10″ Portable Worm Drive Table Saw with 25″ Rip Capacity. (Buy from Amazon)
What’s the Best Table Saw Under $500?
A table saw is a big investment for any workshop, whether you’re working in your garage or have a full-scale professional woodworking shop. When you’re spending this kind of money, it doesn’t make sense to cut corners and simply settle for the cheapest option.
There are some important aspects that you need to consider before heading off and buying the first table saw that grabs your attention. Accuracy is very important to any carpenter or cabinet maker. Losing a tenth of an inch on your first cut could easily escalate into a large problem further down the line.
Intro | Best Table Saw Under $500
Having a machine that’s easy to use is very convenient and will save you time, this is especially important for the professional. Time is money, as we all know. The problem with so many tools that are designed for ease of use is that they often come with a sacrifice in terms of accuracy. Often the mechanisms that make your life easier aren’t as accurate as doing things the old-fashioned way. Though this isn’t always true.
These days, there are some inventions that not only make things quicker and easier, but also improve the accuracy with which we work. DeWalt is one of those tool manufacturers that have got this principle down to an art. So when reviewing the best table saw for under $500, we have to include some DeWalt models. More about that later.
A Great Table Saw for the Money | Bosch 4100-10
Soft-start circuitry to manage the intensity of the motor start-up. (Amazon)
So you want a machine that’s going to work accurately and isn’t going to take forever to setup and make your adjustments. You also want to work safely. I’ve often joked when meeting a carpenter for the first time. I ask him to hold up his hands so I can see all his fingers. If all ten fingers are fully intact, I say that he can’t be a real carpenter – there’s no way you can cut wood for years and still have all your fingers intact. This might have been true in the past, but nowadays safety has become a big part of tool design and modern table saws come with many safety features – easy to use blade guards, anti-kickback pawls, safety on/off switches and the like.
So if you don’t want to end up being the butt end of a carpenter joke, it’s a good idea to look at the safety features on your table saw and how user-friendly they are. A blade guard that’s complicated to remove and replace or obstructs your view when making complicated cuts, could very easily become relegated to a shelf, gathering dust. There’s no safety in that.
Okay now for the big question – can you really get a top quality table saw for under 500 bucks? I’ll start by saying that if you’re hoping to get full-size, brand new table saw for under $500, you must be smoking your socks. You’ll have to look at a portable or jobsite table saw. There’s no need to be too disappointed by this. A jobsite saw can be an advantage to many woodworkers. They’re designed to move about, which is often a huge advantage – especially if you have a garage workshop where space is limited.
Rockwell BladeRunner X2 | A Unique Table Saw for Small DIY Projects
Cut wood, metal, ceramic tile, aluminum or plastic. (Buy from Amazon)
Contractors, obviously prefer the portability of a jobsite table saw. There also isn’t too much compromise between the capabilities of jobsite, portable table saws vs full-size table saws anymore. The portable table saws produced by reputable tool manufacturers, coming off the modern production line, are easily capable of cutting full size boards accurately and easily. For most of us a portable jobsite table saw is the perfect solution and this not just because of their price.
So, without any further ado, let’s get on with it. Our review of the best table saw for under $500. I’m pretty sure you’re going to be impressed with what you can get in this price range.
DEWALT DW745 | Jobsite Saw
Best table saw under $500
As good as it gets for a budget table saw. Exceptional value & quality!
Comes with blade guards, a miter gauge, a push stick, and a dependable 10-inch, 24-tooth carbide blade.
Features:
- Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustments of the guarding components appropriate for each application
- 20″ of rip easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
- Rack and pinion fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate
- Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
- On-board storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro guarding components and push stick when not in use
- Metal roll cage base offers greater durability than plastic bases
- Shoe bevels 0° to 45° for beveled cuts
- Weighing only 45 lbs, the DW745 can easily be moved on and off the job
- Adjustable rear feet designed to level the saw on uneven work surfaces
- Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up
- 24T carbide blade enhances cut quality and prolongs blade life
- Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWalt DW745.
Overview | DeWalt DW745
Unpacking any new DeWalt power tool is always a very exciting experience for me. I can’t wait to see what amazing little extras they’ve included. Back in 1923, when Raymond DeWalt started out making tools, his intention was to develop woodworking machinery that makes life easier for the artisan and help him work more efficiently. This, to me is the corner stone of the company’s philosophy – even to the present day. Whenever I look at a new DeWalt product, I’m amazed at the thought that has gone into making that tool the best from user perspective.
The DeWalt DW745 is full of wonderful surprises that just make you go wow as you unbox it and remove all the wrapping. One of the first things I took notice of was the way in which the guys at DeWalt thought of storing the push stick. I know this seems like a simple and perhaps, arbitrary point, but we all know how frustrating these little things can be. A push stick is something we use all the time (it’s an important device in table saw safety) but we always end up searching for it because we can’t remember where we last put it down.
Table surface is coated to reduce friction & improve cut quality. (Buy from Amazon)
Inside the fence of the DeWalt DW745, are two spring clips that hold the push stick. This is the most logical place to keep it, that’s exactly where we’ll be using it. The clips hold it securely so that the push stick will remain in position when the machine is being banged about when being transported. At the same time, it releases easily with one hand – super convenient. Of course, as with any storage solution, we have to get used to using it properly, but the position is so logical and easy that you’ll soon get into the habit of always putting it back in that position.
Another really cool discovery you make when you take your first look at the DeWalt DW745 is the blade guard. This is another one of those safety devices that can sometimes seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Let’s face it, though, a blade guard is critical when you want to keep all your fingers whole.
The DeWalt DW745 has made using the blade guard as easy and practical as humanly possible. Not only is it completely transparent with a shape that makes it perfect to grip, but it clips into position in a matter of seconds and comes off just as easily. This takes the hassle out of using the blade guard, increasing your safety. It’s so easy to use that you won’t omit it, like so many others that end up taking up so much of time to fit and remove and tend to make our lives much more difficult.
Lightweight : Move it from your workshop to the worksite with ease.
Now let’s take a look at the more important stuff. The technical specs on the DeWalt are very impressive for a table saw in this price range. It’s powered by an impressive 15A direct drive motor that runs at 3800 RPM. It has a 24 tooth carbide 10” blade that has a bevel adjustment of 0° – 45°. Adjusting the blade height is easy with a turn knob and the same knob as quick-release clip that allows it slide along clearly marked angle adjustments for bevel cuts. The fence rail extends to give you a 20” rip capacity and has a flip over support that makes it easy to feed through large boards when the fence is in the extended position – rip to the right of the blade is 12”. This is really good for a portable jobsite table saw.
Probably the most remarkable feature of the DeWalt DW745 has to be the excellent rack and pinion fence rails. This system as earned the DW745 a lot of praise, and for good reason. The fence rail slots into perfectly machined grooves in the aluminum table. It slides easily into position and you lock it into position with two quick-release clips.
Adjusting your rip width is simply a matter of turning the rack and pinion adjustment wheel and boldly marked measurements on the table assist you in getting the perfect setting. When you have your selected measurement, you just press down on a lever next to the adjustment wheel and your width is set. It will remain firmly in place and give you the perfect width, cut after cut. The rack and pinion fence rail on the DeWalt DW745 is perfectly accurate and perfectly square. So not only is this system fast and easy to use, but ensures that you work with 100% accuracy. Incredible.
Video Overview | DeWalt DW745 Jobsite Table Saw
So what about durability? Well, this one is a no-brainer. It’s a DeWalt, so of course you can expect the highest level of quality, both in its design and the materials used. A perfectly machined aluminum table and fence is lightweight and built to last. The table is also coated to make it easy to slide boards across it smoothly. Where they’ve used plastic, like on some of the knobs and levers, this is of the best quality and will hold up to the rigors of jobsite transporting. The entire machine is built into a strong roll cage that keeps it protected. All this robust quality is combined with an incredibly lightweight design.
The DeWalt DW745 weighs only 45 LBS. To make things easier for those of you who’ll be transporting it regularly, it has carrying handles built into the sides of the machine. The roll cage rests on sturdy rubber feet and the rear feet are height adjustable to keep it stable and level on any surface. Even the dust extraction port and the enclosure that captures all the sawdust produced by the machine is made from aluminum, this is quality even in area where you won’t take much notice.
The miter gauge that comes with the DW745 has an aluminum base that slots into the table and locks perfectly for incredible accuracy and easy operation. Attention to detail in every aspect of this table saw is what makes the DeWalt DW745 such a remarkable piece of machinery.
If you’ve set your budget at $500 for a new table saw, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the DeWalt DW745. Not only does it offer you outstanding features and a robust quality, but you’ll be paying a lot less than expected. At a fantastic price and the well-respected DeWalt 3-year warranty with a 1-year free service plan and 90-day money back guarantee, the DeWalt DW745 is more than just a bargain. It’s exceptional, making it the number one best-selling table saw.
DEWALT DWE7480
Best table saw under $500
24″ rip capacity allows cutting of large and hardwood materials.
Features:
- Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
- 24″ of rip capacity, easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
- Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustments of the guarding components appropriate for each application
- 15 amp 4800 rpm motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
- Onboard storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding components and push stick when not in use
- Metal roll cage base offers greater durability than plastic bases
- Blade can be adjusted 0 – 45 degrees for bevel applications
- Weighing only 48 lbs, the DWE7480 can easily be moved on and off the job
- Adjustable rear feet designed to level the saw on uneven work surfaces
- Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up
- 24T carbide blade enhances cut quality and prolongs blade life
- Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the DeWalt DWE7480.
Overview | DeWalt DWE7480
Built to the same exacting standards as the DW745, the DeWalt DWE7480 is a larger version and includes all the features that make the smaller model so attractive. It has the same rack and pinion fence rail, the same site-pro modular guarding system and the convenient storage for your components.
The DeWalt DWE7480 is, therefore, just as easy to use and as robust as the model that we’ve just looked at. You’re just getting a whole lot more with the DeWalt DWE7480. This one also has a 10” 24T carbide blade but the 15A motor is more refined and this one has a blade rotation of 4800 RPM. When you compare this to the 3800 RPM of the DeWalt DW745, you can expect a cleaner cut from the more sophisticated DeWalt DWE7480 and you should find yourself working a bit faster – especially when working with hardwoods.
Built with a metal roll cage for added strength. (Buy from Amazon)
The telescopic rack and pinion fence rail is designed to make the DeWalt DWE7480 just as portable as the smaller model. The advantage of this model is that the fence can extend further, giving you a rip capacity of 24”. The table is the same design, so you’ll get the same 12” rip to right of the blade. The extra rip width that you get on the DeWalt DWE7480 doesn’t push up the weight by much. In fact, it weighs only 3 LBS more at 48 LBS. So the DeWalt DWE7480 is also perfect for people who are going to be moving it about regularly.
For a table saw with such an extraordinary rip capacity, this is remarkable. The DeWalt DWE7480 has an optional stand that is made to the quality standards of any DeWalt product. Even with the inclusion of the stand, you’ll be coming in at under $500.
VIDEO Overview | DeWalt DWE7480
So, for the extra money that you’ll be spending on the DeWalt DWE7480, you get a larger rip capacity and better cutting capabilities, thanks to the extra 1000 RPM on the blade. Otherwise, they are similar in all respects. Both are incredibly robust with all the hardworking components made from aluminum, making them durable and light. They both have the same innovative design features that make them easy to use and very safe. You also get the same 3-1-90 warranty on the DeWalt DWE7480.
Visit the DeWalt site to learn more about their full line of wonderful portable table saws.
Another fantastic recommendation is the DEWALT DCS7485T1 FLEXVOLT 60V table saw. Yes, that’s correct! A battery-powered table saw that performs flawlessly.
The best ultra-portable portable table saw you can buy.
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
Tech Specs (DEWALT DCS7485T1 FLEXVOLT) :
- Arbor Size : 5/8″ in
- Blade Diameter : 8-1/4″
- Depth of Cut at 45° : 1 3/4″ in
- Depth of Cut at 90° : 2 1/2″ in
- Dust Port Diameter : 2 1/2″ in
- For Wood Cutting : Yes
- Max Rip To Left Of Blade : 12″ in
- Max Rip To Right Of Blade : 24″ in
- No Load Speed : 5800 rpm
- Tool Weight 48 lbs
Read our comprehensive article on the innovative DeWalt FLEXVOLT system.
Rockwell BladeRunner X2
Best table saw under $500
An innovative saw that will impress you. Very affordable.
Features:
- Sets up in seconds to cut wood, metal, tile, aluminum or plastic
- Lightweight and easy to carry, weighing less than 15 lbs
- Instant, tool-free blade changes & compatible with any 4″ t-shank jigsaw blades
- 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
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Rockwell BladeRunner X2.
Overview | Rockwell BladeRunner X2
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is a must-have item for any DIY enthusiast. Well, it’s the perfect tool for anyone who has a use for the most versatile table saw ever invented. That being said, it’s not a regular table saw and isn’t suited for ripping large boards.
Rather than focus on what it’s not, let’s take a look at what the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is. It’s a table jigsaw. This means that it doesn’t use a circular blade like other table saws. Because the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 uses a standard T-shank jigsaw blade (4” or less), it’s capable of cutting almost anything – PVC, aluminum, wood, mild steel, even ceramics. You get a 5-piece starter blade set with the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 so you can get to work cutting basically any material from the start.
VIDEO OVERVIEW | Rockwell BladeRunner X2
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is incredibly light (17 LBS). It’s also compact, measuring 16.1” X 17.5” X 8.3”, so you can take it anywhere – ideal for projects around the home. Of course, this small size means that you’re only going to ripping floor boards and narrow shelves with the saw – the table isn’t that big. It comes with a miter gauge and has an accurate slot in the durable plastic table for making perfect miter cuts. The design is fantastic for all types of cuts and will do the job of any jigsaw – just much easier and more accurately. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 clamps down on the piece that you’re cutting so you won’t experience much vibration and can work with incredible accuracy.
There’s absolutely no hassle involved in setting up the Rockwell BladeRunner X2, the blade clips in and out of position easily – no tools are required to fit, remove or adjust the blade. It has a dust extraction port, just like most professional table saws and stands perfectly on any surface – thanks to the excellent design of the rubber feet. The large steel rip fence also slots perfectly into a groove on the table so you can perform perfectly straight and square rip cuts, as you would with a large table saw.
Endless possibilities for your DIY projects. (Buy from Amazon)
The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 may be small and light, but it’s built to be incredibly solid with a steel base which has convenient carrying handles built into it. A 3-year warranty is a good indication of the quality of this versatile power tool. Now for the greatest part of the story, the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is incredibly cheap, especially if you consider the quality of this machine.
If you’re looking for a brilliant Father’s Day or birthday gift for under a hundred bucks, you have to add the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 to your wish list. Now I just have to find a way to get my daughter to read this article before my next birthday. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is a gift that any (or at least most) dads will love and appreciate for many years to come. Whether you’re putting up shelves, tiling the bathroom or building some special project, the versatility and accuracy of the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 means that it will soon become an indispensable part of your tool repertoire.
Tech Specs :
- Power Input : 5.5 Amps
- No-Load Speed : 3000/min
- Stroke Length : 3/4″
- Blade Type : T-Shank
- Blade Size : 4″ or less
- Table Size : 15-3/4″ x 17″
- Machine Weight : 14.7 lbs
- Warranty : 3 Years
Visit the Rockwell site to learn more.
Rockwell RK7241S
15.0 Amp 10″ Jobsite Table Saw with Laser : Best table saw under $500
Four times the cutting capacity of comparable 10″ table saws.
Features:
- Largest cutting depth of any saw in class
- Exclusive laser indicator adjusts to blade tilt for a precise cut
- Fold out fence for maximum rip capacity and extra wide cuts
- Fully assembled trolley stand for increased portability
- Quick-folding stand and wheels for easy transportation
- ntegrated wheels and the ability to use an extended leg as a pull handle
For a high-quality table saw under $500, the Rockwell RK741S gives you a lot for your money. In terms of features, the Rockwell RK7241S has them all and a whole lot more. You won’t find a table saw in this price range with as an impressive array of features. In fact, it beats many much more expensive table saws. I’ll be honest though, it isn’t quite in the same class as the DeWalt models that we’ve reviewed. It’s probably just as tough but it isn’t quite as good when it comes to accuracy.
Some people have complained about the fence alignment not being too great and, unlike the DeWalt machines, you can’t adjust this alignment. You may want to check this when you first unbox the Rockwell RK7241S and if you’re not happy with the fence rail, contact them and get it replaced. I should point out that is a factory defect on some Rockwell Table saws, so you won’t necessarily experience this problem and Rockwell will rectify this under their warranty agreement, should you get one that doesn’t have an accurate fence.
Extra-long, 30-inch foldout fence provides a wide rip capacity.
The Rockwell RK7241S does, however, come with a bunch of amazing features that are only available on other table saws in this price range as an extra, which means you’ll have to pay more to get these features. With the Rockwell RK7241S, all these come as standard – included in the very reasonable price tag that’s well under $500. You even get some features that other table saws don’t offer, even at an extra cost. One of these unique items is the laser cut line indicator. That’s right, laser technology on a table saw, that shows you exactly where the blade will be cutting – no compensating for blade width when you line your fence up.
While most table saws in this price range include a dust extraction port so that you can hook up a vacuum extractor, the Rockwell RK7241S includes a dust collection bag that fits perfectly under the machine. This is included as part of your purchase.
Like the two DeWalt models, the Rockwell RK7241S has 10” blade. A powerful 15A motor give this machine an impressive 4800 RPM, this matches the more expensive DeWalt DWE7480, making the Rockwell RK7241S just as great for cutting hardwood. It also has bevel adjustment up to 45° with an easy to use adjustment knob. You’re not going to get the rack and pinion fence rail system that makes the DeWalt models so popular. Instead, you‘ll be using the regular slide and lock fence rail setting like many other table saws.
LaserGuide technology improves accuracy and consistency. (Buy from Amazon)
One area where the Rockwell RK7241S is a real winner is in the amazing 30” rip capacity that’s provided by the telescopic fence rail. The rail has support for wider boards and they’ve included a recess in the support platform to give you handy storage for your accessories, like the push stick. The rolling stand is also very impressive and folds effortlessly into its working position. The underside of the table has two wheels incorporated into the design which makes for very easy moving. At 88 LBS, the wheels will come in handy when transporting the machine.
Includes:
- (1) Jobsite Table Saw with Laser – RK7241
- (1) Miter gauge
- (1) 10″ 24T Carbide-tip blade
- (1) Blade guard
- (1) Riving knife
- (1) Dust bag
- (1) Rip fence
- (1) Push stick
- (2) Blade wrenches
Tech Specs (Rockwell RK7241S) :
- Amps : 15 Amps
- Rated No-load Speed : 4800 rpm
- Blade Size : 10″
- Max Cutting Depth
- At 90° – 3-9/16″
- At 45° – 2-9/16″
- Max Rip Capacity
- Right – 30″
- Left – 11″
- Max Dado Width : 7/16″
- Max Dado Blade Diameter : 6″
- Table Size : 28 1/2″ x 19″
- Machine Weight : 73.7 lbs
- Warranty : 3 Years
Now, what’s the best table saw under $500?
For an industrial grade professional machine, I’d probably opt for one of the DeWalt table saws. However, if you’re looking for a table saw for under $500 that gives you all the extras in one complete package, the Rockwell RK7241S is going to give you what you want. It’s really good quality and comes with a 2-year limited warranty. This is one of the best table saws for a home workshop as it offers you a good level of accuracy and all the features that you could possibly want. It comes completely assembled and is easy to use.
If you have a little more money in your budget consider a table saw under $1000. This will give you more options to consider and table saws with better features and improved build construction.