These Portable and Stationary Table Saws Are Guaranteed to Rip

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If you need to perform precise, straight cuts on larger workpieces, there’s no substitute for a reliable table saw. Sure, a circular saw or jigsaw gets the job done, but nothing competes with the dead-on accurate cut lines of a table saw. These user-friendly machines have a flat surface with a circular saw blade in the center, which both supports and cuts your workpiece as you push it forward. Your cut line won’t wobble or stray thanks to the saw’s “fence,” which is an adjustable edge your workpiece butts up against.

These tools range in size, from compact benchtop units to massive cabinet saws, so to find the right one for your garage, or workspace, consider the project in front of you and check out our choices for the best table saws below.

The Best Table Saws We Recommend

• Best Overall: DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw

• Best Budget: Kobalt Corded Portable Benchtop Table Saw

• Most Portable: Bosch GTS15-10 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw

• Best for Safety: SawStop 10-Inch 1.75 Hp Professional Cabinet Saw

• Best Cordless: Bosch Profactor 8.25-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Jobsite Table Saw

What to Consider

Type

Portable

Also called “jobsite” saws, these typically feature rolling stands for moving them around a workspace. The tabletops on portable saws are smaller than those on stationary saws, so they tend to cost less, and the frame folds up for easy storage. The “benchtop saw” qualifies as a portable table saw, and although it doesn’t wheel around, it’s small enough to carry and place temporarily on a sturdy surface to work.

Stationary

Also known as “cabinet” or “hybrid” saws, these are much larger than portable models. Their fixed table surface measures up to 3 times as long as that of a portable saw. They also weigh hundreds of pounds more than portable saws, which makes moving its position a challenge. But what it sacrifices in portability, and more than makes up in stability, which really comes in handy when working with large, heavy workpieces that wobble or could tip over a portable saw. Many stationary table saws also feature rolling casters, which slide well across a smooth floor for easier repositioning.

Blade Size

The average table saw includes a blade that’s 10 inches in diameter, but some 8 1/4-inch options are available for smaller saws. Larger saw blades provide more cutting depth, which helps it slice through thicker materials without resistance, but any blade larger than 10 inches should be reserved for huge, commercial table saws that aren’t practical for the average homeowner or DIY-er.

Rip Capacity

To “rip” means to cut a wooden board along the grain. In simple terms, rip capacity refers to the distance between the edge of the blade and the edge of the saw’s fence. This determines the maximum width you can cut with that saw and indicates the types of projects you can tackle effectively with it. For example, most furniture projects require just a 30-in rip capacity, while those in the market for a table saw that will break down larger sheet goods for cabinetry should look for one with a 52-inch rip capacity. Larger rip capacities generally correspond to a higher price tag, so choosing a saw with more rip capacity than you actually need may not be worth it.

Safety Features

The large, exposed blade of a table saw deserves your utmost respect, so follow all recommended guidelines provided in your saw’s instruction manual. Beyond that, consider looking for a saw that includes features that encourage safe operation and enhanced user protection. Blade guards provide an extra layer of defense between your fingers and the blade, and riving knives prevent kickback and keep your workpiece from jamming.

The ultimate safety feature on the table saw market comes with all SawStop-branded saws and uses an electrical sensor to detect the instant the blade contacts human skin. Unlike wood, our skin conducts electricity naturally, and this triggers the blade to stop immediately. This mechanism is only available on SawStop saws, so if this type of advanced safety feature is a priority, you should explore its offerings.

Regardless of the saw you choose, you should either make or purchase a push block or push stick, which keeps a distance between the blade and your fingers as you push a piece of wood through the blade.

How We Selected

For this update, Popular Mechanics contributor Alex Rennie brought his years of carpentry experience to the table. Based on his expertise working at in-home and commercial construction jobsites, he included several portable models he’s used specifically, as well as a cordless saw for those who need a bit more mobility. After comparing manufacturer specs, like rip capacity, overall weight, and general usability, we landed on the seven options listed below. The original writer of this piece, Bobbi Dempsey, evaluated table saws based on her firsthand experience as a hard-core DIYer.

10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw

This portable table saw dominates the market market and offers the durability and quality construction you expect from DeWalt. Its rolling stand provides mobility not found with most table saws, but it’s still stable enough to support heavy loads and workpieces.

Despite its compact size, its telescoping fence rails help you to perform rip cuts up to 32 ½-inches. The onboard storage system keeps the power cord and all of your accessories (it includes a separate push stick and 2 blade wrenches) handy yet organized and out of the way.

At 110 pounds, this table saw isn’t exactly lightweight, but considering the convenience of the multifunctional design and impressive rip capacity for its size, the extra few pounds are a minor inconvenience.

Corded Portable Benchtop Table Saw

Despite the affordable price tag, this Kobalt benchtop table saw still delivers an impressive amount of bang for your buck. Its 10-inch blade and rack and pinion fence system facilitate a 32 ½-inch max rip capacity. A dust collection port helps cut down on post-cut clean-up.

The included push stick saves you the time and cost of purchasing one separately. And it weighs 56.5 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a benchtop option, but that also means it brings a level of stability most other benchtops don’t.

GTS15-10 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw

With an innovative gravity-rise stand and relatively low 91-pound weight, this Bosch saw offers more portability than any other on the market. The open-frame design of this stand also functions as its own base when folded down and positioned upright, which increases your storage options and capacity, and it rolls smoothly on its two 8-inch rubber tires.

When it’s time to work, a convenient foot pedal releases the locking mechanism, raising the saw’s surface to working height. Despite this focus on portability, this saw doesn’t compromise on its primary job, boasting a 32 1/8-inch rip capacity, electronic speed regulation while cutting (this maintains the blade speed under heavier loads), and a transparent blade cover.

10-Inch 1.75 Hp Professional Cabinet Saw

While SawStop products are popular for their smooth, consistent cutting ability, their focus on injury prevention puts them above all other saws in terms of safety features. Just like the name suggests, this saw detects the instant the blade comes in contact with skin, immediately stopping the blade and dropping it below the table surface.

I was initially skeptical of this until I saw enough videos like this to convince me of its effectiveness. Its 52-inch rip capacity covers a range of cutting tasks, from small cross-cuts of dimensional lumber to shaping large 4x8 foot plywood sheets, and its 449-pound cast iron construction provides an ultra-sturdy foundation. This saw isn’t cheap, but its safety technology truly sets it apart.

Profactor 8.25-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Jobsite Table Saw

This battery-powered benchtop saw goes anywhere and packs a ton of bells and whistles into its small package. The rugged frame alternatively functions as the saw’s own carrying handles, and the whole package weighs only 44 pounds.

This saw is compatible with both 8Ah or 12Ah capacity batteries, and the brushless motor delivers speeds up 5,500 rpm. This model doesn’t include any batteries with purchase though, so it’s most useful for someone who already has a collection of Bosch tools.

Keep in mind that the 8.25-inch blade doesn’t cut as deeply as a standard 10-inch version, so make sure you’re working with materials it handles well.

10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

If your project requires you to traverse any uneven or rough terrain, this Skilsaw model is ready for the challenge. Its huge 16-inch wheels will conquer practically any obstacle, and its sturdy tubular frame functions as an oversized handle for pulling and pushing. These wheels also give it enough height for one person to push it up onto the bed of a pickup truck. And it generates a ton of torque, which makes it perfect for chewing through challenging workpieces and thick sheet goods.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw

Not only do you get a 10-inch Skil saw for less than $300, this model also features four folding legs, essentially delivering the functionality of a jobsite saw for the price of a benchtop. These legs are simple to use, too. They lock in place when extended and don’t add any extra bulk when folded up for transport and storage.

Factoring in its integrated legs, this saw still weighs less than similar models at just 51 pounds. It doesn’t include rolling wheels like most jobsite saws, so keep that in mind if you have a long distance to travel.

Expert Bobbi Dempsey’s Safety Tips and More Advice on Table Saws

PM: What projects have you used a table saw for?

B.D.: These machines are great for projects requiring precise detail work and those involving smaller sections of material. I’ve used table saws for finishing bookshelves and cabinet doors.

PM: Do you have any recommendations on table saw blades?

B.D.: I’m a fan of any kind of DeWalt tools and supplies because they have such a strong reputation for reliable performance and durability, so their table saw blades would be a great option. Diablo blades are also a popular choice because they’re dependable quality and reasonably priced.

PM: What safety precautions do you take when operating a table saw?

B.D.: First, there are the basic guidelines you should always follow whenever using any sort of power tools: Wear property safety equipment, including eye protection, and keep your workstation clean and free of debris or clutter. Beyond that, you’d take the standard precautions related to using sharp blades—keep your fingers as far away from the blade as possible, by using push sticks and blocks. Also, always use the blade guard and never reach your hand over or near the blade when it is moving.

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