A portable table saw is a versatile tool that every contractor, woodworker, or DIY enthusiast should own. The multi-faceted tool can easily create not just basic cuts but also crosscuts, miter cuts, or rip cuts. Since they are usually lightweight, you can easily carry them from one place to another.
With that being said, every woodworker should have a comfortable portable table saw. Since there are a plethora of options available in the market, it may not be easy to choose the right one for you. Therefore, we have created a curated list of the best ones you can find along with features, pros, and cons so that you're aware of what use you'll get out of it. Also, the guide at the end of this article should help you select your ideal portable table saw.Image | Name | Features | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 | DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw | Ensures extremely accurate cuts Offers blade flips in seconds Delivers arm lifts for inside cuts | |
 | SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Portable Table Saw | Offers excellent ripping applications Has a 25-inch rip capacity Ensures precision cuts | |
 | DEWALT DWE7485 Table Saw | Offers a variety of cuts Allows quick fence adjustments Highly durable | |
 | Delta 36-6013 Table Saw | Has quick positioning tabs Offers a rip capacity of 25 inches Has telescoping rail system | |
 | Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw | Offers table-tilt mechanism Comes with a dust blower and dust port Compatible with both plain and pin-end blade | |
 | WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw | Provides accurate cuts with rack and pinion fence system Cuts multiple materials Easy to use | |
 | WEN 3921 Scroll Saw | Speed ranges from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute Offers tool-free blade changes Accepts blades in 2 directions |
1. DEWALT DW788 Scroll Saw
Here's a versatile portable table saw from the renowned brand DEWALT that offers premium performance for its price. You'll receive quiet and smooth operation while using this tool thanks to its double parallel-link arm that reduces vibration dramatically. You can alter the speed of the tool, utilize the dust blower, or adjust the blade all in one section of the device i.e. the front upper arm.
With this tool, you'll get outstanding metal support as well since it is oversized and turns 45 degrees right and left. Plus, the design of the tool itself provides you a higher angle to turn the wood. Overall, it's an excellent portable table saw that any woodworker should confidently purchase.PROS:
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2. SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Portable Table Saw
This portable table saw from SKILSAW is built to offer superior performance especially when it comes to rip cuts. However, you can obtain any form of cut with this machine as the circular saw allows you to work effortlessly on various types of woods. You can also secure fence adjustments smoothly while using this tool because of the combination of pinion system and precision rack.
Plus, since the tool is lightweight you can easily place it on any flat surface and perform your desired cutting applications. Overall, this portable table saw offers a combination of high performance, maneuverability, and convenience all in one.
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3. DEWALT DWE7485 Table Saw
Here's another portable table saw from DEWALT that runs on a 5800 rpm motor that ensures high performance. You can obtain smooth and accurate applications while using this tool due to the pinion telescoping fence rails. Plus, the tool offers a variety of cuts. For example, it provides a ripping capacity of 24.5 inches for cutting 4 inches x 8 inches plywood.
The tool has onboard storage so you can easily store the accessories when the machine is not in use. You can be assured that this tool will provide you performance and precision at the same time because DEWALT is known for these features.
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4. Delta 36-6013 Table Saw
This portable table saw from Delta is ideal for a professional flooring contractor or woodworker because it provides excellent performance especially for large cuts. It has a large surface area of 559 square inch which ensures stability for applications that require huge cuts.
The machine allows you to choose from three quick adjustment tabs which are quite convenient when you're working on a large piece of wood. Given the features that this portable table saw has, it comes at a reasonable price. Plus, Delta is a renowned brand for manufacturing heavy-duty tools. Therefore, if you are looking for a long-lasting portable table saw, you may opt for this one.
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5. Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw
Here's a multi-featured portable table saw from Shop Fox that offers a maximum cutting capacity of 2 inches x 16 inches. The lightweight machine can be conveniently transported from one place to another. With this machine, you don't have to worry about sawdust getting accumulated under the table because it comes with a dust port that collects all the unwanted particles.
All in all, this is a great portable table saw because it offers both extra cutting capacity and desired speed control. Plus, you can get this versatile machine at a significantly affordable price making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts as well.
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6. WORX WX572L Portable Tabletop Saw
If you are looking for a compact and lightweight portable table saw for DIY projects at home, this one from WORX will be perfect for you. This tool takes craftsmanship to the next level even if you have no experience in using a table saw. The machine comes with multiple blades suitable for cutting different materials.
Since this is built for home improvement projects, you must get a hold of this one if woodworking is one of your hobbies. Also, for the number of features that this tool offers, you can get it at an extremely affordable price too!
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7. WEN 3921 Scroll Saw
Here’s another portable table saw that is ideal for DIY work or home improvement projects. It has a large surface area of 16 inches x 11 inches allowing a capacity of 2 inches vertically and 16 inches on the throat. Since it comes in a unique design that accepts two blades at once you can use this tool to cut intricate details on wood.
The multi-featured scroll saw comes with a foot lock clamp, an air pump, a dust port, and onboard storage. Therefore, it is definitely a steal given that you can obtain this portable table saw at an extremely reasonable price.
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Portable Table Saw Buying Guide
Portable Table Saw Basic Components
Blade
The blade is one of the most important components of a table saw because the quality of the blade will determine the performance of the machine to a great extent. You must look at the specification of the blade on the table saw which is indicated by the number of teeth as well as material, size, diameter, speed, etc. Blades that are made of carbon or carbide can be used to cut materials other than wood as well. Therefore, make sure you check out the details of the blade before you purchase a portable table saw.
Rip Fence
A rip fence acts as a guide between the two points of the table. It’s important to have a durable rip fence on a table saw so that it stays in position and ensures a clean cut.
Bevel System
A bevel system allows you to tilt the blade on the machine to create a bevel cut.
Miter Gauge
A miter gauge moves 45-degrees both left and right to create the ideal slot for a precision cut. You can adjust the miter gauge to make desired cuts at different angles.
Blade Guard
A blade guard is a shield fixed on the table saw that protects the user from sawdust and debris.
Anti-kickback Pawls
Anti-kickback pawls are necessary to less kickback while the table saw is running. Their mechanism involves grabbing onto any extra material which is why they are placed on either side of the splitter.
Types Of Drive Configuration
Direct-drive
Portable table saws usually have direct-drive motors. This type of drive configuration links the motor directly to the blade which creates a loud noise. Although they come in a small package, they provide a lot of power which is sufficient for both professionals as well as DIYers.
Belt-drive
Belt-drive saws transfer the power to the blade through a belt. These motors usually last longer because they can be offset. Also, they are much quieter in comparison to the ones with direct-drive. However, you need to focus on periodic maintenance if you’re using a table saw with a belt-drive.
Final Words
Whether you purchase a portable table saw for DIY projects or professional woodworking, you need to consider that the basic components are of high quality. As for price, although you'll find good quality portable table saws at reasonable prices, the ones from renowned brands will surely be priced higher.
With that being said, our favorite from the curated list above has to be SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Portable Table Saw. This is because this particular portable table saw is packed with both basic features such as high rip capacity and excellent ripping applications as well as additional features such as its ability to cut through even the hardest materials seamlessly. Although it falls under the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality and features of this portable table saw make up for it.
References:
- https://sensibledigs.com/portable-table-saws/
- https://sebringdesignbuild.com/best-portable-table-saw-stand-reviews/#:~:text=Apart%20from%20these%20basic%20cuts,place%20with%20their%20wheeled%20stands.
- https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/table-saw-guide
- https://www.thetoolsquare.com/table-saw-buyer-guide/
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