When you’re looking at benchtop table saws there are a lot factors and features to consider before deciding which one is for you. Even though the benchtop table saw is only one of the four types of table saws it should be noted that in the benchtop table saw category there are clearly different grades of table saws designed for different jobs.
While no table saw review can definitively tell you which benchtop table saw is the absolute best for every purpose, there are some clear best selling benchtop table saws that need to be considered when you’re looking to buy a new saw.
Here are the top five benchtop table saws available today:
Bosch 4000-09 Worksite Benchtop Table Saw
- Everyone knows Bosch makes quality equipment and the 4000-09 benchtop table saw is no exception. This little benchtop table saw has all the power and agility of a contractor table saw in a portable table saw skin. The gravity rise stand makes it an amazing saw right out of the box, but there are so many things to love about this benchtop table saw it is hard to list them all. It’s stable, reliable, works well and has a ton of clever features. Some people have complained about the saw needing various adjustments before using it but even then it’s a snap to set up and get cutting and ripping. If you’ve got the cash and you’re for an even improved version of the Bosch then consider the Bosch 4100-09 Worksite Benchtop Table Saw.
DEWALT DW745 Benchtop Table Saw-The DeWalt DW745 is a little powerhouse of a benchtop table saw with “little” being the keyword. At a mere 45 pounds and built for portability this benchtop saw is perfect for moving from one jobsite to the next or even from the shelf to the benchtop and back to the shelf. It’s one of the cheapest heavy duty benchtop table saws in our review and you do sacrifice a few features for that price cut. The ripping ability is not great and many people have complained that the miter gauge is subpar and there is a fair bit of plastic on this benchtop table saw.
JET 708315BTC Benchtop Table Saw - The most inexpensive benchtop table saw on our list, this unique little saw features a belt drive instead of the direct drive found on most other benchtop table saws, so you immediately have less vibration and noise right out of the box. Jet’s not quite as well known a name as DeWalt and Bosch but they are known for making decent tools and that shows with this little benchtop table saw. A number of table saw reviews have mentioned JET’s quality support, which some other benchtop table saw manufacturers are lacking.
Makita 2703 Benchtop Table Saw - Weighing in a just 40 pounds this powerful benchtop table saw is great for rough carpentry and jobsite needs, though some reviewers recommend looking elsewhere if you need perfection and pinpoint accuracy. This benchtop table saw features an electric brake so it’s safe and quick to make adjustments between cuts. Makita’s had a spotty track record with tools over the year. Some people love ‘em and some people hate ‘em but there’s a lot to love about this little benchtop table saw. Professional contractors and amateur woodworkers alike agree with Makita’s dependability and power and both are found in this benchtop table saw. Some table saw reviews complain that Makita doesn’t always use standard sizes for accessories.
Craftsman Benchtop Table Saws - A list of the best benchtop table saws couldn’t get away without listing a Craftman table saw. A lot of home woodworkers swear by the Craftsman name and that goes for buying benchtop table saws, too. There are lot of different models of Craftsman benchtop saws available and each one has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Craftsman benchtop table saws are good for the beginner though many are underpowered for the professional. Portable and relatively easy to set up make Craftsman benchtop saws the perfect starter portable saw.
This list of the best benchtop table saws is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many other benchtop table saw manufacturers such as Grizzle, Ryobi, Rigid, Hitachi and more. Remember that the best benchtop table saw is the one that’s right for your needs, your skills and your wants. These are just some of many bestselling benchtop table saws available today.
The benchtop table saw is one of the most useful tools but also most dangerous tools you can use for home improvement projects. The benchtop table saw is a versatile which allows a woodworker to cut large or small pieces of wood or other material with amazing accuracy. Even though benchtop table saws are the smallest class of table saw they can still kick back wood and cut off fingers and be very dangerous tools.
Most benchtop table saws are small and light weight and made to be portable. This means that they are not only dangerous saws but are also prone to being moved unintentionally. Here are some safety tips to follow when using your portable benchtop table saw:
Do Not Wear Gloves When Using Your Benchtop Table Saw: When you wear work gloves you lose some ability to feel the wood move and bend under your touch which means you can’t necessarily guide the wood accurately on your benchtop table saw with gloves. Work gloves actually make your hands “bigger” and allow for the table saw’s blade to grab your glove and actually pull your hand into the blade. If a little benchtop table saw blade can cut through oak then it can also cut through your work glove and finger.
Wear Eye Protection with your Benchtop Table Saw: Benchtop table saws don’t always have the best sawdust collection systems and it doesn’t take more than a speck of dust to irritate or damage your eyes or lungs. Some benchtop table saws have superior sawdust collection and some have a pipe to connect a shop vacuum.
Secure Your Benchtop Table Saw: The advantage of a portable or benchtop table saw is that you can move it around from place to place, but that doesn’t mean you should use your benchtop table saw without securing it. You can use a specially designed benchtop table saw stand, though be sure to only use a stand designed for the saw. As the name implies you can also mount a benchtop table saw on a bench and you should always secure it tightly if possible.
Read Your Benchtop Table Saw’s Manual: Yes, a benchtop table saw is a small power tool but it is still dangerous and a lot of benchtop table saws have many unique features on them that may not immediately be clear. Always play it safe and read the manual with your benchtop table saw or any power tool you purchase.
It has been estimated that the table saw is responsible for nearly 60,000 injuries a year. Many of those injuries are obviously amateur woodworkers using benchtop table saws. Respect the power of your little portable table saw, maintain your table saw’s parts and practice good table saw safety procedures and your benchtop table saw will serve you well for years to come.
