When you’re just getting started on table saws, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options available.
The secret to finding the right power tool is to focus on the features that would be useful to you as a beginner. In that regard, the ideal piece of equipment should be affordable, light, user-friendly, and have safety features.
Still not sure of which saw to get? We’ve got you covered. We’ve reviewed the best table saws for beginners and included a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Reviews of the Best Beginner Table Saws
1. Dewalt DWE7485 Table Saw for Jobsite
When you’re just getting started, you’ll probably not want to spend a fortune on a tool that you’ve never used before. Dewalt understands this, which is why they've priced their DWE7485 Table Saw for Job Site very fairly.
Despite the low price tag, the Dewalt table saw doesn’t skimp on quality. This explains why it's often recommended as the best table saw for beginners.
It comes equipped with a pretty powerful 15-amp motor. The motor is also rated as 110V, meaning it’s compatible with most wall-mounted power supply outlets.
In case you’re wondering about speed, the motor causes the blade to rotate at a maximum no-load speed of about 5,800 rpm. This is pretty impressive considering the blade is on the shorter side.
Another feature that makes this an excellent table saw for beginners is the fact that it comes housed in a metal roll cage. This guarantees maximum durability, especially when you’re tackling heavy-duty jobs.
The DWE7485 takes on an 8 ¼-inch blade. While it’s not the biggest blade, it delivers a decent cutting capacity. At 90°, its depth of cut is 2.6 inches and 1.8 inches at 45°. The saw is also rated as having a 24.5 inch rip capacity. This lets you easily tackle 4 by 8 plywood sheets.
The rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make a superb addition to this table saw. They improve your precision level, a factor you may struggle with quite a bit when you’re starting out.
We also like the on-board storage incorporated in this saw. This compartment has enough room to accommodate the blade guard assembly, wrenches, miter gauge, and more.
Pros
Cons
For the DIY enthusiast or money-conscious individual, SKIL 3410-02 is the best budget table saw for beginners. It has a decent amount of power, the capability to handle hardwood cutting, and it’s very fairly priced; making it worth the investment.
One of the biggest selling points of this power tool is the folding stand that it comes with. Rather than having to detach the table saw from this steel roll cage, you can fold the legs and store the unit in a more compact way.
And the good thing, folding the legs isn’t a taxing job so it’s something that you can do all on your own.
Another feature you’re sure to love about this beginner table saw entails its solid build. The tabletop is made of cast aluminum whereas the folding stand is constructed using heavy duty steel. Both of these make the table saw highly durable and dependable. This is a rare find in the DIY/ Prosumer space.
Skil’s power source is a motor with a 15-amp that spins the blade at an incredible speed of 5,000 RPM. The 10 inch blade delivers a decent rip capacity of 24.5 inches. The blade also offers a generous cutting capacity. It has 3.5-inch depth of cut at 90° and a 2.5 inch at 45°.
Another reason why we consider this the best table saw for beginners is because of the self-aligning rip fence that it comes with. This ensures that even if you're new to woodworking, you can perform accurate cuts.
You will also love the array of accessories that are provided with the Skil 3410-02 table saw. Included in the package is a miter gauge and self-aligning fence, both of which help with accuracy. The package also contains two blade wrenches, handy for adjusting the tension of the blade bolts.
Pros
Cons
Are you planning to undertake projects that will require an immense rip capacity? If you are, then Dewalt DWE7491RS is the best beginner table saw for your needs. It offers a rip capacity of 32.5 inches, which is significantly higher than what you get from other models.
The saw’s 10-inch blade also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the cutting depth. It can cut up to 2 ¼ inches at 45° and 3 ⅛ inches at 90°. This blade is powered by a 15-amp motor, which is relatively standard for a table saw of this kind.
The Dewalt table saw sports a built-in stand, which is another feature that sets it apart from its competitors. Right off the bat, you’ll notice how stable it is, eliminating the need for a custom stand or additional support structures.
What we like about the stability of this stand is the fact that it minimizes vibrations, which in turn, improves the level of accuracy. Also crucial to point out is that this stand breaks down into a more compact size for easy transportation.
Another thing that contributes to the precision of Dewalt DWE7491RS is the integrated rack and pinion fence system. This serves as a guide for boards running parallel to the blade. We were particularly impressed by how easy it is to adjust the fence by hand.
To keep your line of cut free of debris, this 10 inch table saw includes a dust port. This lets you attach a vacuum for trapping all the sawdust generated from the cutting process.
Pros
Cons
Dewalt DW745 table saw has a striking resemblance to the DWE7485 that we reviewed earlier.
Performance-wise, it has a 10 inch blade that's powered by a motor with a 15-amp rating. This causes it to rotate at a speed of 3,850 RPM facilitating fast, clean cuts.
The 24 tooth carbide blade comes fitted with a blade guard, guaranteeing maximum safety for the user. And the best part is, the table saw features Dewalt’s Site-Pro Modular Guarding System that allows you to make swift adjustments to the guard without using additional tools.
When it comes to cutting performance, the DW745 is identical to Dewalt DWE7491RS. As such, you get a similar depth of cut of 2 ¼ inches at 45° and 3 ⅛ inches at 90°. However, this one has a much smaller rip capacity of just 20 inches.
Table saws are generally heavy pieces of machinery. But the DW745 is significantly lighter than others, making it the ultimate portable table saw.
We also like how that the Dewalt 10 inch saw is designed with ease of use in mind. Its cast-iron tabletop is coated, an aspect that significantly minimizes friction.
Dewalt DW745 also has a 2 ½ inch port, ideal for attaching a shop vac for efficient dust extraction. To top it all off, the saw comes encased in a metal roll cage improving for maximum stability.
Pros
Cons
As a beginner, one thing you’ll be wary about is the level of safety a given table saw provides. In that regard, Bosch 4100XC-10 has a ton of safety features, making it an excellent choice for first-time users.
The 10 inch table saw comes fitted with the manufacturer’s Smart Guard System that comprises a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls.
The riving knife helps to maintain a uniform gap between the two cut sides of the board; hence, preventing jamming. On the other hand, the anti-kickback attachments minimize the risk of kickback when using this table saw.
The assembly of the guard is a safety mechanism in itself. It acts as a barrier, preventing the blade from coming into contact with your hand whilst still providing a clear view of the cut. We also like the restart protection feature, which protects against accidental startups.
Another feature that makes Bosch 4100XC-10 the best beginner table saw entails the soft start circuitry. What this does is that it enables you to start the piece of machinery without tripping the circuit breaker.
This 10 inch table saw also prides itself on constant response circuitry. This enables it to maintain top speed even when it’s subjected to a stressful load. As a result, you’re able to tackle heavy-duty projects without worrying about a dip in performance.
That said, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First off, the Bosch 4100XC-10 is not a portable table saw. It tips the scales at about 109 pounds, meaning it's quite bulky and heavy. Thus, it's best used as a stationary jobsite table saw.
This table saw is also on the higher side of the price spectrum. But that’s because it includes advanced features like its gravity-rise wheeled stand, making it incredibly easy to navigate. You will also get onboard storage, SquareLock rip fence, and a carbide tooth blade with a 30-inch rip capacity.
Pros
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What to Consider When Buying Table Saws for Beginners
Ease of Use and Setup
As a beginner, it’s likely that you don’t have too much experience using table saws. For this reason, it’s important that the first saw you buy has a user-friendly design.
The setup should be straightforward and the table saw itself ought to have features that make it easier to use. For instance, a model that comes with a laser guide makes it easier for the operator to see the cut line. This, in turn, improves their safety and accuracy.
Safety Features
Beginners should always invest in the safest power tools they can find, and this applies to table saws too.
Before you get the hang of using a new device, you’re bound to make several mistakes. That said, you’ll feel better knowing that the machinery has safety features in place to protect you from potential injuries in the event of such errors.
On that note, the best beginner table saws should have safety features like:
Riving Knife
This safety gadget is usually affixed to the table saw’s arbor. It works by maintaining a uniform gap between the two sides of the board that have been cut. In doing so, it prevents jamming that could result in a kickback.
Push Stick/Block
A push stick allows you to guide the workpiece into the right position for cutting whilst maintaining a safe distance from the blade.
Anti-Kickback Pawls
As implied in their name, these are designed specifically to shield the operator against kickbacks.
Blade
This is another integral feature you’ll want to check when shopping for your first table saw.
Typically, table saws are described by the size of the circular blades they’re fitted with, most of which use 10-inch blades. However, there are a handful of models that accommodate 12-inch blades.
So how do you pick between the two blade sizes? First off, keep in mind that a 10-inch saw can run on a 110 volts power supply. Conversely, a 12-inch saw needs at least 220 volts.
That said, a 12-inch blade offers a massive advantage in that it can cut up to 2-inch thick stock. A 10-inch can only handle about 1 ¼-inch thick materials. Thus, your decision will depend on the type of wiring present in your garage and your cutting needs.
Rip Capacity
One of the core functions of a table saw entails ripping wide sheets of material. However, the maximum width of the stock that can be accommodated in the spacing between the blade and fencing system differs quite a bit. This interval is what is referred to as rip capacity.
Entry-level table saws will usually have a rip capacity of about 18 inches. More advanced and expensive models can have rip capacities of up to 60 inches.
All this means that you’ll need to consider the projects you’ll be tackling with your table saw. Specifically, think about the dimensions of the workpieces you’ll be cutting.
Based on this, you can make an informed decision regarding rip capacity. As an example, building a toy box that is 2 feet high would require a rip capacity of no less than 24 inches. This way, you’d be able to cut ultra-wide parts for the sides and rear of the box.
Dust Collection
Though often neglected, the dust collection system is another important feature you should examine when buying a beginner table saw.
Invest in models that come with dust ports. This way, you can attach a shop vacuum that will catch all the sawdust released from the cutting process.
Table Space
One question you should ask yourself before purchasing this power tool is, “how much space will the table saw occupy?
On that note, there are different types of table saws, some of which are more compact than others. Here’s a brief breakdown of these power tools:
Benchtop
This is the most compact, and lightweight, which is why it’s also recommended for beginners. Because of its small structure, it’s not suited for heavy-duty cutting jobs. However, it’s powerful enough to cut sheet material like plywood and aluminum paneling.
Contractor Table Saw
This table saw is designed with portability in mind. For this reason, it often includes a rolling stand.
Cabinet Table Saw
This is the most powerful of them all. However, it’s a gigantic piece of equipment, meaning it occupies a big chunk of space.
Accessories
If you’re passionate about woodworking, you may be interested in a couple of other accessories that table saws come with. These include:
Stands
Some entry-level table saws include a folding stand for easy portability.
Table Extension
Do you anticipate undertaking projects that will require a greater rip capacity? If so, then look for a table saw that includes an extension.
Dado Capacity
Are you planning to use your table saw with a dado blade? If you do, check whether the unit is compatible with this cutting tool.
Beginner Tips for Using Table Saws
Given that you’ll be using a table saw for the very first time, there are a few points you’ll want to keep in mind.
Adopt the Right Posture
One thing that can enhance your safety when utilizing this power tool entails adopting the correct posture and standing position.
Ideally, you should stand with your feet about hip-width apart, being careful to place most of the weight on your lead foot. On the same note, you’ll want to ensure that you’re well-balanced, especially when you’re pushing the workpiece towards the blade.
This posture ensures that in case of any mishaps, you can react fast and distance yourself from the saw.
Invest in a Push Stick
Until you get the hang of using a table saw, a push stick or push block is a necessary safety feature.
As implied in the name, this item enables you to guide the stock into the blade while exercising maximum caution.
Push sticks increase your reach, which prevents you from overreaching and losing your balance when operating the saw.
Avoid Wearing Loose Clothing
Anytime you plan to operate a table saw, wear short-sleeved blouses or tees. Wearing long-sleeved clothes creates a risk of the garments getting snagged in the blade and potentially causing an injury.
Add a Fence System to the Miter Gauge
A miter gauge increases a table saw’s range of use. However, most gauges are too narrow and fail to offer enough support for making crosscuts.
For this reason, it would be a good idea to add a saw fence to the miter gauge. Not only does this boost the capacity of the miter but it also provides better stability for your cutting applications.
Set up an Outfeed Support System
You can achieve this goal in one of two ways. The first method entails clamping the two lengths of a 2 by 4 stock to your saw. This ensures that anytime you feed an ultra-long and wide workpiece, it’s supported.
The second technique is to place a support platform like a table, at the end of your saw. This platform takes on the weight of the overly large workpiece.
For the best outcome, place this outfeed support in such a way that it’s at a lower height than the table saw.
Conclusion
Have you been searching for the best table saws for beginners? If you have, Dewalt DWE7485 Table Saw is your safest bet.
The power tool comes in Dewalt’s usual yellow and black color scheme. More importantly, though, it’s a fairly compact table saw that packs a lot of power. Its motor has a 15 amp rating, providing enough power to rip 4 by 8 plywood. Overall, you get a ripping capacity of 24.5 inches.
Also onboard the Dewalt DWE7485 is a rack and pinion fence. The purpose of this is to facilitate fast, smooth, and accurate cuts, which is a handy feature for novice users.