Table saws can be used for all kinds of creative woodwork. But they can also be dangerous tools for beginners. The wrong move can cause shoddy woodwork or, worse, physical injury. Our team of experts set out to find the best table saws for beginners. Here’s what they found.
Reviews of the Top Table Saw for Beginners
1. Dewalt DW745 Table Saw for Jobsite
The Dewalt DW745 Table Saw is fantastic and well known for beginners. It has a rack and pinion telescoping fence rails for accurate measurements and a powerful 5800 rpm motor. This compact table saw also has a 24 tooth carbide, 24.5 inch rip capacity, a durable metal roll cages, and anti kickback pawls.
Our team of experts loved the pawls because they allowed us to work without worrying about injury. This saw provides accessories, like the push stick, miter gauge, riving knife, and blade changing wrenches. It also has onboard storage that made tools like the push stick easier to reach.
Though it is not compatible to all dado blades. Overall, we found the Dewalt 10 inch DW745 table saw to be a complete package, needing no extra purchases.
What We Like
- 90-day money back guarantee
- Anti recoil pawls
- Powerful 5800 rpm motor
- Portable, weighing only 54 lbs
- Large 24.5 inch rip capacity
What We Don't Like
- Instructions are confusing
- Rip capacity could be larger
2. TACKLIFE 10-inch Table Saw 15A
Our experts were amazed by this TACKLIFE 15A Table Saw because it combines affordability and value. It has a miter gauge that allows cutting capacity between +/- 45° and an adjustable squarelock rip fence for accurate cuts. This 10 inches table saw also has a 45° bevel range that allowed our team to make bevel cuts with ease.
The portable table saw comes with a push stick and external hex keys to replace your old blade with a high-quality table saw blade available in the market. TACKLIFE’s saw has a 10 inches blade and a powerful motor operating at 4800 rpm. The tool makes cleaning easier by connecting with an aspirator or vaccum.
What We Like
- Large 10-inch blade for efficient cuts
- Miter gauge and rip fence for accuracy
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Blade guard, push stick, and hex keys included
- Very affordable
What We Don't Like
- Rip fencing could have a stronger build
- Only bevels in one direction
3. WORX WX572L BladeRunner X2 Portable Tabletop Saw
The WORX BladeRunner X2 caught our experts’ eye because of how versatile it is. As one of the top portable tables saws, this comes with 5 blades designed for everything from wood to ceramic tiles, a rip fence, a miter gauge, and a dust extraction port. We particularly loved the dust collection port because it made it easier to keep our workspace clean.
This table saw has a blade grip, blade guard assembly, and a riving knife system. Anyone can learn to make unlimited cross and rip cuts with this table saw for beginner. It makes 0-60° miter cuts from both directions. Our favorite feature is the safety switch that prevents unwanted starts.
What We Like
- Portable to move around in the workplace
- Versatile for a beginner table saw
- Blade guard and grip included
- Efficient dust collection system
- Safety switch
What We Don't Like
- Limited cutting depth of 2 inches
- Only suitable for small projects
4. TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-inch with Aluminum Extension Table
This TACKLIFE 10-Inch Classic 10-Inch 15-Amp Table Saw is perfect for a job site, with its 2000W 15 amp motor and its carbide blade. It also has a bevel angle that allows us to cut from 0-45°. We loved its cut depth of 3/5”, which is more than enough for any beginner tasks.
This table saw also has a cast aluminum table that is coated to reduce friction and promote smooth sliding. Other features include a ripping capacity of 16.5 inches to the left and 12.6 inches to the right, a dust collection port, and on-board storage for easy access to tools.
Overall, you’ll find that this is one of the best table saws for beginners.
What We Like
- Dust port for easy cleaning
- Large rip capacity
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Transparent blade guard for visibility
- Heavy duty build
What We Don't Like
- No square lock rip fencing
- Cast iron build makes it heavy
5. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Heavy Duty Table Saw
While testing the SKILSAW SPT99-11 beginner table saw, we found a unique feature — a worm drive. Worm drive saws have their motors at the rear, a dual field motor that runs as cooler so it can work longer and this one has a 3-5/8 inch cutting depth and a 30 ⅓ inch ripping capacity. We also loved its precision rack and pinion fence because it allowed us to make quick and accurate adjustments.
Other features of this 10-inch table saw include a rolling stand with 16-inch wheels, a miter gauge, smart guard system, and an anti recoil mechanism. We were mildly disappointed by the saw’s locking parts because they lacked the durability that SKILSAW is known for.
What We Like
- Rip fence, push stick, anti recoil mechanism all included
- 15 amp motor with worm drive
- Heavy duty steel construction
- 1 year free service warranty
- 10-inch blade with large rip capacity
What We Don't Like
- Weights 95 pounds
- Low-quality locking parts
6. RIDGID 15 Amp 10-inch Table Saw with Folding Stand
This Ridgid table saw is equipped with gentle start technology that gradually ramps up the blade, like Skil 3410 02 10-Inch Table Saw with Folding Stand. Our experts found that this was perfect for beginners as it allows the user to ease into work. The table saw also has a folding stand for jobsite use and an electric brake that stops the blade in 4 seconds flat.
The Ridgid 15 Amp 10-Inch Table Saw has an incredible rip capacity of 27 inches, a steel roll cage frame, rip fencing, and a miter gauge. It also has on-board tool storage, blade wrenches, a carbide-tipped blade, anti recoil pawls and EZ view measurement system.
What We Like
- Dust collection port
- Perfect for job site use
- Soft start technology
- Large rip capacity
- On-board tool storage space
What We Don't Like
- Has a learning curve
- Folding stand makes it bulky
7. Evolution - RAGE5-S Power Tools RAGE5S
Our experts decided to include this jobsite table saw because of its stunning material build and versatility. The Evolution RAGE5 has a durable Japanese tungsten carbide-tipped blade just like the ShopSeries RK7240.1. It can cut through everything from plastic to steel. We could cut through nail-embedded wood effortlessly. It also has a powerful 15 amp gearbox and blade system for increased cutting efficiency.
Other features of this portable table saw include a 3-year limited warranty, parallel fence with rail guide, and a sliding table. The Evolution table saw also comes with built-in table extensions, an effective dust extraction port, and a modular guard system.
What We Like
- Folding stand for easy storage
- 3 year limited warranty
- Has Japanese tungsten blade
- Affordable for its price range
- Detailed instruction manual
What We Don't Like
- Weak blade access cover
- Replacement parts are difficult to find
8. Metabo HPT 15 Amp Jobsite Table Saw
Our team included it as one of the best beginner table saws because of its remarkable dado capacity. A dado cut is commonly used to create slots or grooves in boards, and most beginner table saws can’t create them, making the Metabo HPT superior.
The table saw also has a remarkable 35 inch rip capacity, cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inch cut at 45 degrees a fold and roll saw stand, and a powerful 45000 rpm motor . We also loved its large power switch and emergency off safety cover. It allowed us to work without the fear of electrical problems.
What We Like
- 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Electric brake
- Telescoping table extension
- Bevel range of 0-45° degrees
- Powerful motor
What We Don't Like
- No self aligning rip fence
- Narrow saw top
9. Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw 50-Inch Fence
This Powermatic PM1000 cabinet saw is perfect for beginners who need a larger workspace or more room for expansion. With a 50-inch sturdy fence and a 60 pivot miter gauge, it offers unparalleled work capacity. As a power tool, it also has impressive safety properties, like an arbor lock, an exclusive ACCU-FENCE SYSTEM, and a blade guard.
Unfortunately, the cabinet table saw power tool isn’t portable as it weighs a whopping 465 pounds. It is more suited to job sites than anywhere else. The product has fringe benefits like advanced start and brake technology and a 5-year limited warranty.
What We Like
- Powerful table saw
- Cast iron workspace
- Efficient drive system
- Can make dado cuts
- 60 miter gauge pivot
What We Don't Like
- Not portable
- Pricier than a regular table saw
10. BOSCH 4100 10-inch Worksite Table Saw
This Bosch Worksite Table Saw’s 4 HP motor and 25 inch ripping capacity makes it an excellent portable table saw. It has safety component like a smart guard system with riving blade and anti kickback pawls. The guard system also includes a contact barrier for user safety.
Our team was glad to find component like soft starting circuits, and a circuit breaker on this table saw. It has a gravity-rise stand that’s light, portable, and makes the saw easy to use. This table saw also comes with expected component like a square lock rip fence, throat plate insert, and a multi-function blade wrench.
We also made a comparison of DWE7491RS and Bosch 4100-10 table saw here. Find out which of these power tool is better.
What We Like
- Dust port for easy cleaning
- Can be fitted with a dado blade
- Easy to assemble and use
- 4 HP motor
- Light and portable
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t have BOSCH’s Reaxx system
- It could have more power
Table Saw for Beginners Buyer’s Guide
Design and Size
The best table saw for beginners should have basic components like a motor, large blade, a wide tabletop, and safety features. Some saws such as Dewalt DWE7491RS and Hitachi C10RJ have advanced design properties like a large switch and on-board storage space which is very useful if you don’t have a large work area.
The size of a beginner saw is directly related to its portability. The bigger the saw, the heavier it will be. Other factors may contribute to the size of the saw, like table stands and accessory features. While these can be helpful, they make the saw harder to move around, giving you more work to do.
Ease of Use
Since most beginner saws are designed similarly, using them for table saw project ideas won’t be difficult. The various components, including the blade and motor, bevel, and even rip fence, all work in the same way.
Make sure to refer to the user manual for any information you may need, ranging from safe handling to accessory features and properties.
Motor Power
A saw’s motor power is measured in amps or revs per minute. It directly affects how much work you can reasonably do within a period. For example, you’ll get more done with the DEWALT 10 inch DW745 than with the TACKLIFE 10-inch table saw simply because the former has a more powerful motor.
Accuracy
Table saws for beginners like the DEWALT DWE7491RS table saw are fitted with rack and pinion fences and fence locks for improved accuracy. Other features can add to a saw’s accuracy, like the tabletop design, bevel lock, and even blade guards. Transparent blade guards offer more visibility in a saw and thus, improve user accuracy.
A saw with a dado cut also needs other accuracy component like an accu-fence system for precision and rigidity. Keep in mind that it also helps to have a steady stand.
Dust Collection
Dust ports are critical to the neatness of your workspace. As any woodworker will tell you, sawdust and wood chippings accumulate quickly, especially when you’re working with a competent table saw. Some table saws do not have one, thus it is preferable getting the best dust collection system for your table saw.
Dust collecting ports present in some tables saws including the powerful Grizzly G0715p can be connected to vacuums to suck out all the sawdust from your workspace. Table saws for beginners have them, and they can shorten your work time by a significant margin.
Safety Features
The best beginner table saw must have safety properties that protect the beginner woodworker. Some of the common ones include anti kickback pawls, riving blade and splitter, and a push block. These features mainly project the user from the saw blade. However, some features also protect you from yourself, like electric brakes, soft start, and anti short-circuit switches.
If you’re going to use beginner table saws, it’s important to read the manual to understand these safety properties. Your table saw may also have advanced component like transparent blade guards and a magnetic switch. These are rare and only found in top-tier table saws.
For table saw injuries, you can read our page about table saw injuries study here.
Portability
You may think the high-rated table saws should be portable since they are TABLE saws. However, this isn’t always the case because there are table saws as heavy as 400 pounds.
Portability may not be necessary if you’re working on a job site and have the luxury of leaving your table saw on-site. However, if you need to move it around, you need a saw that’s light, easy to carry, and possibly has a foldable stand just like the Ridgid R4512 table saw.
Other things to consider is the size and weight. A table saw with a foldable stand gives you the luxury of increased workspace and the comfort of portability. It’s more or less the best of both worlds.
Price and Warranty
Shopping for table saws for new users can be tricky because you need to balance price with value. A cheap table saw may lack the necessary safety properties such as an excellent table saw fence, but you don’t want to overpay either. The best beginner table saws cost between $200 and $600, even though some, like the WORX WX572L BladeRunner X2, may cost less.
Make sure to also look out for safety properties and a money back guarantee [1]. The safety features ensure that you can use the saw without worry, and the money back guarantee ensures you can return it if it doesn’t meet your standards.
Keep in mind that most table saws even the top-tier contractor table saws come with warranty, including a 1 year free service.
Reminders and Tips In Using a Table Saw For Beginners
While using a saw or power tools like table saws and circular saw, it’s important to wear safety equipment, maintain a good posture, and check the saw’s safety properties before starting.
Saw table saws are power tools, and the right equipment can make all the difference. Safety gear for a saw would be safety glasses and hearing protection. Avoid loose-fitting clothing if you can.
The saw should also be inspected before use. Check the power cable, the saw blade guard, and the saw anti rebound pawls and others. If you’re using the saw to cut large stock pieces, it may also help to get an outfeed table/stand. Position them to support the stock and make the cut more stable and easier to complete.
For more DeWalt products, you can also check our DWE7480 vs DW745 comparison here.
Our Top Pick For a Table Saw for Beginners: DEWALT DW745
The Dewalt DW745 is the best table saw for beginners because it balances safety and performance features. Its powerful 5800 RPM motor and 24.5-inch rip capacity are balanced by the metal roll cage and riving blade. It is also available at an incredible price.
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