Table saws fall into two primary categories: portable and stationary. Portable saws include benchtop, compact, and job site saws, while stationary saws consist of contractor, cabinet, and hybrid models.
With so many types of table saws available, I asked Stephen Kao, a retired mechanical engineering technician and skilled DIY enthusiast from Dublin, Ireland, about common mistakes DIYers make when selecting a table saw and how to choose the right model.
He advises, “Think of the things you want to do and choose a saw sufficiently sized for the purpose. Make sure the size is suitable for your workspace, with enough clearance for clean entry and exit of workpieces.”
Choosing the right table saw can feel overwhelming, with many types available, each designed for different tasks. In my experience, using the right saw can transform a challenging cut into a smooth, precise one. Here is a breakdown of table saw types to help you find the perfect match.
| Type of Table Saw | Best For | Key Features |
| Benchtop Saws | • Hobbyists • Light projects • Limited space | • Limited rip capacity • Sits on workbench • No wheels |
| Compact Table Saws | • DIYers • Pros needing portability | • Includes stands, cast iron tables, handles • Adjustable fences, miter gauges, bevel adjustments |
| Jobsite Saws | • Contractors needing a rugged, portable saw | • Stronger motor • Adjustable fence, blade height, bevel • Extendable with large fences and tables |
| Contractor Saws | • Home workshops • Carpentry • Small furniture projects | • Large, open base • Built-in stand • High-quality fence system |
| Cabinet Saws | • Pro wood shops • Large-scale carpentry | • Strong motor • Heavy-duty cast iron/steel • Precise cuts • Superior dust collection |
| Hybrid Table Saws | • Mid-range projects • Balance of power and affordability | • Enclosed-based • Internal belt-driven motor • Good dust collection • Bottom-mounted trunnion |
Portable Table Saws
Manufacturers build portable table saws that are lightweight and easy to transport, which makes them ideal for small workshops and on-the-go projects. Weighing around 50 pounds, they are typically made from lighter materials like aluminum and steel. Most models use direct-drive motors, usually 15 amps and 120 volts, which provide up to 2 horsepower.
DIYers, carpenters, and anyone needing mobility on a job site favor portable saws. Stephen recommends them to new users, saying. “Start small and upgrade later when required. Get skilled in using a table saw before overspending on something you don’t need or have no intention of using.”
You will need a table to use one, though some manufacturers add foldable stands and wheels to make setup easier. Here are the three main types of portable table saws:
Benchtop Saws
Benchtop table saws work well for hobbyists, DIYers, and beginners working on light-duty projects and limited workspace. They come in a compact, lightweight, and affordable design for easy portability, but manufacturers build them without wheels.
Manufacturers make these table saws from materials like plastic and aluminum, which make them easy to carry. Benchtop table saws have limited rip capacity but are still a good choice for smaller projects in garages or workshops.
Users place these saws directly on a workbench or table, which is why they are called ‘benchtop’ saws. For anyone new to table saws, benchtop models provide an accessible and convenient entry point without a significant investment.
Compact Table Saws
Compact table saws are an upgrade from benchtop models, offering additional features without sacrificing portability. While they have similar motors and construction, compact table saws often include stands, cast iron tables, and built-in carrying handles, which make them easy to move and ideal for various job sites.
Compact table saws are larger than benchtop models but still easy to handle. Manufacturers design them to offer the precision of a full-size table saw in a smaller package, featuring adjustable rip fences, miter gauges, and bevel adjustments. DIYers and tradespeople prefer these saws for their sturdy build.
Jobsite Saws
Jobsite table saws are tougher and more durable than benchtop and compact models. They have stronger motors and come with rolling stands, which makes them easy to transport. With their sturdy build and quick setup, jobsite saws are ideal for contractors needing portable cutting tools.
Jobsite saws have adjustable fence systems, blade height, and bevel settings for added flexibility. They offer a higher rip capacity than benchtop models and allow users to upgrade with accessories like extended fences or tables for better efficiency.
While jobsite saws are perfect for carpenters and tradespeople, they are also an excellent option for serious DIYers who need a reliable, high-performance table saw.
Contractor Saws
Most contractors once chose contractor table saws as their top option, but as their design evolved, the saws became heavier, which reduced their portability. With the rise of newer, more portable table saws, hobbyists now mainly use contractor saws as stationary equipment in workshops.
They remain popular due to their lower cost than cabinet saws while offering more power than the newer portable models.
A contractor table saw is larger and bulkier than a jobsite saw. They are built for heavier-duty work and can handle larger workpieces than a jobsite model. Contractor saws typically include a built-in stand that provides a stable work surface for processing large lumber, and many models feature integrated wheels for easier movement, though they remain less portable overall.
One distinct feature of contractor saws is their open-base design. These saws remain the most affordable option for a home workshop and excel at tasks like carpentry, small cabinetry projects, trim work, and basic furniture making. Many contractor models also come equipped with high-quality fence systems for added precision.
Cabinet Saws
Cabinet saws provide superior power and performance compared to other table saw types. They resemble hybrid saws but offer greater precision and durability. Cabinet saws are stationary machines designed to stay in one spot in a workshop.
Manufacturers build cabinet saws with durability in mind, equipping them with heavy-duty components to handle tough, continuous use. 240V motors usually power this cutting tool with 3 to 5 horsepower and can cut through any material, from hardwood to large sheets of plywood.
They are sturdier than contractor saws because manufacturers use more cast iron and steel to reinforce trunnions and gearing.
What sets cabinet table saws apart is their high level of precision and accuracy. They feature adjustable fences for varied cuts, and manufacturers build them to stricter standards than other saw types.
Cabinet saws have flatter tables, stronger bearings, and robust fence systems. They also feature superior dust collection systems, which make them cleaner and more efficient for professional use.
You can recognize a cabinet saw by its enclosed base, allowing for various upgrades, like extension tables, zero-clearance inserts, and adjustable rip fences. These saws offer up to 50 inches of rip capacity, which makes them perfect for cutting large materials.
They usually weigh over 500 pounds and provide excellent stability, making them a staple in factory shops, specialized schools, and professional workshops.
Hybrid Table Saws
Tool manufacturers have recently bridged the gap between affordable contractor saws and high-end cabinet saws. Hybrid table saws combine features of both types to offer good performance at a mid-range price, providing the strength of a cabinet saw with the versatility of a contractor saw.
Hybrid saws function as stationary models, resembling cabinet saws but equipped with the motor and parts of a contractor saw. Some have a cabinet-style base, while others have a shorter enclosed base with legs. Fully enclosed models offer better dust collection, which is essential for closed workspaces.
Hybrid saws have a motor size similar to contractor saws but come with a cabinet stand and internal motor mount. A primary difference lies in the trunnion design. Hybrid saws mount their trunnion assembly from the bottom of the table, while cabinet saws mount it from the top to make adjustments easier on cabinet models.
Hybrid saws have an internal belt-driven motor, while contractor saws use an external, hinged motor.
In terms of performance, hybrid table saws have stronger motors and more cutting power than contractor saws, which makes them better suited for larger, more intricate woodworking tasks.
They often include precision fences, miter gauges, and bevel adjustments for accurate and consistent cuts. Many hybrid saws also feature safety components like blade guards, anti-kickback pawls, and riving knives.
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Read more table saw articles:
- How to Use a Table Saw for Beginners
- What is a Table Saw?
- The Parts of a Table Saw
- 7 Table Saw Alternatives for New DIYers
Main Image Credit: Mark Scott / Adobe Stock Free / License
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