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Best Table Saws Under $500 - Reviewed by Professionals
If you have a woodshop and are invested in woodworking, you can’t understate the importance of a table saw. These machines are the workhorse of any workshop, providing versatility, speed, and convenience when cutting large wood quantities. They are most needed when making rip-cuts or chopping sheet material and can cut anything from crosscuts and miter cuts to straight cuts. This is why many woodworkers rely on table saws to be reliable and efficient in their work.
Given their importance to woodwork, the best models can be expensive and out of reach for the average woodworker. Therefore, they have to look for cheaper models to help them be more effective in their line of work without hurting the budget. And while there are many options, you have to make the right decision to get the best table saw under 500 dollars.
Choosing between hundreds of table saw models isn’t easy, but luckily, we are here to help you. This article contains reviews of ten contenders for the best table saw under 500, alongside everything you need to know and consider before buying a table saw.
1. SKIL Amp 10 Inch Table Saw - TS6307-00
This job site saw runs on a 15-Amp motor that easily powers its 10” 24-tooth carbide blade through hardwoods. The blade can spin up to 4600 rpm, with a 25-inch rip capacity and a cut depth of 3-1/2 inches for a wide variety of materials. The table saw also has rack and pinion fence rails to keep your fence parallel to the blade, ensuring your cuts’ accuracy.
It features a bevel capacity of -2-47⁰, with two positive stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees. There is also a dust port elbow and safety anti-restart switch with onboard storage for tools.
What we liked
This model manages to be a complete package without costing you a lot of money. It has a higher build quality for a saw in its price range and features integrated folding legs that make handling easier. The model is compatible with Dado stacks, and its rack and pinion fence system is extremely effective. Overall, it’s a solid feature set that promises excellent value for DIY enthusiasts out there.
2. DeWalt DW745 Table Saw
If you want a tough, robust benchtop saw that would easily rip through hardwoods while costing you less than 500 bucks, the DeWalt DW745 Table saw easily wins the contest. With a powerful 185-Watt motor that can attain a maximum speed of 3850 RPM and at t 90 degrees, the saw provides a cut depth of 3-1/8 at 90 degrees.
At 40 degrees, it will attain a cut depth of 2-1/4 inches. It has a fence system that provides 610 mm of rip capacity for cutting through large sheets of wood. The DeWalt DW745 also has a cast tabletop design, ensuring accuracy and precision when working. To protect against job site drops and impacts, it is housed in a steel roll cage.
What we liked
Despite providing excellent performance, this tabletop saw is surprisingly light and easy to move around. Its telescopic fence rails can retract, making the DeWalt DW745 even more compact and portable. The saw also has a coated work surface that makes working on it a smooth, frictionless experience. Its safety features are well designed, and overall, it’s easy to get started on the saw. The company also gives you a 3-year limited warranty alongside one year of free servicing.
In terms of best value, the DeWalt DW745 is arguably the best table saw under 500 bucks.
2. Milwaukee MI8 FUEL 8-1/4” Table Saw
The second entry to our list is a model optimized for power, productivity, and portability. Unlike other models in the list, this is a cordless table saw running on a single battery pack (REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0) with better performance and a longer run time. It is the first 18-volt table saw in the market, showing that cordless saws can also produce impressive performance
With a 24-1/2-inch rip capacity, it has a maximum bevel capacity of 47⁰. It also has a rack and pinion fence pinion for added precision and onboard storage for all the tools. The model comes with all the standard safety features, is compatible with all Mi18 batteries, and has 3 years and 5-year tool warranty.
What we liked
The Milwaukee is a high-performance table saw with reliable performance against most materials. It features a single wrench system that allows for a convenient blade change and a tool-free guard and riding knife removal. With a canvas cover to help keep the dust in alignment, the model works reasonably well when connected to a dust collector.
Among cordless saws, the Milwaukee is the best table saw under 500.
4. Bosch 10-inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw
Not much separates the Bosch 10” from the DeWalt DW745 table saw. Like the DeWalt, this small but powerful table saw has a steel roll cage for protection but adds a handle to the side. It is powered by a 15-amp motor that runs at a speed of 5000 rpm and uses a 10-inch 24 carbide blade, with an expanding fence that gives you an 18-inch rip capacity.
The model has cut depths of 3-1/8 inches and 2-1/4 inches at 90 and 45 degrees, respectively. It also comes with standard features like a safety guard and riving knives and has a dust port that you can hook up to a shop vacuum.
What we liked
Like DeWalt, Bosch is famed for designing and manufacturing excellent products. In this model, they have lived up to the expectations by providing a reliable engine. They have also provided a self-aligning fence that gives you straight cuts without tinkering with the settings.
The handle makes carrying the saw a little more convenient, improving its overall portability. Speaking of convenience, Bosch has integrated the Smart Guard System into this model, making attaching and detaching a fast and smooth experience.
What we disliked
The unit can be noisy at times for its size.
Related Reading: Looking for an even cheaper table saw? Check out our list of the best table saws under $300!
5. Craftsman Evolv Tablesaw
The Craftsman Evolv Tablesaw is a pocket-friendly table saw with good performance. This saw is capable of a maximum of 3 and 2.5 inches at 90⁰ and 45⁰, respectively. It comes with a powerful 15-amp motor and a 10-inch 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that can easily cut through many materials. The blade’s angle is adjustable, and it has an 18-inch rip capacity. There is also an efficient rack and pinion system that you can use to move the blade up and down and an oversized blade guard to keep you safe.
What we liked
The Craftsman Evolv is a compact table saw that can hold its own against most materials. Its motor is relatively powerful for a saw in its price range, and the 18-inch rip capacity is sharp enough to make light work of slotting boards and plywood. Even though the evil has durable steel construction and comes with a sturdy metal stand, handling is not problematic. It weighs only 50 lbs, and it’s relatively easy to move the table saw around.
It is also equipped with safety features to prevent operator injuries, but its most attractive feature is its price. The Craftsman Evolv Tablesaw is one of the most affordable saws on the market, and it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of performance. Nonetheless, it won’t handle a significant workload and is, therefore, suitable for light projects.
6. Rockwell RK7241S Table Saw
Few under 500 table saws will give you that extra performance as this Rockwell model promises to deliver. With a high-powered 15- amp motor that can achieve speeds of up to 4800 RPM, this Rockwell saw may have similar cutting to machines in its class, but it provides you with added depth when adjusting the blade height. Therefore, you can still cut thick 4×4 pieces with this table saw.
It also boasts of an extra-large cutting capacity. This is due to its adjustable fence that can give you up to 30 inches of rip capacity. The fence can also fold flat when you need more space, and the model is compatible with tabletop extensions.
What we liked
For a budget model, the extra performance features of this Rockwell saw catch the eye. This model also has a laser indicator to ensure precision when working, making it easier for whoever uses it.
With durable construction and a weight of 88.2 pounds, the table saw may be heavy, but the built-in wheels make transporting this thing a whole lot easier. Another cool convenience feature is the dust port; it has its bag, eliminating the need to connect the unit to a separate vacuum.
7. SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw
SKIL is another top brand when it comes to designing and manufacturing woodworking appliances. The company’s 3410-02 10” table saw is another excellent under-500 product, giving you a 15-amp motor that can attain speeds of up to 5000 rpm. It has an extendable, self-aligning fence that delivers a maximum of 35 inches of rip capacity.
The model can also level up to 47 degrees and has a cut depth of 3.5 inches.
What we liked
For less than 500 dollars, this SKIL table saw has a surprisingly good performance. The robust 15-amp motor and fast 5000 rpm give the saw sufficient power and speed to cut through most materials. Its expendable fence delivers a 35-inch rip, which beats most of the saws in this list.
The fence is also self-aligning, allowing precision without having to fiddle with it too much, and you can always detach it for extra space.
What we disliked
This SKIL 10” table saw does not have a dust port and weighs a full 67 pounds, making it significantly heavier than most other saw models.
8. Hitachi C10RJ 10” 15-Amp Jobsite Table Saw
Another impressive under 500 bucks saw is the Hitachi 10” Jobsite Table Saw. This model comes with the standard 15-amp motor that can reach 4500 rpm, with a 10-inch 40-tooth carbide-tipped blade. There is a safety guard on the blade and an electric brake to provide extra protection to the operator. It has a bevel range of up to 45 degrees, with cuts ranging from 3 1/8 inches at 0⁰ to 2 ¼ inches at 45⁰.
From there on, it introduces a couple of unique features that set it apart from other table saw models. These include two adjustable fences that give you a lot of stability when cutting material. It also has a telescoping table extension, which supports a 22-inch rip to the left and 35-inch to the right.
The model has also integrated a trolley design, allowing it to fit more components than your typical tabletop saw. This gives the saw a performance boost while also making it heavier (it weighs 96 pounds).
What we liked
This Hitachi table saw brings something different to the table. Thanks to its extra design features, it delivers impressive performance, and the high rip capacities allow you to cut big pieces with ease. Despite being a heavier model, the folding stand and wheels make it very portable. The model also allows you to store tools and accessories onboard, making for a quick cleanup when needed.
9. Tacklife PTSGIA 10” Table Saw
This Tacklife table saw model runs on a powerful 15-amp motor with a 10-inch blade that operates at 4800 rpm. It comes with an adjustable beveling system that can move up to 45 degrees and a meter gauge for cutting at an angle. The maximum cutting depth at 0 degrees in 3-1/8 inches and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees allows you to make a variety of useful cuts. Its rule and fence rails are extendable, allowing the tabletop to expand up to 40 inches wide. It also has an integrated dust port and lets you store the tools and power cord underneath.
What we liked
This saw delivers excellent performance on a cast aluminum table that reduces friction when working. It is reliable in every situation, allowing you to work with hard, frozen, or wet woods. Its extendable table also comes in handy when you want to work with larger pieces of material.
What we disliked
The Tacklife PTSGIA is heavier than other saw models.
10. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Table Saw
This SKILSAW mode is another unique table saw on our list in that it is the first-ever brass-geared table saw. It is powered by a 15 Amp dual field motor with a no-load RPM of 5,300 and can deliver effective performance with incredible cutting speeds when in use. Its bevel range is adjustable from
-1⁰ to 46⁰.
The saw has a 25-inch rip capacity and can cut to a maximum depth of 3.5 inches. Its rip fence is also self-aligning, which ensures a clean cut.
What we liked
Weighing around 49 pounds, the table saw allows for easy portability, and its small, compact size makes it easy to store it away after use. Its brass gear not only increases the power and torque of the model they also promise durability. The blade adjustment on this thing is perfect, and the model can be used with a dado blade. This brings a lot of convenience to changing and maintaining your blade.
What we disliked
The model has a small rip table and fence.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Table Saw
Before settling on a particular table saw, you need to weigh it against several factors. These will help determine whether it is the best table saw under 500 dollars for you.
The Type of Table Saw
Table saws are available in many types and styles. Therefore, make sure that you pick the class in line with your work and workshop style. Here is a quick look at the different types of table saws and their advantages:
1. Benchtop Table Saws
Also known as portable or tabletop table saws, benchtop saws sit on top of the workbench. Benefits of working with one include:
- They take up small space in your workshop
- When not in use, they can be stored away, freeing up some valuable space
- They are portable and easy to master
Due to their small footprint, they cost significantly less than the bigger, more permanent table saws. However, their small size comes with a catch; you can’t use them for large projects. This is the best table saw for people working on smaller DIY projects.
2. Jobsite Table Saws
Like benchtop saws, Jobsite saws are portable, but they are larger, heavier, and boast more enhanced features. For portability, they are attached to a heavy frame with wheels. These tools are designed with professionals in mind and are typically used in specific job sites.
3. Contractor Table saws
Contractor table saws offer a lot of power, boasting a robust working capacity and a big motor belt. Although they sometimes have a wheel stand, they can weigh upwards of 300 pounds, making portability a challenge.
They have a bigger table size, allowing for larger sheets while offering professional-grade accuracy. Contractor saws are built for heavy use and are the go-to choice for many experienced woodworkers.
4. Cabinet Table Saws
In cabinet table saws, the saw is usually enclosed in a cabinet, hence the name. They are the most powerful of all table saws, boasting of large motors that typically produce 3-5 hp. They are also the most versatile, durable, accurate, and stable in the market.
Cabinet table saws can weigh well over 500 pounds, so forget about portability; they stay where they are set up. Thanks to the raw power they pack, they can handle bulk projects with consistent precision day in day out. But with all these benefits, they cost a lot of money.
5. Hybrid Table Saws
Hybrid table saws are a blend of contractor and cabinet saws. They try to offer the best of both, but at a lower price than cabinet table saws. You get a powerful motor with added precision and a larger table surface to enable you to work with larger material than you would on a contractor saw. They also have better dust collection ports and quality fences. These saws are an excellent choice for experienced woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts.
6. Mini Table Saws
These are the smallest of all table saws. They usually have a 4-inch diameter blade is a popular choice among hobbyists and model makers for cutting things too little to cut using other saws.
Tablespace
Table space is the table that holds the word level as it moves through the saw’s blade. It determines the size of the wood that you can safely cut. Portable models usually have a smaller table space compared to stationary models. Choose a model depending on the size of sheets you usually cut in your workshop.
Extension tables
Extension tables are a great convenience feature that allows you to increase your table space, cut larger pieces, and then detach them after use. Some saws come with extension saws, but these are usually basic. Before buying, check to see if the model allows you to add an extension table and expand your woodwork area.
Saw blade size and cut depth
Table saws are usually rated for a particular blade size, which generally influences their cut depth. Depending on your materials’ average size, choose a blade size that will deliver the desired cut depth. Typically, a 10-inch blade can cut about 3 inches deep and a 12-inch blade through 4 inches.
Note that while you can use a smaller blade than a saw is rated for, you can’t use a bigger one than it’s rated. So, make sure to be on the safer side as you purchase, as this will significantly impact your work.
Dust collection
Dust accumulation can be responsible for the reduced cut depth of a saw blade, not to mention the health hazards of breathing in sawdust daily. Therefore, gauge the dust collection system of a chainsaw model before buying.
Safety features
Workshop accidents involving saws happen in their thousands each year, so safety should be considered when buying a saw. Without the proper safety mechanisms, a simple workshop session may result in a painful visit to the emergency room. Therefore, make sure that features like splitters, riving knives, and anti-kickback prowls are present in the unit you are about to buy.
Verdict
All the models in this list are the best under $500 saws in the market. Although all of them promise good power and performance without harming your budget, our top picks are the DeWalt DW75, SKIL Amp 10 Inch Table Saw, and the Milwaukee MI8 Fuel. These models offer the very best you can get for less than 500 bucks.
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