Reviews | What’s the Best Table Saw Under $1000?

What’s the best table saw under $1000? In this article we article we review several portable table saws that we feel are worth your hard-earned money. We’ll be reviewing two saws with 10-inch blades, (both corded-electric), and one battery-powered table saw with an 8¼” blade. Let’s be honest, reading reviews about table saws can be boring. They all do the same job, all three are supposed to be the best table saw for under $1000. They have the same fittings and mostly the same features. So what really sets them apart?

Intro | Best table saw under $1000?

Usually, the quality of materials and workmanship, the size of the board it can cut, safety features, and accuracy will do it. For me, there is one more feature that really sets them apart, and that is quick, accurate, and easy setup for a cut. It can be extremely time-consuming and laborious to constantly measure each and every cut at least twice before you cut. Fortunately, you can buy bolt-on crosscut and rip guides that are accurate, easy to use, and quick to set. You will also find many good guides on making your own fences and guides to improve accuracy and set-up speed.

At the lower end of the cost scale, machines have inaccurate fences and guide slots, a riving knife that’s floppy and best discarded. Another irritating feature can be a blade guard that’s always in the way and makes it impossible to do narrow cuts. I’m pleased that the machines that we’ll be reviewing are not in this class. They all have rip guides that are easy to position and when properly set, give accurate and straight cuts. These guides also slide out to extend the rip capacity of the saw.

A Cabinet Table Saw Costs Well Over $1000 | SawStop PCS175-TGP236

The best portable table saw under $1000 will have most, if not all of the following:

• It must be possible to extend the smallish table to accept larger workpieces.
• It must have rack and pinion telescoping fence rails that make fence adjustments smooth and accurate, easy and quick to set.
• The rip fence must lock securely in place.
• A miter bar that is at least 12” long and with zero play that sets accurately.
• A must is a precisely machined aluminum table that has T-cut miter
• Metal roll cage base that is easy to fold.
• Onboard storage for the guard, fence, wrenches, and miter
• A table coating that reduces friction for smoother cutting.

I will use this set of requirements as a base for my review of the best portable table saw under $1000 :

1. Bosch 4100-10 — 10” table saw with stand  / Corded-electric
2. DEWALT DWE7491RS — 10″ Table saw with stand / Corded-electric
3. DEWALT DCS7485T1 FLEXVOLT — Battery-powered (60V) 8¼” table saw

One last thing, let’s not forget the after sales support and quality of workmanship and appropriate safety features that work well. Most artisans will use a miter saw or track saw to do miter cuts, and the table is barely used for this. If you do use a table saw for miter cuts or plan to do so, I recommend one aftermarket accessory. It’s the Kreg KMS7102 Table Saw Precision Miter Gauge System. It makes using a miter gauge a pleasant experience due to its accuracy and ease of use.

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Bosch 4100-10

10″ table saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand

Features:

• Powerful 10 In. Worksite table saw – features 15 Amp saw delivers 4.0 Max HP and 3,650 RPM, for the power required for ripping rip-cutting and cross-cutting in of fine- and rough-carpentry materials
• Large cast aluminum top – provides increased work space and material support with a 25 In. ripping capacity to cover all typical jobsite rip-cutting widths
• Soft-start circuitry – manages the intensity of motor start-up and minimizes the possibility of tripping a circuit breaker
• Constant response circuitry – helps maintain speed under load
• Table size : 29″ x 21.5″
• Portability – works seamlessly with the included lighter GTA47W Gravity-Rise Wheeled
• Stand for easy jobsite mobility, with single-action setup and take down
• SquareLock rip fence – engineered for enhanced clamping and trueness
• Smart Guard System – riving knife and anti-kickback pawls provide protection, while the guard assembly provides a barrier to help prevent blade contact while allowing an unobstructed view of the cut
• Onboard storage – allows for access to all included components
• Arbor lock – permits easy blade changes, with arbor lock and blade wrench located onboard

✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Bosch 4100-10.

Includes:

• (1) GTA47W Gravity-Rise Wheeled Table Saw Stand
• (1) Smart Guard System – Barrier-Guard Device and Anti-Kickback Pawls
• (1) 10 In. Carbide-Tipped Blade
• (1) SquareLock Rip Fence
• (1) Miter Gauge
• (1) Push Stick
• (1) Throat Plate Insert
• (1) Multi-Function Blade Wrench
• (1) Adjustment Wrench

Overview | Bosch 4100-10

Bosch manufactures quality, durable tools and this one is no exception. The tabletop size is 29” by 21-1/2” with an extendable rip capacity to the right of the blade. There’s 25” between the blade and the fence and that enables you to rip 4-feet wide sheets in half.

It does not have rack and pinion telescoping fence rails. Bosch does it differently. The SquareLock Rip Fence is precision engineered and, with one hand, it slides freely on rails. They included a Digital Measuring Display, a precise and durable high-visibility LCD gauge that magnetically attaches to the SquareLock Rip Fence. It is accurate to within 1/32″ and being that accurate, it will be a great time saver. The rip fence locks securely in place with a pushdown handle.

The tabletop is precisely machined from aluminum with standard T-cut miter slots. The table is coated to reduce friction for smoother cutting. I could not determine the miter gauge bar-length. When doing repetitive cuts, one safe method is to attach a guide block to the guide rail. The guide rail is then set to the cut length. Then the crosscutting capacity is 61/4” with a ¾” workpiece or 51/2” with an 11/2” workpiece.

Onboard storage is provided for the guard, fence, wrenches, blade, and miter gauge. On a portable saw, this is a great time saver because it is easy to store the tools nearby. You also will not leave these items behind when you move the table saw.

The Smart Guard system is a modular table saw blade guard. The three-position adjustable riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and barrier guard are assembled as one. The entire system is attached in seconds, detaches as quickly, this will not interfere with your work, and stores on the tool. The blade guard provides a non-obstructed view of the cut. It can be easily removed from the riving knife without tools. The riving knife remains on the saw, and it is adjustable to three positions. Because of the three positions, it’s easy to position the riving knife for all cutting applications. It is also easy to align with the blade and line of cut if it is ever out of alignment.

Moving the table saw is easy. It’s mounted to a heavy duty Gravity-Rise, wheeled table saw stand. It has 8” wheels for moving it around and easily folds up to make the table easy to load onto a truck. The design is sturdy and very convenient.

Workmanship is good, as you would expect for a Bosch tool. Their after sales support is good.

The Bosch table saw has a “Soft-start” circuit. It manages the intensity of motor start-up to minimize the likelihood of tripping a circuit breaker. Combined with this, it has another regulating feature that maintains speed under load. This is fantastic news for people who use a generator on site because it eases the generator’s load.

It has 6” and 8” Dado blade sets with 2 outside blades, 3 chipping blades and a cutting insert that are available from the supplier. Switching from the 10” blade is quick and easy due to the arbor lock that makes undoing the locknut a one-hand job.

Everything on this machine works as expected and the motor is powerful. At 15 Amp (4.0 HP), it is a good thing the Max motor has circuitry that limits the load on the grid. The start-up also feels less aggressive, and it’s sure to limit the stress on components.

Included in the deal is everything you need to use this table saw, right out the box. Customer feedback is very good for this new table saw model. Users commented that its space-saving features make it the best table saw for hobby woodworking and job site work.

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DEWALT DWE7491RS

10″ table saw with Rolling Stand

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 gauge, 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

Overview

The DEWALT DWE7491RS is also a 10” table saw under $1000 and it too, has a rolling stand. It has a quality build, and a trusted supplier supports it. It’s as powerful as the Bosch, so what makes it different?

A difference you will immediately see is the rack and pinion telescoping fence rails. The rails make fence adjustments smooth and accurate, easy and quick to set. Cutting a variety of larger shelving and trim materials are enabled by its 32-1/2” fully extended capacity to the right of the blade. Another time saver is the flip-over ripping fence that allows for narrow rip cuts without removing the blade guard. You can lower the same narrow lip to the fence and use it as job support when using the extended guides. The rip fence does lock securely in place, and it’s easy to unlock and move with one hand. All users commented that it is very accurate and makes fence changes fast and effortless.

The miter gauge is not too impressive. For a small price increase, DeWalt could include one that fits better. The miter bar does not have a no-play fit, so cuts are inaccurate. If you use it a lot, it’s worth replacing. It’s also possible to use a flat tip round punch to put dents in the bar near the trailing and leading edges. This must be done carefully, but it works by widening the bar at those points. A perfect fit can be achieved. The majority of tradesmen don’t use them on a job site, but if you do, I recommend replacing the miter bar.

The aluminum table has T-cut miter slots, and it is machined properly. The 26-1/4” by 22” table is notably bigger than the Bosch table. It’s also easy to extend to the right of the blade with the built-in extenders. In the extended mode, the rip fence still functions as normal. I like this setup a lot, it makes a lot of sense and, once set properly, will stay true.

Onboard storage is available for the guard, fence, wrenches, and miter gauge. It’s a useful addition that all tradesmen, who move between jobs, will appreciate.

VIDEO | See the DEWALT DWE7491RS in Action

The table saw is mounted to a metal roll cage base that is easy to fold. It has two large wheels that are in place when folded so that it is easy to load the table saw on a truck. It’s also easy to move it around on the wheels, and you can store it away in an upright position. When in the work position the table is rock solid, and the saw will not tip over or move.

The riving knife is a real decent knife that is very quick and easy to remove and replace by simply pulling a leaver. It moves with the blade as expected and works for all types of cuts, except dado cuts of course. The Smart guard blade cover has a dust port that you can attach to a dust extractor. When combined with the dust extractor port at the back of the machine, dust extraction is perfect. The Smart guard blade cover is as easy to install as the riving knife and has its own riving knife. A non-thru cut is not possible with this riving knife. With the riving knife, Smart guard blade cover, and safe power switch all the necessary safety features are provided.

This table saw displays excellent quality of workmanship. It’s a good machine and everything, apart from the miter gauge, is solid and true when set in position.

DEWALT is a trusted manufacturer of industrial power tools and accessories. With more than 1,000 factory-owned and authorized locations, DEWALT service and repair is always close by throughout North America.

The motor starts instantly, and with a current consumption of 15 Amps, it may be a problem for a generator. You have to be sure the generator can handle the start-up current.

The arbor size is a standard 5/8,” and the saw can be used with dado cutters. A 10″, 24-tooth carbide blade is supplied with the table saw. The maximum depth of cut at 45° is 2-1/4”, and at 90°, it’s 3-1/8”.

This is my personal favorite. It has the easy to use and accurate fence that, I feel, is an important requirement. Its portability, combined with a solid stand, is great and the dust collection superb.

The DEWALT DWE7491RS is easily one of the best table saws under $1000. It’s hard to go wrong when buying Dewalt products.

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DEWALT DCS7485T1 FLEXVOLT

60V battery-powered table saw with 8¼ blade. Includes battery and charger. Hands down, the best battery-powered table saw under $1000. In all honesty, there is no such thing as a cordless table saw over $1000 — at least not yet.

Note : If you just want to buy the table saw, which only makes sense if you already own a DeWalt FlexVolt charger and 60V battery — you can purchase it separately : DEWALT DCS7485B FLEXVOLT table saw

Features:

• Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments smooth and accurate
• 24″ of rip capacity for ripping 4×8 plywood or OSB sheets
• Run off of 20V/60V Flexvolt battery system for maximum portability
• Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustment of the guarding
• Power-Loss Reset prevents accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the switch is left in the “on” position
• Metal roll cage base offer greater durability than plastic bases
• On board storage for Guard, Fence, wrenches and miter gauge
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting

Overview

If you are a tradesman, a finish carpenter, or any contractor who works where there is no power, you will appreciate this table saw. It is powered by the 60V Flex Volt battery and will cut up to 302 linear feet per charge in 3/4″ OSB. The batteries will not last long enough for every need, so I recommend buying additional batteries as a backup. One battery and a fast charger are included with the DCS7485T1 FLEXVOLT. The brushless motor is powerful, quiet, and very efficient. The no-load speed is high, 5800 RPM. When you replace the blade, make sure it’s rated for the speed. Some of the feedback received is that the included blade is too flexible and should be replaced

You can expect to find most of the DEWALT DWE7491RS features on this model. It has the same rack and pinion telescoping fence rails that make fence adjustments smooth and accurate, easy and quick to set. It also has the same fantastic fence lock, which is perfectly accurate. The rip fence has mountings for the push stick on the back of the fence. It’s, therefore, easy to reach whilst cutting.

Swapping the riving knife with the blade guard assembly is not as convenient as with the DWE7491RS. On this table saw, you have to remove the throat plate and reach inside, next to the blade to undo a knob. I’m disappointed by this, the system on the DWE7491RS is much better. It’s quick and safe, and you are most likely to use it. The blade guard assembly looks the same as the one on the RS and has the same convenient stop when lifted. The anti-kickback pawls can be quickly removed and replaced as needed.

VIDEO | See the DeWalt FlexVolt Table Saw in action

This is another table saw that could do with a better miter gauge. However, as it is seldom used on a job site, we can excuse them for this. It has a precisely machined aluminum table that has T-cut miter slots, and it’s protected with a coating. The table coating reduces friction, which makes it easier to push the goods across the table. The size of the tabletop is 23.8” by 23.8”. This compares well to the 26-1/4” by 22” of the DWE7491RS. The rip fence can be moved 24” to the right of the blade, which is a lot less than the 32-1/2” rip capacity of the DWE7491RS. This is not a huge drawback, it’s still able to handle full 4X8’ sheet goods.

The onboard storage for the guard, fence, wrenches, and miter gauge is as important and convenient as for the other saws.

The table saw is not sold with a stand; it is fitted with a sturdy roll cage to protect its corners. It has sturdy, thick rubber feet for use on a tabletop.

Quality of workmanship is the same as the other DEWALT tabletop saw, very good. It also has the same backup and support for unexpected problems. The limited warranty for this machine is 3 years.

The arbor size is also a normal 5/8,” but the blade size is 8-1/4″. It gives you maximum depth of cut at 45° of 1-3/4″ and at 90°, it is 2-1/2″.

If you need a battery-powered table saw, this is the one for you. It is a solid machine with a powerful motor. With an additional battery, it will complete most workdays. It is accurate and easy to use, and it has the necessary safety features.

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VIDEO | Table Saw Buying Advice

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Safety | Portable Table Saws

I’m old school. When I used my first table saw the rip fence was a joke. It had no blade guard, riving knife or anti-kickback pawls. The blade was poor, with a rough cut. The miter gauge was inaccurate because it did not fit well in the T-slots. I still use the saw today because the table is huge and now the machine is accurate and stable. I had to make those changes and spent many happy hours doing so.

I guess the point I’m making is that any old table saw can be upgraded and effectively used. For buyers today, it means that some features that are less than satisfactory when you buy a table saw, can be improved. Some great aftermarket fences and miter gauges are available. You’ll always have to replace the blades in time. On my machine, a riving knife and blade guard is still not an option but some are available as aftermarket options. Frankly, I do not use it and I still have all my fingers, and I never experienced a kickback. Though, I’m not saying you don’t need it, nor that you should throw it away.

Working safely is the key to me. I’m teaching my grandchild to use a table saw. In doing so, I started by teaching him to work safely. I instill in him the rules that kept me safe all along. I believe the key to workshop safety is in working properly. The safety add-ons on some tools are good and do help when you act foolishly. But, if you think of what you are doing, you will learn to be safe. I did cut myself once; it was a small light cut and not on a table saw. It was with a 4-1/2” grinder that slipped. A drill also twisted out of my hands more than once, but that is all in 55 years of using tools.

Think safety when you start a job. A blade that is free to cut cannot bind or cause a kickback. It can only happen when it gets stuck. I believe the following rules will help you to stay safe:

• While cutting, the groove may close at the back due to lumber with natural stress and grab onto the blade. You have to learn how to read the workpiece. Always keep your eye on the groove, if it closes, put something in, so it stays open.
• When crosscutting, use a stopper and not the rip fence as a marker for repetitive cuts. When you cut that last bit, the offcut can jam between the rip fence and the blade, causing a kickback. Attach a square block of about 2” by 2” by 2” to the fence. Place it so that the stock will be free from the stop block when it enters the blade.
• Feed into the blade and against the rip fence all the way through. Keep it straight and safe, this will also give you the cleanest cut.
• A spinning blade is dangerous; never attempt to retrieve material from the saw table near the blade. Use the push stick if it can be done safely, or stop the saw and then remove it.
• Simple rule, never get your hands within 5” of the spinning blade, never.
• Do not wear loose-fitting
• Use a push stick with a firm grip on workpieces, and with a deep enough upper lip to keep the material pressed down onto the table. It should be used whenever the size or shape of the workpiece would cause you to place your hands within 6″ of the blade.
• Use something attached to the rip fence to hold down the workpiece. Use any kind of jig, fixtures, or feather boards. It will keep things under control and aligned, and ensure that your hand is out of harm’s way.
• Do not perform ripping, crosscutting, or any other operation freehand. Your hands cannot control the workpiece well enough, and a kickback is sure to happen.
• Never reach around or over a spinning saw blade. Never fetch things while the blade is spinning, switch it off.
• Your table saw must be mounted well, and stand firmly on a level surface so it does not move.
• The work area should be free from obstructions and trip hazards. No materials or tools should be leaned against the saw.
• Regularly make sure that the throat plate is locked in place. Otherwise, a workpiece could be thrown and possibly injure you.
• Use the correct saw blade for the intended operation. Only work from the side where the blade rotates toward you. Always tighten the blade arbor nut securely.
• Before use, inspect the blade for cracks or missing teeth. Do not use a dull blade or a one that’s not running true, or vibrates.
• Make sure the workpiece is not against the blade when you start the machine. The blade is sure to throw the workpiece or stall the motor.
• When cutting, do not have your body in line with the blade. If a kickback should happen you will be injured.
• Stop the machine before you work on the table top and lower the blade.
• Never perform any adjustments while the saw is running. Always keep it in mind that a spinning blade is dangerous.
• Always lock the rip fence and bevel adjustment before cutting.
• Always make sure you can hold the work firmly against the fence, and down against the table surface.
• Don’t fool around in the workplace. Switch all tools off before you relax.
• Keep the place clean and free of clutter, so you do not trip or lose your balance while feeding the workpiece.