When it comes to woodworking, there are many tools involved, and each tool has its learning curve. Some like a harmer doesn’t require you to figure out how to use them, but power tools have a learning curve.
Table saws are an expensive investment, and if you don’t know a lot about them, the best thing is to learn about them, just like you are doing now reading this review.
Every person was once a beginner, but with experience and practice, we get better. That’s why as experts, we are trying to guide beginners to avoid common mistakes we did when starting out, such as buying the wrong tools.
When it comes table saws, it is a tool you cannot afford to miss in your arsenal.
However, when it comes to buying the right one, it can be a challenging task because the market is full of options.
The best table saw for beginners needs to have the right mix of quality, performance, and price. In addition, it should be simple to use.
To find one that meets your needs is a challenge, and that’s why we have tried to make it easier for you.
In this guide, we will be covering the top 7 best table saws for beginners in the market, and everything you need to know about purchasing the right table saw for your needs.
We scoured the internet and analyzed many table saw reviews to compile this list. Therefore, if you don’t have enough time to analyze hundreds of table saws on the market online, this list will make your comparison easier.
Buckle up for a long read…
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Top 7 Best Table Saws for Beginners in the Market
#1. DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw - The Best Overall
As a beginner, you don’t want to go wrong by buying a tool that will not give you service for a long time. However, with DeWALT, you will rarely go wrong.
DEWALT is a renowned brand when it comes to power tools such as saws, having produced a wide variety of quality power tools for many decades.
This company has produced some of the best portable table saws, and its latest brand, DEWALT DWE7491RS proves the brands is still reliable.
It has gained a lot of popularity in the market thanks to its 5.0A high-torque motor, 10-inch blade, and 32.5-inch rip ability.
The 5-amp torque motor makes sit suitable for a wide variety of tasks including splitting hardwood, processed beams, and pressure-treated plants, among other tasks.
The 10-inch blade delivers up to 3850 rpm when free, which is commendable for a table saw of its size. This allows it to make clean cuts. It can effectively make cuts of 2.25 inches deep and perform a tilt of 45 degrees.
It has telescopic fence rails that allow for easy modification to enable it to suit your workspace.
One of the outstanding things about this product is its design, which enables you to make adjustments without using other tools. This not only makes it suitable for professionals but also for beginners.
It also has adjustable rear feet to make it easier for you to work on uneven surfaces.
Another feature that makes this table saw stand out is its 2-inch dust collection system that can connect to a vacuum for effective dust extraction.
- This tool is lightweight hence easier to move around
- Features 2-inch dust collection system to keep your workspace clean
- Has safety features to reduce the risks of injury
- It is powerful and thus can take on small and medium-sized workshop projects
- The plastic-top plate makes this tool, less durable
- Its motor is slightly noisy
The one thing you can always count on is Dewalt’s incredible line of products, whatever the field might be.
In this case, we’re talking about woodworking and table saws, so we have to mention the incredible DEWALT DWE7485 Table Saw for Jobsite.
What you might not know is that DeWalt is actually a trademark of the Black+Decker brand, a subsidiary of its mother company.
It’s been around since 1924, and they’ve continuously produced superb power tools and equipment, including this fantastic table saw.
It is a compact and portable table saw that measures 22.75 x 22.752 x 13 inches and weighs only 54 lbs. It can be assembled in a way that makes transportation incredibly easy, thanks to the side handles that’ll enable you to carry it like a briefcase.
When it comes to features, let’s go over the motor first.
It runs on 15 amp and rotates at the speed of 5800 RPM, which is no joke for portable table saws. You’ll be able to cut through 24.5 inches of stock, which fits the standard 4x8 plywood.
Furthermore, DeWalt will make your life easier with the rack-and-pinion system that not only improves the accuracy of adjustments but also makes it way smoother and easier for the user.
The table saw also comes with a storage compartment where you can put the wrenches and the miter gauge.
Overall, it is a fantastic product, so why isn’t it placed first on this list? Well, the only thing we don’t like is the top coating that seems to be susceptible to wear.
Also, some customer reviews support this, but it isn’t a big deal in terms of practicality. In essence, if you take care of it, it should remain intact for a long time.
- Lightweight
- Quality motor
- Rack-and-pinion fence system
- 5800 RPM
- Top coating
You’ll often come across table saws that are usually designed with a single purpose - cutting through plywood, OSB sheets, or some other type of stock.
However, here we have a saw that’s suitable for most woodworking projects, the SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Table Saw.
The primary feature that stands out is the worm drive gear arrangement in this table saw.
It is a system that usually involves two main parts - the screw-worm and a worm wheel that, when combined, increase the overall torque, which helps the saw in terms of power when it comes to ripping stock.
It is a common gear arrangement, but the way Skil has assembled it makes you appreciate this table saw a whole lot more.
Furthermore, it features a rack-and-pinion system that increases accuracy with fence adjustment, which in turn helps you make more precise cuts without spending a lot of time adjusting the saw.
Also, this product is extremely lightweight, measuring only 51.15 lbs, which practically means you can carry it in one arm without getting tired.
We mentioned its versatility in the beginning, and it’ll be good for you to know that this table saw has been used for different types of stocks, such as sheet goods, plywood, hardwood, and some metallic stocks that can be ripped through at the speed of 5300 RPM.
The maximum cutting depth at 0-degree bevel is 2-⅝ in., while the depth at 45-degree bevel is set at 1-7/9 in. (68 and 48 mm for readers using the metric system).
Skil is known for manufacturing quality products, and this table saw didn’t disappoint in any regard.
The only flaw we could tell was the price in comparison with DeWalt’s product since it is slightly better and the tag is the same.
Other than that, you won’t make a mistake if you buy this one instead of DeWalt’s table saw.
- Worm drive gear arrangement
- Cutting depth
- Versatile
- Quality manufacturer
- Price in comparison with the DeWalt’s table saw
Table saws aren’t cheap, and it makes sense that you want to include money as a factor before you make your final purchasing decision.
Therefore, we have the SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Table Saw, a pick perfect for those that want to keep a bit of money and still get quality equipment.
The first thing you have to know about this product is that it’s a 10-inch saw, so the dimensions are slightly larger in comparison with the previous saws.
It measures 27.17 x 28.74 x 16.93 inches, but it weighs only 51.2 lbs, which is in range with DeWalt’s products.
The reason we mention its size is that it doesn’t have to worry you since it comes with an integrated folding stand with foldable legs.
It’s quite convenient in terms of portability, and it allows you to set it up anywhere without worrying about needing a wide table or a flat surface.
The bevel capacity ranges from 0 to 45 degrees, and it features a quick-release lever. Based on the angle, you can cut from 3.5 inches to 2.5 inches in depth, respectfully from 0 to 45 degrees.
Same as with the earlier products, it features a 15-amp motor that is more than capable of supplying enough power for cutting through stock, but the speed is a bit lower than what you’ve seen, resting at 4800 RPM.
It’s still great and fast enough to rip through most materials, and that’s the most important thing for a beginner.
However, the lever and the crank handle seem a bit lose, so you’ll have to be careful when using them if you wish to preserve them for as long as possible.
Overall, you are giving away some things, but you’ll pay for this table saw significantly less than you would for some premium products. Still, it’s the best for the money we could find.
- Foldable design
- Bevel capacity
- Great motor
- The best for the money
- Loose handle and lever
- Overall speed
The following product cannot really compare with the previous premium picks as it lacks in some of the categories that define the very best.
However, it still deserves a spot on this list since it is a perfect fit for beginners due to its user-friendly design. So, here’s the Intradin M1H-ZP3-254 10-Inch Table Saw review.
Initially, after you inspect this power tool, it doesn’t look like much.
It has the general characteristics you’d want in a table saw, such as a strong and sturdy 10-inch saw and a quality table that’s easy to clean.
Also, Its cutting depth is more than fair since you can cut as deep as 3-½-inch stock at 0 degrees and 2-⅓-inch stock at 45 degrees.
However, the main attraction behind this table saw is its design that is perfectly suitable for beginners.
Firstly, it comes with a stand that allows you to work anywhere you want. Secondly, it is a compact table saw that weighs only 43.7 lbs and still manages to dish out close to 5500 RPM at 15 amps.
Another cool thing that you’ll even miss out on with some premium table saws is the dust port that comes with this table saw. It is a 1-¼-inch port that helps keep everything clean and leaves you with less work afterward.
Also, this is the most affordable product on our list, so it makes sense that this should be the first table saw that a beginner should purchase since it still has some characteristics of a great table saw, and it’s great to start with a less expensive product and work your way up.
Overall, we’d highly recommend it to everyone reading this article.
- Strong 10-inch saw
- User-friendly design
- It comes with a stand and a dust port
- Lightweight
- Lesser quality in comparison with the previous saws
We all know about Bosch and the fantastic tools they manufacture. They always have new features to bring to the table, including this one, the BOSCH 4100XC-10 10 In. Worksite Table Saw.
Even though this is a less powerful model than some of the previous table saws that we have covered, there are some things that make it worth your while.
For example, soft-start circuitry is a feature that we like very much. Basically, the motor’s strength is slowly intensified in order to avoid short circuits and maintain a steady speed over time.
Secondly, the portability of this device is another aspect that makes it special due to the gravity-rise stand with wheels. It’s secure and made with utmost accuracy, so there’s no way it’ll tip over and cause an accident on the worksite.
It does lack overall power considering that the speed is 3650 RPM, but the motor dishes out 15 amps, and it should be enough to cut most materials, even though it might take a while longer than what you’d expect from a table saw.
Also, it features an anti-kickback feature and a blade guard, which makes this table saw perfect for beginners.
Honestly, the main reason it’s in sixth place is its price, which is solely due to the Bosch brand. It does make it worth your while, but not for this price.
Overall, you might want to consider cheaper models, but there are benefits from purchasing from a verified brand such as Bosch, so it comes down to you.
- Innovative features
- Easy to use
- Great quality of materials
- Anti-kickback design
- Expensive
#7. Jet 708675PK 10" Deluxe XACTA Saw - Best Premium Table Saw
This 50-inch Deluxe XACTA SAW from JET is one of the most efficient, high-performance table saw that boasts of many innovative features.
The 3-Horsepower motor alongside poly V-belt system gives it a smooth operation by ensuring low heat generation as well as more resistance to slipping. Besides, it has a left-tilting design that ensures safer cuts.
For more efficiency, this saw features push-button arbor lock that allows you to change the blade quickly. This makes it ideal for beginners as you will master how to use it easily.
In addition, it features fence II and T-square desire to ensure accuracy, safety, and high performance.
In terms of durability, this table is made using high-grade materials around its fence system. For added durability, its locking mechanism is made of metal. This means you will use it for longer.
To ensure safety, this tool has a high-tech integrated blade guard, anti-kickback pawl, and a riving knife. These features make it safer to work with this tool but also improves efficiency.
The magnetic on and off switch helps to protect the motor from damages caused by power fluctuations.
Lastly, it features a finely solid table that offers enough room to help you execute workshop tasks.
To ensure a vibration-free operation and remarkable stability, this saw features a heavy-duty trunnion mounted system placed under the cast-iron table.
- Features 3-horsepower motor to enable it cut through hardwoods without bogging them down
- Has an integrated arbor lock for quick blade changes. This is a plus for beginners as changing blades in some models is complicated
- Has an over-sized ‘Stop’ button to ensure safety
- The enclosed metal cabinet keeps the internal components clean
- It’s stable and thus ensures vibration-free and quieter operation. As a beginner, you may struggle to make clean cuts, especially if you have a model that vibrates a lot. However, with this table saw, you will make better cuts as it is stable
- Has an efficient dust collection system
- Assembling it may take some time but it is something you can do as a beginner
- It is advisable for you to get earplugs since its motor is quite noisy
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Table Saw
Before purchasing a table saw, you will need to consider several factors including.
1. Base Type
When buying a table saw, you will need to strike a balance between mobility and power.
If you want to move around with your saw to different places such as your garage, yard, basement, etc., the saw you choose will be quite different than what a woodworker who needs a powerful machine that cuts large pieces of plywood.
To help you know the right base type of table saw to buy, here are the basic setups you can consider.
2. Table Space
This simply translates to the table on top of the saw that holds the wood as it moves through the blade. How much space you have determines the size of wood you can safely cut.
Portable saws usually have 19 x 22 inches while that of a contractor saw averages at 24 by 22 inches. Stationary tables can handle an extension of several tables, and thus can be made bigger.
The size of the projects you intend to do dictates the table space to go for.
3. Rip Capacity
To rip a board, you need to cut it in the same direction as the grain of wood.
The rip capacity of a table saw is the distance between the fence and the saw blade. The greater the distance present, the larger the boards that can be ripped.
The type of material you will be cutting determines the rip capacity.
For wide boards and plywood, a rip capacity of 24 inches or more is needed. However, you can increase the ripping capacity of your saw by adding extension tables.
4. Dust Collection
Performing clean up after you are done with your woodworking projects is a boring task that you should avoid.
Most table saws come with a dust collection shroud to keep your working environment clean.
A dust collection system can hold most of dust and direct it to an outlet port that you can connect to a collection bag or a vacuum.
If you are regularly working inside your garage or workshop, then you will need a table saw with a dust collection system.
5. Safety Features
The best table saw needs to have safety features such as a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a blade guard in place.
Always check for basic safety features when you are buying a new table saw.
6. Construction Quality
This might be the most important factor to consider - the overall quality of your table saw will determine its longevity.
If made from poor quality materials, then you will be forced to upgrade after some time.
Therefore, if you are to make a serious investment in a table saw, you will need to go for one with the best construction quality within your budget.
7. Others
Other factors to consider include:
The above features should form the basis of your choice when it comes to table saws. With plenty of options on the market today, you will need to have a criterion of choosing the best table saw, and the above factors should help you do that.
To further guide you, let’s look at the most recognized brands you can choose from. You can rarely go wrong choosing a table saw from these major brands.
Top Table Saw Brands
1. DeWALT
DeWALT, an American brand, is one of the most respected names in the power tools industry.
Established in 1924, this company has existed for close to a century, and it has been creating quality tools on a consistent basis.
Models such as DWE745 have garnered a massive number of positive reviews from both professionals and consumers.
With DeWALT, you can expect to find quality table saws with great features such as dust collection systems, pinion rip fences, and a whole lot of features that make them stand out.
Besides, it has the most comprehensive coverage on its table saws, averaging 3-year limited warranty on most of its power tools.
2. Bosch
This is among the most popular brands in the world of appliances and tools. While they have majored more on automotive, appliances, and electrical components, they are also a major brand in the power tools industry.
With a strong reputation across Europe and the United States, you can trust power tools from Bosch, as it compares closely to tools from both Makita and DeWALT in terms of quality.
It is another brand beginners can rarely go wrong by choosing their power tools.
Read more —
3. Makita
This brand enjoys as much popularity as DeWALT and although it is a Japanese-owned company, they have manufacturing plants in the US, the UK, China, and Germany.
Known for making a variety of tools, Makita is a recognized brand in the field of power tools. In table saw niche, we can say that Makita comes 3rd after DeWALT and Bosch because of the superiority in rip fence quality.
However, in terms of durability and reliability, both the three brands are almost equal. This is another brand beginner woodworker can rely on.
4. SKIL
Launched in the late 1930s, SKIL has been a powerful name in the power tools industry. They create a wide variety of hand power tools as well as larger tools such as table saws.
This brand is now under Bosch Company and offers tools that are slightly cheaper than Bosch tools. This means that they come 2nd best to tools offered by DeWALT, Makita, and Bosch.
However, this is not to say that their products are of low quality; it means they are budget-friendly tools compared to those offered by the top three brands.
Read more —
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FAQs
What is the safest saw for a beginner?
There are many safe table saws on this list that we could recommend, such as the SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Table Saw and the BOSCH 4100XC-10 10 In. Worksite Table Saw, but the one we’d use is undoubtedly the DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw, our top overall pick.
What is the right amount of money to spend on a table saw?
The average range at which table saws go for is usually between $300 and $600, depending on the quality and the brand.
For a beginner, we’d recommend you not to spend more than $600 since table saws of that quality are usually reserved for more experienced woodworkers, and you probably won’t even use it for the features it comes with.
How do you make an accurate cut with a table saw?
The main thing you have to focus on is the bevel adjustment and getting the feel of the stock by experimenting with it a couple of times.
Each material is different, and it’ll take a while to get used to the speed and the depth you need for an accurate cut, which is why we suggest doing a couple of test cuts with longboards.
How to set up and use a table saw?
Whether you have bought a stationary saw or a portable model, the basic procedures for using a table saw are virtually the same, and so is the installation procedure. Most of the brands we have reviewed in this guide come with a saw.
Before we begin this section, it is important to stress the importance of safety when using this power tool.
A table saw can cause serious injuries if not properly used, and also can produce inferior results if no well-maintained.
Before we talk about how to use a table saw, it is important to familiarize yourself with its parts.
When you unpack your table saw, place it on a level surface - this is very important. You will see a blade which you should insert.
Keep in mind that the arbor nut goes in in a counterclockwise manner since it is a reverse thread.
You will likely find a blade guard, and wood splitter on your table saw, which increases safety. However, the guard may restrict the view of what you are cutting, but it is important to install it as per the instruction provided.
Once you get used to your table saw, you can remove it.
The fence is used for ripping, though it also has several other functions such as cutting tenons. Mount it on the front rail and ensure it slides freely.
After that, tighten the fence lock to secure it. You can always adjust the tension whenever you feel the fence is not moving as you desire.
The crosscut carriage (miter gauge), fits into the slots located near the blade on either side. You can use this to change the slant of the wood in relation to the saw blade.
Lastly, there are two adjustment wheels on the body of the saw you should also check. The front-wheel adjusts the height of the blade while the sideway wheel adjusts the angle of the blade to allow you to cut bevels.
Again, safety is paramount when using a table saw. Therefore, always wear eye protection whenever you are using a table saw.
There are many safety measures you should take when using a table saw - you will get them specified in the owner’s manual.
How to choose the blade that suits the task in hand?
Table saw blades have a 10-inch diameter, although there are table saws using 8-inch and 12-inch blades.
In most cases, manufacturers fit utility saws in the table saw, which is fine for different jobs.
However, if you want to get the most out of your table saw, you need to have a collection of saw blades.
Different saw blades have different teeth, which dictates the type of material they will be cutting.
For instance, blades for cutting plywood or other non-wooden materials have a higher tooth count than those meant for cutting wood. This is to ensure less chip out and a smoother cut.
Final Thoughts
There you have it - your ultimate guide to choosing the best table saw for beginners.
We have done our best to provide you with everything you need to know about table saws and how you can choose the best one for your needs.
As a beginner, of course, your choice stems down to how much you want to spend. However, you need to consider other factors such as the projects you intend to execute, and much more.
Our guide saves you hours, or even days, you could have used to compare different saws in the market.
If you’re still in need of a recommendation, it is the DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Table Saw, without a doubt, our top overall pick.
We do hope you have identified the best table saw for your workshop.
- Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, 2x blade wrenches, blade guard assembly manual
- Other Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22inch | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2inch | Max width of Dado – 13/16inch | Arbor size – 5/8inch | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45inch –...
- Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
- Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- Features a 15.0A high torque motor with the power to cut pressure treated lumber and hardwoods