5 Best Table Saws for Woodworking in 2022 – Top Picks & Reviews

Every woodworker needs a good table saw because it is perhaps the most versatile of all woodworking machines. It can rip, square, dado, and do nearly anything else that requires cutting pieces of wood – if you purchase a good table saw at least. With the growth of online shopping, more and more table saws have appeared on the market. One the one hand, this provides you with plenty of options, so you’re more likely to find a saw that best fits your needs. On the other hand, however, this abundance of saws also means there are more to sort through.

To help you wade through the sea of table saws, we’ve reviewed five of the top-rated saws on the market. We carefully tested and detailed each model, so you can make an educated buying decision. We also researched and wrote a complete buyer’s guide designed to provide you with all the knowledge you need to make the best purchase you can. 

Comparison of our Favorite Picks

5 Best Table Saws – Reviews 2022

1. Shop Fox W1819 Table Saw – Top Pick

Out of all the options, the Shop Fox W1819 is one of the best table saws on the market. We were very impressed with the overall power of this saw.

With a 3 HP Leeson motor, 29-1/2 in. rip capacity and triple belt drive system, this saw outperforms nearly all of the competition when it comes to sheer power. Despite the high power, it did not vibrate much. It is built with high-quality materials that are made to last. This saw felt very solid during our tests and we have no doubt that it’ll perform for years to come. 

We particularly loved the large variety of safety system on this table saw. The Shop Fox W1819 includes a clear polycarbonate shield to prevent you from accidentally touching the blade and anti-kickback pawls on each side of the spreader to prevent as much kickback as possible. If the workpiece tries to move backward due to kickback, the pawls will dig into it and slow it down significantly. 

Set up was not difficult for this machine, unlike many other saws. After thoroughly reading the directions, we did not have much difficulty putting this saw together at all. The only complaint we have is that the drawn sketches used to explain how the machine is put together were not of the best quality. Pictures would have been much more suitable. However, this small hitch did not completely ruin our assembly experience. 

The only true complaint we have about the saw itself is the blade that comes with it. It is not the best blade out there and can really drag down the saw’s performance. We highly recommend purchasing a replacement blade if you decide to go with this saw. The extra money spent will be worth it by far. 

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2. DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw – 

The 15-amp motor on this DEWALT DWE7491RS ensures that it has plenty of power. It easily cut through everything we threw at it during testing. It is also made of high-quality materials that do not feel or look cheap. The whole system felt very solid while we were using it, so we doubt you’ll have any problems. 

With the 32-1/2″ rip capacity it can easily cut a variety of larger shelving and trim materials.

Despite this high power and durability though, this saw is very easy to move around. Whether you just need to wheel it around your workshop or move it from job site to job site, this saw has you covered. It comes with a rolling stand that is designed to make transportation very easily.

The wheels are very heavy-duty and easily navigate steps, curbs, and other obstacles. The saw even features an onboard storage system to safely store the Site-Pro guard components and push stick while in transport. 

While this saw is great in many respects, there were a couple of things that could be better. Depending on the projects you have in mind, this could be way too small.

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3. Bosch 4100-09 Tablesaw

Compared to other models, this one is substantially cheaper. If you’re looking for a basic beginner level saw that can make some simple cuts, this one might be perfect for you. It comes with an innovative collapsible stand that makes it easy to adjust the height. This stand also makes the saw somewhat portable, though it wasn’t nearly as easy to transport as the DEWALT DW7491RS Table Saw.

If portability is extremely important for you, we would not recommend this saw. However, the little added portability is a nice feature in the event that you need to temporarily move your workshop. The folding stand also makes this saw easy to store away if you need to save the space.

This saw also comes with many of the safety features you would expect. It includes a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls to prevent accidental injuries, as well as a blade guard.

We do have a couple of negative things to say about this saw, however. Both the blade and riving knife were far from square when we unpacked it. We had to spend quite a long time trying to line them up correctly. Luckily, this problem is 100% fixable; it just took a little more time than we would have liked to spend.

Furthermore, when the machine is folded, all of the gravity rests on the wheels and frame. Over time, we can easily see how the frame could become damaged, especially if you’re transporting this saw around often. We recommend getting something to protect the frame if you decide to purchase this saw. 

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4. DEWALT DW745 – Best Table Saw for the Money

DEWALT DW745 is designed for optimal portability and is extremely inexpensive. Plus, it was designed by Dewalt, who is well known for making good tools. In many ways, this saw did live up to our expectations. It is powerful with a 15-amp motor and comparable to even high-end saws. It had no problem cutting all of our test pieces. 

The tabletop design does lend itself to portability. However, this is quite heavy, as you would expect a saw to be. You can pick it up and carry it, but this is a lot harder than pushing a saw with wheels around.

This saw is much more suited to being moved from room to room than transported over long distances. We appreciated that unique design, but it didn’t quite live up to the vision. The compact design does make it very easy to store though, which is something you can’t say for most saws. If you don’t have much room in your workspace, this saw could be just what you need. 

Setting up this saw was very easy. In fact, it didn’t really require much assembly at all. The manual was pretty clear on all the instructions, though there were a few parts that were somewhat confusing. Aligning the blade was a little more difficult than we would have liked, but it is certainly doable. 

The largest disappointment on this saw is the miter gauge. Simply put, it doesn’t work. It is difficult to slide around on the tracks and isn’t very accurate when you do manage to get it into position. 

This table saw is also our no#1 pick in under 500 category. You can check out other table saws for under $500.

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5. WEN 3720 15A Table-Saw with Rolling Stand

In most of our testing, WEN stands out as a company that makes inexpensive, yet high-performing tools. However, this was not one of those times. This table saw was okay. It got most of the jobs done that we threw at it but did not leave a lasting impression.

It has a 15-amp motor, so it does have enough power for most jobs. The 26-inch rip capacity is pretty good and the bevel on this saw worked pretty well. 

However, the internal dust collection on this machine is sub-par. Even with a shop vac attached to the dust port, dust still got everywhere. This is not a saw you use indoors.

The blade also moves side to side when you raise and lower it, which can be very frustrating. The outer protective coating on this saw is basically worthless as well. You can scratch it off with your fingernail. 

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Buying Guide

While we did review five of the most popular table saws on the market, we do understand that there are countless other options out there. Even with our reviews, it can be difficult to figure out which saw is the right one for you unless you arm yourself with the appropriate knowledge. We put together this complete buyer’s guide to help you accomplish just that. For all the information you could possibly ever need about table saws, keep reading.

Table Saw Types

It is important to be aware of the different types of table saws. Each of these types has its own pros and cons; one type is not always better than another. The type of saw someone else needs might not necessarily be the best one for you. 

Portable

The best portable table saw is not designed to be the most powerful or accurate. Instead, the emphasis is placed on ease of transportation. If you travel from job site to job site or don’t have a set workspace, this type of table saw might be the best one for you. They are of two types: the benchtop table saw and rolling table saw. 

Benchtop table saws are usually small and light enough to carry around from place to place. They are designed to be placed on a separate saw stand or on a workbench, as the name suggests. They have a very small footprint and don’t take up much space, making these table saws useful for small shops. These models are also usually cheaper than others thanks to their smaller size. 

However, their tiny size also means that their cutting capacity is far smaller than other options. They do not have a large ripping capacity and therefore might not be able to perform some jobs.

On the other hand, rolling table saws have wheels that make it easier to move them from place to place. They might fold, though many models do not. There are some folding models that do not have wheels, but these are much rarer than other variants. The main difference between these models and the benchtop models is that these can be used without a separate table. They have legs attached to the base of the saw. 

These saws are going to be most useful to those that need a saw to travel with them. Most people with set workshop spaces are not going to benefit much from these saws. With that said, because most portable table saws are smaller and cheaper, they are sometimes utilized by those with set workspaces. 

Contractor

Contractor table saws are designed to be used by contractors. They are somewhat portable actual ones.They do not usually have folding legs or wheels. Instead, the saw itself is usually mounted on to a four-legged stand that helps keep the saw stable. They are typically lighter weight than cabinet saws, while not quite as light as portable saws. In most cases, these saws are a good “in-between” option. 

Despite their somewhat easily moving nature, these saws usually require at least two people to move them. In many cases, they can weigh upwards of 200 pounds. They are on the very outer edge of portability. If portability is extremely important to you, we recommend choosing a portable saw instead. 

Contractor saws are powerful and accurate. If you have a lot of work or need to be exceedingly accurate, this type of saw is a good option. In other words, if you’re a contractor, get a contractor saw. If you aren’t, another type of saw will probably suit you better. 

Cabinet Saw

The best cabinet table saws are large, bulky and designed to be used by professional woodworkers. These are not saws that can be transported easily. In fact, just getting them into the workshop, to begin with often requires a crew of people. They have tons of power, more than any other type of table saw. Typically made out of steel and cast iron, they are very durable and built to last a long time. Their bulkiness makes them vibrate relatively little, which can improve accuracy. 

These saws are huge. They have much larger footprints than other saws and are not designed to be moved at all. You will have to dedicate a decent amount of space in your workshop for this type of saw. Of course, this also means they have a large cutting capacity, which makes working with larger pieces of wood possible. 

To suit their large size, cabinet saws usually have a large, powerful motor. Because of this, most require a 220-volt circuit as opposed to the usual outlet. You will have to hire an electrician to get this done. This extra step combined with a cabinet saw’s usually high price makes this type one of the most expensive to purchase and install. The price tag on these units can be thousands of dollars – not counting the crew and electrician you will need to install it. Purchasing this type of saw is not for the faint of heart. 

Overall, cabinet saws are the best type you can purchase. They have tons of power, cut accurately, and vibrate very little. However, this does not make them the best saw for everyone. They are also expensive and decidedly unportable. 

Table Flatness

A flat table is essential if you’re aiming for accurate, consistent cuts. A warped table can cause inaccuracies and inconsistencies in your final workpiece. Even a warp that isn’t visible to the naked eye can be problematic. While warps don’t always cause inaccuracy, they definitely can depend on their position. Therefore, it is important to consider the flatness of a saw’s table before purchasing it. 

Sadly, this is much harder than it might appear. Many minor warps are not obviously visible to the naked eye. Plus, when you’re shopping online, it isn’t possible to give the saw a once over before purchasing it. 

Luckily, there are a couple of different ways you can judge a table’s flatness before purchasing it. High-quality saws usually have flatter tables. While this isn’t the case all the time, it is true more often than it isn’t. If a saw is well made overall, the table probably will be too. 

Sticking with the saws we included in our reviews is another easy way to avoid tables with warps. All of the saws we listed had decently flat tables, so you should be safe if you purchase one of them. 

The material the table is made with is another big hint. Cast iron tables are less likely to have warps than those made with other materials. This is partly because saws with cast iron tables are usually just better made. But it is also harder to wrap a cast iron table. 

Fence

Just like the table itself, the table saw fence system is essential to getting any sort of accuracy. Without an accurate fence, it is nearly impossible to make any sort of accurate cut. 

Unfortunately, this is the most common feature companies get wrong. For whatever reason, most fences are just poor quality. Even if you’re spending top-dollar on a saw, the fence that comes with it probably isn’t going to be as good as it could be. In many cases, the manufacturer might as well have not included a fence at all.

If you really want a quality fence, your best bet is to buy an aftermarket one. This will cost you a little extra money, sure, but it is the most surefire way to ensure that your saw’s fence is well made. Our top pick also has a pretty decent fence. So if purchasing an aftermarket fence just isn’t going to cut it for you, go with our #1 review. Otherwise, it is in your best interest to assume that any table saw you’re buying has a low-quality fence. 

Dust Collection

Anyone who has ever used a table saw knows that they can create quite a lot of dust. If you’re working outside, this isn’t necessarily that big of a deal. Sawdust is biodegradable and disappears into the soil after a short wait. You don’t have to worry about cleaning it up or tracking it into other rooms. However, if you’re working indoors, it’s another story altogether. 

If you are indoors, the sawdust will have nowhere to go and create quite a large mess. It can easily coat your entire workshop, leave piles around the floor, and find its way into other areas of your home. Cleaning up sawdust can also be a huge hassle. Sweeping it up just sends more dust into the air, which settles on nearby surfaces and becomes entangled with the air you breathe. Sawdust can even be dangerous in concentrated quantities. It can also damage the table saw itself by coating the engine and mechanical parts. 

Luckily, many companies have attempted to bypass this problem with dust collection ports. Most saws come with an internal dust collection system. The dust is usually expelled by a port on the machine, though the location of the port can vary. 

What happens to the dust next depends on the particular saw. There are some saws that include a dust collection bag that snaps onto the port. The dust is blown into this bag while you’re cutting, which helps keep it contained and out of the air. When the bag is full, you just have to dump it out and re-attach it to the saw. While this can be somewhat annoying, there usually aren’t too many issues with this system. 

In many cases, this collection bag can be replaced with a shop vac or other separate dust collection system. While many saws attempt to be compatible with many different machines, it is impossible for them to work with every third-party dust collection system out there. Because of this, it isn’t uncommon for you to need your own adapter to make your shop vac and table saw work together. 

Of course, this often means more money out of your pocket. However, it is usually cheaper to purchase an adapter than another shop vac. Adapters are typically inexpensive, so you shouldn’t consider the size of the dust port a deciding factor in whether or not to purchase a saw. 

Miter Gauges

Much like fences, miter gauges are another feature that is very hit and miss. Most saws do not come with good miter gauges. It is not uncommon for them to be off or just not work at all. Luckily, unlike fences, you don’t typically need a miter gauge for every project. Still, when you do need a miter gauge, you REALLY need a miter gauge, which makes this an important feature to consider when purchasing a saw. 

Miter gauges are used to cut your workpiece as certain angles. Most miter gauges have a hard stop at 90- and 45-degrees, allowing you to set these angles quickly and without having to do much measurement. Still, as we previously stated, it is not uncommon for these angles to be uneven. Many gauges must be set when you first receive the saw and checked often to ensure that they are still true. 

Other miter gauges are flimsy and cannot hold their angle if you apply pressure to them. It can be very frustrating to have your gauge continuously popping out of position while you’re using it. This flaw tends to appear after a few uses, so it can be difficult to notice even if you play with a demonstration model. Luckily for you, we tested the miter gauge on all of our top-rated products. If having a well-performing gauge is important to you, just check out our reviews of table saws. 

Beveling

While this feature is quite a bit rarer than the others we discussed, there are some table saws out there that can make bevel cuts. Instead of changing the table angle like a band saw, table saws with a bevel feature change the angle of the blade itself. The large majority of high-quality table saws allow you to adjust the angle from 0- to 45-degrees. Lower-quality saws might have a smaller range of options or not allow you to change the angle at all. 

This is not typically a feature you use for most projects. In fact, you could easily never use this feature at all, especially if you only occasionally use the saw to begin with. Luckily, most models tend to bevel well. So if you do ever need this feature, you’ll probably find no problem with whatever model you choose. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can table saws do?

They are used to cut wood accurately and efficiently. However, table saws can actually play a large variety of roles in different projects and are one of the more versatile tools you can purchase. On top of cutting wood in straight lines, many saws also include miter gauges, which allow you to cut wood at certain angles. Some can even bevel, which allows you to make bevel cuts. They can also cut a variety of different joints, making them a must-have woodworking tool for any serious woodworker.

You might be interested in: Best Hybrid Table Saws | How To Make A Table Saw Sled

How common are table saw accidents?

While many saws do have a built-in safety system that prevents accidents, they still occur more often than any of us would like. In fact, 30,000 tables saw injuries occur annually. However, when taken into account how many table saws exist in the USA, the likelihood of you experiencing an injury while using a saw is actually quite low. Following proper safety rules and buying a saw with quality safety system are wonderful ways to lower your chances of getting into an accident. Not surprisingly, hands and fingers are the most common body part to be injured when using a saw. 

Should you wear gloves when using a table saw?

No. Gloves can interfere with your sense of touch and can loosen your grip on your workpiece. Loose fitting gloves can also get caught on the saw blade, which can cause injury. The only time you should wear gloves when you’re directly handling the blade, such as during a blade change. 

Conclusion

For the best overall table saw out there, we recommend the Shop Fox W1819. This was the best saw we tested. It is durable, powerful. We would highly recommend this saw to anyone who is looking for a quality piece of machinery. 

For a more budget-friendly option, the DEWALT DW745 Worksite Table Saw is the value for money option. This saw is far cheaper than its competitors but performs like it costs far more. It is surprisingly accurate and is even designed to be portable. 

Table Saws by Budget:

• Best Table Saws Under $1000
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• Best Table Saws Under $200