Best Contractor Table Saws in 2024 – information and Reviews

Contractor table saws, also known as jobsite saws, are the tool of choice for many DIY enthusiasts or commercial users. They weigh more than the portable or bench-top versions, are bigger and have more power output. However, they are less powerful and not as substantial as a cabinet saw, but easier to move from site to site. Check out the contractor table saw reviews and information, to help you decide which of these products is right for you.

Contractor Table Saw Top Picks


 

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
DEWALT DWE7491RS
  • Blade: 10 inches
  • Motor: 15 amp
  • Speed: 4800 rpm
  • Weight: 110 pounds

Features

  • Complete with rolling stand.
  • Vacuum connection port.
  • Six-foot cord.

Product Rating: 4.7/5

Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Tractor SupplyDEWALT DWE7491RS Review DEWALT DWE7491RS Review
Makita 2705
  • Blade: 10 inches
  • Motor: 15 amp
  • Speed: 4800 rpm
  • Weight: 82 pounds

Features

  • Incorporated electric brake.
  • Tool-free blade removal.
  • Transparent blade guard.

Product Rating: 4.3/5

Check Price at AmazonMakita 2705 Review Makita 2705 Review
Rockwell RK7241S
  • Blade: 10 inches
  • Motor: 15 amp
  • Speed: 4800 rpm
  • Weight: 88.2 pounds

Features

  • Laser guide.
  • Generous dust bag.
  • Folding fences.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at Amazon Rockwell RK7241S Review Rockwell RK7241SReview
  • Blade: 10 inches
  • Motor: 15 amp
  • Speed: 5000 rpm
  • Weight: 50 pounds

Features

  • Anti-kickback system.
  • Solid quad stand.
  • Tool-free blade removal.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at AmazonCraftsman Evolv Review Craftsman Evolv Review
Sawstop CNS175-TGP36
  • Blade: 10 inches
  • Motor: 15 amp
  • Speed: 4000 rpm
  • Weight: 240 pounds

Features

  • Sliding extendable table.
  • SawStop safety system.
  • 150 configuration options.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

Check Price at AmazonSawstop CNS175-TGP36 Review Sawstop CNS175-TGP36 Review

Things to consider before buying a Contractor Table Saw


 

R

Contractor Table Saws Are Good For

Devoted enthusiast who works with timber on a regular basis,this tool is going to make most aspects of your job much easier. Even though these saws aren’t easily portable due to their hefty weight, they can, nevertheless, be moved from place to place, unlike their big brother the cabinet saws. Plus, they won’t leave as big a hole in your wallet.

They’re ideal if you’re looking for a more powerful tool than a benchtop or portable version, without going overboard. Used for basic furniture making and other carpentry projects, these tools can also tackle small cabinetry jobs or trim work. 

Q

Not Recommended For

The majority of today’s models feature a motor with a power output of around 2HP. Even though it sounds powerful, a contractor table saw will struggle to cut to the full depth of high-density wood, like maple. These saws are not designed for constant use. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tool, a cabinet saw would probably be more suitable.

Dust collection is not something these tools do well. If most of your work takes place indoors or in a confined space in the yard, this issue will soon become tiresome. Furthermore, if you want to attach an outfeed table on these units, this might be a problem due to the motor hanging off the back of the saw. 

Top Rated Contractor Table Saws


Sawstop CNS175-TGP36 is a contractor table saw providing a huge work surface and impressive safety features that make it our top-rated pick for you.

DEWALT DWE7491RS


DEWALT-DWE7491RS

Our Rating: 4.7
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

When it comes to speed, smoothness, and accuracy, this model from renowned manufacturer, DeWalt, ticks the boxes. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, it will do the job when it comes to cutting various types of wood. Installing floors, cabinets, decks, and other projects has never been easier.

As far as the design goes, the convenient wheeled rolling stand makes this product moderately portable. One of the advantages of the rolling stand is its stability. These units tend to vibrate a lot because of the powerful motor, which causes certain stability issues. Consequently, your safety is assured with this machine as it seems well balanced during operation.

The features a 15-amp motor which quickly rips through hardwood. The 32.5-inch rip capacity allows you to cut wood of various densities to any size within seconds. As far as dust-collecting capability goes, it’s surprisingly good. The 2-inch port connects to a vacuum and acts as a useful valve for wood debris.

However, there are a few shortcomings, but it’s nothing you can’t overcome. The quality of the miter gauge isn’t up to the standard of the rest of the unit, but considering the affordable price, it’s a minor issue. 

The materials used in this model’s production are sturdy and solid, making it durable and resistant to hits and knocks. If you’re on a tight budget, consider checking this model out, the DeWalt DWE7491RS might be the tool you’re looking for.

Makita 2705


makita 2705

Our Rating: 4.3

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Makita 2705


Our Rating: 4.3

Makita is a well-known manufacturer of power tools, and one of its biggest benefits is the price. Most models coming from Makita are affordable and accessible to people on a limited budget. The price-to-quality ratio is one of the best on the market.

When it comes to power, the Makita 2705 features a 15-amp motor, capable of delivering up to 4800 RPM. The cutting capacity of this particular model is quite good and can rip dense materials in one pass. The modular blade guard system lets you adjust the side guards for easier measuring. 

Versatility is one of the main advantages of this particular saw. Safety is at a satisfactory level, with features such as anti-kickback mechanisms and a blade guard, it is quite stable. 

The 2705 model offers a great deal of accuracy and precision. The flat tabletop allows you to mark and cut wood without worrying about precision or deviated cuts. The rip fence slides across the table smoothly. However, the sliding fence can be a double-edged sword if sawdust flies into the rails. On the other hand, if you maintain the machine well, there shouldn’t be any problems with dirt and debris.

Rockwell RK7241S


Rockwell RK7241S

Our Rating: 4.4
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Versatility is one of the strongest points of the RK7241S. This particular model has the most cutting depth in its class. Furthermore, extra-wide cuts are easy for this model because of the convenient folding fence. If you’re a serious contractor with a lot of projects planned in advance, make sure you check this saw out, it might have the features required for your upcoming venture.

The design is good, although it could be a bit more stable. Even though it features a trolley stand, the metal legs seem flimsy. We want you to be aware of potential downsides, because the balance affects the overall safety attributes. Having said that, user reviews rarely mention it. 

One feature that makes this particular model different from many others is the laser indicator for easy blade adjustment. Instead of spending time on adjusting the blade tilt, you can do it within seconds thanks to the innovative laser technology. It’s a great feature both for professionals and hobbyists, improving the accuracy of your work.

As far as the downsides go, there aren’t many. As we said, stability is a potential concern. Apart from that, the dust-collecting bag isn’t as impressive as you might expect. It does the job well, but the capacity is poor, so it fills up quickly.

The price is one of the main advantages of this model. It’s significantly cheaper than many of its competitors, but it also lacks some of the premium features. If you don’t demand too much of it, however, Rockwell RK7241S should fulfill your expectations.

Rockwell RK7241S

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Craftsman Evolv Table Saw


craftsman evolv 28461

Our Rating: 4.4

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Craftsman Evolv Table Saw


Our Rating: 4.4

People who appreciate simplicity and ease of use love the Craftsman Evolv model. It’s designed both for beginners and professionals. In simpler words, while it offers a good amount of basic features, it also has a few premium ones while retaining its affordable price.

One of the main elements of this particular model is the great level of safety. In other words, it’s as safe as it can be. Therefore, as long as you follow some basic safety rules written in the manual, you shouldn’t have a single issue. The 15-amp motor offers more than enough power to cut through any wood, even dense types. The miter gauge is adjustable and quite stable meaning you won’t have problems with precision and accuracy. In fact, it’s one of the more precise models in its class.

The lack of noise is one of this model’s main advantages. While other table saws usually make a lot of noise, this particular one is a bit quieter. Although some people don’t consider it to be a huge advantage, it’s still worth mentioning, especially if you’re sick of loud heavy-duty tools. The biggest disadvantage is the absence of dust collecting. The Evolv model does not feature a dust-collecting port, and it can be quite a burden for some people. One more shortcoming is the legs. They are bolted on securely and non-removable. Therefore, transport can be an issue sometimes.

When it comes to safety, even though this model doesn’t stand out as the safest one on the market, it still has enough features to keep your hands safe. First of all, the anti-kickback system is something you should always look for in a jobsite saw. This particular model has a good kickback mechanism meaning it’s relatively safe even for the beginners. However, make sure you read the user manual and know what you are doing before turning the machine on for the first time.

Sawstop CNS175-TGP36


Sawstop CNS175-TGP36

Our Rating: 4.4
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

If you need a big working surface, this model could be the best choice for you. It features a T-glide fence, and convenient rails. If you need to work with larger pieces of wood, all you need to do is open the extension table included with this unit and you’re all set.

Many users are impressed with the design, and for good reason. Stability is quite good and the trolley legs are sturdier than many other models. This helps reduce vibration and makes this unit more precise and easier to work with.

The SawStop mechanism is a valuable feature. As far as safety features go, this particular one is crucial. It’s an innovative system that works on a simple principle. The machine detects skin by sensing the change in conductivity and, as soon as the blade comes into contact with your skin, it stops. 

The 36-inch professional T-Glide fence system ensures top precision and smooth operation. As you can see, the cutting rip is big, meaning you can cut large pieces of wood sheets with ease, thanks to the extension table and T-Glide system.

There aren’t many disadvantages, although the 340-pound weight is an issue if you need to move this appliance around.  Also, users noted that the table isn’t perfectly flat on the rear edge.

Quick Product Comparison


POWER SOURCEVOLTAGEWEIGHTPRICE
dewalt dwe7491rs

DEWALT DWE7491RS

AC120V110 pounds$$Check Price
makita 2705

Makita 2705

Corded120V82 pounds$$Check Price
Rockwell RK7241S

Rockwell RK7241S

Corded120V88 pounds$Check Price
craftsman evolv 28461

Craftsman Evolv/p>

Corded120V50.4 pounds$Check Price
Sawstop CNS175-TGP36

Sawstop CNS175-TGP36

Electric110V341.4 pounds$$$$Check Price

Before You Buy: How a Contractor Table Saw Work?


Knowing the basic work principles of heavy-duty tools is very important because it helps you to comprehend all aspects while taking care of your own safety. As you may know, safety is one of the most important elements you should think about whenever you’re using a jobsite saw. As soon as you lose focus, you’re risking severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Take a moment and check this article out, it will help you to overcome some dilemmas you might have.

Motor


These units usually have a 1-2 HP motor, which is either driven by a belt or attached directly to the blade. The best thing about the motor is the fact that it can be connected to a regular household socket.

The biggest disadvantage of these motors is the level of noise they produce. However, most of these units are designed for outdoor use, where the noise shouldn’t be as much of a concern.

Stability


Powerful machines require a great deal of stability for safety reasons and accuracy. The more vibration a unit produces, the less accurate it is — it’s as simple as that. Some models have thin supporting legs, which indicates a lack of stability. Units with stable and solid bases tend to be much more stable, but also more expensive.

Safety Systems


There are plenty of safety mechanisms in modern machines, although not all of them can be considered absolutely safe and secure. However, anti-kickback systems and blade guards are standard pieces of safety equipment that every contractor saw should have.

In general, the more safety parameters a unit has, the better it is. However, you always get what you pay for. Therefore, you aren’t likely to find a great many safety features in cheaper models. Even though it makes an impact on your budget, try to avoid products without these components, it’s not worth the risk.

Finding The Best Contractor Table Saw – Buyering Guide


Before you make a final decision about which model to invest in, you should pay attention to a few points in particular. Instead of purchasing the first one you find, take some time to read this section. You’ll get a much better insight into the features you should think about before spending your hard-earned dollars.

Power


The first question you should ask about a product is how powerful the motor is. The vast majority of nowadays units have 15-amp motors, with 1-2 HP output. The wattage is generally around 750-1500W. Anything below these values is likely to be considered underpowered. Of course, it depends on your requirements, but you shouldn’t invest in a motor that’s under 750W and 15 amps. However, if you’re a professional, you probably need the most powerful unit you can find.

Stability


A solid base is crucial for accuracy and precision. The less stability a unit has, the more vibration it will produce and consequently, your cuts won’t be as accurate. Apart from precision, lack of stability is also a safety issue, for obvious reasons.

Safety Mechanisms


As you may assume, the primary features you should look for in any heavy-duty unit are safety mechanisms. Anti-kickback and blade guards are two of the most essential examples.

Even though it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to stumble upon a model without an anti-kickback system, you should still make sure it’s included. In fact, kickbacks are among the top causes of severe injuries with table saws.

contractor table saw

Price


Even though no one can tell you how much money you should spend, avoid sparing money on these tools. It’s true that some models do have a hefty price, but it’s for a reason. The math is pretty simple – you’ll either risk investing small amounts of money and get a worthless piece of equipment, or invest some more and get a machine that fulfills your requirements.

Needless to say, if you have the chance to expand your budget in order to get a machine of higher quality — go for it, you’ll find it’s worth every penny.

Work Surface


The work surface needs to be flat, even, and sturdy. Many models on the market have a low-quality work surface. It’s quite a burden if you end up with such a unit in your garage because there’s not much you can do apart from sending the machine back and asking for a replacement or refund. Either way, it’s a major loss of time and money.

Therefore, make sure you find a model that has a flat and smooth surface. If you’re buying online, read the customer reviews, and you’ll probably find out whether it’s flat or not within the first few comments. On the other hand, if you’re purchasing it in person, it’s easy to estimate the condition of the work surface with your bare hands.

contractor woodworking

Dust collection


Contractor saws are notorious for having inferior dust-collecting capabilities. However, some models offer a satisfactory level of dust collection. Even though these tools are designed for outdoor use, it’s still useful to have something that collects the sawdust. It saves time, and you’ll have less hassle with the cleanup.

Extensions


Many contractor units come with additional extensions. Make sure you consider whether you need a larger surface before you commit to a purchase. There are plenty of models that are upgradeable and capable of withstanding a lot of additional features. However, you should be prepared to pay for extra luxuries.

Hobbyists might not need an extension and can work perfectly well with the default tables, but professionals should definitely consider this to be essential.

Conclusion


As you can see, finding the best contractor table saw isn’t an easy task. There are plenty of points to think about before making an investment. The number one rule is not to rush into a purchase. Instead, take time to read about the features and capabilities of several models before making a decision.

We have offered as much information as possible in our buyer’s guide, with some valuable advice to help you. The more you know about the product, the easier it is to decide which models to consider. Every product we’ve reviewed is, in our opinion, a worthy investment. Which one to choose will depend on your requirements. If you want to know more about a particular unit, read our full-page best contractor table saw reviews.

Other Table Saw Categories

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hybrid
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