For serious woodworkers and contractors, there is no saw more powerful and pleasing to work with than a cabinet table saw
Cabinet table saws are very similar to standard benchtop and contractor table saws in their basic principles, but the similarities essentially end there. Compared to smaller, more portable saws, the best cabinet table saw provides an incredible amount of cutting power, a huge table surface to work on, and protected parts in the cabinet base for safety and durability.
There are a ton of factors that go into choosing the best cabinet table saw. The size of a cabinet table saw is one of the most important factors, since it has to fit in your work area while also providing the maximum possible surface area to work on. The motor power is also important since this determines what types of materials it will be able to cut through smoothly. Woodworks will also want to look at the cutting depth, which affects the maximum thickness of wood that can be sawed through, as well as the arbor speed and size, which affects the types of blades you can use and how smooth your cuts will be.
Top 5 Cabinet Table Saws Review 2020
We spent tens of hours poring through technical specifications and user reviews for many of the popular cabinet table saws in order to narrow them down to the top five saws, summarized in the table below. Continue reading for detailed descriptions of each cabinet saw, complete with pros and cons. Our Buying Guide covers everything you need to know about why a cabinet saw may be the right choice for your workshop and what features you need to look for. Finally, we sum up our three favorite cabinet table saws on the market today.
Image and Rating Name and Features Price 10 1. JET 708675PK XACTASAW Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice
A powerful cabinet table saw with a 50” rip capacity and an impressive 5 years limited warranty
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.6 2. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Best Portable Best Portable
A highly safe saw with mobile base option and a powerful 3 hp motor
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.5 3. Shop Fox W1819 Best for 10-inch Blade Best for 10-inch Blade
A powerful saw that has a maximum rip capacity of 29.5 inches and can cut as deep as 3-1/8 inches
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.1 4. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K Budget Pick Budget Pick
A moderately priced saw with poly-V belt drive system and an arbor speed of 4200 revolutions per minute
Check PriceRead Our Review 8.6 5. Baileigh TS-1248P-36 Most Powerful Most Powerful
A great saw with motor power of 5 hp and 230 Volts with 4 inches maximum depth of cut
Check PriceRead Our Review 37. JET 708675PK XACTASAW – Editor’s Choice Features Size: 85 x 36 x 38 inches Power: 3 hp, 230 V Arbor speed: 4300 rpm depth of cut: 3 inches rip capacity: 50 inches Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: industrial magnetic on/off switch, integrated arbor lock
VIEW ON AMAZON 10
This behemoth of a cabinet table saw from JET is one of the most powerful 10-inch saw options on the market today and comes with a number of features that justify its relatively high price. The three-horsepower motor provides plenty of power for the 10-inch blade and a 4,3000-rpm arbor speed that allows users to make smooth, seamless cuts through nearly any type of wood without leaving burn marks and useless wood behind. Users loved that the saw blade and fencing come perfectly aligned to each other and to the table. Plus, the table features a push-button arbor lock that makes it fast and easy to change out blades when working on different types of wood.
The beauty of this table saw is in the large table size – at 85 inches long, it is the longest cabinet table saw in our top five picks. This makes it straightforward to work with and cut long, 8-foot or longer sections of wood. However, note that you’ll also need a huge workshop to put this table saw in to make the most of its length. With this length comes a similarly impressive rip capacity of 50 inches, which makes this table saw perfect for woodworkers who are consistently working with large slabs of wood.
JET takes safety seriously on this saw with a magnetic power switch and an independent leaf safety guard over the blade that helps to protect users even when working with the blade at a tilt angle of 45 degrees. Plus, JET offers one of the longest warranties we’ve seen on a cabinet table saw – five years.
Some of our reviewers mentioned that even though the saw handles hardwood well enough, you might want to slow down a bit while cutting thicker planks.
Pros Extremely large 85-inch long table Push-button arbor lock for easy blade changes Five-year warranty Cons Expensive Difficulties with cutting thick hardwood 38. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 – Best Portable Features Size: 69 x 33 x 34 inches Power: 3 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 4000 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 36 inches Warranty: 2 years warranty on saw, 1 year on fence
More features: mobile base options, SawStop safety system
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.6
For woodworkers and contractors who absolutely need portability in their cabinet table saw, there are few options available better than this saw from SawStop. The moderately-sized table weighs just 335 pounds – still a significant weight, but far lighter than many comparable saws. However, the table can be mounted on 360-degree casters or on wheels to make it easier to move around, and SawStop offers an after-market Mobile Base kit to allow you to mechanically lift the saw onto a cart for easy transport. Note, however, that mobility comes at a price – with the Mobile Base kit, this saw is more expensive even than the Baileigh model.
The saw itself features a three-horsepower, 220-volt motor that powers a 10-inch blade at 4,000 rpm – putting it firmly on par with the best non-mobile 10-inch cabinet table saws on the market. The table features 69-inch industrial rails and a highly durable fence with a T-post on the end for making accurate, vibration-free cuts. For a rather substantial table size, this saw is still limited to a 36-inch maximum rip capacity.
One of the best features of this blade is the SawStop safety system, which uses an electric current in the blade to detect when it is cutting through a conductive material – like your skin. This means that in the event of an accident, the saw will automatically shut off immediately to limit the damage to your hands. Reviewers have noticed that though it glides smoothly enough, the saw might start wiggling a bit if you have poorly calibrated the T-Glide or tightened it too much.
SawStop offers a two-year warranty on the saw and a one-year warranty on the fencing to provide peace of mind for your purchase.
Pros Portable, with optional Mobile Base kit 69-inch table with industrial railing SawStop safety system Cons Expensive Limited to 36-inch maximum rip capacity T-Glide needs additional calibration 39. Shop Fox W1819 – Best for 10-inch Blade Features Size: 67 x 46.5 x 30 inches Power: 3 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 4300 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 29-1/2 inches Warranty: 2 years limited
More features: magnetic switch with thermal overload protection
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.5
Users love this medium-sized cabinet table saw from Shop Fox. The three-horsepower, 220-volt motor is middle-of-the-run as far as cabinet table saws come, but it provides more than enough power for the 10-inch blade on this saw. Users appreciated the 4,300-rpm speed for making smooth, buttery cuts in nearly any type of wood, including hard, thick oaks and composites. The 3-1/8-inch depth of cut is on par with most other 10-inch saws and is sufficient for the majority of woodworkers.
The fencing is sturdy and heavy, which users liked since it helps to keep the vibrations to a minimum and contributes towards making accurate cuts every time with this saw. Many users noted that the blade and fencing were perfectly aligned right out of the box and that setup could be done without hiring a professional, which is great for woodworkers who want to begin using the saw right away. One thing to note is that despite the large size of the table, especially compared to the Baileigh saw, is that the maximum rip capacity on this table is only 29.5 inches. This can make the saw difficult to use when you need to cut wide sections of wood for paneling or similar purposes.
The saw comes with a magnetic power switch and thermal overload protection to improve the overall safety of working with this table saw. In addition, Shop Fox offers a two-year warranty to provide peace of mind for your purchase and customers routinely praise the company’s customer service team.
Pros Sturdy, heavy fencing Comes perfectly aligned out of box Two-year warranty with good customer service Cons Small 29.5-inch rip capacity 40. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K – Budget Pick Features Size: 36 x 27.5 x 64 inches Power: 1.75 hp, 115 V Arbor speed: 4200 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 50 inches Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: poly-V belt drive system for reducing vibration
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.1
For those on a tighter budget, it’s hard to argue with the array of features provided by this 10-inch table saw from Powermatic. The saw features a smaller 1.75-horsepower, 115-volt motor compared to other table saws, although this doesn’t affect the arbor speed much – it still spins at 4,200 rpm. Users note that the smaller motor doesn’t miss a beat either and is able to cut through nearly any thick hardwood without whining or kicking.
The table on this saw is moderate in size compared to other cabinet table saws, which is perfect for those with a small shop or working in a garage. Still, the 64-inch rails are extremely sturdy and vibrations on the table are kept to a minimum for smooth, precise cuts. The poly-V belt drive system under the cabinet further reduces vibration, which users loved since it makes accurate cuts significantly easier. The saw has a large 50-inch maximum rip capacity for those in need of cutting large sections of wood.
The main problems with this saw are not with the saw itself, but with Powermatic. Users note that despite the five-year warranty included with the saw, Powermatic’s customer service team is difficult and unhelpful to deal with. In addition, many users found that the saw arrived damaged or that parts were missing upon arrival. It is also worth noting that the saw does not come with a blade, so you will need to factor that into the overall cost of the tool.
Pros Inexpensive Poly-V belt drive system 64-inch rails and 50-inch rip capacity Cons Poor customer service, issues upon arrival Electrical system not as robust as 220-volt system 41. Baileigh TS-1248P-36 – Most Powerful Features Size: 32 x 49 x 37 inches Power: 5 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 3600 rpm depth of cut: 4 inches rip capacity: 36 inches Warranty: 1 year limited
More features: digital Readout for blade tilt angle
VIEW ON AMAZON 8.6
If raw power is your aim in a table saw, it’s hard to find a quality cabinet table saw with a more powerful motor than this model from Baileigh. The five-horsepower, 220-volt motor provides a robust drive for your saw that enables it to seamless power through tough, thick cuts of wood and even tougher composite materials without a hitch. This saw is also one of the only table saws that we reviewed that features a massive 12-inch blade, which is enabled by the extra motor capacity. In turn, this saw has the deepest maximum depth of cut of any of our picks at four inches. However, this extra power comes at a significant cost – this saw is the most expensive model in our top five picks.
Despite the power of this table saw, it is not a behemoth like the JET saw and is actually quite suitable for a small workshop or even a large garage space. Although this means that working with extremely large or long pieces of wood on the smaller table can be difficult, users note that the industrial-quality rails make it easier to support heavy planks. With the small table, the maximum rip capacity is only 36 inches – but again, this is plenty for most woodworkers who focus on moderately-sized projects. Making precise cuts at exactly the thickness and bevel angle that you need is aided by the digital readouts for the blade tilt angle and fencing.
Baileigh offers a one-year warranty on this cabinet saw, which, although users rarely report issues with the saw, seems rather short compared to other table saws – especially given the high cost of this model.
Pros 12-inch blade with 4-inch max depth of cut Fits in small workshop Digital measurement and tilt display Powerful motor Cons Expensive Only one-year warranty
Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read more about the specifications, pros, and cons of our five favorite cabinet table saws, how do you choose the cabinet saw that is right for your workshop and woodworking needs? Our Buying Guide will cover everything you need to know about cabinet table saws, from why they are a smart investment for your woodworking to how to maintain your table saw once it’s installed. We’ll also cover features you need to know about in order to make an informed decision when choosing a cabinet table saw and answer some of the common questions that woodworkers have about these saws.
Cabinet table saw – a smart investment
Why get a cabinet table saw over another, often less expensive style of table saw? There are a huge number of advantages to cabinet table saws that make them a great investment for the hobbyist and professional woodworker alike.
First, cabinet table saws are absolutely unmatched in the power of the saw. Compared to significantly smaller portable table saws, cabinet saws typically provide between two and five horsepower motors. That means that you attach large blades with significant cutting depths to the saw to cut through even the hardest, knottiest woods and difficult composite materials with ease – and you won’t have to worry about making multiple cuts to slice through a thick board. Plus, cabinet saws are much better at dissipating heat than smaller contractor and portable table saws, which means you won’t burn wood when making cuts and be left with useless pieces of wood. These heavier blades are also advantageous in that they tend to last longer and produce significantly smoother cuts than small, thin blades, which means you’ll spend less money on saw blades in the long run and save yourself hours of sanding with each project.
Despite what the size of these saws may have you thinking, they’re also much quieter and cleaner than their smaller counterparts. The secret to the reduced noise is that the motor is enclosed in the cabinet base of these table saws in contrast to the exposed motor on portable saws. The cabinet also houses massive dust collection ports that do a much better job of capturing sawdust than the typical portable saw.
Of course, one of the major advantages to a cabinet table saw is the table. Few worktables can match the surface area provided by a large cabinet saw, which in turn makes it significantly easier to make accurate cuts and work with large pieces of wood. The controls are easier to handle and the weight of the table itself helps to dampen vibrations that can otherwise throw off the accuracy of your cuts.
Finally, cabinet table saws are much more durable than their portable counterparts. Part of the reason for this is that they’re easier to maintain since the motor and belts are housed within the cabinet, which can be opened up when you need to make sure everything is running smoothly or when you want to make fine-scale adjustments to the saw. As you might expect, housing the motor and belts in the cabinet also gives them some measure of protection from damage.
How to maintain your cabinet table saw
A well-cared for cabinet table saw can last a lifetime even with heavy use – one of the secrets that separates professional woodworkers from amateurs who are constantly going through tools. The key to maintaining your table saw is to base your maintenance schedule off of the hours that the saw has been used, rather than off a standard monthly schedule. When determining how often to perform maintenance on your cabinet table saw, remember that it is better to err on the side of too much maintenance than too little.
There are a couple basic things you can do to maintain your saw after every use: Unplug the table saw for safety, then clean out all of the sawdust on the table, inside the saw cabinet, and inside your dust bags or vacuum outlets. Once all other sawdust is removed, clean any remaining sawdust from the motor and belts. Keep your saw table clean and polished by rubbing it with car wax or a similar metal polish. A polished table will allow your work pieces to slide freely when making cuts. Clean your saw blades with pitch and gum remover to keep them sharp and lubricated when slicing through wood.
There are a number of additional cleaning tasks that can be performed every several hours of use, or as needed if you are consistently giving the table saw a visual inspection.
Replace the power cord if you see and wear and tear in the cord insulation. Clean any plastic parts on the exterior of the saw with soap and water, then dry them completely with a clean towel. Check the blade raising and tilting mechanisms for any unexpected looseness in the housings. This can usually be fixed by tightening a few bearings under the cabinet. Check your saw’s alignment. This involves attaching your straightest blade to the saw, then ensuring that all of the fencing and miter slots line up flush against the blade. Every now and then, place a small volume of dry lubricant on the bevel gear to keep it turning loosely.
Of course, even the best maintenance schedules can’t cover everything. If your saw begins to make strange noises or vibrate during use, turn it off immediately and get under the cabinet to find the source of the problem – which may involve replacing worn out parts in the guts of the saw.
Features to consider while choosing a cabinet table saw
Although cabinet table saws are hugely different from portable table saws and contractor saws, cabinet table saws themselves also have some distinctive features that you need to know about when choosing the saw that’s right for you. Here, we’ll cover some of the most important features to look for in a cabinet table saw.
Where to place the unit
The decision of where to place your cabinet table saw is an important one, especially since it takes up a significant amount of space and is extremely difficult to move once situated. You want the tabletop to be as accessible as possible, with open runout space in at least one axis so that you have the option to work with longer boards. The more space you can provide around the table, the more efficiently, productively, and accurately you’ll be able to work.
Size
When it comes to cabinet table saws, bigger is typically better – as long as you have the workshop space to accommodate the table you choose. Oversized cabinet saws like the model JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe is perfect if you are working in an open warehouse-style space, while woodworkers working out of their garage may be better off opting for the smaller table saw from Powermatic PM1000 1791001K so that they have room to move around the table and feed longer boards.
Weight
Cabinet table saws are universally so heavy that portability is out the window, so the main consideration when it comes to weight is vibration dampening.
Heavier cabinet tables will typically provide better vibration dampening. Although this also depends to some extent on the construction of the table and cabinet. Motor power
Cabinet table saws are vastly more powerful than contractor table saws, but power is still an important consideration when choosing a table saw since it affects the types of materials you’ll be able to cut through and the ease with which you’ll cut through them. Powerful saws like the 5-horsepower Baileigh TS-1248P-36 model, for example, will be able to cut through the most difficult composite materials with relative ease and increased smoothness.
Blade speed
Blade speed, like motor power, affects the ease of cutting through difficult materials. All of the cabinet table saws that we reviewed have roughly similar blade speeds, ranging from 3,600-4,300 rpm.
Types of blade
Cabinet table saws differ in the types of blades that they come standard with, although these blades are easily replaced for woodworkers looking to upgrade or in need of a replacement blade. These blades can differ in the material they are made from, the number of teeth they have, or the configuration of the teeth. Since they are easily replaced, blade type is often not a critical consideration when choosing a cabinet table saw.
Blade size and material
Cabinet table saws do differ in the sizes of blades they accept. Most table saws use 10-inch blades, while the more powerful Baileigh saw uses a 12-inch blade, for example. This gives it a slightly deeper maximum cut depth than comparable table saws. The material of the blade varies and can be upgraded after-market, but is an important consideration for the overall durability of the blade.
Depth of cut
The depth of cut describes the maximum thickness of board that can be cut through smoothly without making multiple cuts. This is directly related to the diameter of the blade, such that most cabinet table saws with 10-inch blades have a maximum cut depth of 3-3.125 inches, while the 12-inch diameter blade saw from Baileigh TS-1248P-36 has a maximum cut depth of four inches.
Rip fence
The rip fence should unfailingly line up parallel with the blade and should be easy to move into your desired distance from the blade so you get a perfect cut every time. Although this is the case on most cabinet table saws, keep an eye out for saws users note have sticky fences or fences that come out of alignment.
Miter
The miter is another important component for guiding your wood into the blade for the most precise cuts every time. When choosing a saw, look for a miter that is well-aligned and durable since this piece will see use every time you use the saw. Miter saw stands help making miter cutting a bit more portable.
Bevel
The bevel is a piece of the table saw that allows you to make angled cuts in your wood. While most cabinet table saws are capable of cutting bevels, be sure to check user reviews to see how easy or difficult this is on the saw that you are interested in. Having a digital tilt meter, such as on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw, can be quite useful when making bevel cuts.
Safety
Safety is an important concern whenever working with a cabinet table saw since they have an exposed blade. For the highest safety, look for saws like that from Shop Fox W1819 that feature a magnetic off switch that ensures that the saw won’t automatically restart after a power glitch, which could be quite dangerous.
Rip capacity
The rip capacity describes the maximum distance that the rip fence can be moved from the blade, which determines what width of wood you’ll be able to cut. If you are normally working with moderately-sized boards, a 36-inch rip capacity like found on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw might be sufficient. However, if you work with massive wood sections, you may want to opt for the 52-inch rip capacity found on the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K saw.
Dust port
Cabinet table saws produce much less sawdust than portable and contractor saws, in part because they house sizable dust ports within the cabinet. All of the saws that we reviewed feature four-inch dust ports to keep your mess to a minimum.
Warranty
A cabinet table saw is a significant investment, so even though they rarely break having a manufacturer’s warranty can make a big difference to your peace of mind. Warranties range from only one year on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw to up to five years on the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe and Powermatic PM1000 1791001K table saws.
FAQ Do I need to be grounded to work with cabinet table saw?
Yes, for safety reasons you will need a grounding wire whenever working with a cabinet table saw. This grounding wire prevents any electrical static from building up in the saw, which could create dangerous conditions leading to electrocution or sparking a fire.
What happens if the blade comes in contact with a nail or staple in the wood?
Although you can cut through metal nails and staples in your wood, doing so requires special precautions. In general, it is best to switch out your saw blade for a blade designed to cut through metal before proceeding to cut into your wood. In addition, note that cutting through metal can throw sparks, so you’ll want to make sure you have full body protection and eyewear.
Can I cut conductive materials?
On many saws, cutting through conductive materials like metal, very wet or green wood, or carbon materials will trigger an electric circuit in the saw that causes it to turn off for safety reasons. To cut through these materials, you will need to bypass this circuit within your saw – just remember to reconnect it for safety when you are finished with your cuts.
Our Verdict
Our overall favorite cabinet table saws were the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe, the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236, and the Shop Fox W1819. All three of these saws featured powerful three-horsepower, 220-volt motors and 10-inch blades that are able to smoothly and easily cut through thick sections of hardwood. Users appreciated the automatic stop feature of the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 blade, as well as the option to mount it on an after-market Mobile Base kit for the ability to move it around the shop.
The budget price of the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K saw initially sets it apart and, despite some issues with the company’s customer service, it compares quite favorably to saws that cost nearly twice as much. However, we feel the overall best cabinet table saw is the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe thanks to its massive 85-inch table length and 50-inch rip capacity that makes it easy to tackle large woodworking projects.
The post Best Cabinet Table Saw – Power, Speed, Safety appeared first on WisePick.org.
#Saws
There are a ton of factors that go into choosing the best cabinet table saw. The size of a cabinet table saw is one of the most important factors, since it has to fit in your work area while also providing the maximum possible surface area to work on. The motor power is also important since this determines what types of materials it will be able to cut through smoothly. Woodworks will also want to look at the cutting depth, which affects the maximum thickness of wood that can be sawed through, as well as the arbor speed and size, which affects the types of blades you can use and how smooth your cuts will be.
Top 5 Cabinet Table Saws Review 2020
We spent tens of hours poring through technical specifications and user reviews for many of the popular cabinet table saws in order to narrow them down to the top five saws, summarized in the table below. Continue reading for detailed descriptions of each cabinet saw, complete with pros and cons. Our Buying Guide covers everything you need to know about why a cabinet saw may be the right choice for your workshop and what features you need to look for. Finally, we sum up our three favorite cabinet table saws on the market today.
Image and Rating Name and Features Price 10 1. JET 708675PK XACTASAW Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice
A powerful cabinet table saw with a 50” rip capacity and an impressive 5 years limited warranty
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.6 2. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 Best Portable Best Portable
A highly safe saw with mobile base option and a powerful 3 hp motor
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.5 3. Shop Fox W1819 Best for 10-inch Blade Best for 10-inch Blade
A powerful saw that has a maximum rip capacity of 29.5 inches and can cut as deep as 3-1/8 inches
Check PriceRead Our Review 9.1 4. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K Budget Pick Budget Pick
A moderately priced saw with poly-V belt drive system and an arbor speed of 4200 revolutions per minute
Check PriceRead Our Review 8.6 5. Baileigh TS-1248P-36 Most Powerful Most Powerful
A great saw with motor power of 5 hp and 230 Volts with 4 inches maximum depth of cut
Check PriceRead Our Review 37. JET 708675PK XACTASAW – Editor’s Choice Features Size: 85 x 36 x 38 inches Power: 3 hp, 230 V Arbor speed: 4300 rpm depth of cut: 3 inches rip capacity: 50 inches Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: industrial magnetic on/off switch, integrated arbor lock
VIEW ON AMAZON 10
This behemoth of a cabinet table saw from JET is one of the most powerful 10-inch saw options on the market today and comes with a number of features that justify its relatively high price. The three-horsepower motor provides plenty of power for the 10-inch blade and a 4,3000-rpm arbor speed that allows users to make smooth, seamless cuts through nearly any type of wood without leaving burn marks and useless wood behind. Users loved that the saw blade and fencing come perfectly aligned to each other and to the table. Plus, the table features a push-button arbor lock that makes it fast and easy to change out blades when working on different types of wood.
The beauty of this table saw is in the large table size – at 85 inches long, it is the longest cabinet table saw in our top five picks. This makes it straightforward to work with and cut long, 8-foot or longer sections of wood. However, note that you’ll also need a huge workshop to put this table saw in to make the most of its length. With this length comes a similarly impressive rip capacity of 50 inches, which makes this table saw perfect for woodworkers who are consistently working with large slabs of wood.
JET takes safety seriously on this saw with a magnetic power switch and an independent leaf safety guard over the blade that helps to protect users even when working with the blade at a tilt angle of 45 degrees. Plus, JET offers one of the longest warranties we’ve seen on a cabinet table saw – five years.
Some of our reviewers mentioned that even though the saw handles hardwood well enough, you might want to slow down a bit while cutting thicker planks.
Pros Extremely large 85-inch long table Push-button arbor lock for easy blade changes Five-year warranty Cons Expensive Difficulties with cutting thick hardwood 38. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 – Best Portable Features Size: 69 x 33 x 34 inches Power: 3 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 4000 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 36 inches Warranty: 2 years warranty on saw, 1 year on fence
More features: mobile base options, SawStop safety system
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.6
For woodworkers and contractors who absolutely need portability in their cabinet table saw, there are few options available better than this saw from SawStop. The moderately-sized table weighs just 335 pounds – still a significant weight, but far lighter than many comparable saws. However, the table can be mounted on 360-degree casters or on wheels to make it easier to move around, and SawStop offers an after-market Mobile Base kit to allow you to mechanically lift the saw onto a cart for easy transport. Note, however, that mobility comes at a price – with the Mobile Base kit, this saw is more expensive even than the Baileigh model.
The saw itself features a three-horsepower, 220-volt motor that powers a 10-inch blade at 4,000 rpm – putting it firmly on par with the best non-mobile 10-inch cabinet table saws on the market. The table features 69-inch industrial rails and a highly durable fence with a T-post on the end for making accurate, vibration-free cuts. For a rather substantial table size, this saw is still limited to a 36-inch maximum rip capacity.
One of the best features of this blade is the SawStop safety system, which uses an electric current in the blade to detect when it is cutting through a conductive material – like your skin. This means that in the event of an accident, the saw will automatically shut off immediately to limit the damage to your hands. Reviewers have noticed that though it glides smoothly enough, the saw might start wiggling a bit if you have poorly calibrated the T-Glide or tightened it too much.
SawStop offers a two-year warranty on the saw and a one-year warranty on the fencing to provide peace of mind for your purchase.
Pros Portable, with optional Mobile Base kit 69-inch table with industrial railing SawStop safety system Cons Expensive Limited to 36-inch maximum rip capacity T-Glide needs additional calibration 39. Shop Fox W1819 – Best for 10-inch Blade Features Size: 67 x 46.5 x 30 inches Power: 3 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 4300 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 29-1/2 inches Warranty: 2 years limited
More features: magnetic switch with thermal overload protection
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.5
Users love this medium-sized cabinet table saw from Shop Fox. The three-horsepower, 220-volt motor is middle-of-the-run as far as cabinet table saws come, but it provides more than enough power for the 10-inch blade on this saw. Users appreciated the 4,300-rpm speed for making smooth, buttery cuts in nearly any type of wood, including hard, thick oaks and composites. The 3-1/8-inch depth of cut is on par with most other 10-inch saws and is sufficient for the majority of woodworkers.
The fencing is sturdy and heavy, which users liked since it helps to keep the vibrations to a minimum and contributes towards making accurate cuts every time with this saw. Many users noted that the blade and fencing were perfectly aligned right out of the box and that setup could be done without hiring a professional, which is great for woodworkers who want to begin using the saw right away. One thing to note is that despite the large size of the table, especially compared to the Baileigh saw, is that the maximum rip capacity on this table is only 29.5 inches. This can make the saw difficult to use when you need to cut wide sections of wood for paneling or similar purposes.
The saw comes with a magnetic power switch and thermal overload protection to improve the overall safety of working with this table saw. In addition, Shop Fox offers a two-year warranty to provide peace of mind for your purchase and customers routinely praise the company’s customer service team.
Pros Sturdy, heavy fencing Comes perfectly aligned out of box Two-year warranty with good customer service Cons Small 29.5-inch rip capacity 40. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K – Budget Pick Features Size: 36 x 27.5 x 64 inches Power: 1.75 hp, 115 V Arbor speed: 4200 rpm depth of cut: 3-1/8 inches rip capacity: 50 inches Warranty: 5 years limited
More features: poly-V belt drive system for reducing vibration
VIEW ON AMAZON 9.1
For those on a tighter budget, it’s hard to argue with the array of features provided by this 10-inch table saw from Powermatic. The saw features a smaller 1.75-horsepower, 115-volt motor compared to other table saws, although this doesn’t affect the arbor speed much – it still spins at 4,200 rpm. Users note that the smaller motor doesn’t miss a beat either and is able to cut through nearly any thick hardwood without whining or kicking.
The table on this saw is moderate in size compared to other cabinet table saws, which is perfect for those with a small shop or working in a garage. Still, the 64-inch rails are extremely sturdy and vibrations on the table are kept to a minimum for smooth, precise cuts. The poly-V belt drive system under the cabinet further reduces vibration, which users loved since it makes accurate cuts significantly easier. The saw has a large 50-inch maximum rip capacity for those in need of cutting large sections of wood.
The main problems with this saw are not with the saw itself, but with Powermatic. Users note that despite the five-year warranty included with the saw, Powermatic’s customer service team is difficult and unhelpful to deal with. In addition, many users found that the saw arrived damaged or that parts were missing upon arrival. It is also worth noting that the saw does not come with a blade, so you will need to factor that into the overall cost of the tool.
Pros Inexpensive Poly-V belt drive system 64-inch rails and 50-inch rip capacity Cons Poor customer service, issues upon arrival Electrical system not as robust as 220-volt system 41. Baileigh TS-1248P-36 – Most Powerful Features Size: 32 x 49 x 37 inches Power: 5 hp, 220 V Arbor speed: 3600 rpm depth of cut: 4 inches rip capacity: 36 inches Warranty: 1 year limited
More features: digital Readout for blade tilt angle
VIEW ON AMAZON 8.6
If raw power is your aim in a table saw, it’s hard to find a quality cabinet table saw with a more powerful motor than this model from Baileigh. The five-horsepower, 220-volt motor provides a robust drive for your saw that enables it to seamless power through tough, thick cuts of wood and even tougher composite materials without a hitch. This saw is also one of the only table saws that we reviewed that features a massive 12-inch blade, which is enabled by the extra motor capacity. In turn, this saw has the deepest maximum depth of cut of any of our picks at four inches. However, this extra power comes at a significant cost – this saw is the most expensive model in our top five picks.
Despite the power of this table saw, it is not a behemoth like the JET saw and is actually quite suitable for a small workshop or even a large garage space. Although this means that working with extremely large or long pieces of wood on the smaller table can be difficult, users note that the industrial-quality rails make it easier to support heavy planks. With the small table, the maximum rip capacity is only 36 inches – but again, this is plenty for most woodworkers who focus on moderately-sized projects. Making precise cuts at exactly the thickness and bevel angle that you need is aided by the digital readouts for the blade tilt angle and fencing.
Baileigh offers a one-year warranty on this cabinet saw, which, although users rarely report issues with the saw, seems rather short compared to other table saws – especially given the high cost of this model.
Pros 12-inch blade with 4-inch max depth of cut Fits in small workshop Digital measurement and tilt display Powerful motor Cons Expensive Only one-year warranty
Buying Guide
Now that you’ve read more about the specifications, pros, and cons of our five favorite cabinet table saws, how do you choose the cabinet saw that is right for your workshop and woodworking needs? Our Buying Guide will cover everything you need to know about cabinet table saws, from why they are a smart investment for your woodworking to how to maintain your table saw once it’s installed. We’ll also cover features you need to know about in order to make an informed decision when choosing a cabinet table saw and answer some of the common questions that woodworkers have about these saws.
Cabinet table saw – a smart investment
Why get a cabinet table saw over another, often less expensive style of table saw? There are a huge number of advantages to cabinet table saws that make them a great investment for the hobbyist and professional woodworker alike.
First, cabinet table saws are absolutely unmatched in the power of the saw. Compared to significantly smaller portable table saws, cabinet saws typically provide between two and five horsepower motors. That means that you attach large blades with significant cutting depths to the saw to cut through even the hardest, knottiest woods and difficult composite materials with ease – and you won’t have to worry about making multiple cuts to slice through a thick board. Plus, cabinet saws are much better at dissipating heat than smaller contractor and portable table saws, which means you won’t burn wood when making cuts and be left with useless pieces of wood. These heavier blades are also advantageous in that they tend to last longer and produce significantly smoother cuts than small, thin blades, which means you’ll spend less money on saw blades in the long run and save yourself hours of sanding with each project.
Despite what the size of these saws may have you thinking, they’re also much quieter and cleaner than their smaller counterparts. The secret to the reduced noise is that the motor is enclosed in the cabinet base of these table saws in contrast to the exposed motor on portable saws. The cabinet also houses massive dust collection ports that do a much better job of capturing sawdust than the typical portable saw.
Of course, one of the major advantages to a cabinet table saw is the table. Few worktables can match the surface area provided by a large cabinet saw, which in turn makes it significantly easier to make accurate cuts and work with large pieces of wood. The controls are easier to handle and the weight of the table itself helps to dampen vibrations that can otherwise throw off the accuracy of your cuts.
Finally, cabinet table saws are much more durable than their portable counterparts. Part of the reason for this is that they’re easier to maintain since the motor and belts are housed within the cabinet, which can be opened up when you need to make sure everything is running smoothly or when you want to make fine-scale adjustments to the saw. As you might expect, housing the motor and belts in the cabinet also gives them some measure of protection from damage.
How to maintain your cabinet table saw
A well-cared for cabinet table saw can last a lifetime even with heavy use – one of the secrets that separates professional woodworkers from amateurs who are constantly going through tools. The key to maintaining your table saw is to base your maintenance schedule off of the hours that the saw has been used, rather than off a standard monthly schedule. When determining how often to perform maintenance on your cabinet table saw, remember that it is better to err on the side of too much maintenance than too little.
There are a couple basic things you can do to maintain your saw after every use: Unplug the table saw for safety, then clean out all of the sawdust on the table, inside the saw cabinet, and inside your dust bags or vacuum outlets. Once all other sawdust is removed, clean any remaining sawdust from the motor and belts. Keep your saw table clean and polished by rubbing it with car wax or a similar metal polish. A polished table will allow your work pieces to slide freely when making cuts. Clean your saw blades with pitch and gum remover to keep them sharp and lubricated when slicing through wood.
There are a number of additional cleaning tasks that can be performed every several hours of use, or as needed if you are consistently giving the table saw a visual inspection.
Replace the power cord if you see and wear and tear in the cord insulation. Clean any plastic parts on the exterior of the saw with soap and water, then dry them completely with a clean towel. Check the blade raising and tilting mechanisms for any unexpected looseness in the housings. This can usually be fixed by tightening a few bearings under the cabinet. Check your saw’s alignment. This involves attaching your straightest blade to the saw, then ensuring that all of the fencing and miter slots line up flush against the blade. Every now and then, place a small volume of dry lubricant on the bevel gear to keep it turning loosely.
Of course, even the best maintenance schedules can’t cover everything. If your saw begins to make strange noises or vibrate during use, turn it off immediately and get under the cabinet to find the source of the problem – which may involve replacing worn out parts in the guts of the saw.
Features to consider while choosing a cabinet table saw
Although cabinet table saws are hugely different from portable table saws and contractor saws, cabinet table saws themselves also have some distinctive features that you need to know about when choosing the saw that’s right for you. Here, we’ll cover some of the most important features to look for in a cabinet table saw.
Where to place the unit
The decision of where to place your cabinet table saw is an important one, especially since it takes up a significant amount of space and is extremely difficult to move once situated. You want the tabletop to be as accessible as possible, with open runout space in at least one axis so that you have the option to work with longer boards. The more space you can provide around the table, the more efficiently, productively, and accurately you’ll be able to work.
Size
When it comes to cabinet table saws, bigger is typically better – as long as you have the workshop space to accommodate the table you choose. Oversized cabinet saws like the model JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe is perfect if you are working in an open warehouse-style space, while woodworkers working out of their garage may be better off opting for the smaller table saw from Powermatic PM1000 1791001K so that they have room to move around the table and feed longer boards.
Weight
Cabinet table saws are universally so heavy that portability is out the window, so the main consideration when it comes to weight is vibration dampening.
Heavier cabinet tables will typically provide better vibration dampening. Although this also depends to some extent on the construction of the table and cabinet. Motor power
Cabinet table saws are vastly more powerful than contractor table saws, but power is still an important consideration when choosing a table saw since it affects the types of materials you’ll be able to cut through and the ease with which you’ll cut through them. Powerful saws like the 5-horsepower Baileigh TS-1248P-36 model, for example, will be able to cut through the most difficult composite materials with relative ease and increased smoothness.
Blade speed
Blade speed, like motor power, affects the ease of cutting through difficult materials. All of the cabinet table saws that we reviewed have roughly similar blade speeds, ranging from 3,600-4,300 rpm.
Types of blade
Cabinet table saws differ in the types of blades that they come standard with, although these blades are easily replaced for woodworkers looking to upgrade or in need of a replacement blade. These blades can differ in the material they are made from, the number of teeth they have, or the configuration of the teeth. Since they are easily replaced, blade type is often not a critical consideration when choosing a cabinet table saw.
Blade size and material
Cabinet table saws do differ in the sizes of blades they accept. Most table saws use 10-inch blades, while the more powerful Baileigh saw uses a 12-inch blade, for example. This gives it a slightly deeper maximum cut depth than comparable table saws. The material of the blade varies and can be upgraded after-market, but is an important consideration for the overall durability of the blade.
Depth of cut
The depth of cut describes the maximum thickness of board that can be cut through smoothly without making multiple cuts. This is directly related to the diameter of the blade, such that most cabinet table saws with 10-inch blades have a maximum cut depth of 3-3.125 inches, while the 12-inch diameter blade saw from Baileigh TS-1248P-36 has a maximum cut depth of four inches.
Rip fence
The rip fence should unfailingly line up parallel with the blade and should be easy to move into your desired distance from the blade so you get a perfect cut every time. Although this is the case on most cabinet table saws, keep an eye out for saws users note have sticky fences or fences that come out of alignment.
Miter
The miter is another important component for guiding your wood into the blade for the most precise cuts every time. When choosing a saw, look for a miter that is well-aligned and durable since this piece will see use every time you use the saw. Miter saw stands help making miter cutting a bit more portable.
Bevel
The bevel is a piece of the table saw that allows you to make angled cuts in your wood. While most cabinet table saws are capable of cutting bevels, be sure to check user reviews to see how easy or difficult this is on the saw that you are interested in. Having a digital tilt meter, such as on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw, can be quite useful when making bevel cuts.
Safety
Safety is an important concern whenever working with a cabinet table saw since they have an exposed blade. For the highest safety, look for saws like that from Shop Fox W1819 that feature a magnetic off switch that ensures that the saw won’t automatically restart after a power glitch, which could be quite dangerous.
Rip capacity
The rip capacity describes the maximum distance that the rip fence can be moved from the blade, which determines what width of wood you’ll be able to cut. If you are normally working with moderately-sized boards, a 36-inch rip capacity like found on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw might be sufficient. However, if you work with massive wood sections, you may want to opt for the 52-inch rip capacity found on the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K saw.
Dust port
Cabinet table saws produce much less sawdust than portable and contractor saws, in part because they house sizable dust ports within the cabinet. All of the saws that we reviewed feature four-inch dust ports to keep your mess to a minimum.
Warranty
A cabinet table saw is a significant investment, so even though they rarely break having a manufacturer’s warranty can make a big difference to your peace of mind. Warranties range from only one year on the Baileigh TS-1248P-36 saw to up to five years on the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe and Powermatic PM1000 1791001K table saws.
FAQ Do I need to be grounded to work with cabinet table saw?
Yes, for safety reasons you will need a grounding wire whenever working with a cabinet table saw. This grounding wire prevents any electrical static from building up in the saw, which could create dangerous conditions leading to electrocution or sparking a fire.
What happens if the blade comes in contact with a nail or staple in the wood?
Although you can cut through metal nails and staples in your wood, doing so requires special precautions. In general, it is best to switch out your saw blade for a blade designed to cut through metal before proceeding to cut into your wood. In addition, note that cutting through metal can throw sparks, so you’ll want to make sure you have full body protection and eyewear.
Can I cut conductive materials?
On many saws, cutting through conductive materials like metal, very wet or green wood, or carbon materials will trigger an electric circuit in the saw that causes it to turn off for safety reasons. To cut through these materials, you will need to bypass this circuit within your saw – just remember to reconnect it for safety when you are finished with your cuts.
Our Verdict
Our overall favorite cabinet table saws were the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe, the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236, and the Shop Fox W1819. All three of these saws featured powerful three-horsepower, 220-volt motors and 10-inch blades that are able to smoothly and easily cut through thick sections of hardwood. Users appreciated the automatic stop feature of the SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 blade, as well as the option to mount it on an after-market Mobile Base kit for the ability to move it around the shop.
The budget price of the Powermatic PM1000 1791001K saw initially sets it apart and, despite some issues with the company’s customer service, it compares quite favorably to saws that cost nearly twice as much. However, we feel the overall best cabinet table saw is the JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe thanks to its massive 85-inch table length and 50-inch rip capacity that makes it easy to tackle large woodworking projects.
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