Best Contractor Table Saws: Reviews of Top 9 Models
Contents
- Our Top Contractor Table Saws Are:
- 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw – Best Contractor Table Saw
- 2. Makita 2705×1 Contractor Table Saw – Best Value for Money
- 3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw – Best for Safety
- 4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw – Best for Beginners
- 5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw – Best Stationary Saw
- 6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw – Best for Professional
- 7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw – Best for DIY
- 8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw
- 9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw
- What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Contractor Table Saw
- Portable Contractor Table Saw
- Stationary Contractor Table Saws
- How To Choose The Best Contractor Table Saw
- The Motor
- Rip Fence
- The Base
- Table and Extension Wings
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Contractor table saws, as the name suggests, are a favorite for woodworking contractors for a variety of reasons. Top among them is the ability to move these saws around from job site to job site, a feature that is convenient for many contractors.
Cutting on site saves trips back to the shop, since you can measure and cut in place.
They also cost far less than cabinet saws while still giving accurate results. Below we compare portable jobsite saws and stationary contractor-style saws, then explain which features matter most.
OUR TOP PICK
If you’re in a rush, our favorite contractor table saw is the DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw. It features a professional and versatile fence system that allows you to make a variety of cuts. It has a 32-1/2-inch rip capacity, retracts to a compact size for storage, and its 15-amp motor cuts most construction lumber easily.
Our Top Contractor Table Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw | 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw Top Pick | - Motor: 15 A - 32.5" Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence System - Dimensions: 21-7/8" x 26-3/8" - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM - Weight: 90lbs | Check Current Price |
| 2. Makita 2705x1 Contractor Table Saw | 2. Makita 2705x1 Contractor Table Saw | - Motor: 15 A - 25" Rip Fence - Dimensions: 24-5/8" x 22-1/4" - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM - Weight: 114.7lbs | Check Current Price |
| 3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw | 3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw | - Left Tilt Operation - Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 120v 14 A 1-Phase - 36" Professional T-Glide Fence Assembly - Dimensions: 69-1/8" W x 45" D x 34-3/4" H - Blade Size: 10" - Weight: 310 lbs | Check Current Price |
| 4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw | 4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw | - Motor: 4 HP 120V 15 A - 25" Square Lock Rip Fence - Dimensions: 47 W x 30.25" D x 35.5" H - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 3650 RPM - Weight: 92 lbs | Check Current Price |
| 5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw | 5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw | - Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 115v 15/7.5 A 1-Phase - 30"/50" Accu-Fence System - Dimensions: 43" W x 61" D x 44" H - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 4200 RPM - Weight: 346 lbs | Check Current Price |
| 6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw | 6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw | - Motor: 15 A Worm Drive Geared - 30.5" Rack and Pinion Rip Fence - Dimensions: 35" H x 29.5" W x 52.6" L - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 5000 RPM - Weight: 98.8lbs | Check Current Price |
| 7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw | 7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw | - Left tilt operation - Motor: 1 HP 120V - 240v 15 A 1-Phase - 30" Biesemeyer Style Fence with dual rip windows - Blade Size: 10" - Weight: 230 lbs | Check Current Price |
| 8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw | 8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw | - Left tilt operation - Motor: 3 HP 220v 14.5 A 1-Phase - 48" Camlock T-Shape w/HDPE Face - Dimensions: 82" W x 41" D x 40" H - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 4300 RPM | Check Current Price |
| 9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw | 9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw | - Left Tilt Operation - Motor: 3 HP 230v 14.5 A 1-Phase - 30" Accu-Fence Assembly - Dimensions: 37" W x 45" D x 34-3/4" H - Blade Size: 10" - Arbor Speed: 4500 RPM | Check Current Price |
1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw – Best Contractor Table Saw
Jobsite table saws are easy to carry to the job site and, set up well, cut accurately enough for most trim and construction work. The DeWalt comes with a stable, mobile stand that is easy to set up and takedown.
This saw features a powerful 15 A motor that can deliver 4800 RPM blade speed. It gives the saw plenty of power to rip through hardwood and treated wood for construction.
It also features a Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence system that allows for up to 32-inches rip capacity for cutting larger shelving and trim materials.
This fence system also includes a flip fence that allows for narrow cuts and supports wider material for cutting. It has retractable rails that make the saw compact for portability.
Specs
- Motor: 15 A
- 32.5″ Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence System
- Dimensions: 21-7/8″ x 26-3/8″
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM
- Weight: 90lbs
Pros
- Highly accurate and easy to use fence system
- Features a safety cover on the power switch
- Telescoping fence rails retract for compactibility
- Onboard storage system
Cons
- Difficult blade alignment
This DEWALT jobsite saw suits remodeling, cabinetry, and trim work. It works as a starter saw and has features professionals use too.
Overall Rating – 4.7/5
2. Makita 2705×1 Contractor Table Saw – Best Value for Money
This contractor table saw comes with a portable stand with heavy-duty wheels for easy portability and stability while cutting. The stand uses a spring-loaded system to adjust and fold for storage.
This saw is versatile for use at the workshop or the job site and it comes with industry-grade features for professional applications.
It features a 15 A motor that delivers powerful cutting performance with 4800 RPM blade speed. Its rip capacity is 25 inches to the right of the blade, smaller than the DEWALT's, but the extension table lets you rip a 4x8 sheet down the middle.
The saw also includes a 3/8″ x 3/4″ T-slot miter gauge for cross-cutting jobs
Specs
- Motor: 15 A
- 25″ Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 24-5/8″ x 22-1/4″
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM
- Weight: 114.7lbs
Pros
- Portable stand with 5-position height adjustments for comfort
- Features an electric brake system
- Compact design for easy portability
- Delivers shop-quality precise cuts
- Right extension table increases rip capacity
Cons
- Comes with a low-quality rip fence
It is portable and handles hardwood and construction lumber well, though you may want to upgrade the fence.
Overall Rating – 4.2/5
3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw – Best for Safety
The main reason to buy this saw is its safety system. The blade carries a small electrical signal; when skin touches the blade, the signal changes, a brake stops the blade and it drops below the table in less than 5 milliseconds. After an activation you replace the brake cartridge and usually the blade.
It has a 1.75 HP motor that runs on a standard 120-volt circuit.
It cuts up to 3-1/8 inches deep. Cast iron parts keep vibration low.
The 36-inch T-Glide fence is accurate and locks square.
Specs
- Left Tilt Operation
- Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 120v 14 A 1-Phase
- 36″ Professional T-Glide Fence Assembly
- Dimensions: 69-1/8″ W x 45″ D x 34-3/4″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Weight: 310 lbs
Pros
- Best-In Class SawStop safety system
- An effective dust collection system
- Cast Iron components provide stability
- Out of box precise calibration
- Mobile wheelbase provides easy mobility
Cons
- Expensive, and brake cartridges cost extra after an activation
- Small working surface for large sheets
The saw has a solid construction, a flat and precise table and comes with professional-grade features for top performance. It scores highly on safety, accuracy, and value for money.
Overall Rating – 4.0/5
4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw – Best for Beginners
This contractor saw allows for easy transportation from the shop to your worksite with a Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand that features a single-action design for easy setup and mobility.
Its 15-amp motor (rated 4 HP max) runs at 3,650 RPM and handles both rough and finish carpentry. Soft start eases start-up, and constant response circuitry helps hold speed under load.
It comes with a SquareLock rip fence that is engineered for precision and ease of operation. The table saw has a 25-inch rip capacity which is enough of a work surface to rip most job site sheet goods.
We should also highlight the Smart Guard System that features a three-position adjustable riving knife and anti-kickback pawls with a clear view blade guard.
Specs
- Motor: 4 HP 120V 15 A
- 25″ Square Lock Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 47 W x 30.25″ D x 35.5″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 3650 RPM
- Weight: 92 lbs
Pros
- Provides a large working surface to support the workpiece
- 15-amp motor holds speed under load
- Foldable and adjustable table saw stand with pneumatic wheels for mobility
- Throat plate insert for using dado blades
- Smart Guard system safety feature
Cons
- Does not have perfect precision
- An inefficient dust collection system
The saw works like it should for the price. The wheeled stand may wear out after repeated use as it is not very strong. It also takes a bit of time assembling it but it will, for the most part, be well-calibrated for accuracy out of the box.
Overall Rating – 4.5/5
5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw – Best Stationary Saw
This is a compact cabinet-style saw with a 1.75 HP, single-phase motor and a poly-V belt that reduces noise and vibration.
It runs on 115 volts, so it plugs into a standard garage outlet, and it can be rewired for 230 volts. Rewiring lowers the current draw; it does not add power.
It is built more like a cabinet saw than a contractor saw, at a lower price than full cabinet saws.
It comes with a cast iron table and a choice of a 30-inch or 50-inch Accu-Fence system, an industry-grade fence assembly that provides precision and rigidity.
Other features we like include an arbor lock for one-handed blade changes and a miter gauge that provides for a full range of cuts.
Dust collection works through both the cabinet and the blade guard, which helps keep wood dust out of the air.
Specs
- Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 115v 15/7.5 A 1-Phase
- 30″/50″ Accu-Fence System
- Dimensions: 43″ W x 61″ D x 44″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4200 RPM
- Weight: 346 lbs
Pros
- Allows a maximum rip capacity of 52-inches
- Convenient hands-free power switch
- Easy blade height and bevel adjustments with a 7-inch handwheel
- Professional-grade components and fence system
- 115V power connection for small workshop use
Cons
- Comes with a short 3-foot power cord
- Stock riving knife is sized for full-kerf blades
- Does not come with in-built castors for mobility
It offers cabinet-saw features at a lower price.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw – Best for Professional
This heavy-duty jobsite saw stands out for its worm drive gearing.
Worm drive gearing adds torque rather than speed, so the saw keeps its blade speed in thick or wet lumber where a direct-drive motor might bog down.
It has a 30-1/2-inch rack-and-pinion fence that adjusts smoothly. The rip capacity is 2-inches smaller than the Dewalt job site saw but its outfeed and left support allows it to perform larger cuts.
Another outstanding feature is the portable stand that is strong enough to transport this saw over rough construction surfaces and stairs.
Specs
- Motor: 15 A Worm Drive Geared
- 30.5″ Rack and Pinion Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 35″ H x 29.5″ W x 52.6″ L
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 5000 RPM
- Weight: 98.8lbs
Pros
- Worm drive gearing keeps torque in tough cuts
- Rugged portable stand provides easy mobility and storage
- Features an efficient dust port elbow
- Outfeed and left support system allows for large sheets to cut by one person
- Easy blade adjustments for miter cuts.
Cons
- Low-quality T-rail miter gauge
SKILSAW says the motor's dual copper windings help it run cooler during tough cuts.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw – Best for DIY
This contractor saw offers good value. It is not a professional-grade saw, but it has a better fence than most saws at its price.
The best of these features include the Biesemeyer style fence system with dual rip windows that brings reliable accuracy to your cuts.
It features a unique open base shaped in a tubular style for maximum support. The base has fewer parts for quick assembling and also comes with three castor wheels for easy mobility.
Other great features include an easy-access power switch and a tool-free split guard design that makes changing the blade easy.
Specs
- Left tilt operation
- Motor: 1 HP 120V – 240v 15 A 1-Phase
- 30″ Biesemeyer Style Fence with dual rip windows
- Blade Size: 10″
- Weight: 230 lbs
Pros
- Heavy-duty Biesemeyer style fence provides accuracy
- Easy and quick set up
- The unique stand provides stability
- Good value for money
- One-piece rail system for more precise cuts
Cons
- No dado throat plate included
- Plywood base extension table
It is accurate once assembled and aligned, and it holds alignment well.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw
This is another cabinet style table saw that features a heavy-duty steel base for stability. Like the Powermatic, this saw also features cast iron components that help to reduce vibrations and at the same time provide durable and precise cutting surfaces.
It comes with a wooden extension table with adjustable legs which allows for a 49″ ripping capacity.
It is great that it has a cast iron table and extension wings which provide a smooth working surface. However, it comes with a rip fence system that you would get on a lower quality table saw which will affect the accuracy of your cuts.
It has a 3 HP, 220-volt motor, so you need a 240-volt circuit. Its maximum depth of cut is about 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees, like other 10-inch cabinet saws.
Specs
- Left tilt operation
- Motor: 3 HP 220v 14.5 A 1-Phase
- 48″ Camlock T-Shape w/HDPE Face
- Dimensions: 82″ W x 41″ D x 40″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4300 RPM
- Weight: 546 lbs
Pros
- Has a powerful motor that cuts clean
- Precise calibration
- Easy assembly process
- Features a true riving knife that moves and tilts with the blade
Cons
- An inefficient dust collection system
- A lower quality fence system
- Doesn’t offer mobility
This is one of the best-priced cabinet saws in the market. Other than the T-Square fence system that may require shimming to make it accurate, it offers several good quality features for the price.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw
The PM2000 is a full cabinet saw with a heavy enclosed base that keeps vibration very low.
Its cast iron table, extension wings, and trunnion add stability.
That cast iron also makes it heavy, at well over 500 pounds depending on the fence and options.
The cast iron table is flat and smooth and supports bulky workpieces.
The saw uses an industry-standard Accu-Fence system to facilitate accurate cuts while a heavy-duty miter gauge with a 13-inch extension fence provides stability and accurate angle adjustments for miter cuts.
Specs
- Left Tilt Operation
- Motor: 3 HP 230v 14.5 A 1-Phase
- 30″ Accu-Fence Assembly
- Dimensions: 37″ W x 45″ D x 34-3/4″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4500 RPM
- Weight: 500+ lbs, depending on configuration
Pros
- 5-Year Warranty
- Industry-standard Accu-Fence system provides accuracy
- Cast iron construction provides stability and low vibration
- Out of box precise calibration
- Built-in and retractable caster system to provide mobility
- Faster and safer blade and riving knife changing process
Cons
- Short power cord limits the range of mobility
- Cast iron base and the extension wings may not be perfectly aligned
The PM2000 is a powerful cabinet saw for serious shops with room for it. The 3 HP motor handles continuous use and hardwood.
It has a riving knife and guard but no skin-sensing brake like the SawStop.
Overall Rating – 3.9/5
What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Contractor Table Saw
Contractor table saws can be found in two categories, that is, portable table saws and stationary table saws.
Portable Contractor Table Saw
The portable saws include the Bench Top table saw, which is the smallest and most affordable, and the Compact table saw which comes with a stand to hold the saw.
The portable Contractor table saw, also known as the Jobsite or Worksite table saw, has more rugged construction for durability and comes with industry-grade features to handle heavy-duty work.
They also come with a professional-grade fence such as the Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence System whose rails can retract to keep the saw compact for easy storage.
But the trademark feature of portable Contractor tables saws is the mobility stand. It acts as the base of the table saw but it also has wheels to help you move the saw around to where you’ll set it up for work.
Some features of portable contractor table saws include:
- 15 A, 120V motors that run on standard outlets
- Professional-grade rip fence with a bigger rip capacity.
- More work surface area with outfeed supports and extension tables
- Rugged construction for durability as it is constantly being moved from job site to job site.
- Stable mobility stands with wheels for easy portability.
Contractors like them because they are portable and affordable and accurate enough for most site work.
Stationary Contractor Table Saws
There are three types of stationary table saws. The hybrid table saw is the newest; it combines features of the contractor saw and the cabinet saw, with an enclosed base at a lower price than a cabinet saw.
The Cabinet table saw is a heavy-duty saw designed for continuous work. It features professional-grade components that provide durability and reliability for a high production shop. It has a solid closed base that helps to reduce vibrations and mechanical noise and provides stability.
Traditional stationary contractor saws use lighter components to keep weight down, with motors of about 1 to 2 HP.
The better models have TEFC motors (totally enclosed, fan cooled) that handle long run times. On a classic contractor saw the motor hangs off the back of an open base, which makes the saw louder and harder to collect dust from. Many have bases with casters for mobility.
Some features of stationary contractor table saws include:
- 1 HP to 2 HP induction motors that utilize normal 120V power outlets for convenience.
- Open bases with rear-mounted motors that are louder and vibrate more than cabinet saws
- Feature a lighter construction such as sheet metal extension wings and plywood extension tables
- Trunnions are mounted to the underside of the table, which makes it harder to align the blade with the miter slot.
- Some have bases with caster wheels to allow for mobility.
Contractor saws cost less than cabinet saws because they use lighter, less expensive materials. They are easier to move and accurate enough for most construction work.
How To Choose The Best Contractor Table Saw
The Motor
Most contractor table saws have 15-amp motors with 1 HP – 2 HP. The motor is powered with normal 120V power outlets which are convenient for most users.
Some contractor saws have dual-voltage motors that can be wired for 240 volts. That lowers the current draw on long runs but does not add horsepower. Motors of 3 HP or more need 240 volts. Other saws such as this SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw use worm drive gearing for more torque.
Rip Fence
The quality of the fence system will greatly affect the precision and accuracy of the cuts that your saw makes. The newer models of contractor table saws feature high-quality rip fence systems that you’d normally find in the high-end industrial models.
The Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw is a good example of an affordable saw featuring a professional class rip fence. It uses a Biesemeyer style fence system that is the industry standard for professional table saws but the table saw remains affordable for the average consumer.
The Base
For stationary table saws, the base supports all the mechanical parts of the saw. Contractor table saws feature an open base and a non-enclosed motor.
The newer versions such as the SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw have a mobile hybrid base that is partly enclosed to reduce noise and dampen vibrations as well as to improve the dust collection system.
The portable saws feature a portable stand that enables the saw to be moved around easily. Some well-designed stands such as the Makita 2705×1 Contractor Table Saw allow you to make height adjustments to a comfortable position.
Table and Extension Wings
Contractor table saws mostly feature tabletops made of lighter material such as aluminum or a lighter stamped steel to keep the overall weight of the table saw down and to make them affordable.
A good example is the Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw which features a cast-aluminum tabletop that offers a sufficient workspace for most typical jobs. It is a reliable top without humps that will give you the accuracy required when cutting.
These lightweight materials, however, do very little to reduce vibrations and they’re also likely to affect the flatness of the tabletop.
Final Thoughts
Safety deserves the final word. Table saws cause serious hand injuries, so use every safeguard the saw comes with. Follow OSHA's table saw safeguards: keep the blade guard and riving knife or spreader in place, use push sticks for narrow stock, stand to the side of the blade, and keep the blade sharp.
Kickback is most common when ripping. A riving knife and anti-kickback pawls reduce the risk, and a SawStop-style brake adds protection against blade contact.
But if you’re still not too sure which is the best for your needs, we recommend the DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw. It gives accurate, powerful cutting in a compact, affordable package for job site projects.
