If you’re thinking about jumpstarting a career in construction, owning the right tools will go a long way in finding success. Among them is a contractor table saw, which is perfectly suited for the harshness and rigors of an industrial jobsite. But before anything else, let’s first define what this marvelous machine is.
Contractor table saws, otherwise known as jobsite saws, are smaller and more compact than full-sized models. These are ergonomically designed since majority of users often move around a lot. However, they’re also enhanced with greater stronger motors and enhanced features that produce more accurate results.
In order to better understand what benefits these instruments provide, we’d like to identify the six best contractor table saws currently on the market. Hopefully, knowing more will help everyone develop a deeper appreciation for them. Please continue reading to learn more.
table saw | feature | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - An innovative T-fence ensures that every cut is precise and according to your liking - Its technological safety functions are instantly initiated once contact with skin happens | 4.2/5.0 | |
 | - Built with heavy-duty parts that reduce wear-and-tear significantly - Moving the blade anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees is possible thanks to a bevel control | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - The 1.75-horsepowered motor increases cutting strength against thicker materials - An electric brake automatically switches off the engine upon contact with skin to prevent accidents | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - Its see-through blade guard is functionally designed to offer greater visibility as you work - A SquareLock rip fence enhances accuracy and allows for one-handed operation | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - The body and frame is suited for users who require moving around a lot - A 15-AMP, 4800-RPM motor is quite power for its size and can accomplish duties of different intensities | 3.0/5.0 | |
 | - Its yellow and black color is a trademark of Dewalt and looks really professional - An impressive motor makes cutting through all kinds of materials easier | 4.3/5.0 |
Contractor Table Saw Reviews
The SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Saw is one of the best-performing options you can find. It provides high precision measurements and smooth operation with its 36-inch professional T-Glide Fence System. This helps woodworkers all around maintain a supreme level of accuracy and versatility, not to mention work with larger types of wood.
Having a 1.75-horsepower motor and 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade combo guarantees that power will never be an issue. Not only does the SawStop CNS175-TGP36 slice through workpieces with great ease, but a bevel also puts the knife-edge in the most optimal positions. As a result, angled cuts now become a very real option for you.
However, what truly sets SawStop apart from other brands is its unique safety system, which is great news for all your fingers. It has an electronic detection system that immediately halts operation the moment your skin comes into contact with a blade.
Once identified, the aluminum brakes are activated, stopping the blades within only a few milliseconds. The blade automatically retracts from the table to prevent subsequent contact, while the power immediately shuts off. All this happens almost instantly! You won’t have to worry about any untoward incidents even if you’re just a beginner because this machine has you covered.
So when you get a chance to learn more about it, we suggest you do. The SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Saw is easily an option worth both your time and attention.
Pros
Cons
The Delta 36-5000 Contractor Saw offers you a win-win situation that only ends in success. It possesses the high-quality features of a cabinet saw, but in a portable contractor saw’s body. As such, you can take on literally any challenge without any hassle.
It features a cast iron table and a pedestal made of steel tubes so you’re given maximum stability each time it is used. This, after all, is a very important factor to have in woodworking. Owning an unwavering machine helps you maintain balance and support the wood piece as you work, which will go a long way in improving the overall output quality. You should clearly feel the difference after only a few weeks.
Additionally, this powerful contractor saw features a quiet 15-AMP induction motor and a 10-inch blade that’s capable of ripping through wooden boards as thick as 3.5-inches. The blade can even be tilted anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees, depending on the need of your preference. Finally, a Biesemeyer fence helps you in measuring each piece of wood, so that every moment becomes more precise. All these features conspire to make life a lot easier for users like you.
All in all, the Delta 36-5000 Contractor Saw is truly marvelous. Its solid track record of safety, functionality, and power will move you to handle different projects without any hassle.
Pros
Cons
The Delta 36-5052 Left-Tilt Contractor Saw is similar to the previous model we tackled. It has almost the same build, a similar table made of cast iron, and a steel tubular stand that makes it easily transportable. This is thanks to two fixed wheels and swivel control.
Moreover, the power on this model comes from a 1.75-horsepower, 15-AMP induction motor – just as other Delta 5000 models – that delivers solid strength for medium-sized projects. A Biesemeyer fence likewise increases this machine’s durability against wear-and-tear, while a dual-voltage function helps to manage energy. These additions may seem simple, but it will go a long way in maximizing your initial cash out.
Space is another resource this contractor saw offers. Longer fence rails and two cast-iron extension wings spread out to a maximum of 52-inches. This is ideal for users working with larger pieces of wood or big projects. At the same time, table legs made from durable materials aim to maintain stability throughout job sessions.
Finally, the Delta 36-5052 Left-Tilt Contractor Saw features a tool-free split-guard design and a tool-less assembly of its many different accessories. Assembly and replacing parts have long been a sore spot for woodworkers. Having this convenience simplifies this chore, which allows you to focus on other more important things. Consider this is you want to own one of the best contractor table saws on the market.
Pros
Cons
When a project calls you to move from one place to another, the Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw would be an amazing choice. It’s a great device that delivers outstanding performance despite its size.
A 15-AMP motor with a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade setup is the main reason for its above-average cutting capabilities. Additionally, this machine runs on a soft-start circuitry system - the motor smoothly increases in speed to reduce chances of tripping the circuit breaker. This greatly reduces the risk of overheating or other internal damages.
However, what really sets the Bosch 4100-10 apart is its overall efficiency. The gravity rise, collapsible table saw stand serves as a good foundation, just as the single lever with 8-inch treaded wheels makes it easy to move around and bring to different job sites if needed. Assembly and takedown can be done easily, too, with this new setup.
What’s more is you get a Smart Guard system with this power tool, incorporating the riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a guard assembly in a single location. This blade guard makes adjustments easier and has been made see-through for better visibility. As such, you can better control this machine.
These different qualities are what make the Bosch 4100-10 10 Worksite Table Saw among the best jobsite table saws on the market. It packs a lot of performance for a portable machine and it definitely makes your job a lot easier. Consider this if you want one of the best contractor table saws in your workplace.
Pros
Cons
Makita has always been known to sell high-quality products ever since they started manufacturing in Japan. Not only do they provide power and performance, but also the assurance that every model they make is durable.
The Makita 2705 Contractor Table Saw is no different from the standard they’ve set. This whole machine is powered by a 15-amp motor that can deliver a maximum speed of up to 4,800-RPM. It also uses a large enough tabletop to work on larger and even wider slabs of wood. Plus, it’s perfectly flat so you’ll always end up with even, precise cuts.
User-friendliness is another aspect about it that’s worth mentioning. Customers will be glad to know this contractor table saw is incredibly convenient to bring to a jobsite, not to mention the adjustable dual side-guards for easier measurement. You won’t even need any tools to make a modification, thanks to a blade guard system. It won’t matter if you’re a beginner or professional – the Makita 2705 won’t pose a big challenge.
A clear downside with this portable contractor table saw, though, is that it doesn’t have a wheeled base, which may be an inconvenience to some. At 80 pounds, it isn’t so heavy, but you may want to ask for additional help when transporting this unit around the job site. Still, despite this shortcoming, the Makita 2705 is something worth considering for users of all needs and experiences.
Pros
Cons
If you’re a hobbyist looking to upgrade your cutting game, do check out the Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw. It is a powerful machine that’s equipped with a rolling stand, perfect for easy storage in a garage or a quick set up time.
Once you’ve assembled it, a potent 15-AMP motor can make cuts up to 3 ⅛ inches deep at 90 degrees and 2 ¼ inches at 45 degrees. This means that even thicker wooden planks are no match for this machine. We also love how it can hold the workpiece in two different positions for added stability.
The rip capacity you get with the Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw is more than enough at 32 ½ inches. You’ll be able to widen your capabilities from just simple activities and small DIY projects to larger-scale undertakings. As your contractor table saw gradually increases in load, so does your experience. Now, making different kinds of incisions – such as rip cuts, cross cuts, miter cuts, beveled cuts, dado cuts, and rabbet cuts – are now possible and with minimal effort at that.
A company as reputable as Dewalt needs to incessantly evolve its offerings. As such, a heightened rack and pinion system simplifies use and helps make control adjustments much easier. You can manage the tool while it is running, even with only one hand. It’s truly heartwarming to see how this brand continues to prioritize customer feedback and uses it to become better.
Clearly, the Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw’s functions are perfectly suited for users today. Its unique blend of usefulness and innovation has it ranked as one of the best contractor table saws ever developed.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider When Buying a Contractor Table Saw
The brand and customer reviews aren’t the only things you should consider. Intangibles – or the x-factors – are just as important and could even make a larger impact on your woodworking sessions. So before even deciding on a model, do consider these 4 things to make your lives much easier.
1. Price
Contractor table saws vary a lot in price. Some go for as high as $1500, while others can be bought for only $300. Of course, the advantages of each will vary greatly. Before even thinking of that, try to identify first how much you are willing to spend. Is this something you’ll be using a lot? Do you anticipate a lot of repair expenses? Are you thinking of woodcutting as a means of making a living? These simple questions can help you determine what type of money you are willing to spend.
Once you’ve deliberated on those, set a realistic price range for your purchase with a plus-minus of $50. This should help you narrow down choices significantly and direct you towards a decision.
2. Mobility
Working on a jobsite entails a lot of different requirements. Though oftentimes, you will be asked to move around from one area to another. Owning a contractor table saw that’s portable will save you time, money, and a lot of energy in the process. It even gives you the freedom to find an ideal workplace, without thinking of how you’ll get there. At the end of the day, we would always still advise investing in a model that can be easily moved. This brings so much more value than a version that isn’t.
3. Safety
It may seem outlandish since you’re always extra careful, but accidents on a construction site can happen anytime. Sometimes, it may even have some life-altering effects. We’ve heard tons of stories before and none of them are for the faint of heart.
Even the presence of simple accessories like a blade guard or anti-kickback pawls could spell the difference between health and injury. Instead of considering it an expense, you must see this payment as a premium you pay so that you’re able to just focus on perfectly crafted handcrafts.
4. User-Friendliness
Table saws, no matter the type, are not always easy to control. Managing the speed, power, height, and measurements can sometimes be too much to handle. So having a model that eases you through this process and shortens the learning curve will be a big help. This includes being easy to assemble, having large buttons, and fully understanding the manual. Just remember that a unit that’s friendly for all users is one that can be comprehended by even a beginner.
5. Warranty
A warranty package, much like safety precautions, is your safety net against potential problems. This is a company’s obligation to you that should any damage or issue occur after the purchase, they will do everything they can to remedy the entire situation – either through replacement, repair, or refund.
Anytime you purchase something as expensive as a table saw, we would always advise including this. It’s an ideal way to get ahead of potential problems, while also saving thousands of dollars in restoration fees. Be sure to grab this opportunity before it’s too late.
FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions
To further dive into this topic, we’ll be answering some additional questions most commonly asked by consumers. We hope this helps you better appreciate table saws and the value they offer.
1. How much does a contractor table saw usually cost?
A contractor table’s saw price usually ranges from $400 to $1500. Those on the lower end of the spectrum are entry-level models, while the other limit pertains to units for professionals. Choosing a budget will really depend on your needs and what you’ll be using them for. However, instead of focusing solely on the expense, ruminate also on the value for money each one gives.
2. What is the ideal motor strength of an average contractor table saw?
Considering their significant role on a construction site, power is a key component potential buyers usually look into. Targeting a unit with 1-horsepower worth of cutting strength is appropriate, but we believe those with a 1.5-horsepower motor might seem more appropriate. This slices through thicker pieces of wood with greater ease and allows you to work more efficiently.
3. What is the difference between a benchtop and a contractor table saw?
The difference between a benchtop and contractor table saw model is very thin. Both of these are compact and easy to carry around, not to mention the user-friendliness. Its main difference, though, is that contractor saws are more rugged and can take on tougher assignments. They’re likewise fabricated with greater safety features and come with more accessories.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve reached the end, we hope that learning more about contractor table saws – together with their best features – taught you how and when to use them. Looking at the bigger picture, these are power tool definitely worth your attention. It won’t matter whether you’re a wide-eyed rookie or seasoned veteran – contractor table saws will always have a place in your work area.
Choosing the best model for you, however, is a different ballgame. With so many different features to consider, investing a chunk of your money into this can be considered a big risk. So to further simplify this process, we advise you to merely focus on three things – price, cutting strength, and user-friendliness. These are what we feel to be the main factors almost every person considers.
Additionally, the machine you select must fit both your needs and lifestyle. Spending so much will never be enough if you aren’t fulfilled because ultimately, your feelings are the most important consideration. So before even canvassing through all the options, try to decipher first what you are trying to get out of this. Eventually, when you figure this out, the right answer will come almost naturally.
At the end of the day, the truth was never out there – it’s been inside you all along.
Leave a Reply