We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
| Preview | Name | Awards | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Sawstop | Best Overall | |
  | Bosch | Best for the Money | |
  | Dewalt | Best on a Budget |
If a portable table saw just won’t get the job done, it’s time to find the best contractor table saws. They are an amazing tool that anyone working with wood should have. Finding the best contractor table saw proves to be tricky at times, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together our comprehensive contractor table saws reviews to make it easier.
These units have the extra workspace, power and adjustments you need to complete the job quickly. Just because a saw is labeled contractor-grade, doesn’t mean it’s worth your time. That’s why you need to read through the reviews carefully to ensure you get the machine right for you.
We’ve compared numerous models to ensure that there’s something for everyone on this list. Take a close look at the features, specs, reviews and prices to determine the best choice for your needs. Don’t waste hours trying to figure out what you need we’ve done it for you.
Best Contractor Table Saws Reviews
Best High-End Contractor Table Saws (Usually Over $1,500)
Here are the best contractor table saws priced over $1500. They have the most features of any others in the reviews and are aimed mainly at professional tradesman.
1. Sawstop CNS175-SFA30
Item may ship in more than one box and may arrive separately
This table saw is going to cost some money, but well worth it when you see all its features. In fact, this package is the leader of our best contractor table saws for a good reason.
It’s heavy duty and offers the stability any professional desires. It also has an advanced safety system combined with an emergency braking system. When it senses the human skin, it stopped within a fraction of a second.
There’s also a 2 mm riving knife that prevents kickback. The other purpose to this is that it increases the accuracy by reducing overall wood rotation once it makes its way through the saw’s blade.
This table also features a telescopic fence. What’s great about this is that you accurately rip wood and make your straight cuts with more precision. Plus, it extends to allow you the capability to work on larger pieces. The fence adjusts easily so you have maximum security.
The adjustable and accurate miter gauge is another perk to this machine. With it, plan on doing angled crosscuts with ease. If you need more space, the extension table is a huge benefit as well. While the table top itself is 69 inches wide, some people need more room to get the job done.
If you use the extension table, you’ll notice the sturdy legs that are adjustable. This provides you with more stability, accuracy and safety. The Sawstop itself comes with a heavy-duty base. This means you don’t need to purchase a separate table.
This machine features a dust collection port which keeps dirt and debris to a minimum. The machine is quite heavy at 264 pounds, so you won’t be moving it often. With that said, it does come with a full one-year warranty.
You can see it in action:
What Customers Say:
There’s not enough good that can be said about the emergency blade stop feature. Read what this user commented, “The emergency stop feature is awesome. I hope I never really need it. I verified that it works by forgetting and having it touch a piece of aluminum. Bang, blade stops.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 264 pounds
- Horsepower – 1.75
- Product Dimensions – 60.8 x 19.5 x 40.6 inches
- Warranty – One-year
- High-quality materials
- Sturdy extension
- Features telescopic fence
- Lots of safety features
- Comes with stand
- Heavy
- Metal or wet wood might activate its emergency brake system
2. Sawstop CNS175-TGP36
SawStop safety system. Motor Peak HP: 4.0 HP
You might think this is the same model as above, but it’s actually a step up. It’s one of the best contractor table saws if you need a super-large working surface. That’s because it has an extension table that makes this unit enormous.
Most people have been impressed with the design of this unit. Stability is superior and it couldn’t have been any better. The trolley legs are thicker than comparable models, so there isn’t as much vibration throughout the table.
What’s worth every penny is the safety features. The innovative system is the best to save your extremities. Just like the unit above, this comes with the emergency braking system. As soon as your skin touches that blade, it stops. The cessation of power is nearly immediate.
With the large cutting rip, it’s easy to cut large pieces of material with ease. This is ideal for professional woodworkers that want to get the job done quickly.
This one also comes with a one-year warranty. It would have been nice to see a longer period considering the amount of money spent.
The major downside to this machine is its weight. Overall, expect it to weight about 340 pounds. This means, once you place it, don’t expect to move it around much. This is not a portable table.
What Customers Say:
Most people purchase this unit for the safety features, but there are still lots of reviews about the operation. Read what this user said, “WOW! What a fine piece of equipment. After it quickly runs through the system check you pull the start lever and the motor is smooth on startup and quiet. The fence glides very nicely all the way across the table. The mobile base works very well and the saw moves freely.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 341 pounds
- Horsepower – 1.75
- Product Dimensions – 72 x 19.5 x 47 inches
- Warranty – One-year
- High-quality materials
- Sturdy extension
- Roomy
- Lots of safety features
- Powerful
- Heavy
- Work surface might not be completely flat
3. Powermatic 1791230K
Riving knife maintains close blade proximity to reduce chance of kickback
In the high end of the best contractor table saws is this option from Powermatic. This saw is thoughtfully designed to make it smooth and simple to adjust. It features an extended rip capacity and heavy-duty construction.
There are a ton of features that come with this table. You get the precious-ground, cast-iron worktop, a half-cabinet made from steel, a powerful 1.75 horsepower motor and adjustable blade settings. The flywheels are sturdy plus the fence slides easily along the rail system made from metal.
It borrowed some designs from the hybrid lineup which is what makes this unit stand out from the rest. Instead of having a two-piece pin joiner, it’s a single piece constructed from cast iron. Also, the trunnion is mounted to the frame instead of just on the worktop.
The belt-drive system is efficient and allows the saw to feel like it’s more powerful than it is. This saw is quieter than many comparable models and cuts smoother.
There’s a sturdy miter gauge with the unit. With the metal construction, you know it will last the test of time. There are also hooks on the unit to provide for some storage. This helps to keep your extras like wrenches and miter gauge nearby when they’re not in use.
As far as dust collection goes, there’s a four-inch exhaust port. The molded interior also aids in removing dust. What we like most is the five-year warranty that protects you and offers reassurance.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a lightweight machine. It weighs 470 pounds, so you either want to get a wheeled base or plan never to move it. The safety equipment isn’t as versatile as we would’ve expected for a machine of this price, but a professional contractor shouldn’t have a problem.
What Customers Say:
Some people felt it was hard to assemble, but check out what this 65-year old woman had to say, “Most complaints are geared toward assembly & lack of detailed instructions, but if you’re mechanically inclined- it’s no problem. Took us about 3 hours to completely assemble, including rolling base (highly recommended). Converted it to 220 (also highly recommended because of lower drag on startup).”
Specifications:
- Weight – 470 pounds
- Horsepower – 1.75
- Product Dimensions – 70 x 32 x 34 inches
- Warranty – Five-year
- High-quality construction
- Lots of space
- Provides extra storage
- Superior dust collection system
- Easy adjustments
- Heavy
- Expensive
Best Mid-Range Contractor Table Saws (Priced Between $500 and $1499)
The next level of the best contractor table saws takes it down a notch from the highest quality. Many of these still offer a nice range of features but don’t have every bell and whistle. These are still good for professional workers or the home project enthusiast.
1. Bosch 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw 4100-09
Innovative, gravity-rise, collapsible table saw stand allows you to adjust height to meet your specific needs while the 8-inch treaded pneumatic wheels provide mobility from jobsite to jobsite
If you need one of the best contractor table saws that’s also portable, this Bosch model should be right for you. It’s innovative, features a collapsible table and provides a SquareLock rip fence.
The eight-inch pneumatic wheels are treaded to provide you with maximum mobility between job sites. Power is another plus this machine offers. It has the ability to cut thick materials even with the lower price tag.
This saw is safe with the tool-less blade guard, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls. It’s also compatible with many aftermarket add-ons if you want to purchase more accessories.
The telescopic fence allows you to increase the cutting capacity with ease. It also features an extending table to create more room. You receive an accurate miter gauge with your purchase to help you make more accurate cuts.
The four horsepower motor won’t let you down and there’s a one-year warranty plus 30-day money-back guarantee on the saw. This gives you plenty of time to ensure it’s the right model for you.
Just keep in mind that it does weigh 124 pounds, but that shouldn’t be a big deal thanks to the rugged tires.
See more about this table saw on YouTube:
What Customers Say:
The majority of people were happy with their purchase and appreciated the portability. Here’s what one user wrote, “I bought this because I needed a rugged table saw that I could put away against the wall because space in my garage is limited. This fits the bill.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 124 pounds
- Horsepower – 4
- Product Dimensions – 39 x 29.8 x 21 inches
- Warranty – One-year and 30-day money-back guarantee
- Portable
- Lots of space
- Good safety features
- Compatible with aftermarket accessories
- Extendable table
- Difficult to set up
- Only a one-year warranty
2. Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM
This table saw is worth every penny considering how many features it comes with. That’s why it’s on our list of the best contractor table saws.
There’s plenty of room to cut your larger pieces plus it’s simple to adjust. Most people enjoy the power and portability of the unit as well. It only weighs 82 pounds, so it doesn’t take much effort to move around. You could also purchase a mobile stand.
This machine has plenty of cutting power to tackle even your large jobs. It’s also extremely adjustable. With the ability to extend the table, you have access to even more space when you need it.
The telescopic fence keeps your wood where it needs to be, allows you to easily rip and gives you optimal accuracy. There’s also a versatile miter gauge to use for crosscutting.
The fence keeps your wood on track, lets you rip pieces with ease, and provides you with a whole lot of accuracy. In addition, making adjustments is very simple, and locking it into place is more secure than ever.
Advanced safety features include a braking system that stops on contact with skin. This brake stops within milliseconds so your hands and fingers will thank you. There’s also a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls. You wouldn’t expect to see all of these on a machine that’s so low-priced.
What’s nice is that the blade guard is adjustable and installed without any tools. There’s even a dust collection port that makes your area cleaner. If you want somewhere to store all the parts, there’s onboard space for the accessories. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
What Customers Say:
More than half of the customers offered up a 5-star review on this product. Here’s what one of those reviewers said, “What I do like about the saw is its flexibility. It is very lightweight and with the stand attached, moving it around is a breeze. You can add all sorts of accessories if you choose (which I did) to make the saw a top performer.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 82 pounds
- Horsepower – 2.5
- Product Dimensions – 32 x 36 x 15.2 inches
- Warranty – One-year
- Lots of safety features
- Lots of space
- High cutting capacity
- Telescopic fence
- Portable
- Not good for large projects
- Emergency brake engages when wood is wet
3. Jet 708492K
Integrated arbor lock is accessed from table top for rapid blade change
This solid, sturdy unit clearly hits the list of the best contractor table saws and is a popular option. Yes, the price is higher than most in this category, but you’ll soon find out why.
The modular guard system makes it a favorite, as well as the fact that it’s compatible with your standard electric source, means you can plug in right away.
This Jet table saw is powerful and works like an expensive unit would. It has 1.75 horsepower and a top blade RPM of 4000.
The enclosed cabinet offers a superior collection of dust through the 4-inch port. The durable steel plating provides the protection to keep your unit in good condition for many years.
With this machine, angle cuts are a breeze. There’s also a miter gauge included in the purchase. You can lock the 30-inch fence with the turning of a knob. Plus, there are sturdy metal rails and metal facing which allows for smooth cutting without additional wear and tear.
The riving knife and guard are user-friendly. It’s simple to change the components without any tools. You can also replace your blades with a quick-release lock.
The unit features a paddle-type stop button that’s large and easy to turn off. Plus, the unit itself is easy to assemble. It’s not extremely lightweight at 238 pounds, so you won’t want to move it around much, but the whole thing is covered by a five-year warranty.
See a user review on this saw:
What Customers Say:
Most people love the professional nature of this saw while still being able to save some money. Here’s what one user wrote, “I am a quality professional and I was impressed with the ease of assembly and factory set up. Once assembled everything was square. The saw required no adjustments with the table, fence or blade. Squareness was within 1/2 degree in all directions.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 238 pounds
- Horsepower – 1.75
- Product Dimensions – 82 x 35 x 39 inches
- Warranty – Five-year
- Heavy-duty
- Lots of space
- Dust collection
- Powerful
- Easily adjustable
- Fence feels flimsy
- Stamped steel extensions aren’t cast iron
Best Budget-Friendly Contractor Table Saws (Usually Under $500)
For workers that don’t use a contractor table saw often, or need to stick to a budget, there are plenty of low-cost options available. While they might be missing some features, they are still considered to be the best contractor table saws when money is a factor.
1. DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw
Rack and Pinion Fence System Make fence adjustments fast, smooth and accurate
DeWalt users rave about their tools and often won’t use any other brand. The nice thing about this saw and stand is that it’s affordable, even for a home user. That’s why it’s a great option for the DIY enthusiast and why it made our list of the best contractor table saws.
It’s portable and only weighs 90 pounds. With the included stand, you can set it up at any job site to get those tasks done fast. When the table is folded, utilize the wheels and drag the saw around just like you would with a wagon.
The rack and pinion telescopic fence makes it easy to work on the large pieces of wood. In addition, you have some extra space with this tabletop, plus it produces accurate cuts.
For the money, we are impressed at the 32 ½-inch rip capacity this machine offers. Not only that, but it’s highly adjustable and offers a versatile miter gauge for accuracy.
The powerful motor helps you to cut through materials as if you were cutting butter. In addition, it has a dust collection port which makes cleanup a breeze. When you’re all done, simply use the onboard storage to hold all your accessories.
For safety purposes, it comes with an adjustable blade guard. Plus, you’re covered by DeWalt’s excellent three-year warranty.
Check out this video review:
What Customers Say:
For the low price, many people are impressed with this saw’s capabilities. Here’s what one user had to say, “Overall, with the increased power and larger fence system, this particular unit is starting to approach cabinet saw capabilities. It’s by no means an absolute replacement, but it’s certainly more capable than the predecessors and competitors offerings. If you’re like me and you want the capacity of a cabinet saw, but the need for storage/portability triumphs above all…then this unit is definitely something you should look at.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 90 pounds
- Horsepower – 2
- Product Dimensions – 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches
- Warranty – Three-year
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Powerful
- Onboard storage
- Dust collection system
- Difficult to put together
- Meant for smaller jobs
2. Rockwell RK7241S Table Saw with Laser
Heavy duty, yet versatile and light weight for the jobsite, work shop, or cabinet shop
Don’t let the price fool you; this is still one of the best contractor table saws on the market. It’s highly portable and makes your tasks fly by.
The bottom of the table saw features folding legs. This allows you to set up anywhere you want. When you are done, simply fold them back up and transport it. There are even wheels and a handle to help you move it around, but it only weighs 88 pounds, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
With dual extending tables, this saw has more room than many others. It also has 30 inches of ripping capacity. Both of the extended tables feature their own support legs, which allow it to be well-supported.
At 4,800 RPM, you also have plenty of power; enough to get through tough wood. You can even bevel the blade to make angled cuts. With the included miter gauge, it’s also easy to make the adjustments you need.
What’s unique about this unit is the laser. This helps give you the visual you need to make an accurate cut. Safety features include anti-kickback pawls and riving knife.
Finally, there’s a dust collection system, not just the port. This helps keep your area clean at all times. When you are done, store your items with the onboard storage so everything is where you need it. Despite the low price, the company even offers a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
Watch this video review for more information:
What Customers Say:
Most people can’t say enough good about the portability of this table saw. Read what this customer thought, “Well designed to travel, secure storage for removable components..to be honest, I liked the layout and converted to a permanent table saw with addition of stand and wheels……worked out nicely…..”
Specifications:
- Weight – 88 pounds
- Horsepower – 2
- Product Dimensions – 28 x 39 x 18 inches
- Warranty – Two-year
- Powerful
- Extending tables with additional leg support
- Safety features
- Included laser guide
- Dust collection system
- Blade adjustments might be difficult
- The fence needs to be aligned often
3. DEWALT DWE7480 10 in. Compact Job Site Table Saw
The item is DEWALT DWE7480 10-Inch Compact Job Site Table Saw with Site-Pro Modular Guarding System
There aren’t many systems that could be labeled the best contractor table saw quite like this one for the price. It’s durable, powerful and has a steel roll cage to further protect it in case of a fall.
The table top is flat, smooth and level plus features a cast construction. The modular guarding system keeps your fingers safe from the blade. Plus, you can adjust it to various positions without any tools.
This unit also comes with a powerful motor rated at 1850 watts. That’s strong enough to cut even the thickest pieces of wood.
With a 20-inch rip capacity, this isn’t as large as some other machines but still allows you to work on large workpieces. That’s because it has a telescopic fence which extends to the right of your blade quite a bit.
With the included miter gauge, you’ll have no trouble doing angled crosscuts with complete precision.
There’s overload protection which helps when you have to cut frozen or wet woods. It also has a dust collection port that allows you to create a sawdust collection unit for easier cleanup.
The best part is that it only weighs 45 pounds. That makes it one of the most portable options; sure to make any contractor happy. It also comes with DeWalt’s popular three-year warranty.
Check out this video review:
What Customers Say:
DeWalt users are loyal and love this table saw. Check out what this advanced user had to say, “I am also loving that large fence and use it more often than I anticipated already…it’s been awesome to easily cut larger panels easily. I can only comfortably cut 4’x4′ panels on my own, but I did do a 6’x4′ panel in two cuts without too much trouble.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 45 pounds
- Horsepower – 2
- Product Dimensions – 25.8 x 26.5 x 13.9 inches
- Warranty – Three-year
- Telescoping fence great for larger cutting capacity
- Easily adjustable
- Portable and lightweight
- Blade guard is tool free
- Durable steel roll cage
- Not good for large projects
- Doesn’t have a stand or cart
4. Craftsman Evolv 15 Amp 10 In. Table Saw 28461
Includes: Table saw, 24T carbide tipped blade, stand, blade wrenches, hex keys, anti-kickback pawls, blade guard assembly, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence and operator's manual
If what you’re looking for is one of the best contractor table saws that’s simple and easy to use, then this is your machine. It’s great for beginners and home users, but also has a place for the light-duty contractor.
It has all the basic features you need plus a few premium ones as well. The safety level of this unit is high. Plus, the 15-amp motor is going to cut anything you throw at it. This unit also comes with an adjustable miter gauge so you’ll have maximum accuracy and precision.
Surprisingly, it’s a quiet machine which is unusual for a contractor table saw. Some features this saw offers include an anti-kickback system that will help keep you safe.
What it is lacking is a port for dust collection. That’s upsetting if you were hoping to keep your area clean. Another downfall is the legs. They are bolted on for security, so there’s no way to take them off. This makes transportation a little bit of an issue.
Finally, this unit is lightweight, so it isn’t a big deal to move around your room. Aside from the super low price, it is a little disturbing to see that there’s no warranty offered. I guess you can’t be too choosy when paying rock-bottom prices.
See this unit in a video:
What Customers Say:
Most people are amazed at the quality for a low price. Read this one review, “This saw is great for its price range. It makes a ton of cuts not only accurately but effortlessly. For the home DIY’er I completely recommend this saw. Plenty of power and quieter than some of the other 10″ table saws I’ve used. It doesn’t accept “stacked” dado blades but dados can still be made with multiple passes. Very accurate and sturdy while cutting. People have complained about the stand but once it is bolted together ‘tightly’ it is just fine. Besides, you have a table saw now, make some braces or cut a piece of wood to mount to the lower braces for more stability. Again, for the money, this saw is a little beast and what you save in price you can get some good saw blades.”
Specifications:
- Weight – 50 pounds
- Horsepower – 2
- Product Dimensions – 26.9 x 19.8 x 12.9 inches
- Warranty – none
- Low price
- Adjustable miter gauge
- Powerful
- Lightweight
- Has safety features
- Legs don’t fold or come off
- No port for dust collection
Best Contractor Table Saws Buying Guide
Don’t rush into making a table saw purchase before you give consideration to some major aspects. Here are the things you need to look for when evaluating the best contractor table saws.
Space & Ripping Capacity
Check to see how much space and ripping capacity the saw has. You want to choose something that’s a good mixture of portability and space.
If you tend to work on large or wide pieces of wood, then your tabletop must be large enough to accommodate that. There are some models with extension tables that increase your space. If you are a hobbyist, you might not need the extensions.
When looking at how large the surface is, make sure you also ensure that it’s even, sturdy and flat. Some models have lower-quality surfaces to keep the cost down.
Power & Cutting Capacity
You want the table saw you purchase to have at least a 15-amp motor. The blade should also spin at least 3,800 RPM for the best results. Most of the best contractor table saws have a one or two horsepower motor.
The motors are driven by a belt, or sometimes, they attach to the blade directly. Most of them operate on a standard household outlet, so you don’t need an electrician to install a new outlets.
A big disadvantage to the contractor table saw motors is that they are noisy. That’s why it’s best to operate them outside or in a separate workshop away from the house.
Accuracy Tools
The best contractor table saws come with a solid rip fence. It needs to be easily adjusted and locks down to the table securely.
You’ll also want a high-quality miter gauge. This gives you the precision you need for angular cross cuts and straight cross cuts.
The higher-end of table saws come with laser guiding systems as well to make cutting even easier.
Safety Features
Most table saws come with safety features such as an emergency brake. These detect human skin and stop quickly to avoid injury. This technology might cost extra, but your fingers will thank you for the expense.
Also look for a system with a blade guard. There are some that are see through so you can see what’s going on. You should be able to adjust this without tools, but that might also add some extra expense.
Another option to look for is anti-kickback pawls, although most modern tables now carry this feature.
Dust Collection
Most people agree that picking the best contractor table saws includes using a dust collection system. These make cleanup easy and quick, which saves you a lot of time and energy. The problem is that most contractor saws that do feature this ability tend to fail at accomplishing the task well.
Even though many people use their tables outdoors, it’s still good to have something that collects your sawdust. If you can’t find a saw that offers what you are looking for, there are plenty of ways to set up a system of your own.
Portability
Most people want something that is portable so it can be used in multiple locations. Look at the weight to see if you’ll be able to move easily. If not, see if the table saw comes with wheels or some other mode of transportation.
Stability
A powerful machine must be stable to keep you safe and provide accurate cuts. The more a unit vibrates, the less precise it becomes. If you want a portable model, you might have to trade off some stability, because the solid design adds weight.
Some contractor table saws come with thin legs which signify a lack of overall stability. Look for a machine that had a solid base. While they’ll offer more precision, they also add some dollars to your cost.
Price
No one else is able to tell you how much money you need to spend to get what you want; that’s your decision. Some models come with higher price tags, but most of them offer additional features that are worth the cost.
You can spend a little amount of money and stick to your budget. This might get you a machine that makes some sub-par cuts and has a lack of features. If you are a home DIYer using the table saw infrequently, this might be okay for you.
Otherwise, you want to invest in a high-quality machine, especially if you plan to use it on a regular basis or need to do professional work. You’ll find the additional safety measures, innovative features and precise cuts are worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
If you reached the end of our best contractor table saws and you still don’t know which one to buy, we recommend going back and re-reading the reviews. While they look a lot alike, they each have their own features and qualities.
There are portable options, stable choices, high-tech options and budget-friendly tables for your consideration. There are lots of things to think about before you make that investment. Don’t rush into a purchase, but think about what’s going to work for you during the next few years. Pick something you can grow into.
Then, you’ll amaze yourself at the woodworking pieces you’ll accomplish with your new machine.
