When you’re just beginning with woodworking, a table saw is one of the most essential and valuable tools for the workshop. It helps you make all sorts of different cuts that would be difficult with other tools. You can do rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, and bevel cuts.
Now, when it comes to table saws, there are different types to choose from: tabletop ones, jobsite ones, contractor models, and those big cabinet saws. Each type is great and has its purpose, but the question is – what are the best table saws for beginners?
Best Overall
Best Heavy Duty
Best Value
When purchasing a table saw as a beginner woodworker you should consider the following questions:
- What do I want to use the table saw for?
- Does it have all the safety features?
- Do I want a stationary or a portable table saw?
It is crucial to know that table saws can be risky, especially if you’re not too familiar with using them. Going for a cheaper model might seem like a money-saver, but it is not a wise move. It is totally worth spending a little more to get a quality table saw.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a much better understanding of the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each table saw and you’ll be able to easily decide which beginner table saw is the best for you. These are my top recommendations, let’s take a look at those in more detail.
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What I Look For in a Table Saw for Woodworking
| Type of Table Saw | Stationary vs portable table saw? |
| Table Saw Safety | What safety features does it have? Does it have a blade guard, riving knife, and a safety power switch? |
| Table Saw Power | What is the power of the motor? What are the materials you want to cut? |
| Table Size | What is the size of the table? What is the crosscut and rip capacity? |
| Rip Fence Quality | What is the rip fence made of? Can you easily adjust it? |
The Best Table Saws for Beginners Overview
For those just starting, all of these are perfect table saws for woodworking. I’ve been using the Dewalt DWE7491RS for quite a while, and it is a fantastic power tool. However, any of the other choices won’t let you down either:
- Best Overall – DeWalt DWE7491RS 10″ Jobsite Table Saw
- Best Heavy Duty – SKIL SPT99-11 10″ Heavy Duty Table Saw
- Best Value – DeWalt DWE7485 8 1/4″ Compact Table Saw
- Best Portable – BOSCH 10″ Worksite Table Saw
- Best Budget – Ridgid R4550 Portable Jobsite Table Saw
Let’s take a look at the specific models in more detail.
The Best Beginner Table Saw Comparison
| Table Saw | Power | RPM | Blade Size | Rip Capacity | Dado Capacity | Saw Type |
| DeWalt DWE7491RS | 15 Amps | 4800 | 10 Inch | 32.5 Inch | 13/16 Inch | Portable |
| SKIL SPT99-11 | 15 Amps | 5000 | 10 Inch | 30.5 Inch | 13/16 Inch | Portable |
| DeWalt DWE7485 | 15 Amps | 5800 | 8.25 Inch | 24.5 Inch | 3/8 Inch | Portable |
| BOSCH 10 | 15 Amps | 3650 | 10 Inch | 30 Inch | 13/16 Inch | Portable |
| Ridgid R4550 | 15 Amps | 5000 | 10 Inch | 32 Inch | 11/16 Inch | Portable |
What is The Best Table Saw for Beginners?
These are my top picks for the best starter table saws for your workshop.
1. DeWalt DWE7491RS 10" Jobsite Table Saw
Photo: amazon.com
Power: 15 Amps
Rip Capacity: 32.5 Inch
Blade Size: 10 Inch
- Easily portable with a wheeled stand
- Handles a wide range of wood types
- Ample rip capacity for larger cuts
- An adjustable and sturdy fence
- 3-year warranty
- Slightly pricier than similar alternatives
- Heavier compared to some models
- Miter gauge could be better
Why I Picked It
The DeWalt DWE7491RS features a 15-amp motor, making it easy to cut through soft and hard woods alike, and with a cutting depth of 3.125 inches, it handles various materials effortlessly.
As for safety features, the saw contains a riving knife, an oversized stop button, and a blade guard – all working together to keep you safe while making cuts.
What I love about this saw is its fence. The movement and adjustments are fantastic. You set it in position, lock it down and it stays stable.
Although it is a bit heavier, in comparison to other similar saws, it is stable. I don’t see it as a drawback; everything fits, is it stable and there is no wobble when cutting. Thanks to the wheeled stand, it is easily portable and ready to take anywhere.
Rack & Pinion Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
I highly recommend this saw. I’ve been using the DeWalt DWE7491RS for a few years and there are no drawbacks, on the contrary. It offers robust power to cut through any hardwoods, has great precision, thanks to its fence, and features all the safety features you need. Also, it has an impressive rip capacity to handle any larger projects. If you’re a beginner, looking for the best table saw, this is it.
2. SKIL SPT99-11 10" Heavy Duty Table Saw
Photo: amazon.com
Power: 15 Amps
Rip Capacity: 30.5 Inch
Blade Size: 10 Inch
- Potent 15 amp worm drive motor
- Large 16″ wheels for mobility
- Effective dust collection
- 30.5″ rip capacity for larger wood
- Essential safety features
- Sturdy construction for precision cuts
- Limited 1-year warranty
- Slightly heavier than others
- Rip fence quality could improve
Why I Picked It
The SKIL SPT99-11 combines durability and precision for any woodworking task. With a 15-amp motor and 3-⅝ inch cutting depth, it easily handles different types of wood, ensuring accurate and clean cuts.
The saw allows for easy movement around your workspace or job sites thanks to its large wheels. One of the great features is the worm drive motor, which offers increased torque for exceptional cutting power.
The saw comes with a riving knife, blade guard, and anti-kickback pawls to ensure necessary safety. The 30.5″ rip capacity provides versatility for larger wood pieces, supported by the included push stick.
Worm drive gearing delivers superior torque with 3-5/8 inch depth of cut and 30-1/2 inch rip capacity on the table saw
3. DeWalt DWE7485 8 1/4" Compact Table Saw
Photo: amazon.com
Power: 15 Amps
Rip Capacity: 24.5
Blade Size: 8.25 Inch
- Lightweight and portable
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- All essential safety features
- High-quality blade included
- Limited rip capacity compared to larger saws
- No stand included
- Lack of dust collection system
- Incompatibility with Dado blades
Why I Picked It
The DEWALT DWE7485 Table Saw is a great combination of portability and power, making it a great choice for beginners and DIYers. This table saw is an excellent investment, it doesn’t cost much and provides the desired performance.
This saw is equipped with a robust 15-amp motor and a 24.5-inch rip capacity which makes it strong enough to cuts through various types of wood with ease. All safety features are there – the anti-kickback pawls, a blade guard, and a riving knife.
Despite its tabletop design without a stand, its lightweight construction allows for easy movement, making it a fantastic option for small workshops or on-the-go projects.
In a nutshell, the DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Table Saw nails that sweet spot between power, precision, and easy moving around, making it a great pick for anyone starting with woodworking.
4. BOSCH 10" Worksite Table Saw
Photo: amazon.com
Power: 15 Amps
Rip Capacity: 30 Inch
Blade Size: 10 Inch
- Convenient portability with the wheeled stand.
- Powerful 15-amp motor
- Smart Guard System safety system
- Aluminum table top
- Soft-start circuity
- Demands level ground for optimal performance
- Slower Blade Speed may cause problems when cutting hardwood
Why I Picked It
The Bosch 4100-10 is a 10-inch table saw that features a 15-amp motor, which reaches 3,650 RPM for effortless and smooth cuts of different types of materials but it is not as powerful as the other table saws above. The aluminum top supports larger sheets thanks to its 30-inch rip capacity.
It rolls on its wheeled stand, it is easy to set up thanks to the gravity-rise system, making it easy to adjust to your preferred height.
One of the great features is the high-quality self-aligning fence that makes rip cuts much easier and the soft-start capability that slowly powers the motor.
15-amp motor, which reaches 3,650 RPM for effortless and smooth cuts
5. Ridgid R4550 Portable Jobsite Table Saw
Photo: ridgid.com
Power: 15 Amps
Rip Capacity: 32 Inch
Blade Size: 10 Inch
- Value for money – great price point
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- All necessary safety features
- Onboard storage
- The stand could be sturdier
- Limited portability, no wheels included
Why I Picked It
If you are looking for a versatile, portable, and compact table saw, then the Ridgid R4550 might be your perfect match. With a 30″ capacity you will be able to easily rip larger sheets of wood. All safety features like a riving knife, blade guard, push stick, and anti-kickback pawls are present, plus, the table saw also features a rapid blade brake that stops the saw in just 4 seconds.
With its robust 15 amp motor, it effortlessly slices through different types of wood. The inclusion of a high-quality carbide-tipped blade and onboard storage ensures an organized workspace, allowing you to concentrate on your projects.
Wrap Up
To wrap up, the selection of table saws for beginning woodworkers presented here offers a range of great options. While each saw brings its strengths to the table, my personal favorite is the DeWalt DWE7491RS, mainly because of its impressive features.
The saw is powerful enough to cut through any type of wood, has a large ripping capacity, and contains all safety features. Pretty much everything you need to start with.
I’ve had the pleasure of using this table saw for a good while now, and I couldn’t be happier with it. I also invested in a few additional saw blades, which have further improved my working experience. The adjustable fence is a standout feature I really appreciate. On the flip side, the included miter gauge isn’t perfect. It gets the job done, but don’t expect flawless outcomes. Thankfully, you have the option to swap it out for a higher-quality one if you desire.
How about also adding a push block to your workshop? Best push blocks for a table saw.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Table Saw?
When picking for the best beginner table saw, it’s vital to focus on key factors before making a purchase. Evaluating your project needs or usage will guide you in selecting the ideal table saw that perfectly suits your tasks.
Type
- Jobsite: These are compact and portable, designed for on-the-go woodworking tasks. They are lightweight and often come with folding stands, making them easy to transport to different job sites. Despite their smaller size, job site table saws are equipped with powerful motors and adjustable features, making them a great choice for contractors and for starting woodworkers.
- Cabinet: These are heavy-duty, stationary table saws built for professional woodworking shops. They are known for their precision and are ideal for handling large woodworking projects. Cabinet saws feature powerful motors, and large cutting capacities, ensuring consistent and accurate cuts. These saws are a top choice for serious woodworkers who require exceptional performance and reliability.
Power
The muscle behind your table saw is its power and motor. There are two main types you’ll come across:
- Direct Drive: These motors are compact and lightweight, directly attached to the blade. They’re great for portability and smaller tasks. You will find them typically on contractor table saws.
- Belt Drive: These motors use a belt and pulley system to connect to the blade. They’re more powerful and better for heavy-duty work, typically running cabinet saws.
Power is measured in horsepower (HP) or amps. It’s like the engine size of your saw – the higher the horsepower or amps, the more oomph you’ve got. This matters because it affects how smoothly and efficiently your saw cuts through different materials.
When picking a table saw, consider what you’ll be working on. For light DIY projects, a direct drive with lower horsepower might be sufficient. For serious and demanding woodworking, a belt drive with more power is your best bet.
Table Size
When talking about table saws, think about their size – it matters a lot! Not only does it decide if it fits in your workspace, but also what projects you can make.
- Ripping capacity is about how wide you can cut wood along its length. This is important for jobs like chopping boards or making wide stuff. Bigger ripping capacity means you can tackle huge tasks like building shelves or framing. If you want a new table saw, pay attention to the ripping capacity – it makes sense to get a saw with a larger ripping capacity.
- Crosscut capacity is about how wide you can cut wood across its width. This is key for jobs like trimming or creating precise angles. Think of it as your tool for making clean and accurate cuts for intricate designs or picture frames.
Most table saws have ripping capacities from about 24 to 32 inches on average. This is great for many regular woodworking jobs. For example, a 24-inch ripping capacity is perfect for standard plywood sheets. But if you’re dealing with larger materials, go for a table saw with a bigger ripping capacity, like 30 inches or more. It gives you the power to handle large pieces smoothly. Remember, the right size and capacity open doors to all sorts of projects!
Safety Features
When using a table saw, stability is crucial. Cheaper models may lack the stability needed for safe operation. Making sure your table saw is properly set up and stable is one of the basic steps in preventing accidents.
Several safety features are designed to keep you safe while using a table saw:
- Push Sticks and Push Blocks: These handy tools keep your hands at a safe distance from the blade when making narrow cuts. They help prevent accidental contact, reducing the risk of injury.
- Riving Knife: A riving knife is a vertical metal blade positioned behind the table saw blade. It prevents the wood from pinching the blade, reducing the chance of kickback, where the wood is thrown back toward you.
- Blade Guard: This protective cover shields the blade, preventing accidental contact. It’s a crucial safety feature, especially when the blade isn’t in use.
Blade
Basic types of table saw blades do specific jobs. There are ripping blades for lengthwise cuts, crosscut blades for widthwise cuts, dado blades for grooves and slots, and others.
When you get a table saw, it usually comes with a blade. But here’s the thing: the blade’s quality matters a lot. Sometimes, it’s smart to switch to a better blade. Even if your table saw is top-notch, a not-so-great blade can lead to disappointing results. Investing in a good blade makes a huge difference.
A top-quality blade makes smoother, cleaner, and more precise cuts, which ultimately leads to better results.
Fence
Another crucial factor to think about is the ripping fence. It runs right alongside the blade and helps you keep your piece of wood steady and in line for precise cuts.
- Stability and Positioning: The fence must be stable and secure to prevent any movement while you’re working. Easy adjustability is crucial – you want to move it smoothly into the desired position and lock it there firmly.
- Parallel Alignment: One of the most critical aspects is making sure the fence is perfectly parallel to the blade. This alignment ensures that your cuts are straight and accurate, eliminating the risk of uneven or skewed results.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve got you covered with all the essential info – check out the FAQs below to clear any doubts.
Is a table saw worth it?
Yes, absolutely. It’s a fundamental tool for any workshop, highly versatile, and capable of various cuts.
What types of cuts can I make with a table saw?
Many types, including rip cuts along the length of the wood; crosscuts across the wood’s width; miter cuts for angled joints; bevel cuts for angled edges; dados, grooves, and rabbets for joints and decorative edges; square cuts, and even circles with the right technique.
What is the biggest danger when working with a table saw?
The primary danger is kickback, which occurs when the wood binds or pinches the blade and is forcefully thrown back toward the operator. This can result in serious injury.
What are the basic safety rules when using a table saw?
Wear proper safety gear, keep hands clear of the blade, utilize a push stick or jig for narrower cuts, and make sure the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls are installed and operational.
Should I buy a cheap table saw?
Safety should be the top priority, especially with a table saw. It’s advisable to invest in a quality product that meets safety standards, has an aligned blade and fence, is powerful enough for different materials, and features securely tightened components.
