It’s a no-brainer that the majority of woodworkers can survive just fine with a handheld saw, especially if they only tackle basic sawing tasks. Nonetheless, investing in other types of saws not only makes certain tasks much easier but also results in more consistent and accurate results. Such is the case of a cabinet table saw.
Whether you’re breaking down thick boards into smaller ones or making crosscuts on framing lumber, this saw can handle anything you throw at it. It’s versatile, powerful, durable, and it provides such a high level of precision that you wouldn’t otherwise achieve with other types of table saws.
If you’re new to the world of cabinet saws, we’re here to help. Below is a comprehensive guide that highlights the best cabinet table saws on the market. We’ve also listed the factors you should look for when purchasing a cabinet saw.
What is a Cabinet Table Saw?
This is a table saw with an almost enclosed base, which is why it’s given the name, “cabinet.” Compared to other types of table saws - like a contractor or hybrid- a cabinet saw offers better precision, control, and power.
In fact, I can confidently rank it as the most powerful table saw. Although there are models with less powerful motors, most cabinet saws will have between 3 and 5HP.
With such a high amount of power, they can cut through almost anything, be it big sheets of material, hardwood, plywood, or pressure-treated lumber.
They’re also quite heavy, so they’re often designed to be stationary. Even if you come across a cabinet table saw with wheels, the idea is to enable you to move it around your workshop with ease.
Given their setup and solid build, it’s not surprising that cabinet table saws are also pretty expensive. But the good thing is, they won’t crumble or get bogged down by the issues that would stall a sliding or benchtop-style table saw.
Guide to Choosing a Cabinet Table Saw
Size
Do you plan on cutting large sheets or big pieces of wood? If you do, you’ll want to invest in a cabinet table saw with a big work surface.
If the saw you’re looking to buy is small, then check whether it has extension wings. Or, whether it allows you to attach an extension table. What’s nice about these accessories is that you can always detach them when they’re not in use.
It means that you shouldn’t write off a particular cabinet table saw just because it’s tiny. Chances are, it was designed in that way to save on storage space. And, it probably comes with extension wings.
Power
Another one of the most important factors you should take into account when purchasing a cabinet table saw is the amount of horsepower.
Generally, the higher the horsepower rating the stronger its cutting capabilities. To determine which horsepower suits you, examine your needs.
Will you be doing a lot of light-duty or heavy-duty tasks? For instance, if you’ll only use your equipment to cut sheets that are only ⅝-inch thick, then a less powerful motor (¾ to 1.5 HP) will suffice.
On the other hand, if you plan to cut denser types of wood, say desert ironwood or African blackwood, then you’ll need a powerful motor of 3 HP+.
It’s crucial that you get a saw with a powerful motor for such applications. This ensures that the motor doesn’t start to overheat even if it’s operated for a prolonged time.
Rip Fence
While it might not seem like a major factor, a fence system is another thing you should account for when choosing a cabinet saw. A quality fence is one that is able to stay perfectly square or angled to the table. It ensures that the cuts made are completely parallel to the edge.
Avoid flimsy cabinet table saws, whose fencing systems slip out of position and slide along the table’s surface.
The rack and pinion are one of the best designs for a fence. It’s structured in such a way that it locks into position so that only the table moves. This provides a more accurate alignment than those fences that clamp onto the worksurface.
Blades
The blade is another important component of your cabinet table saw. It determines how precise and smooth your cuts will be. There are two key factors you’ll need to consider here, namely, blade length and type of cut. Here is a quick guide:
Blade length
The length of the blade will have a direct impact on the saw’s performance, specifically, on the accuracy of your cuts.
A small blade will, naturally, rotate much faster than a larger blade. This ensures that your cuts turn out smooth and accurate.
A large blade, on the other hand, doesn’t make the most precise cuts. Nonetheless, it provides greater depth, and this allows you to cut through thick materials easily.
The blade fitted on most cabinet table is about 10 inches in size, but you can always choose a smaller or larger size, depending on your needs.
Type of Cut
Another thing you should figure out is the type of cuts you’ll be making with your blade. There are two main types: crosscuts and rip cuts. Crosscuts are typically made across the grain while the latter is made with the grain.
Blades designed to make cross cuts tend to have more teeth. This is because of the difficulty that comes with trying to get clean edges while cutting across the grain. These blades also feature alternating-top-bevel geometry, which makes it easy to slice across the wood’s fibers.
Rip cut blades have an entirely different configuration. For one, they have fewer teeth as it’s not difficult to remove the material with the grain. Plus, they’re separated using bigger gullets. This allows them to clear wood chips as fast as possible.
Stability
Cabinet saws are among the heaviest types of table saws. Since they’re made of heavy-duty material like cast iron and steel, they are quite bulky.
To avoid any accidents, this weight should be supported on a sturdy and stable base. So always check whether the machinery you’re about to purchase has a wide and solid base.
Dust Collection
Do you intend to use your cabinet table saw indoors? If so, then ensure it has a quality dust collection system.
This nifty addition traps dust in the air, hence, keeping the air around you clean as you work. It also collects wood chips, which you’d have to clean up later.
The majority of cabinet table saws include a dust port. This makes it possible to connect a standard vacuum hose, which then traps any dust coming from the tool.
Safety
Working with any type of saw is always a risky affair. Now, I’m not saying that you should be scared of using a cabinet table saw. What I would like to emphasize is the need for a safety system in this tool.
The best cabinet table saw will have safety features like:
Blade Guard
This component protects you from unintended contact with the blade; it also minimizes the chances of a kickback.
Anti-Kickback Pawls
These are arm-like and fitted with teeth, they’re meant to grab a sheet or workpiece in case it kicks back towards the user.
Riving Knife
Prevents your workpiece from getting stuck on the blade; this minimizes the risk of the board kicking back towards you.
Blade Brake
This prevents the blade from spinning for an extended period of time before it comes to a complete stop.
Miter Gauge
A popular attachment that is often included with a cabinet table saw is a miter gauge. It allows you to make 90-degree perpendicular crosscuts.
And since it’s possible to configure your blade for angles up to 45 degrees, a miter gauge also lets you make compound cuts. This accessory goes for several hundred dollars. So finding one included with your table saw is a major plus.
Storage
The best cabinet saws also include a storage unit, which tucks away indiscreetly underneath the work surface. This way, you can store a couple of tools that you’d like to access easily when you’re working.
Why You Should Invest in a Cabinet Table Saw
By now, you’ve probably learned a few things about this power tool. It’s pricey, heavy, and bulky. In fact, some models weigh well over 500 pounds, and they occupy a ton of space too.
With these in mind, you might be second-guessing your decision to buy one, so let’s highlight some of its key benefits.
The first thing you should know is that this saw’s trunnion is usually integrated into the cabinet and as a result, there’s minimal vibration. The lower intensity of these vibrations allows the machine to make more accurate cuts than those you’d get from an ordinary table saw.
Another defining characteristic of a cabinet saw is its powerful motor, typically 3 to 5HP. The higher power rating allows this tool to cut through virtually any kind of hardwood, no matter how thick. And it’s not just its ability to slice through wood, but also to do so in a short amount of time.
Top Picks for the Best Cabinet Table Saws
1. Best Overall: Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this cabinet saw is well-built. The cast-iron top gives it a nice look, and it has a beveled edge to help you achieve a smooth finish.
It measures 43 by 61 by 44 inches, so it takes up quite a bit of space. On the positive side, it has a very sturdy base that anchors it to the floor. Plus, it delivers a solid performance; the kind you’d expect from its industrial-grade counterparts.
Powermatic table saws are known for their ease of use, and the PM1000 is no exception. It comes fitted with an accu-fence system, which makes it easy to cut with accuracy. It also has an arbor lock that allows you to switch your blades with just one hand.
The cabinet saw is also powered by a 1 ¾-HP motor. While it’s not the most powerful motor on the market, we like that it runs on the standard 115v current. It means that you can connect it to any outlet in your home, and not have to worry about an electrical overload.
Better yet, this motor is attached to a poly-v belt, which serves two main purposes. For one, it reduces vibrations when the saw is at work, and two, it maximizes the motor’s efficiency.
The ergonomically designed handwheels are another selling point. The 7-inch handwheels offer enough momentum, and this makes it easy to adjust the blade’s height and bevel.
Pros
Cons
2. Best for Professionals: SAWSTOP Professional Cabinet Saw
As implied in its title, this is a professional cabinet saw perfect for expert woodworkers and contractors.
It’s powered by a 3-horsepower motor, which gives you more power to work with than the standard 1.5-HP motor. It’s also equipped with a heavy-duty cast iron cabinet and a massive working area.
Sawstop Cabinet Saw uses a 10-inch combo blade fitted with 40 teeth. This enables you to make cuts with a high level of precision. Furthermore, the high number of teeth makes it suitable for cutting through any material, regardless of how thick it is.
Another factor that contributes to its accuracy is the T-shaped glide fence system. It lets you make accurate cuts without deflection.
One other feature that makes this the best cabinet table saw is its extension table. It automatically increases your machinery’s rip capacity.
Moreover, the SawStop saw has a cutting-edge safety system. In addition to the riving knife that minimizes kickbacks, it has a signal on its blade. This is able to sense when the blade comes into contact with human skin.
In case this happens, the signal changes, bringing the blade to an immediate stop. The blade’s angular momentum then springs into action and pushes the blade underneath the table. According to SawStop, all these events happen in under 5 ms.
Pros
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3. Most Durable: JET 708674PK Deluxe XACTA Saw
If you’re looking for a cabinet table saw that is in for the long haul, the JET Deluxe XACTA is your best bet. The saw sports a cast-iron build, guaranteeing you maximum durability.
Apart from durability, one of its key highlights is the riving knife, which is incorporated to enhance safety. In addition to minimizing the risk of kickbacks, this component features a tool-less design, which makes for a fast and effortless knife-changing task.
Also crucial to note is how easy it is to use this cabinet table saw. Every component is positioned exactly where it should be. As such, starting, stopping, and feeding wooden pieces through the saw, have all been simplified.
The 3 HP motor that powers this machinery is another feature that sets it apart. It gives the saw superior cutting capabilities, making it possible to tackle the hardest woods. And the best part is, it never lags or binds up regardless of how thick your workpiece is.
Speaking of cutting, the Deluxe XACTA was designed for a rip capacity of up to 50 inches, which is the highest rip ability you can get on the market.
Last but not least, the manufacturer has incorporated a storage drawer in the cabinet saw. This is a superb addition as it provides a space where you can store those tools you want to access easily.
Pros
Cons
4. Best Budget: Grizzly Industrial G0899 Table Saw
Cabinet saws tend to be a little more pricey than other types of table saws. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a pocket-friendly model. In that regard, Grizzly Industrial G0899 is the best budget cabinet table saw.
Despite its lower pricing, you’ll find several handy features which are sure to make your work easier.
For instance, it has a safety system, which comprises a transparent blade guard. This is designed to enclose the section of the saw above the table. This guard works in conjunction with the riving knife to minimize the likelihood of kickbacks.
The Grizzly G0899 also has a dust collection system, which helps you keep your workstation clean when cutting. You will also find a miter gauge, which really simplifies your cutting tasks. The way this works is by keeping the workpieces you’re tackling at an angle; hence making it easier to cut through.
There’s also an easy glide fence system, letting you make micro-adjustments to get the most accurate cuts.
Pros
Cons
5. Best High-End: JET JTAS-12-DX
If you don’t mind splurging on a high-end cabinet saw, the JTAS-12-DX has everything you could ever ask or wish for.
It’s gigantic machinery that measures 86 by 32 by 42 inches. For such large equipment, it comes as no surprise that it weighs a ton too; about 623 pounds.
This table saw also has one of the most powerful motors, rated at 5 HP. Higher horsepower means the saw needs more power, which is why it runs on a 230-volt outlet.
Furthermore, this motor is connected with a poly v-belt, which guarantees you optimal efficiency while reducing the likelihood of slips and vibration.
JTAS-12-DX gives you a really big work surface, which is about 80 inches in size. Better yet, it’s constructed using cast iron for maximum durability. With such a wide tabletop, you can work with big pieces of wood without having to look for extension wings or an extension table.
We like that the manufacturer also put the user’s safety when making this cabinet saw. It comes equipped with a riving knife, which ensures the blade stays close; hence, minimizing the chances of kickbacks.
Also among these safety features are an anti-kickback pawl and a blade guard. The anti-kickback pawl prevents kickbacks while the blade guard brings the blade to a stop in case of skin contact.
If you’re a little hesitant about putting your hard-earned money into this cabinet saw, you can rest easy knowing that it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Pros
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best table saws?
If you’re looking to invest in the best table saws on the market, there are several features you should focus on.
For starters, it should have a quality blade, whose size and design fits your needs. Two, it should have a big enough work surface to accommodate the materials you’ll be using.
Its motor, whether direct- or belt-drive, ought to be powerful enough to enable the saw to cut through whatever type of wood or sheet you’ll have. Last but not least, the best cabinet table saw has safety mechanisms in place to keep you safe when working.
2. Which portable table saw has the best fence?
The Dewalt DWE7485 is not only portable but also has a high-quality fence system. To be specific, it has a rack-and-pinion rip fence.
This works by sliding along the telescoping rails at the front and back of the table. This way, the fence stays completely square once it’s been configured, meaning you don’t have to worry about any misalignment issues.
3. Are grizzly table saws any good?
Yes, they are. Grizzly has been making machinery for woodworkers since 1983, so it has many years of experience under its belt.
One thing you’ll love about this brand’s saws is that they’re much more affordable. For instance, the G0899 cabinet saw we’ve reviewed above costs nearly $1,000 less than other models.
And even with the low pricing, it boasts a good selection of features, including an easy-glide fence system.
4. What is the best table saw for a beginner?
If you don’t have any knowledge or training in using table saws, you’ll want to choose a user-friendly, less sophisticated style.
The best cabinet saw tailored for beginners is Grizzly Industrial G0899. It has a simple design, and it doesn’t take up too much space, which is great if you don’t plan on using this equipment frequently.
Wrap Up
The best cabinet table saws don’t come cheap, so when you’re buying one, you’ll want to ensure that you’re making the right choice. To narrow down your options, focus on factors, such as the type and design of the blade, size of the tabletop, motor, rip fence, and safety features.
In our opinion, the best cabinet table saw is the Powermatic PM1000. It has an accu-fence system, which protects you and helps you make the most precise cuts. The motor is equipped with a poly-v belt, minimizing the overall vibration of your saw. And, it has an arbor lock, which enables you to switch your blade with one hand.