5 Best Cabinet Table Saws of 2022 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

a cabinet table saw

Before buying a cabinet table saw ask some questions from yourself. How much you need this in the future, Do you have a big budget or Do you have enough space to store it? If the answer to the above questions is yes then you must go for it. Cabinet saws (like a Unisaw) are best from the contractor and portable saws. They are damn expensive so make sure you commit to a tool like this.

We know that you want to read a lot of reviews before making a decision. If you really want to become a serious woodworker then these handful options will help you to make the best possible purchase decision.

Our 5 Favorite Cabinet Table Saw – Comparison

Model
Weight
Ratings
#1. SawStop PCS31230-TGP252
SawStop PCS31230-TGP252
Editor's Choice

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525 lbs


4.9/5
#2. Powermatic PM1000"

Powermatic PM1000

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418 lbs


4.8/5
#3. Grizzly G0690
Grizzly G0690
Value for Money

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530 lbs


4.6/5
#4. Jet 708674PK

Jet 708674PK

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490 lbs


4.3/5
#5. Delta 36-L552

Delta 36-L552

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650 lbs


4.2/5

5 Best Cabinet Table Saws – Reviews 2022


1. SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw – Top Pick

SawStop PCS31230TGP252

The SawStop PCS31230 – TGP252 landed in our top place because of its safety features. It comes with the SawStop Safety System, which stops the blade and drops it below the table the second it detects skin contact. This feature is second-to-none at preventing accidents.

Powerful 3 HP motor is strong enough for most uses. The 52-inch T-Glide Fence System on this cabinet table saw is made out of thick gauge steel which decreases deflection and improves operation. This table saw comes in 3 different variants (30″, 36″ and 52″) based on rip capacity & Fence assembly. A riving knife that protects you from the non-through cuts and minimized kickback.

The 4-inch dust collection port on the back of the saw captures 99% of all sawdust created. You won’t have to worry about excessive amounts of sawdust in your workspace or the air. All the Sawstop professional and industrial cabinet saws come with a miter gauge made from steel and cast aluminum.

This saw is made with some of the thickest arbors of any saw in its class, making it extremely durable. Open gearing helps prevent dust compaction and makes operation easier. The true poly V-ribbed belts operate very quietly and produce minimum vibration. This makes cuts extremely accurate and saves your ears. It also comes with a rail and an extension table that actually supports the material while you are cutting to the right of the blade.

This saw is compatible with the Professional Integrated Mobile Base, which adds wheels and makes this cabinet saw mobile. This compatibility allows you to move the saw around your shop easily.

Pros
  • Patented safety system to detect accidental contact in milliseconds
  • Maximum dust collection
  • Durable cast-iron table
  • Exceptional customer service
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Blade guard dust collector is poorly designed

2. Powermatic Cabinet Table-Saw (PM1000) – The Runner-Up

Powermatic PM1000

At first, we think to give the top ranking to Powermatic PM1000 because it’s the most accurate saw used by professionals. Other than providing you maximum 30-inch rip cut, this Accu fence is very easy to adjust to line up with the miter slots.

The Powermatic PM1000 cabinet table saw requires only the standard, 155V outlet. The other competing models require your shop to wired with a 220V outlet. In the event of an mishap, you will have no problem reaching the hands-free power switch. You can shut the whole thing down in a matter of milliseconds. 

The blade surround and collection hose do a very good job at picking up dust. It doesn’t do quite as well as the SawStop, but you still won’t have to worry about excessive amounts of dust floating around.

The guard assembly requires absolutely no tools and each side moves independently. It is easy to use and helps maximize safety. The miter gauge pivots to 60 degrees in either direction allowing you to make a variety of cuts with minimum effort. 

Without putting any strain on your hand, this ergonomically designed 7-inch hand wheels will make blade height and bevel adjustment very easy.

Even though this machine is worth every penny but other than the easy set up it is difficult for us to adjust the riving knife.

Pros
  • Comes with fence system & riving knife
  • 5-year warranty for residential; 2-year for commercial applications
  • Hands-free power switch
Cons
  • Underpowered for hardwoods

3. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw with Riving Knife – Best for the Money

Grizzly G0690

The Grizzly G0690 is one of the more inexpensive cabinet saw models out there. It is constructed with heavy cast iron, making it very durable. You won’t have to worry about this saw wearing down anytime soon. The easy-glide T-square type fence system comes with knurled knobs and nylon runners to make adjustments quick, easy, and accurate. The cast iron table is made with remarkable precision, leading to more accurate cuts. 

The quick-release riving knife moves and tilts with the blade. It does a very good job of preventing kickback and maximizing safety. The blade guard is easy to mount and use. It is also quick releasing, allowing you to quickly take it off as necessary without cutting corners on safety. 

This machine does a pretty good job of collecting dust with its 4-inch port. You will not need to clean up your workspace after every cut. With a 3 HP motor, this table saw can handle most types of wood while providing you max rip cut of 29½ inch. It comes with heavy cast handwheels, magnetic switch, & T-slot miter gauge.

Sadly, this saw is somewhat difficult to put together. Plan on dedicating quite a bit of time to decode the directions and get it assembled. It also does not come with levelers on the legs, so you will have to purchase a separate piece of equipment if your floor is uneven.

Pros
  • Good for money
  • 4-inch dust port
  • starter cabinet saw
Cons
  • Difficult assembly
  • Requires some tuning

4. Jet 708674PK XACTASAW Deluxe Table Saw

Jet 708674PK

The Jet 708674PK is a good cabinet table saw; it just isn’t a GREAT. That’s why we put it in 4th place. It is expensive for the number of features like it provides an accurate fence system with 30 inch rip capacity. This table saw is made with high-quality cast iron which will make it long-lasting. A quick-release riving knife helps reduce kickback, improving overall safety.

The arbor lock features a unique push-button system, allowing you to change the blade with (literally) the press of a button. A left-tilt, heavy-duty trunnion provides extra stability and makes positioning the blade much easier. For the safety of the operator, the rail-mounted magnetic switch is provided in reach while providing overload protection. Also, its independent leaf safety system also protects you from the blade while cutting.

One of our favorite features was the Poly-V drive belt system features a single, continuous belt, which helps cut down on noise and vibrations. The cabinet is completely enclosed and comes with a built-in storage drawer to keep all your accessories within easy reach that also includes an on-board fence and miter gauge storage. This drawer is sealed, so you won’t have to worry about dust building up inside. 

The worst thing about this saw, however, was the assembly. You need both metric and SAE tools, which makes putting this saw together difficult and frustrating. If you’re like us, you won’t even have all of the tools you need on hand. 

Pros
  • Durable construction
  • Riving Knife System for reducing kickback risk
  • Arbor lock for fast blade changes
  • Blade guard is just amazing
Cons
  • Not a great value

5. Delta 36-L552 5 HP Unisaw Table Saw (Cabinet version)

Delta 36-L552 5 HP Unisaw

The Delta 36-L552 features a whopping 5-horsepower motor – the most powerful cabinet saw out all. This engine has more than enough power to cut through basically anything and is a little bit of an overkill for most homeowners and DIYers, hence a bit expensive tool out of all. The cabinet is constructed out of cast-iron and is quite large. It provides a lot of stability to the saw itself due to its 52-Inch BIESEMEYER fence system and is very durable. 

There are two front cranks that adjust the blade height and bevel while being easy to use and accurate. For extra finetuning, there is a bevel dial that lets you carefully adjust the angle of the blade, providing accuracy within ¼ of a degree. For improving the blade line of sight while cutting, there is a Tool-free split guard provided.

For improving the overall cutting and to provide smooth operation, there is a single cast trunnion system, which also prevents excessive vibrations. There is an on-board miter gauge storage is provided on the side of the cabinet.

The main issue with this table saw is lacking customer service and quality control also it comes with a cheap extension table.

Pros
  • Most Powerful Motor
  • A monster with incredible accuracy
  • Simple blade changing process with Arbor lock
Cons
  • Pretty expensive
  • Poor customer service
  • Missing parts upon delivery
  • Takes a lot of time to align the riving knife

How To Choose Cabinet Table Saw – Buying Guide

If you have really decided to purchase a cabinet table saw then you must know that this is not for the weekend warrior, only for serious woodworking needs.

You must have known that they are expensive with costs that reach up to thousands of dollars. Being so costly, they are built to last long even more than your own life. Your cabinet saw will even pass the life of any other saw you own ever. You must read the tips shared below to get an idea for a worthy purchase.


Power

The more power a cabinet table saw has, the thicker and harder woods it is going to be able to cut. Most cabinet saw motor have about three horsepower. This is more than enough to cut nearly every type of wood. The average professional and homeowner are not going to need more than that. 

Still, you can always find cabinet table saws like the Delta 36-L552 which comes with a five horsepower engine. Saws with more strength can generally cut faster and have less of a chance of getting bogged down. However, more power usually also means a higher price tag. So, we do not typically recommend choosing a table saw over three horsepower unless you need the extra oomph. 

Some people might be able to get away with less than 3 HP. If you aren’t going to be cutting thick or hard pieces of wood, less horsepower is likely okay for your purposes. Most home DIYers don’t need that much power unless they’re planning on cutting thick pieces of wood. Still, if you’re in doubt, choose a table saw with at least three horsepower. 

You also need to take into account how much power your workshop is built to support. Most cabinet table saws require at least 240 volts, which is more than the average outlet has.

woman using cabinet table saw

Stability

The last thing you want is your cabinet saw breaking or moving while you’re using it. They weigh more than 100 pounds to 500 pounds. In most cases, you should expect them to outlast you. However, some saws are made with low-quality materials that tend to break or wear down. Your best bet is to choose a saw with a cast iron table and heavy-duty trunnions. Any table extensions should be cast iron as well. 

Furthermore, you also want your cabinet saw to be sturdy and stable. Any movement while you’re cutting can lead to an unfortunate accident. Saws with uneven legs or poor designs can rock or even break while you’re using them, so find one that distributes its weight well. A lighter cabinet saw with equal weight and the proper footing is better than heavier option.

Accuracy

An inaccurate table saw isn’t going to do you much good. While cabinet saws are not typically used for extremely detailed or accurate work, they still need to be on-the-money when it comes to accuracy. Luckily, most cabinet saws are pretty accurate. Since these saws have much powerful motor and heavy as well so they don’t compromise with the quality of the project. The immobile, bigger, and heavier models are more accurate. So, if this is one of your top priorities, any of the top-rated cabinet saws we reviewed should be sufficient. In general, the more heavy and high-quality the saw, the more accurate it tends to be.

With that said, if you’re interested in a different saw, be sure to check that the fence and table are of high-quality since these features tend to have the most significant impact. Do check our table saw rip fence buying guide.

The amount of vibration the machine produces will also affect. Our runner-up option Powermatic PM1000 has a poly-v belt that reduces vibrations. It is always best to work with a saw which has reduced vibrations.

Safety

Most of the woodworking accidents happen with table saws. They are less safe and to work, you need to put your hand near the sharp bigger blade. Even after using various technologies in a table saw, the matter is still dragging. So the saw manufacturers make this their primary objective to increase the safety standards. When you’re using any cabinet saw, safety should be your priority. One wrong move and you can find yourself missing a finger or two.

Many saws come with a variety of safety features that help prevent injury. Blade guards are very common and prevent you from accidentally touching the blade. Many machines also have an easy-to-reach kill switch that cuts off power to the saw when pressed, preventing further injury once you’ve touched it. 

One of the most impressive safety features we’ve encountered is on the SawStop PCS31230TGP252, our top pick. When the blade is touched, this saw automatically cuts off power and drops the blade, nearly preventing injury altogether. While this saw is one of the most expensive we reviewed, the added insurance of this safety feature is hard to beat. 

Dust Collection

The FDA lists sawdust as a carcinogen. Not only does it get everywhere, but it can also enter our lungs and cause long-term problems. Dust collection isn’t just a matter of preference – it’s a safety concern. 

In truth, most cabinet saws do not have excellent dust collection port. Luckily, the saws we reviewed had sound dust collection systems. If you buy one of the top-rated saws we looked at, you won’t be disappointed. 

If you’re considering purchasing another saw, though, you should take a moment to read about this feature. Larger ports are usually better. However, if you aren’t going to use the cabinet saw often, you might be able to get away with a smaller system.

Blades

The blades that come with most saws are just poor quality. In most cases, they’re thrown in as an afterthought. Sometimes, you will find a saw with a good blade, but these are few and far between. Because of this, we recommend switching out whatever blade comes with your saw based on your work.

Instead, you should focus on what blades a particular cabinet saw is compatible with. Some saws are only compatible with blades that come from the same brand, which limits your blade options. Others can only take one size blade, while others can take multiple sizes. Generally, the more blades a saw can accept, the better.

Size

Cabinet saws are huge. They take up large amount of space. You cannot simply pack up and move it to the side when you’re done with it. It is going to be sitting in its spot for a very long time. Still, some saws take up more room than others. If you have limited space in your workshop, this is something essential to keep in mind. Be sure to check dimensions before purchasing anything. The last thing you want to do is buy a saw that can’t fit into your work area. 

You also need to take into account where this saw is going to be delivered. It is going to take up pallets – plural. That requires a decently large area that is easily accessible from the road. Have where you want the saw delivered planned out ahead of time. It’ll make the assembly process go much smoother. 

Price

These saws are expensive. Of course, some are more expensive than others, but they are all going to cost thousands of dollars. While you definitely shouldn’t try to cut corners when purchasing a cabinet saw, some are cheaper than others. Out of all the saws we reviewed, the Grizzly G0690 is the most affordable cabinet saw with high-quality. 

If you choose any of the above, it will even last more than your life.

Conclusion

SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 is our best cabinet table saw. The safety features & dust collection system it comes with are of the professional cabinet saw level. For that reason alone, we cannot recommend it enough. It might be a little more expensive, but the extra money is worth it. 

Are you looking for something a little less expensive? Then you might want to consider the Grizzly G0690 cabinet table saw. This saw still costs a pretty much, but it is not nearly as expensive as some other options. Plus, it still performs quite well and is a worthy addition to any workshop.

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About the Author David Vieria

David has been a woodworker for most of his life — in his dad’s cabinet shop. After using the tools himself, he decided to share it his woodworking and power tools knowledge with DIYers. Read more about him

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