Most woodworkers consider the table saw the most universal shop saw there is. Personally, I think the radial arm saw is a more universal option, but that opinion is rapidly becoming irrelevant. Radial arm saws are dying out, having been mostly replaced by power miter saws, especially sliding miter saws.
The main advantage the table saw has over any other saw is size. That makes it possible to accurately cut sheet goods like plywood. If you've ever tried to cut a sheet of plywood in half with a circular saw, you know how hard it is to make that a straight cut.
Other than cutting sheet goods, the table saw's main function is ripping. Properly adjusted and properly used, any table saw should be able to rip a 1/16” slice off of a hardwood board and have that slice stay together. If the saw blade and fence are exactly parallel, the blade isn’t wobbling, and the table is flat, you can make that cut repeatedly every time.
There are a myriad of tables saws on the market, probably more than any other stationary woodworking tool. Part of the reason for so many different options is that they vary extensively in size and purpose. Building contractors can't carry a cabinet saw onto a jobsite effectively and cabinet makers can't get the accurate cuts they need in sheet goods out of a small portable unit.
Table Saw Types
Benchtop Table Saw
These are the smallest of all table saws, predominantly designed for use on-site by building contractors. While compact, the saws that we have chosen aren't cheap by any means. They are quality tools intended to provide accurate cuts. The only drawback is the small table and short fence make ripping sheet goods accurately very difficult.
Portable Table Saw
Portable tables saws are also designed for building contractors when a larger saw is needed. These are slightly larger than the benchtop models which help to overcome the problems caused by small tables. Most come with an integral cart/stand so they can be moved on-site by one person and set up for use.
Budget Table Saw
The same size as the portable and benchtop units, budget saws are ideal for the homeowner doesn't use their saw all the time. These are intended to be fixed saws which come with a stand, although in some cases the stand is collapsible for storage. The one drawback to these saws is the table and fence aren't as well made as on higher cost saws; this means the saw may not cut as accurately.
Contractor's Table Saw
The contractors saw differs from the portable saw in that it’s a shop saw rather than one intended for a jobsite as they have permanent bases and larger tables. This provides greater accuracy, especially when cutting larger pieces. A contractor saw is an excellent choice for the serious woodworker to have in their home workshop, striking a balance between quality and price.
Hybrid Table Saw
Hybrid saws are a newer addition to the lineup, designed for those who want a cabinet saw, but can't really afford one. They typically have a larger motor than contractor's saws, better bearings, as well as a larger, heavier table and fence which provide for more accuracy. However, they are not as large as a true cabinet saw.
Cabinet Saw
The cabinet saw (which we don't have a review list for) is the most expensive category of table saw. These saws are extremely large, with table extensions to the side and back of the saw. They also have large motors with heavy duty bearings to eliminate wobble or vibration. These features optimize the cabinet saw for cutting sheet goods perfectly straight without waste.
What to Look For in a Table Saw
Of course, the first consideration when looking at a table saw is the intended use. If you are going to be using it for a lot of projects at remote locations, then it doesn't make sense to look at a stationary saw. You also need to take into consideration the amount of space you have to store the saw, as these saws can use up your workshop space quickly.
While there are several important things needed to make a table saw “good,” most of these have to do with the saw’s accuracy. This is determined by three things:
- The flatness of the table
- The mounting and adjustment of the motor and blade arbor
- The quality of the fence
The major difference between different table saws is how easy it is to make that accurate cut. A higher quality fence will lock in place well, exactly perpendicular to the fence rail and parallel to the blade. A lot of what you’re paying for in a more expensive saw is the ease in which you can get the fence adjusted exactly parallel to the saw blade. With low cost saws, it depends on you, with high dollar one, the fence does the work for you.
When I am looking at a table saw, the one thing I focus on is the fence. This is the single most critical piece of the saw, and how well it is made will tell you a lot about the rest of the saw. A fence that slides smoothly and locks in place accurately will provide the most accurate cuts. If a manufacturer has gone through the pains of making the fence that good, you can rest assured that they have done a good job on the rest of the saw.
The material and flatness of the table affect how easily the workpiece slides across the table, helping to make an accurate cut. This is also very important if you are using hardwood plywood, as you don't want to have the saw mar the surface of your workpiece.
Another important difference in different saws is how large a rip you can make in sheet goods, like a sheet of plywood. If a table saw has a 24” rip capacity to the right of the blade, then you can make any width rip in a 4’x 8’ sheet of plywood that you want, ripping it the long way. If it has a 48” capacity, you can make any width rip you want in that same sheet of plywood, ripping it the wide way. Cabinet saws often have this capability, as it is commonly needed in a cabinet shop, but contractor’s saws usually don’t. Of course, having that extra capability is expensive.