does not include a stand, although Milwaukee does sell one separately. It does include the 18-volt, 12 amp-hour battery and rapid charger. While the saw is quite accurate once properly calibrated, be aware that it's not always in calibration on arrival, so check all settings carefully before your first use.

Type: Benchtop | Blade Size: 8-1/4 inches | Rip Capacity: 24.5 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 6,300 rpm | Weight: 44.9 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: No

What We Like
  • Easy to set up and use

  • Soft-start technology

What We Don't Like
  • Miter gauge is not the best

If you are new to table saws or new to woodworking, then this easy-to-use tool from Ridgid is a fine choice. While it’s better for at-home uses, and you may want to replace the included miter gauge for something more accurate, it's more than adequate for the average DIYer looking to carry out a few home repairs or dabble in furniture making as a hobby.

The 15-amp motor keeps the 10-inch blade spinning at speeds of up to 5,000 rpm, giving the table saw plenty of power for tackling soft or hard woods. You can use the saw for rip cuts, cross cuts, bevels, and miters, and with a separate purchase of the blade and throat assembly, you can do dado cuts as well.

With the table's extension pulled out, the rip capacity is 27 inches on the right and 8 inches on the left, so it can easily handle most projects. The maximum cut depth at 90 degrees is 3-1/8 inch and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees. You can angle the blade up to 45 degrees to cut bevels. The saw has soft-start technology, so it gently ramps up the starting speed for better control.

It comes with a folding stand so you can tuck it in a corner of your workshop, rather than taking up space on your bench. It's not complicated to use, and it's not too hard to assemble, making it ideal for the new woodworker.

Type: Jobsite | Blade Size: 10 inches | Rip Capacity: 27 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 5,000 rpm | Weight: 75 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: Yes

What We Like
  • Reliable and accurate

  • Folding stand

  • Rack-and-pinion fence rails

What We Don't Like
  • Plastic miter gauge

If you have a hobby of making furniture and require a table saw that can handle a variety of tasks without breaking the bank, then the Skil TS6307-00 Table Saw is worth considering. This model not only meets your basic requirements but also offers additional features to enhance your experience. This DIY-friendly jobsite table saw has an integrated stand with foldable legs, making it easy to store the saw when not in use.

The 10-inch blade makes quick work of cuts through wood both hard and soft, and the 25-inch by 24-inch table lets you rip-cut boards up to 25.5 inches to the right of the blade and 14 inches to the blade’s left. Rack-and-pinion fence rails glide out smoothly and easily for extended cuts.

The saw has a 15-amp motor with a top speed of 4,600 rpm that handles 4 x 4s with ease. The saw includes a plastic miter gauge, but if you need the utmost in accuracy, you might want to replace the gauge with a more sturdy option. The bevel adjusts between -2 and 45 degrees, and with the appropriate dado blade and throat assembly, you can do dado cuts as well. While this isn’t the tool for a professional workshop, it’s a great choice for the DIYer who enjoys carrying out other woodworking projects.

Type: Jobsite | Blade Size: 10 inches | Rip Capacity: 25.5 inches | Motor Size: 15 amp | RPM: 4,600 rpm | Weight: 51.2 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: Yes

What We Like
  • Large rip capacity

  • Enclosed stand for stability

  • Powerful performance

What We Don't Like
  • Not great for beginners

Not everyone needs a professional-quality table saw, but if you are a serious woodworker or handle frequent construction or remodeling projects, then you'll appreciate this 2-horsepower table saw from Grizzly. This is a hybrid saw that has an enclosed, cabinet-style frame, yet still can be plugged into a regular 120-volt electrical outlet.

This tool has a cast iron table that measures 20-3/16 inches by 27 inches when closed, but a whopping 40-1/2 inches by 27 inches with its "wing" extensions. However, it only takes up 19-1/2 inches by 21 inches of floor space. The 10-inch blade spins at up to 3,450 rpm. The saw has a rip capacity of 31 inches on the right and 16-3/4 inches on the left, and the easy-glide fence can be micro-adjusted for supreme accuracy. The cutting depth is a maximum of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees.

You can tilt the blade up to 45 degrees for cutting bevels. With the optional dado blade and throat assembly, the machine can cut dados or rabbets up to 13/16 inch wide. While you'll need to take the time to properly assemble and calibrate this heavy (weighs 286 pounds)table saw, once you have it up and running, you'll love its accuracy, reliability, and overall performance.

Type: Hybrid | Blade Size: 10 inches | Rip Capacity: 31 inches | Motor Size: 20 amp | RPM: 3,450 rpm | Weight: 286 pounds | Dado Blade Compatible: Yes | Includes Stand: Yes

What We Like
  • Very compact and lightweight

  • Includes five blades

  • Can make scroll cuts

What We Don't Like
  • Cannot make bevel cuts

  • Very small rip capacity

If you aren't sure if you need a jigsaw, a scroll saw, or a table saw to cut trim or for crafting, then this tabletop saw from Worx is the answer you've been looking for. At a mere 14.7 pounds and with a 15-3/4 inch by 17-inch table, you can easily tote the saw wherever you want to use it, and then tuck it away for storage. Although this table saw is less expensive than our top budget pick, it is important to note that it may not be the best choice for common household projects like building cabinets or flooring.

This saw doesn't use regular table saw blades; instead, it takes 4-inch T-shank jigsaw blades, and it comes with five of them: one each for cutting wood, ceramic, steel, and aluminum, and one wood-scrolling blade. Note that jigsaw blades are not round and they do not spin; instead, these are straight blades that move in an up-and-down fashion with a 3/4-inch stroke length.

You aren't going to rip-cut large pieces on this tool. It has a maximum rip capacity of 1-1/2 inches when cutting wood (the smallest on our list), 1/8-inch when cutting steel, and 3/8-inch when cutting ceramic. Try and go beyond those capacities and you are likely to get blade wobble instead of a precise line, which would ruin your final product.

You can also use the saw for cross cuts and even for cutting miters—it comes with a miter gauge—but it cannot be tilted for bevel cuts, nor does it take dado blades. However, unlike a traditional table saw, this one can also be used like a scroll saw for cutting intricate curves or designs into wood. While not suited for everyone or every purpose, this is a great saw for crafters or others who want a versatile tool for delicate projects.

Type: Benchtop | Blade Size: 4 inches | Rip Capacity: 1.5 inches | Motor Size: 5.5 amp | RPM: 4,500 rpm | Weight: 14.7 pounds | ​​Dado Blade Compatible: No | Includes Stand: No

Final Verdict

If you want an excellent table saw with plenty of power, an impressive 32.5-inch rip capacity, rack-and-pinion fence adjustments, and an included stand with wheels, then we recommend the Dewalt 10-Inch Table Saw. But if you are looking for something less expensive, then we recommend the Craftsman Jobsite Table Saw With Stand, which is a reliable tool for the beginning woodworker.

What to Look For In a Table Saw

Type

There are several types of table saws.

  • Benchtop table saws can be full-size or compact. As the name suggests, they are intended to sit directly on your workbench. These saws are generally fairly light in weight, easy to transport if necessary, and not too expensive, making them a good choice for someone who only occasionally needs a table saw for light cutting. We especially like our best portable pick, the Skil 8-¼-Inch Portable Table Saw, but if you want a table saw that runs off a battery rather than the usual corded tools, then you’ll want to give our best cordless pick, the Milwaukee Fuel One-Key Table Saw a look.
  • Jobsite table saws sit atop a frame-like stand, which often folds and sometimes has wheels. These are generally full-size table saws with 10-inch or even 12-inch blades. Their stands make them quite portable and especially useful if you don’t have a lot of workbench space to spare. Jobsite table saws like the Skil 10 Inch-Portable Jobsite Table Saw are very popular for both DIYers and professional tradespeople.
  • Contractor table saws are intended for stationary use, not for toting to different job sites. They generally have a heavy frame for support but do not have wheels. These are powerful table saws for professional use, which is why we did not include one on our list, although some DIYers also choose this type of table saw, especially if they do a great deal of woodworking.
  • Cabinet table saws are the most expensive type and are usually found only in professional woodworking or carpentry workshops. These saws sit atop a very heavy, enclosed frame that helps reduce vibrations. 
  • Hybrid table saws are not quite as hefty as cabinet table saws but also have enclosed frames. They are expensive but are a good choice for a professional woodworker or a very serious DIYer.. We recommend our best cabinet pick, the Grizzly Industrial 2-Horsepower Hybrid Table Saw.

Cutting Depth and Blade Size

The standard blade size for most table saws is 10 inches. Larger saws use 12-inch blades, however, and some compact saws use 8-1/4-inch blades or even smaller. Lewis, expands further, “Ultimately, the blade size you choose will be based on your own cutting depth requirements. If in doubt, a 10-inch blade will give adequate cutting depth for most workshops and jobsite saws. Large industrial table saws often have 12-inch blades. However, it is unlikely that your average DIYer will require a table saw with this cutting depth.”

If you need an especially small saw for crafting purposes like making a shoe rack, then the Worx BladeRunner Portable Tabletop Saw, which uses 4-inch jigsaw blades, is our top recommendation.

Power

The more powerful the table saw, the better it can cut easily and cleanly through even hard or thick wood. Generally, professional saws have anywhere from 2 horsepower all the way up to 8, which is far beyond the needs of the average woodworker.

Many less-powerful table saws don’t use horsepower to state the motor power but rather use amps. A 15-amp motor, which is very common on a non-professional benchtop or jobsite table saw, is roughly equivalent to 1 horsepower and is sufficient for most typical DIY purposes, like our best overall, best portable, and best cordless. Our best for beginner pick, the Ridgid 10-Inch Portable Table Saw With Stand, has a 15-amp motor and is a great choice for beginning woodworkers.

Basic Components

There are several basic components that are important when choosing a table saw. Most are standard with the majority of table saws, but some are extras. 

  • Table: The table of a table saw is crucial in terms of stability. Larger tables can handle larger boards, but also take up more space in your workshop. The best tables are made of cast iron, but steel is a good second choice. Less expensive portable table saws sometimes have aluminum tables, which tend to transmit a lot of vibration. No aluminum tables made the cut for our list. 
  • Blade: As a general rule, a 10-inch blade lets you cut to a depth of 3-½ inches when the blade is at a 90-degree angle to the board. 
  • Blade Cover: Typically made from transparent plastic, the blade cover curves above the blade to protect the user from flying sawdust and debris, as well as offer some protection to their hands. All table saws have this safety feature. 
  • Rip Fence: This adjustable guide serves to keep the board moving in a perfectly straight line while making rip cuts. 
  • Miter Gauge: This adjustable guide helps position and secure the board when making miter cuts. Typically, it adjusts between 0 and 90 degrees.
  • Bevel Gauge: This is a tilt adjustment to the saw blade for making bevel cuts. 

Riving Knife and Anti-Kickback Pawls: Both of these safety features are designed to reduce the chance of “kickback,” which is the board catching and jerking back towards the user.

Types of Cuts

A rip cut is a cut made down the length of a board along the grain, and is one of the most common cuts for which a table saw is used. A saw’s rip capacity refers to how wide of a board it can cut in a single pass, and is based on the distance between the saw blade and the rip fence. There are tools with as little as 18 inches of rip capacity, and professional beasts with over 5 feet of rip capacity, but most commonly, a rip capacity of 25- to 30 inches is sufficient for the average DIYer or home woodworker. Consider the typical size of the boards you’ll be cutting when choosing your table saw and look for a rip capacity that can handle them. Our favorite table saw, the DEWALT 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw, has an impressive 32.5-inch rip capacity.

Another common cut easily made with a table saw is the cross cut, which is a cut made across the width of the board against its grain. You can also use your table saw to make miter cuts, which are angled cuts across the width of the board. Of course, a miter saw is the most accurate choice for these cuts, but a good table saw will also cut an accurate miter. Most table saws can also cut bevels, which are angled cuts at the edge of the board often used in furniture making or cutting trim. 

Most, but not all, table saws can make dado cuts, but require a special blade, not generally included with the saw, for carrying out the cut. A dado is a channel or groove that doesn’t go all the way through the board. Rabbet cuts are also made with a dado blade. These cuts are grooves at the edge of the board, and are most often used when building cabinets or drawers.

Jackson says, “A table saw can be used to make almost any straight cut in wood and other materials. It can rip a long board in half lengthwise, chop it into shorter pieces with the help of a miter gauge, or create a groove that only cuts halfway through the thickness of the piece.”

Safety Features

To reduce any mishaps, most table saws incorporate several safety features that should never be removed or tampered with. We already mentioned the blade cover, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls above. All come standard with table saws. 

  • Most table saws come with a push stick or push block. These tools are used to safely push the board being cut through the table saw’s blade rather than reaching in with your fingers. 
  • Dust collection systems are another important consideration, as cutting wood with any type of saw is a dusty business. Most table saws have a dust port where you can attach the hose of your shop vacuum.
FAQ
  • How do you use a table saw safely?

    Like any sharp-bladed tool, a table saw can be dangerous if used improperly. In fact, table saws are responsible for over 30,000 accidents per year that are serious enough to send the injured person to the emergency room. It’s crucial to follow good safety practices whenever using your table saw, as well as using common sense. Here are some basic safety guidelines:

    • The table of your saw and the floor around it should be free of slipping hazards.
    • Never operate a table saw when you are not feeling well or not fully attentive.
    • Wear a shirt with short sleeves, and take off any jewelry before starting to work.
    • Always use safety goggles to protect your eyes
    • Do not wear gloves as they can decrease your dexterity and may become caught in the blade.
    • Never remove or disable any of your saw’s safety features, such as the blade guard.
    • Do not reach over or behind the spinning blade.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is a home improvement and tool expert writer for The Spruce. She has extensive experience writing about all things related to the home, and in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. She’s been writing for over ten years.

For this roundup, she considered dozens of table saws, evaluating each for durable construction, accuracy, power and blade size, versatility, ease of use, and overall value. 

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2013/11000/Table_Saw_Injuries__Epidemiology_and_a_Proposal.27.aspx