What is a Good Contractor Table Saw to Buy?

Last updated on March 24th, 2023 at 01:10 pm

If you were to visit a hardware store and ask for advice on purchasing a contractor table saw, the response you’d likely receive is, “It depends.” And that’s true – the ideal saw for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. To determine this, consider the essential features and functions you require and whether you’ll need to transport the saw frequently. Striking a balance between size and durability is essential. This article will explore key factors to remember when selecting your next contractor table saw. Additionally, we’ve compiled a list of outstanding options for you, complete with thorough reviews of their advantages and disadvantages, so you know exactly what to expect.

Important Contractor Table Saw Features

The most important table saw features include:

1. Material Handling Capacity – The material handling capacity is one of the first things people look at when purchasing a contractor table saw. This is because they must ensure they can handle the materials they plan to use. If you don’t think you will be using a large amount of wood or plywood, you may not need as much material handling capacity as someone who plans to do a lot of cutting.
2. Blade Speed – How fast does the blade spin? You’ll want to ensure you get enough power to cut through the materials you intend to use. A slow speed means more time to cut. However, if you go too high, you could damage your workpiece.
3. Cutting Depth – How deep can the blade penetrate the workpiece? This will depend on the type of material you are cutting. For example, if you are cutting hardwood, you might only need a 1/4″ depth. On the other hand, if you are cutting softwoods, you’ll likely need a deeper cut.
4. Power Consumption – How much power does the table saw consume? Most contractors prefer a contractor table saw that consumes less than two amps, which helps them save money on electricity bills.
5. Warranty – Is there a warranty? Some companies offer a lifetime warranty, while others offer a limited warranty. Make sure you understand exactly what the warranty covers before making a purchase.
6. Safety Features – Does the table have safety features built into it? You may not think you need these, but you would rather have them and not need them than need them and not have them.

Getting the right fence

The fence is vital to the contractor’s table saw, where you place your workpieces. Without a proper fence, you won’t be able to position your workpieces properly. When choosing a fence, you want to ensure it has an adjustable height. There are different types of fences available, and here are some of the common ones:

Fixed Height – A fixed-height fence is excellent if you plan to cut multiple pieces of the same thickness, and it allows you to set the height of the fence once and never change it again.

Adjustable Height – An adjustable height fence lets you adjust the height of the fence every time you use it. This makes it easier to cut different thicknesses of materials.

Variable Height – A variable height fence is similar to an adjustable height fence, except it lets you move it up and down. This is useful if you are working on uneven surfaces. 

Rip Capacity

The rip capacity refers to how many sheets of material you can cut in one pass. As with any tool, the larger the rip capacity, the better. To determine how many sheets of material you can cut in one pass, multiply the length by the width. So, for example, if you have a 12′ x 24″ table saw, you can expect to be able to cut about 100 square feet.

Dust Collection System

The dust collection system is another important feature when buying a contractor table saw. The dust collection systems are often included in the table saw’s price. But, if you are doing a lot of cutting, you may want to invest in a separate dust collector.

Blade Guard

A blade guard is another essential piece of equipment for a contractor table saw, and they protect both yourself and your workpiece from getting injured by the spinning blades.

Power Cord Length

When looking for a contractor table saw, you should also consider the power cord’s length. The longer the power cord, the more convenient it is to use. If you plan to cut large amounts of wood, you will probably want a long power cord. However, you don’t need a long power cord if you plan to do most of your cutting at home.

Size of the Blade

You also need to take into account the size of the blade. Smaller blades are typically quieter and less powerful than larger blades, and larger blades tend to produce more noise and be stronger.

Table Size

Do I need a portable table? Another factor to consider when shopping for a contractor table saw is the size of the table. The bigger the table, the more room you have to maneuver around the workpiece. There are also advantages to compact table or hybrid table saws. Consider this before picking larger table saws for the sake of it.

Price

Finally, you should always check out the price of the contractor table saw. While you might think a higher-priced contractor table saw would be better, this isn’t necessarily true. Remember that these tools are meant to last a very long time. So, while they might cost more initially, you will save money in the long run.

Editor’s Choice of Contractor Table Saws

• SawStop Contractor Saw with 36″ Pro T-Glide Fence System
• Sawstop – Jobsite Saw PRO with Mobile Cart Assembly – 1-1/2 HP – 1PH – 120V
• Laguna – 1-3/4HP 1PH 110V Fusion F2 Table Saw
• Sawstop – 1-3/4HP 1PH 110-120V Contractor Saw with 30″ Aluminum Extrusion Fence System 
• Powermatic – 1-3/4HP 1PH 115/230V 64B-30 Table Saw with 30″ Fence and Riving Knife
• DEWALT Table Saw for the Job Site
• Bosch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity Lift Wheel Stand
• SKIL SAW SPT99-11 10 ” Table Saw with Stand
• Evolution – RAGE5-S Power Tools RAGE5S – 10 Inch TCT Multi-Material Table Saw, 10

We have included some of these in our post on the best contractor table saw.

SawStop Contractor Saw with 36″ Pro T-Glide Fence System

The SawStop Contractor Saw is versatile and ensures your safety when in use. It is also mobile and stable, allowing precision when making your cuts. It has a unique brake design detects hand or finger contact with the saw blade within milliseconds.

 Instantly it stops and retracts the blade hence avoiding injury. When looking for a precise saw, you might as well consider Sawstop. The fit, finish, and tolerance levels are impressive. It has a Professional T-Glide Fence System that adds strength and precision to the Contractor Saw. It is resilient enough to handle day-to-day use in any shop. 

The saw includes a table extension, two adjustable legs, a 10″ 40-tooth combination blade, two stamped wings, blade guard assembly, miter gauge, riving knife, blade wrenches, and owner’s manual.

Pros

• Mobile
• Safe
• Adjustable
• Multiple accessories 
• Precise

Cons

• The zero clearance insert could have been better.

(See The Price)

Sawstop – Jobsite Saw PRO with Mobile Cart Assembly – 1-1/2 HP – 1PH – 120V

If you are looking for a safe, you may as well consider a Sawstop.  It is durable, innovative, and precise. It comes with a design built for the demands of any worksite. It is easy to collapse the saw, and the wheel is easy to adjust to the exact location where you will be working. 

Keep it folded and move it into position for a quick setup. It is for job sites, garages, and outdoor cutting applications. It works with a Hi-Lo T-style fence that locks into place. You can raise or lower the blade with a handwheel turn. 

The dust collection blade guard keeps your workspace clean by capturing dust above your table. It comes with a mobile cart and storage space.

Pros

• Mobile
• Accurate
• Ease of use
• Durable
• Innovative

Cons

• It could have been more precise

(See The Price)

Laguna – 1-3/4HP 1PH 110V Fusion F2 Table Saw

The Laguna saw suits demanding jobs and woodworkers who want a sleek look. The bearings are permanently lubricated and come with Acme screws on the inside. It features a precision-ground cast iron table with cast aluminum alloy upper and lower trunnions. 

That makes the saw durable from the inside out. It has precision-ground cast iron table wings and a pre-formed steel cabinet, hence a complete package. It has an integrated dust collection system and a sealed base that keeps your blade clean. With a tilt adjustment feature, the digital readout ensures the saw blade is precise. 

The fence features a Hi/Low window for easy setup and accurate cuts. The onboard tool storage system keeps your European Hi/Low fence, miter gauge, and push stick neatly stowed when unused. The mobile base allows you to move your saw anywhere during the process. 

Pros

• Sleek look
• Precise
• Durable
• Adjustable
• Mobile

Cons

• More adjustments 

(See The Price)

Sawstop – 1-3/4HP 1PH 110-120V Contractor Saw with 30″ Aluminum Extrusion Fence System 

The SawStop Contractor Saw represents versatility, safety, stability, and mobility on the Jobsite. It delivers maximum performance and comes with a unique brake design that senses hand or finger contact with the saw blade within milliseconds, and the saw instantly stops and retracts the blade. 

That helps you avoid serious injuries. The fit, finish, and tolerance levels are unmatched. The package includes 1-3/4 HP Saw with stand, 30″Aluminum Extrusion Fence System, 10″ 40-tooth combination blade, two stamped wings, blade guard assembly, miter gauge, riving knife, blade wrenches, and owner’s manual.

Pros

• Mobile
• Safe
• Adjustable
• Smooth
• Powerful 

Cons

• Difficult to assemble.

(See The Price)

Powermatic – 1-3/4HP 1PH 115/230V 64B-30 Table Saw with 30″ Fence and Riving Knife

The Power magic saw comes with 1-3/4 horsepower with a dual voltage that matches the demands of the professional contractor. The unique, transparent blade guard comes with independent leaves. The quick-release riving knife reduces the chance of kickback and comes with a low-profile riving knife for non-through cuts.

There is no need for dual-blade wrenches since it has an arbor lock accessed from the table. The T-slot miter gauge has a rack-and-pinion angle setting, positive stops, and an extension plate for expanded workpiece support. It has a cast iron table and wings with a front edge bevel that increases the working area and gives you storage for your accessories. 

Pros

• Reduces kickbacks
• Precise
• Smooth
• Dust collection efficiency
• Ergonomic design

Cons

• It needs extra power for hardwoods

(See The Price)

DEWALT Table Saw for the Job Site

The 10-inch table saw has a stand that makes it solid and sturdy. It has a pinion and locking system makes adjustments quick, smooth, and precise. It has a 32-1 / 2 “cutting capacity that easily cuts various large shelves and finishing materials. The 15 Amp motor cuts hardwood with ease. 

The rolling stand is for easy setting and breakdown with excellent stability. The dust extraction system is efficient and easily connects to a vacuum. The material holder is for narrow cuts. The onboard storage system gives easy access to mounting the blade guard, fence, riving knife, miter gauge, keys, push stick, and cable wrap when not used. It comes with telescopic rails that retract to create a portable package. The 15 Amp motor quickly breaks through hardwoods with ease.

Pros

• Stable
• Portable
• Compact
• Easy to set up
• Efficient dust extraction system

Cons

• It does not include a Y-adapter

(See The Price)

Bosch Worksite Table Saw with Gravity Lift Wheel Stand

Bosch is a robust table saw with a 15-Amp motor that runs with 4.0 max HP and produces  3,650 rpm. It is for rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materials. The soft-start circuitry manages the intensity of motor startup and minimizes tripping a circuit breaker. 

It comes with constant response circuitry that maintains speed under load. The restart protection avoids accidental startup. It is portable and mobile with the help of a wheeled stand. It has a smart guard system that involves a riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls provide protection. The guard assembly prevents blade contact and allows an unobstructed view of the cut.

Pros

• Powerful 
• Constant speed
• Portable
• Mobile
• Safe

Cons

• A bit heavier and harder to raise into position

(See The Price)

SKIL SAW SPT99-11 10 ” Table Saw with Stand

SKIL saw comes with a 3.5 ” depth of cut and a 30.3 ” breaking capacity. The precision pinion grid and fence system make fence adjustments quick and easy for precise cuts. The saw has a sturdy stand with 16-inch wheels and easy-load handles for mobility. 

The dust port elbow contains debris in 1 area for cleaning, and the outlet and left support allow larger cuts to be made by one person. It is of better quality and a durable saw. The storage keeps your accessories in one place. The front left leg is adjustable to accommodate unlevelled ground.  Unclip the clasp and turn the legend! It is a threaded rod, so it turns down slowly.

Pros

• Precise
• Adjustable
• Sturdy
• Mobility
• Efficient dust extraction system

Cons

• The fence lock bends

(See The Price)

Evolution – RAGE5-S Power Tools RAGE5S – 10 Inch TCT Multi-Material Table Saw, 10

The Evolution saw has an optimized 15 Amp gearbox and blade system that increases motor and blade life. The blade cuts through multiple materials, such as steel, aluminum, wood, and plastic is included in the package. 

A combination of rip cutting and a full-length adjustable parallel fence with a metering rail guide ensures a smooth and reliable square cut. Adjust the blade to the desired angle up to a 45-degree bevel pitch and a 60-degree miter. You are allowed to raise and lower the height of the raincoat cutting blade with the folding table saw. A push stick ensures safer operation when handling cuts. 

Pros

• Safe
• Adjustable
• Reliable
• Foldable 
• Extendable sides for wider materials

Cons

• Instructions could have been clearer

(See The Price)

Ryobi 10 ” Portable Rolling Stand Table Saw

Ryobi saw a powerful 15 Amp motor and onboard storage. It is ideal for woodworking, home repair, and renovation projects, and it is also ideal for carpentry work, home repair, and renovation projects. 

The 15 Amp motor is for cutting a range of tough materials. The onboard storage is for your accessories. These include quicksand, miter gauge, break the fence and push stick for portability. The blade guard ensures safe operation.

Pros

• Great for the price
• Easy to transport
• Powerful
• Ideal for tough materials
• Onboard storage 

Cons

• Small miter guide

(See The Price)

Conclusion

It’s important to consider the types of wood you’ll be working with when selecting a table saw. A job site saw may need to handle a variety of woods, so it’s worth considering this factor carefully. Additionally, you may opt for a portable table saw with a dust collection port to keep your workspace tidy. Your requirements should be taken into account when choosing a table saw, so make sure to keep them in mind. Lastly, we recommend selecting a table saw with a powerful motor, as this will generally provide optimal performance for contractors.