There are so many different models of table saws, ranging from stationary circular models, benchtops, contractors, cabinet saws - you name it. They have in common the circular saw driven by a motor that gives the entire device power to cut through the material.
However, they differ in design and their application, especially regarding the type of project you're working on. We've chosen to cover portable table saws in this article and help you find the right one to bring out in the field.
The best portable table saw is compact, lightweight, and has substantial internal parts that imitate the strongest contractor saws. Well, our mission is to find it, and we think we managed to do that in this article.
So please stick with us and see the results!
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Top 9 portable table saws you can see
$$ — Rockwell RK7323 X2 Portable Tabletop Saw ~ 15 lbs - This table saw is the embodiment of everything that we've mentioned in the introduction: it's lightweight, compact, works like a charm, and its price is unbelievably low. What's stopping you?
$$$ — DEWALT Jobsite Table Saw ~ 54 lbs. If you want variety, this DeWalt portable table saw will show you what accurate cuts look like. Rip capacity, a powerful motor, and fantastic design are only some of the things that make this unit worthy of being a runner-up on this list.
$$$ — SKILSAW Worm Drive Table Saw ~ 51.2 lbs. Even though there are incredibly strong motors that can affect the torque of a saw, this unit's worm drive will solve that issue with ease. Also, this is surely the most durable product among the portable table saws here.
$$ — WORX WX572L BladeRunner Table Saw ~ 14.7 lbs. Working on the field must cause you stress when it comes to carrying the equipment. All of that's about to change with the lightweight Worx table saw.
$$$ — BOSCH 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw ~ 109 lbs. It's hard to find the right mix between maintaining low weight and high power. Well, not if you're Bosch industries since they've made a jobsite table saw that matches the description.
$$$ — Delta 36-6023 10-Inch Table Saw ~ 77 lbs. There are many great features that will go over in the review for this table saw, but the one that stands out is the incredible 5-year warranty that you get when you purchase this unit.
$$$$ — Shop Fox Open-Stand Hybrid Table Saw ~ 260 lbs. There's a reason that this is the most expensive item on this list. Even though it's not as transportable as the others, it'll pay off to carry it around due to its incredible power.
$$$$ — Sawstop 10-Inch Jobsite Saw ~ 113 lbs. We can debate it all night long, but the fact is - all cutting machines are dangerous. So, why not purchase the one with the safest features?
$ — Apstour 4-Inch Mini Portable Table Saw ~ 8.69 lbs. Who said that you need to be a professional woodworker? Focus on smaller projects with our beginner pick, which is also the most affordable saw here.
Most of you are here for the product that we've chosen as the best one out of all the table saws. So, without further ado, here's the Rockwell RK7323 X2 Portable Tabletop Saw review!
This is a list of the best portable table saws, but what makes the best out of the best ones? We can look at this via a lens of a layman and focus on the primary features at first.
The first things everyone looks at are capabilities and price. As for the former, we can tell you that this jobsite table saw has a 5.5 amp motor with a 3000 SPM speed. The stroke length is 3/4-inch, and you can successfully cut various types of stock - wood, plastic, metal, aluminum, and even 1/8-inch steel.
Thanks to the hold-down blade guard and riving knife, you can use this table saw at various speeds and maintain accuracy with various cuts - cross, scroll, miter, or rip cuts. The integrated miter gauge is adjustable up to 60 degrees, which tremendously helps with making precise angled cuts.
Since we're focusing on portable units, what makes this table saw easy to transport are two things - weight and design. It weighs only 15 lbs and measures 16.1 x 17.5 x 8.3 inches, which is extremely compact for a table saw. Moreover, this saw has a storage compartment for all accessories, including extra blades and the rip fence.
As for the price, it is one of the rare sub-$200 portable table saws on the market. Given that the battery life is also more than great, it's quite surprising that the price is so low, which is undoubtedly a major plus.
To make things even more interesting, Rockwell added a built-in handle for easier transportation around the job site. Could it be more portable?
We tried to, but we couldn't find any flaws to dissuade you from buying this one. The fact is - it's probably the best portable jobsite table saw right now.
- The mix of features and price
- Dimensions and weight
- Affordable
- Quality design with extensions
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If you don't know where to search, a good and verified manufacturer is always a good place. Rockwell is a well-known firm in the US, even though it's based in China, but it doesn't get more American than the DeWalt table saw.
The DEWALT Jobsite Table Saw excels at many things thanks to its incredible 24.5-inch rip capacity and 5800 RPM motor, but it goes even beyond that.
The DeWalt blade that comes with the saw is one of the best table saw blades on the market, with the capability of making cross and miter cuts with great precision and smoothness.
The DeWalt table itself weighs 54 lbs, which is a modest number considering the size of this thing. However, the design is made in a way to minimize the effort of carrying the saw table with a couple of cool additions.
The corners of the storage compartment have detachable handles for easier transportation, and while the storage itself is practical and large enough to store most, if not all, accessories you need on a job site.
DeWalt is known for its safety features and incredible batteries that they make for all cordless units, including this one. The spinning blade is secured with the lower guard and the riving knife; the rack-and-pinion fence takes care of the adjustments, and the electric brake is there, just in case.
If you're a beginner, the blade guard assembly manual will make zero sense to you, including the overall assembly manual. However, DeWalt has a lot of instructional tutorial videos on YouTube and their website on how to put everything together, so feel free to throw away the manuals.
- Rack-and-pinion fence rails
- Safety features
- Rip capacity
- Compact table with accessories
- Bad manuals and blade guard assembly
- It doesn’t accept dado blades
Ripping is often determined by the engine's torque, and you won't find more torque in a table saw than with the SKILSAW Worm Drive Table Saw.
Thanks to the worm drive gearing system, this Skilsaw model is capable of pulling and transmitting higher torque from the motor, which enables extremely fast cutting and ripping of wood. Moreover, this model has a very precise rack-and-pinion fence system for accurate cuts and adjustments.
It weighs almost the same as the DeWalt model, and yet, it's a corded model whose dimensions make it perfect for transportation and applications on job sites. Most table saws that are carried out on the field are cordless, but Skilsaw sets a new standard with devices such as this one.
More importantly, it excels at cutting everything, no matter the depth or the length, let alone the material. With its 25-inch rip capacity and 2-5/8-inch maximum cutting depth - cutting wood, sheet goods, and aluminum is a piece of cake.
Even though the table saw's blade is universal, you can use it as a dado blade to make o.5-inch cuts. The no-load speed is 5300 RPM, which is incredible for a table saw of this size.
Its cutting ability and the way it runs are perfect for everyone, so we have no complaints there. The flaw is the same as with the previous product - bad manuals. We're not sure if this is a trend or if the manufacturers don't pay much attention to it, but the bottom line is - find instructions online!
- Worm drive gearing system
- Compact design
- Cutting abilities
- Quality table saw blades
- Confusing manuals
If you need a definition of a portable and powerful table saw, there's no need to google it or ask around. Simply take a look at the WORX WX572L BladeRunner Table Saw, and there's your answer.
First off, we have got to talk about Worx. Even though they specialize in lawn and garden tools, they make quite strong power tools, in general, which is evident from the characteristics of this table saw.
Worx started out in 2004, and they've been going strong and improving for years, thus reaching the climax in 2021 with products such as this one.
The beauty of this table saw is in the mix of its powerful features and lack of weight that usually affects things such as kickbacks, portability, and overall efficiency. Right here, you have a Worx table saw with a steel rip fence, a riving knife system, and 60-degree miter capabilities, all in a device that weighs under 15 lbs!
If that's not enough, maybe the fact that it has a no-load speed of 3000 strokes per minute and comes with five blades will be enough to change your mind. Naturally, if you have a T-shank blade, the tool-free blade change system is at your disposal.
Its design and user-friendly features are really what it's all about. The main features resemble what the premium units offer, so there are no complaints there. After testing it, the only thing that could pass as a flaw is the fact it doesn't hold up that well with thicker materials.
All in all, it's perfect for beginners and enthusiasts that want to hone their skills.
- Quality manufacturer
- Lightweight
- Packed with useful features
- Tool-free blade change
- Not for professionals – it doesn’t hold up with thicker materials
Other table saws can not compare with the prowess of Bosch and what they bring to the table (pun intended). If you're willing to sacrifice the weight to get more power in return, then the BOSCH 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw is perfect for you.
The first thing you'll see if you examine this Bosch table saw closely is the fact that it's not as portable as the previous products. It weighs 109 lbs, which is not that lightweight, but it compensates with its terrific performance and contractor table-grade features.
The 15-amp motor runs at 3650 RPM at full speed thanks to Bosch's engineering and 4.0 HP performance. This is perfect for those that need some extra strength in cutting power if they deal with thick materials, such as steel pipes or tungsten-steel plates.
Since it's such a strong device, Bosch has implemented a soft-start mechanism that gradually increases the speed and the power after booting it up in order to avoid short circuits and possible breaks.
This is one of the rare table saws with a gravity-rise wheeled stand, which is a tremendous helper when it comes to transportation. So, in order to make up for the added weight, this stand will ensure that you'll move this portable table saw around with no issues.
The Smart Guard system is equipped with a quality riving knife and anti-kickback pawls that are the main culprits in keeping you safe from the blade and from sudden, uncontrolled motions near the saw.
As we mentioned, this is a premium unit, and it comes from Bosch, so you can expect that the price is a bit inflated, which is the only realistic remark we have. Other than that, this baby can saw, cut, cross-cut, and so much more with little efforts, like rip-cutting.
- 4.0 HP motor
- 3650 RPM
- Smart Guard system with anti-kickback pawls
- Soft start mechanism
- Expensive
The way we composed this list was by setting apart some of the best products that have something new and authentic that separates them from other table saws on the market. In this case, the Delta 36-6023 10-Inch Table Saw has two things that make it unique, and you're about to find out what!
Before we go into all this, let's make a quick tour and examine the main features of this table saw.
This is a contractor table saw with a 15-amp motor that is equipped to handle different materials, meaning it can make different cuts based on your needs.
The design is quite straightforward, and we had no issues assembling it. Inserting the throat plate, rip fence, and the blades took a couple of minutes, and the manual is quite clear.
On that topic, the rip fence makes adjustments incredibly easy with the rack-and-pinion system that leaves the fence parallel with the blade.
Now we get to the good part. The first thing we wanted to mention as the main attribute of this table saw is the 32-inch rip capacity. Normally, you'll find portable table saws at around 26-28-inch rip capacity, but this one will let you work with workpieces whose width exceeds 50 inches.
Secondly, we've got to mention the 5-year warranty that comes with this jobsite table saw. You'll normally get a 2 or 3-year deal, but this is simply terrific. The price is quite large, but based on everything that this portable table saw has to offer, it's no wonder.
If you're ready to stop working with low-grade tools and move on to something more advanced, this is the perfect power tool for you.
- 32-inch rip capacity
- 5-year warranty
- Rack-and-pinion rip fence system
- Easy to assemble
- Low-quality miter gauge and anti-kickback pawls
Truth be told, we were debating whether we should include this one on this list as it's the least portable unit we have here. However, due to the hybrid nature of its design, fantastic features, and great demand, the Shop Fox Open-Stand Hybrid Table Saw earned a place here.
A hybrid table saw is a type of mash-up between a cabinet saw and a contractor saw. It has a heavy-duty carriage that supports the motor, but the definition of a contractor saw states that such models are lightweight and used on job sites.
Therefore, this unit isn't as bulky as all the saws that belong to the cabinet family, but it's still large enough to support its 2 HP motor that runs at 120 V. The cabinet also has the standard 4-inch dust collection port for cleaner projects, like the other saws.
The benefit of owning this table saw is space. You can make a variety of miter cuts up to 45 degrees, and you can tilt the table to extend the rip capacity at 30 degrees to the right and 15 degrees to the left.
It doesn't have the integrated folding stand or the many other saws have, but it's an open-stand model, which gives you a lot of maneuverability. Also, there's the extension table that gives you even more space to work on major projects with large stock.
The price is naturally high, but that's to be expected. The more concerning flaw is the fact that you have to manually adjust the sliding guide from time to time as it doesn't hold square. This is a bit of a letdown, but it's a minor flaw given the overall impression this unit left on us.
- A quality hybrid model
- Spacious
- Extension table
- Dust collection
- Adjustment of the sliding guide
There are many arguments as to why contractor and portable table saws are better than cabinet models, but the one sure thing that they share is the hazard. Working reciprocating blades is always dangerous, which is why it might be a good idea to go for a safe model, such as the Sawstop 10-Inch Jobsite Saw.
There are multiple factors that make this jobsite table saw extremely safe, and it's not just the added features that protect the user. For example, the depth of the table is 24-5/8-inches, which helps you maintain a better grasp over the workpiece, have better accuracy, and therefore not expose yourself.
Furthermore, Sawstop's safety system is designed to stop the reciprocating blade as soon as it makes contact with the skin, in a matter of 5 milliseconds. If that's not impressive, take into account the blade stops working and drops immediately to save you from potential injuries.
It's equipped with a state-of-the-art onboard computer that monitors all the processes and keeps you safe from potential failures, including the on/off switches in case of major breaks.
The major problem is the price, but that's what safety goes for these days. We wish this product were a bit cheaper, in which case it would've landed on one of the first three spots. Still, if you can invest, we highly recommend it.
- Sawstop safety system
- Control box houses all necessary safety controls
- Active dust collection guard
- Easy to use
- Too expensive
We're about to wrap up the review portion of this article, and we'll finish it off with our beginner pick of the list, the Apstour 4-Inch Mini Portable Table Saw.
If you're new to woodworking and all of this, chances are you're very confused about all the characteristics and features of these models, so here's one that requires no research and thinking at all.
It has a small, 4-inch table that can store three different blades. The motor is more than decent, considering it runs at 4500 RPMs and makes very low noise. Having a high table depth means that your accuracy will improve, and this one rests at 15 mm, but that's more than good for a mini table saw.
What impressed us was the accuracy, considering the overall specs of this portable table saw. It has a laser-scaled plate with a miter gauge that keeps you on the cutting track while improving blade position and stability.
Naturally, this table saw doesn't really hold up with metals, which is why we can't really recommend it to someone that wants to do serious work with it. There are other portable saws, such as the Ryobi portable table saw or the Bosch portable table saw, that pros really like.
On the other hand, being new in all of this is a normal step, and this mini saw will help you practice a lot.
- Blade speed
- Low noise
- Accuracy
- Excellent for beginners
- Not for serious work
What makes the best portable jobsite table saw? Buyer's guide
Now that we have finished the power tool reviews, it's time to share some knowledge we have on portable jobsite table saws. We believe it's not just enough to read through all of this and make a decision - you should know these things and conduct further research if you're not 100% sure.
So, here it goes!
1. Transportation
We can talk all we want about strength, power, speed, materials, and so on, but the main idea behind these units is the way they can be transported and moved around without causing too much trouble to you. So, how do you know a table saw is portable enough?
Obviously, you'll first look at the weight. If we compare all the items on this list, we can draw up the average at about 50 lbs, which is perfectly reasonable and should be just enough to be carried around without much hassle.
2. Portability
There are some units under 20 lbs that can be carried in hand, but you'll usually find that these table saws have wheels, wheeled stands, or foldable stands.
Either way, they all work, and we'd recommend a handheld model under 20 lbs for beginners, while pros can make their do with foldable stands, as they're experienced in terms of assembly.
3. Accessories
Modern-day table saws have evolved quite a lot in the last few years, and there are so many accessories that help you finish everything faster and more efficiently. But, what's necessary?
Well, a good miter gauge and a saw blade are the obvious answer, but there are other things that might not seem as necessary when you first look at the descriptions. For example, you should avoid units that sell a simple plastic blade guard with a low-grade rip fence.
Also, pay attention to the build of the housing. It makes sense to get the most durable unit since you'll be working with a variety of materials, and there'll be a lot of debris flying around. We recommend a cast-iron build, like in the Delta portable table saw review.
4. Accuracy
Even though this seems obvious, what might elude you are the factors that improve the accuracy of a portable table saw. It's not just the saw blade and the quality of the rip fence.
There are models that feature modern laser guides in combination with integrated rulers that market the path of the cutting line and practically render you jobless since they do all the work.
Also, we mentioned that the depth of the table could have a significant impact on accuracy, which is a thing to keep in mind.
FAQs
Why buy a portable table saw?
The first reason is obvious - it's portable. If you're a freelance contractor and you love doing work with your equipment, having a lightweight model that you can carry in your car and move around the jobsite is the best thing.
Secondly, portable table saws are the perfect combination of power and size. They're not that bulky, but they can still achieve speeds up to 3000 RPM and more, which is sufficient for cutting metal, wood, and plastic.
What is a job site table saw?
Essentially, a job site table saw is a mini version of a contractor saw with the capabilities of a cabinet saw. They have strong motors, durable housings, and they can cut through most materials.
How do you rip wood without a table saw?
If you don't have a power tool, you can do it with a couple of manual tools such as a hatchet, ax, or even a chisel and a hammer. You can try to do it with a standard hand saw, but it'll take a while, and you'll get pretty tired.
How to use a portable table saw?
Using these portable table saws is the simplest thing ever.
After you assemble a table saw, make sure that the rip fence and the saw blade are secured, set the workpiece below the blade, and mark the path of the cut.
Depending on the model, you'll either move the handle that holds the blade or move the workpiece itself along the blade's path.
Which jobsite table saw has the best fence?
There are two things to mention here - the overall quality (material) of the rip fence and the system. We prefer rack-and-pinion rip fences since they're easy to adjust, and DeWalt has an abundance of such table saws.
What is the best jobsite table saw?
We've covered all the main points, and it's time to announce the winner. There are so many units on this list that have an argument for being the best, but our favorite is the Rockwell RK7323 X2 Portable Tabletop Saw, without a doubt.
It weighs less than 20 lbs, it has a fantastic build with steel, cast-iron, and quality plastic, and its performance has the best ratio in terms of quality and the price.
- [SETS UP IN SECONDS] Take this table saw to the job site or move it around the workshop. There’s even a built-in carry handle
- [CUTS LIKE A FULL-SIZE] With the standard guard and riving knife system you can perform rip, cross, scroll, and miter cuts
- [TOOL-LESS BLADE CHANGE] Uses any brand’s standard 4” T-shank blade, but we threw 5 in the box to get you started cutting wood, ceramic tile, plastic, aluminum, and metal
- [0-60° MITER CUTS] With the adjustable gauge you can pull off precise miter cuts for a whole assortment of woodworking projects
- [ON-BOARD ACCESSORY STORAGE] When the miter gauge, rip fence, and extra blades aren’t in use they can be conveniently housed in the base of the saw
Final thoughts
We hope that this guide and reviews were more than enough for you to make a choice and pick the best portable table saw that you'll use for the years to come. After all, we might have a favorite, but all of these products will be perfect for you, no matter the project or the application.
Thank you for being here and reading!