If you’re getting into woodworking, you’ll want a dependable means of cutting wood so that it’s workable. It would be ineffective, not to mention dangerous, for a novice to go all-in with a more complicated saw model. Beginner table saws also happen to be less expensive, too, so getting started isn’t so hard on your wallet.
We’ve gathered five of our favorite table saws that are great for beginners. This means that they have a healthy number of features to learn from whilst being accessible and easy to operate when compared to other models you can find online. Each saw has its pros and cons listed so you can see their specs and performance features in a glance.
If you really are a beginner and need to learn some more about table saws, we have also included a buyers’ guide below that functions as both a rationale for how we ranked our list and a handy guide to the features you should look for in a table saw.
In a hurry?
If you need to get sawing right away, why not make things easy on yourself and consider our top table saw? That’d be the DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw, a smaller but definitely not weaker sawing option that’s accessible to beginners like yourself. See some points on why we liked it below:
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It’s a compact table saw that still offers a generous twelve to twenty-three inches of rip range, depending on how you’ve positioned your cutting material. The blade can even be adjusted between zero- and forty-five-degree angles for added versatility, and this also opens up opportunities for beveled cuts.
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It’s pretty powerful with its 1850W motor, so you shouldn’t have trouble with most of the materials you’ll be cutting. The saw teeth are made from tungsten carbide, a hard-metallic alloy that keeps its sharpness over time, adding longevity to the saw as a whole.
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The frame of this table saw is reinforced by a steel roll cage, so accidental drops and other impacts won’t do as much damage to the table saw and the sensitive electronics within. There’s also a two-and-a-half-inch dust port that makes post-cut clean up so much easier.
Table of ContentsTop 5 Best Beginner Table SawBest Beginner Table Saw Buying Guide
Top 5 Best Beginner Table Saw
OUR TOP PICK
No products found.DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw
EDITORS CHOICE
No products found.SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw
BEST VALUE
No products found.Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
OUR TOP PICK
DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw
No products found.Summary
The first table saw we have is among the smallest, and comes from a famous brand in the industry, to boot. We’re talking about the DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Table Saw, an elegantly designed option with an ergonomic construction that makes it easy to use despite being from a brand that consistently supplies high-performance saw models to the market.
For what is a compact table saw you get a generous rip range of twelve inches to the left of the blade and twenty-three inches to the right of the blade, so it’s quite versatile with what you can cut. A rack and pinion fence system also ensures great fence accuracy, which is handy for beginners who don’t have much experience with table saws.
It also weighs in at just forty-five pounds, which is a mid-level weight for most saws but is particularly impressive for a DEWALT model such as this. You also barely feel any of that weight because of how easy it is to carry, in part due to the handles contained on the DW745’s frame.
This is partly because of how powerful this table saw’s motor is, with an 1850-watt motor that guarantees this model can cut through most objects with ease. This ensures that, no matter what you should be cutting with this table saw, it should be ready for any application of this product. This is only helped by the fact that the saw teeth are made from tungsten carbide, a durable material that retains its sharpness for longer.
The DW745 model isn’t just the powerful option, however, as the blade can be adjusted from zero to forty-five degrees to allow for bevel cutting. This means that, when you’ve gotten to grips with how this table saw performs under regular circumstances, you can switch it up and perform more artisanal cuts with the materials that you’re working with.
The frame that the saw unit is housed in should also be talked about. It’s a construction yellow yet isn’t offensive to the eye and features a steel roll cage built into it that minimizes damage should the model get dropped or knocked. Once you’ve begun sawing, a two-and-a-half-inch dust port built into the frame can be used to easily dispose of the debris caused by your cuts.
Pros
- A compact table saw with 12 to 23 inches of rip range.
- Uses a 1850W motor for a high performance across all applications.
- Tungsten carbide saw blades retain their sharpness for longer.
- Blade can be adjusted from 0 to 45 degrees for bevel cutting.
- Steel roll cage protects against accidental drops and impact forces.
- 2½-inch dust port makes cleanup easier than ever.
Cons
- The miter gauge can be delicate when faced with heavy use.
EDITORS CHOICE
SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw
No products found.Summary
The second table saw we have for your consideration today is the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw, another smaller saw that’s affordable yet capable of performing heavy-duty cuts. The saw itself is taller than that of our number one product, standing at three and a half inches tall. This means that it can cut through thicker objects, handling materials at 4x thickness.
This cutting power is only helped by the fact that the saw motor works at fifteen amps and one hundred and twenty volts, ultimately working at an impressive 1800 watts to ensure that the saw teeth can bite through anything you’ll want to throw at it.
What sets this option apart is its two main versatility features. The first of these comes with the cast aluminum table saw itself, which is suitably lightweight and measures in at twenty inches by twenty-six inches. It can then expand from that to twenty inches by thirty-two inches, affording you more space to cut longer materials with.
The second versatility feature comes with a caveat, that being that it adds to the weight of the table saw significantly. We’re talking about a heavy-duty steel stand that can be collapsed for easy storage, so it does add some portability to the product, but it also pushes up the weight of this product to sixty-seven pounds.
This saw by SKIL is great for beginners because the measurement is much easier. Having a good eye for measurement and alignment are things that only come with experience, so the self-aligning rip fence on this table saw helps those who haven’t got that experience yet.
The saw can also be used for simple construction work and more skillful woodworking, so it’s a saw that you can grow within terms of skill level. This is because it’s capable of cutting from zero to forty-seven degrees to add a bevel to your cuts.
Pros
- 3½-inch cut height is perfect for 4x materials.
- Cast aluminum table expands from 20×26 inches to 20×32 inches for work versatility.
- Uses a powerful 15-amp, 120-volt, 1800-watt motor.
- Has a bevel angle range of 0 to 47 degrees.
- The rip fence self-aligns for easy and accurate measurement taking.
- A steel stand is fast to set up and can be collapsed for ease of storage.
Cons
- Heavy-duty steel stand makes it heavier at 67 pounds.
BEST VALUE
Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
No products found.Summary
At the midpoint of our list, we have the Makita 2705 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw, which we consider another of those machines that’s good for beginners but can also support skill growth. Of all the saws reviewed so far, it’s one of the most expensive and seems best suited to those looking to make an investment into their woodworking future. That said, it isn’t a cabinet saw, so is best used for smaller projects instead of professional ones.
It’s equally as powerful as the previous option at 1800-watts, from fifteen amps and one hundred and twenty volts. This helps the blade slice through most materials and, when you do, the anti-kickback functionality that this saw has will smoothen the jerks that can happen when sawing. This is great for beginners whose hands aren’t so steady. It also has an electric brake system so, if something does go wrong, you can stop the saw in an instant.
The Makita saw uses adjustable dual-side guards that make measurement taking easy. From the blade to the rip fence, you can plan out and measure your cuts with total ease thanks to these guards, taking the pressure off of the beginner using it and their untrained eyes for measurement. Since these guards can be adjusted, it also adds a layer of versatility to the product.
Speaking of versatility, the table surface itself is capable of extending to the right. This increases your workspace, freeing you up to work with longer objects. It’s also a breeze to set up because its blade guard is modular, so only needs to be fixed together instead of properly constructed, and once it is constructed a cam lock removes any need for tool tinkering. This makes this a good option for those who need a saw but don’t know their way around a toolbox.
Pros
- Is powered by a strong 1800W motor.
- Adjustable dual side guards make measurement simple yet versatile.
- Anti-kickback and electrical brake systems smoothen the cuts you make.
- The right extension table increases the workspace you have to cut with.
- A modular blade guard with a cam lock removes the need for tools and hassle.
Cons
- It isn’t a cabinet saw.
- Heavier again at 145 pounds.
RUNNER UP
Hitachi C10RJ Jobsite Table Saw
No products found.Summary
At number four is the Hitachi C10RJ Jobsite Table Saw, though its manufacturer goes by the name Metabo HPT nowadays. At any rate, Metabo HPT is the power tool division of Hitachi, a massive Japanese electronics brand that most of you have encountered in your daily lives. When you’ve been in the business for as long as Hitachi has, you consistently hit the mark in terms of quality, and the C10RJ Jobsite Table Saw is certainly no exception.
So why is it here on the list? Well, large brands, whilst reputable, aim to appeal to larger bases of people. This translates into relatively average products that are capable and reliable but aren’t the best when you have a particular use in mind, like use from a novice.
The C10RJ uses a direct drive universal fifteen-amp motor that delivers a wattage of about 1800. This isn’t anything new from the previous entries but should be mentioned as it’s important to know your saw specs, and with these specs, it’s great for ripping through tougher, thicker materials. This is a team effort, however, between the powerful motor and the ten-inch blade, forty-toothed blade that it’s powering. The saw’s teeth are carbide-tipped, too, for a better ripping performance.
That kind of ripping ability isn’t that impressive if you don’t have the space to use it, so the C10RJ uses a telescoping tabletop that expands your woodworking area. At its maximum capacity, it’ll cut thirty-five-inches to the right and twenty-two inches to the left.
As could be predicted for a beginner saw, there are quite a few safety features built into the C10RJ. It has an electric brake, which we’ve seen before in this list, but nevertheless, it’s an immediate means of stopping the blade should a cut not go as planned. What stands out more is its soft start mode that reduces saw jerk and the noise that the saw makes upon first starting the machine up.
Pros
- Runs off of a powerful 1800W direct-drive motor.
- A 10-inch 40-tooth carbide saw blade ensures a stronger and more effective blade bite.
- Telescoping table expansions increase the area you can work with.
- Soft start function reduces noise and saw recoil.
- Electric brakes immediately stop blade rotation for safety purposes.
Cons
- On the heavier side for a table saw.
- The manual can be difficult to understand.
RUNNER UP
Delta 36-6013 10 Inch Table Saw
No products found.Summary
Our final table saw for beginners is the Delta 36-6013 10 Inch Table Saw, an affordable woodworking option that’s still capable of handling larger wood stock. We say that because this saw table model features a twenty-five-inch rip capacity, so you have plenty of room for cutting longer objects. The saw blade itself is powered by a fifteen-amp contractor-grade motor that uses approximately 1800-watts when rotating.
The saw isn’t as heavy as most of the above saws thanks to its aluminum table. It weighs in at forty-eight pounds, so it’s still quite hefty but nowhere near some of the other saws you’ll find on this market and on this list. Keep in mind, too, that most of its weight is taken up by the power supply.
Whilst not part of the physical table saw itself, this Delta saw comes with the brand’s very generous warranty policy that lasts for five whole years, during which your investment is covered should the saw fail due to manufacturing error.
Pros
- Contractor grade works at 1800-watts.
- 25-inch rip capacity is capable of handling larger wood stock.
- Lightweight aluminum work surface helps the table weigh just 48 pounds.
- Very generous five-year manufacturing warranty.
Cons
- A simplistic saw that lacks additional features.
Best Beginner Table Saw Buying Guide
How to grab the best beginner table saw
If you don’t know a good table saw from a bad one, you should read our buyers’ guide right here. Here you’ll see how we ranked the above products and, in doing so, you can apply the same standards to table saws you come across to tell if they’re worth your time or not. You’ll notice that our guide works by breaking these saws down into individual components and features, reviewing each part to get an idea of how the whole performs.
Sawblade Wattage
The power of the motor you’re using will be a factor in how well the saw table cuts. A good average to aim for in the industry is a fifteen-amp motor that runs at one hundred and twenty volts, delivering approximately 1800 watts to the blade. Most of the above products use these motors because they’re a good industry standard, and we’d recommend you look for these instead of getting bogged down in confusing electronic specs.
Saw Blade Sharpness and Durability
The power of your saw hinges on the power of the saw blade itself. If this is a concern, check the tooth count of your blade and whether those teeth are tipped with hard materials like carbide. Tipped teeth don’t just add to the sharpness of the blade but also improve their durability, adding to how long the blade lasts. This means you won’t have to replace the blades so often, saving you money in the long run.
Table Construction
You’re not just buying a saw but a saw table, so having a table that’s built to a high quality should also be a factor in your purchase. Weight is one of the primary concerns here, especially if you plan to take your saw table on the road. The weight is decided by many factors but the most important would be the metallic makeup of the table. We’d suggest aluminum for its known durable yet lightweight properties, and that you should try to avoid too much steel or iron.
Ease and Safety Features
Arguably the most important category when seeking a beginners’ table saw in particular, you want your saw to be easier to use and forgiving with the mistakes that novices make. There are two primary ways that commercial table saws use safety features to keep your fingers safe should a disaster strike.
Ease of use mainly means that the saw should be easy to install and have plenty of features that reduce the human element of saw operation. We say this because it’s the operator in this case that’s inexperienced, so you should look for cam locks and adjustable rip guards that will basically do the measurements for you.
The first of the safety features is rarer than the other. We’re talking about soft-start functionality. This is often marketed as a convenience feature because it reduces the noise that the saw makes, but in doing so it also smoothens the saw by suppressing jerks and other disturbances that could lead to a loss of control.
The second is a braking system, usually electric nowadays, which immediately powers down the saw when triggered. These are common in table saws, so we’d say that if you have your eyes on a saw that lacks a feature like this, you’re best skipping it.
