Not every contractor table saw is created equal – only a handful can be called contractor-grade. When you’re out there on a job site, you need a table saw that’s got the muscle, flexibility, and toughness to get the job done right. So, I’ve checked out the top contractor table saws to help you find the one that won’t let you down when the chips are down.
Reviews of the Best Contractor Table Saws
1. DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw DWE7491RS
Dewalt is a big name in the saw game, and the Dewalt DWE7491RS is a powerful and portable one for all types of projects. The rack & pinion telescoping fence is a feature that allows for easy cut adjustments, and the 15 amp engine powers a tough carbide blade.
There is even an onboard storage system in the power tool to keep all the accessories handy such as the guard system, riving knife, miter, and more. On the bottom is a supporting folding stand that can break down for easy storage and transport.
One more feature of the DWE7491RS is the versatility for narrow rip cuts.
What I Like
- Rack & pinion telescoping fence system
- It has a powerful amp motor
- It has a large rip capacity
- Allows for narrow cuts
- It has a 24-tooth carbide blade
- Portable table saw with the rolling stand
- Onboard storage with access to the miter and more
- 15 amp, high torque motor
- Dust collection port
What I Don’t Like
- It's not the easiest to clean
- The throat plate lock can loosen
2. SKIL 15 AMP 10-Inch Table Saw - TS6307-00
The SKIL 10-inch jobsite table saw also comes with an adjustable rack and pinion fence system that holds its position for accurate cuts. The runner-up, SKIL TS6307-00 contractor table saw also has a folding stand to provide stability and portability.
One of the best characteristics of the SKIL model is the micro-adjustments via the parallel blade alignment. The saw is suited for 4×4 wood pieces in the work area and can even perform cuts at a 90-degree angle.
As for the bevel cuts, you can get anywhere between 0 to 45-degrees, and the integrated dust port collection feature makes for easy cleanup.
What I Like
- It has a powerful motor
- Adjustable rack & pinion system
- It has a stable stand
- It can do micro-adjustments
- Able to cut at a 90-degree angle
- 0 to 45-degree bevel capacity
- Dust collection port
- 3-year limited warranty
What I Don’t Like
- It's difficult to find replacement parts
- The riving knife may not stay in place
3. Metabo HPT Table Saw With 10-Inch Carbide Tipped Blade (C10RJS)
The Metabo HPT C10RJS Table Saw comes with a very robust 10-inch blade. The 40-tooth coarse carbide-tipped blade will stay sharper for longer. The rest of the saw is built with similar sturdiness with a stable stand and cast aluminum work surface suited for all environments.
With a powerful motor, the Metabo HPT comes with an electric brake system to halt the blade for safety. The saw also provides flexibility to adjust for different bevel and angle cuts.
Another safety feature is an enlarged safety switch located at knee-level for easy access during emergencies.
What I Like
- It has anti-kickback pawls
- It comes with a 10-inch blade
- Rip fence and miter gauge
- Outfeed support
- It has a jumbo safety switch
- It has an electric brake
- Telescoping table extension
- Portable contractor saw
- Bevel and angle cuts available
What I Don’t Like
- The riving knife can’t be adjusted
- It has no throat plates for dado cuts
4. Goplus 10-Inch 15-Amp Portable Table Saw
The biggest enemy of a powerful motor is the operation noise. Contractors often want a quiet saw in a work area. The Goplus Portable Table Saw delivers 5000 RPM to cut through thick materials with little issue. The aluminum table supports a rip capacity of 26-inches, or enough to rip through various types of hardwood.
I enjoyed the double bevel feature from both sides up to 45-degrees and crosscuts at 90-degrees. The rip fence will guide the saw blade for rip cuts and the sliding miter can be adjusted as well.
What I Like
- 5000 RPM and 15 amp motor
- Heavy-duty stand
- It has a quiet motor
- Height and bevel adjustment
- It has an onboard storage system
- Strong aluminum work surface
- It has a safety switch
- It can be separated from the stand
- Transparent blade guard
- It is suited for different working environments
What I Don’t Like
- It has no dust port
- It is heavier in weight
5. BOSCH 10 In. Worksite Table Saw
The Bosch 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw is versatile and powerful, suited for fine and rough materials. The saw is equipped with many safety features such as soft-start circuitry, constant response circuitry, and restart protection.
The smart guard system includes a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls with the blade guard that still provide you with a clear line of vision but keep your digits protected.
The contractor saw also has onboard storage for convenience and is still easily transportable despite the large cast aluminum tabletop.
(For other reliable brands, I also listed excellent Jet bandsaws here)
What I Like
- It is a powerful model
- It has an onboard storage
- Riving knife and anti-kickback
- It provides several safety features
- Aluminum table
- It is a foldable and mobile design
- Transparent blade guard system for visibility
- It has an auxiliary fence for smaller pieces
- Rear outfeed
What I Don’t Like
- It has a lower RPM
- It's not very easy to assemble
6. Delta 36-6023 10 Inch Table Saw
To be a contractor table saw, the motor needs to be at least 15 amps, which the Delta 36-6023 satisfies. The powerful motor and durable blade can handle hardwood and thick materials. The contractor saw even comes with a stacked dado capacity for our convenience.
One of the most standout features of Delta 36-6023 is the large 32.5-inch rip capacity with its 559 sq inch working surface resting on a robust tube steel frame. The stand can be assembled in just one step.
The rack & pinion system has three adjustment tabs that allow you to set the cuts and achieve consistent results with each subsequent cut.
(For other models from the same brand, you can check our full review of Delta 36-725 here)
What I Like
- It has a large rip capacity
- It has a large working surface
- Easy assembly
- Rack & pinion system
- Easy to adjust cuts
- Consistent results each time
- It has a 5-year warranty
- Powerful engine
- Stacked dado cut capacity
What I Don’t Like
- It can be a bit noisy
- The parts can be hard to find
7. TACKLIFE Table Saw 10-Inch MTS01A
For the budget option, I chose the Tacklife MTS01A 10-inch Contractor Table Saw. Most contractor table saw reviews would have a budget choice, but not all can perform as well as the MTS01A. It still features a 15 amp motor, a 24-tooth carbide blade like most other table saws, and table extensions to create a larger work surface on the cast iron stand.
You also get a very generous 45 and 90-degree bevel cuts with an adjustable miter angle as well. The Tacklife contractor saw has a transparent guard, which I appreciate as it increases visibility and reduces errors.
What I Like
- Increased visibility with the transparent guard
- It has an extended cast aluminum table
- It has flexible bevel adjustments
- Powerful motor of 15 amps and RPM of 4800
- It has a dust collection system
- Cast iron stand for stability
- Rip fence and miter
- Onboard storage
What I Don’t Like
- It has difficult instructions
- It's heavyweight
Contractor Table Saw Buyer’s Guide
Reading contractor table saw reviews is not enough to help you find the best contractor table saw. There are certain features the best table saws need to have to qualify as contractor grade. For starters, a powerful engine, a t glide fence system with a durable aluminum or cast iron table are the key factors to look for.
Motor and Power
The most telling sign that contractor saws are professional-grade is looking at the motor and power it provides. Similar to cars, contractor table saws also go by horsepower when measuring the force of the engine. You can find models with different HP, but I recommend at least 2.
1-2 HP models will be around 15 amps, which is what all of the top picks above have. Table saws with this power can cut through softer woods and some hardwoods. However, I suggest a higher HP and amperage for the best contractor table saw if you work with thicker and tougher materials.
Other than the type of material, your skillset also dictates motor power. I won’t recommend a supercharged model of 3-5 HP for beginners for safety reasons.
Blade Teeth and Size
It’s important to remember that the blades on table saws are interchangeable and can be replaced. Typically, a model will come with at least one blade included. To determine the suitability of a blade for your projects, you should consider both the tooth count and size of the blade.
Coarse blades, ones with around 20-40 teeth, will cut very quickly and rip through the material in no time at all, but the finish is very rough. On the other hand, a blade with more teeth per inch, anywhere between 60-120, will be slower due to the smaller teeth, but the finish will be clean and smooth.
The size matters when thinking about switching or replacing the blade. I say most table saws have an 8, 10, or 12-inch blade. To find the right blade for you, you have to look at the size of your saw model. The options listed are all 10-inches, which means they require 10-inch saw blades.
Of course, the material of the blade is also crucial to its performance. Carbide blades or ones with carbide tips are durable and stay sharp longer. They are also suitable for softer materials such as softwoods or plastic. I suggest carbon steel, cobalt steel, or diamond-speckled blades for the tougher materials and even sheet metal.
(For bigger area, you can build a bigger table saw with this simple guide)
Fence
Rip Capacity
The rip capacity refers to the amount of space you have between the blade and the fence. The larger the rip capacity, the larger the material can be. I have offered rip capacities over 30-inches, which is more than enough to satisfy any cut depth for most projects.
To find the right measurement for your rip capacity, I advise contractors to look at the types of projects they take part in.
Miter Gauge
The miter gauge is a safety system that allows you to make angled cuts safely. This feature will hold your pieces securely, even on an extension table. While a miter gauge is usually present on most top table saws, it can mean little if they are made from flimsy material such as plastic.
I suggest replacing the miter gauge with a more sturdy one or looking for models with metal.
Dust Collection System
The right table saw recommended will have a dust collection system or at least a dust port that can connect to your workshop vacuum. It’s not only the cutting capacity, safety system, or design of the extension table you should consider because a messy saw with debris in the cut line can compromise your vision.
Safety Features
Each table saw will have different safety systems, but the right one should help you with your specific cuts. I suggest a riving knife to combat kickback. Kickback is a nasty side-effect of cutting through tough materials with the wrong blade. It can be very dangerous, but a riving knife or preventative pawls can save you from this.
Another very important safety consideration is a blade guard, preferably a quick-release blade guard or a split guard design for convenience. The blade guard will protect your fingers from the blade just in case you get too close.
I would also advise looking for an electric or emergency braking system that will stop the blade when it gets stuck or detects something it cannot get through. An emergency stop should also be present on the saw and located at an easy-to-reach angle.
Maintenance
The primary way to ensure your saw is performing to the best of its ability is regular maintenance. Depending on the unit you choose and the blade you have, the steps can vary. However, I have come up with some generic tips.
Try not to leave dust and debris on the work table and always wipe the blade clean after every use. Doing so will ensure the saw is rust, dust, and corrosion-free. Even if you have a coated blade to prevent corrosion, it’s still a good idea to check every once in a while.
The drive belt for the blade should always be in tip-top shape, so check it before you press the start button. The blade should also be inspected thoroughly to make sure there are no chips or broken teeth. If you find a damaged blade, make sure you replace it before use.
It’s also a good idea to have something like an EZ view measurement system so you can see each cut clearly before engaging the blade.
A cast iron table is relatively rust and corrosion-proof but there is still a chance. Therefore, I suggest cleaning your work table often if it’s created with cast iron [1].
Stand and Stability
Some models do not come with a stand, but for portability purposes, I selected ones that do. A saw without a stand will be heavier in weight and difficult to move.
Saws with a base will provide more stability and easier to transport, especially if it is a wheeled stand. You also have a hybrid table saw an option that doesn’t have the wheels but has the cabinet, which brings us to the next option.
A cabinet table saw is one that has a stand with an enclosed design – much like a small cabinet. A cabinet table saw has more weight to it, so for contractors looking for a lightweight version, I suggest sticking with a wheeled stand.
Cabinet saws are excellent for workers that need more onboard storage than a wheeled table saw stand provides.
(For added features, we also reviewed the most reliable table saw accessories here)
Price and Warranty
As always, I provided options at different price points to appeal to every audience. Don’t worry, even the budget option was carefully tested to bring a quality tool to the jobsite.
The warranty is a concern for many people because tools will damage and break – that is a fact. I want the unit to be covered for as long as possible for as many parts as possible.
I say a 1-year warranty is a standard, but some brands offer 3, 5, or even lifetime warranties on the products. A longer warranty period is often seen as a higher guarantee for the quality of the item.
(For affordable options, you can also check the powerful tables saws under 500 here)
Safety Reminders in Using a Contractor Table Saw
You have to protect yourself when operating a tool capable of severe damage. Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure you remain safe when using a table saw like a powerful Grizzly table saw.
Be sure to wear the proper protective equipment when operating any power tool, especially a table saw. Some examples of necessary equipment include safety glasses, earmuff, and gloves if applicable.
Keep long hair tied back and lose parts of your clothing secured. I advise wearing tight-fitting clothes to avoid snagging on the blade. Check everything before you start working and wipe everything clean afterward. Before leaving the site, make sure to turn off all equipment.
Never stop the table saw while it’s halfway through pieces of material and prevent starting the blade in this position either. Make good use of the push stick that comes with your saw and never reach your hand near the vicinity of the moving blade.
(For more options, you can check the most reliable Ryobi table saws here)
Top Pick For a Contractor Table Saw: Dewalt DWE7491RS
The top pick for the best contractor table saw is the DWE7491RS from Dewalt. The 15 amperage engine can deliver up to 4800 RPM and exceptional torque to rip through treated lumber and hardwood material. The stand allows the DWE7491RS to break down easily for transport and offers excellent weight support while in use.
To learn more about table saw and its functions, you can also check the pages below:
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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