A table saw is indispensable for hobbyists and professionals as it takes on countless manual jobs. It is one of the most important inventions created by the power tool industry.
If you work in a workshop, you’ll know that a lot of table saws take a lot of space and are cumbersome. To fix this problem, you will need the best portable table saw for fine woodworking.
We talked about portable table saws in other articles, but for this one, we’ll focus on the ones that are best for fine woodworking.
If you don’t have the time and you just want to make a good purchase decision quickly, you can follow our recommendations because we have already done the research for you.
Table of Contents
List of the Top 5 Best Portable Table Saw For Fine Woodworking
1. DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw
A must-have in places like construction sites or a carpenter′s store, this machine cuts up to 1/32 of an inch, which is mind-boggling! Even though this table saw is small, its quality is not compromised when material like hardwood is put through it. The DEWALT DW745 compact table saw is relatively light, deeming it portable. Therefore, it could be cleaned and stored at any corner of the house with ease.
The dust collection port nicely collects the dust when operated, helping the user avoid a mess. Keeping the price in mind, this unit is a stunner. This saw features a cut depth of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees. Although put together really well, this machine is a little loud. For protection purposes, ear and eye protection might be worn. Also, if the user is very picky about extremely clean cuts, this product has to be patiently tuned to perfection. This could sometimes be a time-consuming process.
Technical Details and Ratings
The product weighs a mere 53.2 pounds. Its dimensions are as follows: 13.9 x 26.5 x 25.8 inches. Made in the USA, the power source is corded-electrical. This unit makes use of 120 volts, and ranks #1 in the table saws best sellers on Amazon. That alone should make you want to own one of these! Customers have given it a generous 4.6 out of a 5. This saw features a three-year service plan. Moreover, it promises a 90-day money-back guarantee if the product is not up to their expectations. DEWALT also promises a one-year free service contract. It cannot get any better!
2. Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
The Makita 2705 has a tool-less modular blade guard system with an adjustable riving knife. The blade guard assembly comes with a cam lock and bevel locking handle, making installation and removal easy. It also comes with two onboard independent anti-kickback pawls and a riving knife or spreader for through cuts. The guard is designed to allow the user to view the blade during operations.
The powerful 15 amp motor is capable of 4,800 RPM. There is an electric brake to maximize productivity. The right extension table allows the user to rip multiple sheets of plywood. The saw has a large cutting capacity of 3 9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 ½ inches at 45 degrees while using a 13/16 inch dado blade. The T-slot miter gauge grooves accept commercially available accessories, and the saw has the expansive storage capacity to hold most accessories.
The Makita 2705 comes with adjustable dual side guards, which allow for ease of measurement from the blade to the rip fence for cutting set-ups. Moreover, there is a release lever for easy adjustment of the riving knife or spreader height into three different positions for through, non-through, and dado cuts. Blade depth is easily adjusted using a two-pole slide system, which raises and lowers the blade efficiently.
One of the advantages of using the Makita 2705 Contractor Table Saw is the attention to safety features, including an electric brake. The Makita 2705 is a professional’s saw and is relatively easy to set up. It is known for precision and larger capacity. It has a powerful motor, which guarantees speed and high-quality cuts. For people working in small spaces, the Makita 2705 has storage space for most accessories such as the push stick, dado blade, saw blade, power supply cord, rip fence, safety guard, and so on. There is a one-year warranty period, which shows the company is committed to the product’s quality.
3. Bosch GTS1031 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw
The table saw is a vital tool for any builder, woodworker, and other handymen. If you are a creative worker, and you are looking for a powerful table saw that could make your work effortless, then Bosch GTS1031 10-inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw is your ultimate choice. This is one of the best table saw on the market. Not only is it portable, but its functionality and performance make it stand out from the rest of the table saws in the market. If you are looking for the most effective wood-cutting tool that ensures fast task completion, look no further.
Features
- 0 HP max, functions at 5,000 rpm
- Ergonomic one-handed carry handle that offers ultimate balanced portability
- Durable all-steel base design- lightweight and can handle worksite abuse
- Square lock rip fence- designed to maintain perfect square alignment with least adjustment.
- Under table storage -stores rip fence, smart guard, miter gauge, push stick, and wrenches for utmost protection during transportation and storage
- An enlarging table top that provides ample working space
- Smart guard system- provides quick and easy to install modular blade guard that locks onto the riving knife.
- Tool-free dust chute and clear-out-tool-free access on the back of the saw for easy maintenance.
Pros
The Bosch GTS1031 is the only device in its category that delivers durable yet lightweight features designed exclusively for comfort and portability while doing your woodwork.
- This table saw is best for performing long rip cuts in wood.
- It has a powerful motor that can deliver a maximum cutting speed of 5,000 rpm. This heavy-duty motor ensures fast task completion.
- The square lock fence gives you superior control while cutting the wood, ensuring consistent results.
- It is very portable. The carry handle designed for one-handed transport allows you to take it with you to various job sites.
- The all-steel base is durable, and it allows the saw to withstand impacts or any heavy-duty job conditions.
- It can be level between 2 and 47 degrees to make custom cuts for joins or decorative pieces.
Cons
- Difficulty in changing blade
The Initial setup of the tool is quite straightforward. Put at zero degrees, and the 10-inch blade stays perfectly parallel and square to the device′s miter gauge to produce precise cuts. This table saw simply outdo the rest of the other table saws in the market in design, accuracy, flexibility, and safety
4. Bosch 4100-09 Worksite Table Saw
A worksite table saw the Bosch 4100-09 goes at a speed of 3650 RPM, this saw is 10-inch long. This unit can create a 25-inch wide rip, which is pretty amazing! Although very light, it is quite resistant to damage, as it is coated with a layer of powder all over. Pretty impressive, don′t you think? An ingenious stand that is risen to a certain height facilitates the operation of this machine. You do not have to bend over backward to get every little work done. This stand is foldable, ensuring easy storage around any spot in the worksite. Along with that, this table saw also has wheels at the bottom. Setup is relatively simple and could be done under minutes.
Technical Details and Ratings
The Bosch 4100-09 table saw sports a 25-inch, large operation table which has been made of aluminum. The user may adjust many objects on it, all at once, in the middle of a task. The aluminum adds to the durability of this machine. Enabling user protection, this saw comes with a guard system. This allows you to move about easily, in-between work, without having to face any risks. It also has fence slides, which locks the pieces of wood in place, heightening precision for the user.
Having said this saw is pretty great; there are, however, a few flaws in it. For example, some customers faced the following problem – the riving knife that comes along with the machine was not aligned properly. And as there are no instructions on that on the manual, this problem could be a big pain. Moreover, the blade is prone to becoming dull with frequent use of the entire unit. Additionally, transferring this table saw up or down a flight of stairs would be quite a feat.
Weighing about 124 pounds, this beast of a machine was made in Taiwan. The Bosch 4100-09 worksite table saw has the following dimensions: 39.3 x 29.7 x 21.2 inches. Running on corded-electricity, this saw comes void of batteries. This means that you do not have to take the pain of buying batteries every other day! Promising a 30-day money-back guarantee, this saw comes with a year warranty.
5. DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw
- The DEWALT DWE7491RS features a 15-Amp motor that can quickly rip through different kinds of wood with ease.
- The unit also has a rack and pinion fence system that makes adjustments in the fence easy and hassle-free.
- It also has a telescoping fence rail that can be extended and retracted to access a small portable package.
- It capable of up to 32 1/2″ rip capacity, and when the ripping fence is flipped over, it also allows narrow rip cuts.
- The unit also has a miter gauge for accurate measurements.
- The DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw also features a rolling stand that makes it easier to transport when needed without sacrificing the unit’s stability when it is being used for cutting.
- Unlike other Benchtop Table Saws, this unit also boasts of semi-pneumatic wheels perfect for traveling through rough terrains or scattered sharp objects in a construction site.
Pros
- The DEWALT DWE7491RS has an outstanding 32 1/2″ rip capacity that enables craftsmen and professional carpenters to cut larger shelving and trim materials.
- It also has a rack and pinion fence system that makes fence adjustment easier and faster.
- It is also powered by a 15-amp motor which makes cutting hassle-free.
- This unit also has a rolling stand that allows workers to transport the unit with relative ease from one location to another and the wheels are semi-pneumatic.
- Fence system is larger compared to other table saws and the ripping fence can even flip-over to allow narrow rip cuts. Lastly, this unit has an onboard storage.
Cons
- Can accept dado blades but it isn’t recommended.
- The finish of the worktable easily rubs off to the surface of the material being cut.
Buying Guide
Key facts:
- Ideal for cutting to length and for miter cuts of beams, etc.
- The parallel and angle stops should be easily and precisely adjustable
- Always readjust again after purchase
- Pay attention to a proper dust collection
- Use good and suitable saw blades
- Never remove the riving knife from the saw
In a carpenter workshop, you will certainly find a table saw; They are less needed in everyday DIY work. This is because strips, parquet, and beams can also be sawed very well with a miter saw. However, if you regularly plan construction projects, a table saw can be worthwhile, as it allows you to saw larger pieces of wood.
Base or No Base?
The advantage of table saws is obvious; they are portable due to their size and can partly be rolled to the place of use. Either suitable underframes or a stable workbench on which the saw stands firmly and level ensure a comfortable working height. The saws’ weight can vary between 70 and 180 lbs depending on the material used, size, and construction.
With a suitable base, the table saw costs much more. If you choose to spend more, you have a cohesive system that is coordinated with one another. Unfortunately, this is not a real quality feature. Because the frame must be extremely robust so that the heavy saws have a firm and safe stand, without this requirement, you cannot work with it exactly, and there is a security risk.
Without a frame, the saws are cheaper, and you decide on which surface you attach them to. You can then determine the height yourself. The worktable should be level with your wrist with your arm hanging down. Ultimately, a comfortable working height is a personal preference.
Condition of the saw blade
Many materials – wood, plastic, stone, and even metal – can be cut with the table saw using a suitable saw blade. If you choose an inexpensive saw, it will hardly be equipped with a high-quality saw blade. To get clean cuts, however, the condition of the saw blade is crucial. Therefore, you should change the blade, at least in the models, for the small budget. It is then an advantage if the saw blade is easily accessible, and a change can quickly occur. Since a saw blade is a wear part anyway, you should pay attention to this with all machines. Besides, the blade should be continuously adjustable up to 45 degrees so that precise cutting is possible.
The process, safety, and dust collection
The easier it is to operate, the more fun it is to work with a device. If a rip fence is available, precise cuts can be made without the workpiece slipping, even at difficult angles. A saw blade guard is part of the standard equipment. However, the ultimate plus is the dust collection, so that the chips are sucked off immediately. Such a device keeps the work area clean and has a clear view of the workpiece at all times. An emergency stop switch is mandatory for all table saws, but unfortunately not easy to reach for some. One should also pay attention to the loudness that such a machine produces. Some have to wear hearing protection, which can be disadvantageous in certain situations.
Alternatives to the table saw.
For extensive sawing work, you can always use a functional table saw. However, you can also use other power tools to help yourself if necessary.
The miter saw
A table saw in reverse form is the so-called miter saw. With the best miter saw, you have to pull the saw blade through a workpiece and not, as with a table saw, bring the workpiece up to the saw blade. Nevertheless, sawing performance is comparable.
Just note that you can only saw very narrow strips, boards, and panels with a miter saw. A table saw is still more flexible.
The circular saw
The hand-held circular saw is an alternative to a table saw. It is pulled through a workpiece with one hand. The workpiece itself should be securely fixed to ensure a clean saw cut.
The hand-held circular saw is also basically an upside-down form of a table saw.
The jigsaw
So far, we have presented alternatives with a circular saw blade. When the jigsaw is a pendulum stroke, saw, when the saw blade only performs a vertical movement.
The very thin saw blade makes it particularly easy to guide a jigsaw in hard-to-reach places. With long and straight workpieces, however, it is not that easy to make a straight saw cut. Nevertheless, the jigsaw should not go unmentioned here.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the DEWALT DW745 is the best portable table saw for fine woodworking. Whether you require this unit for work at home or a construction site, the DEWALT DW745 is a great choice. A replacement for your old, worn-out saw, this unit is compact and could make neat and clean cuts. As a result, the task is made more straightforward to handle. It is fairly easy to assemble and could do all the cutting and ripping in no time at all!
Second choice is the Makita 2705 10 Inch Contractor Table Saw which is known for precision and consistency. It is a powerful and versatile table saw that can be used on the job site and in the workshop. In terms of convenience and performance, it is amongst the best in the market. It is an industrial-strength power tool with sufficient power and features for most general woodworking requirements.