Best Table Saw for the Money | Top Rated Portable Table Saws

🕥 Updated: March 25, 2024 ✽ Writer: Colin Manley

DEWALT Table Saw for Jobsite, Compact, 8-1/4-Inch (DWE7485) — The best ultra-portable portable table saw you can buy. **(Amazon)**

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Table saws are an essential tool for anybody who builds things, either as a profession or in a do-it-yourself capacity around the home. Choosing the best table saw for the money depends on the type of work you intend to do and the budget you have. The Dewalt DWE7485, shown above, is a popular model due to its compact size and 8.25″ cutting blade. We review a variety of table saws to give you options to consider. We think there’s a portable table saw here for everyone.

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1 Best Table Saw for the Money

Best Table Saw for the Money

Portable or job site table saws have long been a favorite among carpenters who want a saw that is small and light enough to transport and still want something that is able to provide the accuracy and work capabilities comparable to large table saws. Their versatility, also makes portable table saws an attractive option for small professional workshops, where space is limited and home workshops.

If you’re a professional, looking to buy a top quality highly accurate job site table saw, you’ll be glad to see that we’re reviewing one of the most popular DeWalt table saws – the DeWalt DWE7491RS as well as the SkilSaw SPT99-11 with their revolutionary Worm Drive motor. These three table saws offer just about the best quality and accuracy of any product in their price range.

If you’re looking for a table saw that will offer you the ability to perform jigsaw functions. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is a perfect tool for the job. We’ll look at the versatile options that this small and very portable table saw has to offer.

Mid-Grade quality table saw | Metabo C10RJS / 10″ Carbide Saw

Metabo HPT Table Saw, C10RJS — Cutting table handles stock up to 25″ wide. (***Buy from Amazon***)

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Features :

INCLUDES: Table saw, 10-Inch 40-Tooth Carbide Tipped Blade, Blade Guard, Push Stick, Wrenches, Kickback, Rip Fence and Miter Gauge Assemblies, Outfeed Support
MOTOR: Powerful 15 Amp motor with 4,500 RPM for tackling the toughest cutting applications
CUT CAPACITY: Capable of a 3-1/8 In. cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 In. cut at 45 degrees
BEVEL: 0° to 45°: for cuts ranging from 3-1/8 In. (0°) to 2-1/4 In. (45°)
TABLE SIZE: 28-3/4 In. x 22 In. working table size: with out feed support of 28-3/4 In. x 2 In. for easy and stable material support
TABLE CAPACITY: 35-in to the right and
TECHNOLOGY: Featuring soft star and electric brake

For those of you looking for something in between, that is, a portable table saw that can cut reasonably large boards with most of the features that you’ll find on top-ranking table saws, the Skil TS6307-00 makes for a perfect middle ground. This table saws come at a very affordable price and compares reasonably well to other saws that we’ll be looking at.

All the table saws reviewed in this article are quality items at a price that makes them very competitive for what they offer. Making all these saws very good candidates for the category of the best table saw for the money. If you have a strict budget then have a look at the best table saws under $500, but in all honesty, most of the saws in this article fit that description.

DEWALT DWE7491RS / 10″ Table Saw / Includes Stand

Best table saw under $1000. Best portable worksite table saw for the money. — Telescoping fence rail easily extends & retracts.

Features:

Rack & Pinion Telescoping Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
Patented material support, can be used for narrow rip cuts.
32-1/2″ rip capacity easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
Onboard storage system provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gage, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.
Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
Flip over ripping fence allows for narrow rip cuts
15 amp Motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
2-1/2″ Dust Collection Port easily connects to a vacuum for efficient dust extraction
3-1/8″ depth-of-cut at 90 and 2-1/4″ at 45
21-7/8″ X 26 – 3/8″ table provides superior material support

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWalt DWE7491RS.

Overview | DeWalt DWE7491RS : Best table saw for the money

The DeWalt DWE7491RS has all the cool stuff that you find on the DW745. Mechanically, it’s the same 10” table saw with all of the same adjustments and capabilities. The only real difference in the design of the saw itself is an improved safety guard. Like the DeWalt 745, the DWE7491RS has tool-free installation and adjustment of the guard and riving knife but this one has the advantage of a dust removal port on the guard.

Video Overview | DeWalt DWE7491RS

Unlike most saws that only remove dust from the blade housing, this one removes dust from the top of the saw blade as well. This leaves you with a virtually dust-free work area. Another mechanical improvement is a better blade rotation speed of 4800 RPM. This is a remarkable improvement, considering the DeWalt DWE7491RS also uses a 15A motor. It’s a newer design, so I suppose the motor is just that much more efficient.

The real difference with the DeWalt DWE7491RS is its table and stand. This must be one of the most ingenious designs I’ve seen. It allows this portable table saw to have the same rip capabilities of large table saws. When fully extended, the fence rail can accommodate even the largest boards. Rip to right of the blade is an incredible 32½” and 22” to the left. What’s more, the stand is very stable which means one person can easily feed a board through without the saw tipping over.

The rolling stand does make it a little less easy to transport because of its larger size. The stand obviously adds some bulk to the machine, but its clever design compensates for much of this. The stand flips up on either side of the saw so it’s relatively compact with a vertical storage position. To make it easier to handle the extra weight (90 LBS), two large rubber wheels and a push bar handle make wheeling the saw about pretty effortless.

When it comes to setting the saw up, it’s an easy job that can be accomplished by one person in a matter of seconds. Four legs, one on each corner, are released with the pull of a lever and then clip into position. The entire stand simply folds into position as you pull the legs out. The design of the legs make the stand perfectly balanced and it’s just about as stable as large, fixed position table saws that are virtually impossible to move.

A wonderful table saw from DeWalt : Folds Up

So if you want to have the abilities of a large table saw on any work site, the DeWalt DWE7491RS is the ideal solution. There really isn’t a rolling stand table saw that can compare.

Rockwell BladeRunner X2

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Features:

Lightweight and easy to carry, weighing less than 15 lbs.
Easy-to-use, both hands are left free to control your cuts
Dedicated steel rip fence with large scale for accurate rip cuts
On-board storage for miter gauge, rip fence and blades
Sets up in seconds to cut wood, metal, tile, aluminum and plastic, and perform rip, scroll, miter, and inside cuts
Compact and portable at less than 15 pounds, with built-in tabletop handle to carry anywhere
Hold-down guard and splitter cuts wider material, and a larger rip fence for better control and a nice, accurate cut
Instant, tool-free blade changes and compatible with any 4″ t-shank jigsaw blades, change the blade in 3 seconds
Includes a vacuum port, a large, steel rip fence, miter gauge, 5-piece starter blade set, and manufacturer’s
3-year warranty

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Rockwell BladeRunner X2.

Overview | Rockwell BladeRunner X2 : Best table saw for the money

All the other saws in this review are circular saws that are used predominantly for rip, miter, and cross cuts. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is something different, being a table saw that uses 4” T-shank jigsaw blades for use on all types of wood as well softer metals like aluminum or mild steel. It will even cut ceramic, making it fantastic for cutting those intricate shapes when doing tiling jobs. In fact, because it uses regular jigsaw blades, you’ll be able to cut any material that you can with a handheld jigsaw.

The fact that it is fixed to a table means that you’ll also be able to make rip, cross and miter cuts with the same accuracy as a standard table saw. This versatility makes it the ideal saw for homeowners and handymen who want a small portable saw that can do a large variety of jobs. It’s really affordable too, costing much less than other table saws. Though I must point out from the start that it doesn’t have nearly as much rip capacity as conventional circular blade table saws. You won’t be able to rip large boards, it’s really suited for cutting shelving and laminate flooring when used as a rip saw.

The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is really small and easy to carry in one hand, weighing only 15 LBS. It has a wonderful carry handle – an upgrade from the original BladeRunner. You can place it on any surface and the expertly designed rubber feet will grip perfectly, preventing the saw from moving around. The blade clips into the base of the saw by using a simple pull lever, the same lever will eject the blade when you want to change it. It must be one of the easiest saws to use and even the least handy of people will be able to set it up in seconds.

VIDEO | See what the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 can do

The size of the machine limits its rip capacity to about 6”. The dimensions are 16.1” X 17.5” X 8.3”, this makes it a wonderful machine to use around the home or on a job site. The compact size means that you can use it anywhere, store it easily and it’s absolutely no hassle carry or transport.

It has a guide fence that slots into grooves in the base. The fence is secured by two thumb screws on either end, so it’s not as easy to line up for accurate square cuts as the more sophisticated table saws. It does have measurement markings on the base to make it easier to set up the fence and once in place and properly secured, you can feed your wood through just like you would with any other table saw. It has a miter attachment that also slots into a groove in the base of the machine, allowing you to make accurate miter cuts just like the other table saws in this review.

The blade has a cover that slots into place very easily. Incorporated into the blade cover, is a dust extraction port so you can hook it up to a vacuum extractor. The cover clamps down onto the piece that you’re cutting and this minimizes the vibration that is typical of this type of blade. With less vibration, you’re able to work much more accurately.

Can handle a wide variety of cutting tasks | Rockwell BladeRunner X2

Even though the BladeRunner X2 cannot be compared to large table saws, I think it’s a fantastic little piece of machinery. Even if you’re using a larger table saw for making cabinets and other bigger woodworking projects, the BladeRunner X2 will make an excellent addition to your tool collection. It’s just so versatile and compact, that it’s something few workmen can do without. If you look at the price, you’ll have no problem getting one. Don’t think that because it’s cheap, the BladeRunner X2 is NOT a load of junk and well worth your money. It has a sturdy metal base with a durable table top and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Tech Specs (Rockwell BladeRunner X2):

Power : 5.5 Amps
No-Load Speed : 3000/min
Stroke Length : 3/4″
Table Size : 15.75″ x 17″
Cutting Capacity :
- Wood : 1.5″
- PVC Pipe : 1.25″
- Aluminum : 3/8″
- Ceramic Tile : 3/8″
- Steel: 1/8″
Machine Weight : 14.7 lbs
Warranty : 3 Years

Includes : (1) Miter Gauge, (1) Rip Fence, (1) Blade Holder, (1) Allen Key, (1) Wood Cutting Smooth T-Shank Blade, (1) Wood Cutting Scroll T-Shank Blade, (1) Tile Cutting Ceramic T-Shank Blade, (1) Aluminum Cutting T-Shank Blade, (1) Metal Cutting T-Shank Blade

SKIL 3410-02 | 10″ Table Saw

Get the updated version : SKIL TS6307-00

10″ Table Saw with Folding Stand

SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch : Best Table Saw — Accurate and well-made. Very good table saw for your hard-earned money.

Features:

Heavy-duty steel stand with quick mount – fast setup and easy transport
3-1/2 In. cut height capacity – cuts through 4X materials
Cast aluminum table – 20 In. x 26 In. table extends to 20 In. x 32 In. for longer work pieces
Self-aligning rip fence – for accurate measurements
EZ view measurement system for accurate settings

The Skil 3410-02 is a cheaper alternative to the DeWalt DWE749RS. I think it’s important to bring this up because the price on this one is considerably lower than what you’re going to pay for the DeWalt equivalent. It has very similar specs to the DeWalt in terms of rip capabilities, so it can be used for the same type of projects.

Though it differs in many respects when it comes to some of the technical details and the DeWalt has several benefits like a much sturdier and practical stand, as well as rack and pinion fence adjustments, to name some of the more obvious design features that make the DeWalt a superior machine.

That being said, the Skil 3410-02 is definitely worth the money that you’ll be paying for the saw. If you want to pay less and don’t mind losing out on some of the features found on the DeWalt, this table saw is well worth considering as one of the best table saws for the money.

SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch : Best Table Saw for the money — Exceptional heavy-duty steel stand makes this stable to work with.

The Skil 3410-02 has an aluminum table that extends to 20” X 32”, so we can say that it will rip the same width boards as the DeWalt. It has similar power, with a 15A motor that delivers 5000 RPM.

The fence rail slots into grooves that keep it 100% square all the time, but is not too great when it comes to adjustments. You can slide the fence into position and lock it down with push lever, just like on the DeWalt. However, it doesn’t have the rack and pinion gear system for making fine adjustments so it will never be as accurate. The fence will also have a tendency to shift slightly as you use it so you’ll have to check your settings from time to time.

It also has a tool-free setup for the blade guard, riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls. This is a fairly complicated process and takes some getting used to but once you have the hang of it, removing and refitting these items isn’t too much of a problem. The stand slots together and all the pieces are held together with nuts and bolts, so it will take some time to setup.

Once assembled, the stand will fold up easily and the saw is attached to the stand with clips. This means that you will have to remove the saw from the stand before transporting. This is not the most convenient way of doing things, but it really doesn’t take too long and the 45.1 LBS machine is quite portable.

The saw has bevel adjustments from 0°-47°. Adjusting the angle and blade height is easy, there are turn handles for both of these functions with well-marked measurements. Cutting depth is 3½” at 90° and 2½” at 45°. Like most similar saws, it has a slot for a dado rail.

The Skil 3410-02 is a very affordable table saw that will fulfill the needs of many DIY woodworkers. For the professional, it may be lacking in some respects but will certainly get the job done. Made from aluminum, it’s definitely of a good quality standard. So, for its price, this saw will certainly be money well spent. It has a 3-year limited warranty.

Tech Specs:

Amperage: 15
Arbor: 5/8″
Bevel Angle Range: 0° to 47°
Bevel Capacity (°): 47
Bevel Direction: Left Bevel
Blade Diameter: 10
Blade Material: Carbide Tipped
Cord Length: 6 ft
Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
Depth of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/2″
Fence Included: Yes
Maximum Dado Width (in): 0.8125
No Load RPM: 5,000
Rip Capacity – Right (in): 24.25
Spindle Lock: No
Table Material: Aluminum
Voltage: 120V
Warranty: 3 Year Limited Warranty, with registration
Weight: 45.1 lb

SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 / DISCONTINUED

10″ Portable Worm Drive Table Saw with 25″ Rip Capacity

SKILSAW SPT70WT-01: best table saw for the money — Runs cooler than other table saws thanks to the dual-field motor.

Features:

Capable of ripping full sheets of plywood in half
The first ever brass-geared Worm Drive table saw makes this the ultimate ripping machine
3.5″ depth of cut and 25″ rip capacity for demanding jobs and increased productivity
Dual-Field Motor and smooth start-up runs cooler and lasts longer
Self aligning rip fence with on tool storage for a true cut
Portable and compact. Weighs : 49 lbs
Includes : 10″ 24 tooth carbide rip cutting blade
**Sold separately : Heavy-duty Stand SkilSaw SPTA70WT-ST

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01.

**NOTE : This is one of the best manuals I’ve ever seen created a manufacturer. It’s refreshing to see a company like SkilSaw put this much attention and detail into their manuals. Beautifully illustrated and comprehensive.

Includes:

SPT70WT SKILSAW 10 In. Portable Worm Drive Table Saw, 24 tooth carbide rip cutting blade for ripping, miter gauge, self-aligning fence, guard system including anti-kick back device, insert plate, push stick and wrench

Overview | SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 : Best table saw for the money

This saw does not come with a stand and yet it’s more expensive than the Skil 3410-02 despite coming from the same manufacturer. The extra cost is well justified as the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 forms part of their Worm Drive range. The dual field motor with a worm drive is something that Skil are very proud of and for good reason. The Worm Drive saw range has put them in a category that makes them very competitive alongside more expensive saws like Bosch, DeWalt.

The worm drive system provides incredible torque making it almost impossible to jam the blade and increases the overall durability of the motor. If you regularly cut thick hardwood pieces or wet wood, this drive system will be a distinct advantage over any other saw.

If we compare the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 to the DeWalt DW745, the SkilSaw has several advantages beyond the worm drive motor. It has 25” rip capacity which is 5” more than the DeWalt equivalent which can make quite a difference for some. The thought that the guys at Skil have put into the onboard storage for accessories is quite impressive.

Most notable is the push stick that has an easy access slot in the front of the machine. This means that the push stick can be pulled out and replaced very easily while you work and there’s less chance of you misplacing it. All the other items like riving knife, anti-kickback pawl, blade guard, and fence rail clip neatly into place very close to where you’ll be needing them and are still completely protected when transporting the saw.

Where the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 falls slightly short of the DeWalt is in the fence rail adjustment – you just can’t beat the rack and pinion system on the DeWalt for accuracy, ease of use and the fact that it never loses its position. The clip and slide fence rail on the SkilSaw will remain perfectly square but it takes a bit of time to get precise measurements and will have a tendency to shift slightly over time, so you will need to check your measurements periodically. The tool-free setup for installing the blade guard, riving knife and pawl is also more complicated and time-consuming on the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01.

For the rest, the two saws are very similar and have the same adjustments for bevel angle and blade height. They both use a 15A (1800W) motor, though the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 has the benefit of the worm drive and it rotates at an impressive 5300 RPM. At 49 LBS, the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability. It’s light enough to carry quite easily, yet heavy enough to stand firmly in place while working.

The SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 is a very impressive piece of quality engineering. It is robust with a strong roll cage and class leading motor. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better table saw for the money that you’ll be paying for this one and it also comes with a 3-year warranty.

What’s the Best Table Saw for the Money?

The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is in a class of its own. It cannot be classified as a table saw in the conventional sense. One should view it more as a multi-purpose saw with table saw capabilities (albeit fairly limited in this regard). Its size and price make it a true winner with versatility that cannot be beaten. Anyone who uses a table saw will see the benefit of owning one of these, even if you use it alongside a larger table saw.

When it comes to others, we should look at how the DeWalt saws compare to the Skil saws in their two respective categories. These being a table saw with a stand and those without.

When it comes to the two saws that we’ve reviewed that come with stands, the DeWalt is undoubtedly the superior machine. The only thing the Skil has going for it is its price. So I’d say if woodworking is a casual hobby for you, it would hard to justify the extra cost of the DeWalt. The Skil offers very similar capabilities for less money. Professionals and more serious home users will certainly appreciate the advanced features and durability of the DeWalt.

The two table saws that don’t have stands, have left me with quite a predicament. If like me, you’re die-hard DeWalt fan, choosing between the DeWalt DWE7491RS and the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 won’t be too easy. They’re fairly similar in price and apart from the DeWalt name, the only real advantage of the DWE749RS is its rack and pinion fence rail adjustments.

On the other hand, the SkilSaw SPT70WT-01 has better ripping capabilities and, arguably, the best motor in the business. Perhaps the best way to decide between the two would be to flip a coin. They each have their own pros and cons but both are equally deserving of the title “best table saw for the money”.

Looking for additional table saws? Well, try these industrial strength saws that may be exactly what you need. If you’re on a budget then this puts a cap on the saws we review, Best Portable Table Saw under $1000. And for more robust saws then perhaps you need to find the Best Cabinet Saw for all of your projects.