Contractor table saws, as the name suggests, are a favorite for woodworking contractors for a variety of reasons. Top among them is the ability to move these saws around from job site to job site, a feature that is convenient for many contractors.
This is because having your table saw on site is more productive because all your cuts are accurately measured on-site.
Another reason is that these saws feature industry-grade components but are much more affordable than the industry-grade table saws. That means you’ll get a high performance saw for a fraction of the price. This is a good reason as any to get yourself one.
To help you with that, we’ve picked the best contractor table saws in the market to review for you. We compare and highlight their features and later we explain in great detail which features are a top priority when choosing which table saw to buy.
Our Top Contractor Table Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Makita 2705x1 Contractor Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw — Best Contractor Table Saw
Jobsite table saws are invaluable for being easy to carry to the job site and give you the same cutting accuracy as a stationary table saw. The DeWalt comes with a stable, mobile stand that is easy to set up and takedown.
This saw features a powerful 15 A motor that can deliver 4800 RPM blade speed. It gives the saw plenty of power to rip through hardwood and treated wood for construction.
It also features a Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence system that allows for up to 32-inches rip capacity for cutting larger shelving and trim materials.
This fence system also includes a flip fence that allows for narrow cuts and supports wider material for cutting. It has retractable rails that make the saw compact for portability.
Specs
- Motor: 15 A
- 5″ Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence System
- Dimensions: 21-7/8″ x 26-3/8″
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM
- Weight: 90lbs
Pros
- Highly accurate and easy to use fence system
- Features a safety cover on the power switch
- Telescoping fence rails retract for compactibility
- Onboard storage system
Cons
- Difficult blade alignment
This DeWalt Jobsite saw has a wide application in the construction industry such as remodeling, cabinetry, and trimming. It is a great starter saw for new woodworkers but at the same time, it comes with industry-grade features for serious woodworkers and professional jobs.
Overall Rating – 4.7/5
2. Makita 2705×1 Contractor Table Saw — Best Value for Money
This contractor table saw comes with a portable stand with heavy-duty wheels for easy portability and stability while cutting. The stand uses a spring-loaded system to adjust and fold for storage.
This saw is versatile for use at the workshop or the job site and it comes with industry-grade features for professional applications.
It features a 15 A motor that delivers powerful cutting performance with 4800 RPM blade speed. It has a smaller ripping fence than the Dewalt fence at 25″ but allows for a right-hand extension table for greater capacity to rip 4’x 8′ construction sheets.
The saw also includes a 3/8″ x 3/4″ T-slot miter gauge for cross-cutting jobs
Specs
- Motor: 15 A
- 25″ Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 24-5/8″ x 22-1/4″
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4800 RPM
- Weight: 114.7lbs
Pros
- Portable stand with 5-position height adjustments for comfort
- Features an electric brake system
- Compact design for easy portability
- Delivers shop-quality precise cuts
- Right extension table increases rip capacity
Cons
- Comes with a low-quality rip fence
This table saw is small enough for portability but it is great for cutting through hardwood and thick blocks of wood without stressing the motor or damaging the blade. It is engineered for use in most construction projects however you may need to upgrade the fence system.
Overall Rating – 4.2/5
3. SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw — Best for Safety
The big reason this saw is a favorite for woodworkers is its built-in safety system. It utilizes a simple electric sensor to activate the blade brake when it comes into contact with your skin. This is the only saw in the market that has protected hundreds of woodworkers from losing their fingers on the table.
Other great features include a professional grade 1.75 HP TEFC motor that allows for continuous use with minimal maintenance.
This motor can cut through sheet goods and wood up to 3-1/8″ thick without struggling. Its cast-iron components have dampened the motor significantly to reduce vibration.
So what you get with SawStop is a quiet table saw with a precise and durable table and a 36″ T-Glide fence assembly that offers the accuracy of a professional class saw.
Specs
- Left Tilt Operation
- Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 120v 14 A 1-Phase
- 36″ Professional T-Glide Fence Assembly
- Dimensions: 69-1/8″ W x 45″ D x 34-3/4″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Weight: 310 lbs
Pros
- Best-In Class SawStop safety system
- An effective dust collection system
- Cast Iron components provide stability
- Out of box precise calibration
- Mobile wheelbase provides easy mobility
Cons
- Short 1-year warranty
- Small working surface for large sheets
The saw has a solid construction, a flat and precise table and comes with professional-grade features for top performance. It scores highly on safety, accuracy, and value for money.
Overall Rating – 4.0/5
4. Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw — Best for Beginners
This contractor saw allows for easy transportation from the shop to your worksite with a Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand that features a single-action design for easy setup and mobility.
It comes with a powerful 4max HP motor that delivers 3650 RPM and can cut through fine and rough carpentry materials. The motor has a soft start circuitry that ramps it up and maintains the optimum operating speed under load.
It comes with a SquareLock rip fence that is engineered for precision and ease of operation. The table saw has a 25-inch rip capacity which is enough of a work surface to rip most job site sheet goods.
We should also highlight the Smart Guard System that features a three-position adjustable riving knife and anti-kickback pawls with a clear view blade guard.
Specs
- Motor: 4 HP 120V 15 A
- 25″ Square Lock Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 47 W x 30.25″ D x 35.5″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 3650 RPM
- Weight: 92 lbs
Pros
- Provides a large working surface to support the workpiece
- Powerful 4max HP motor that works well under load
- Foldable and adjustable table saw stand with pneumatic wheels for mobility
- Throat plate insert for using dado blades
- Smart Guard system safety feature
Cons
- Does not have perfect precision
- An inefficient dust collection system
The saw works like it should for the price. The wheeled stand may wear out after repeated use as it is not very strong. It also takes a bit of time assembling it but it will, for the most part, be well-calibrated for accuracy out of the box.
Overall Rating – 4.5/5
5. Powermatic PM1000 Cabinet Table Saw — Best Stationary Saw
This a small cabinet base contractor saw that runs a 1.75 HP, single-phase motor with a poly-V belt to reduce noise and vibration from the moving parts.
It holds115V that is adjustable to 230V to enable you to cut heavier wood. This saw can conveniently be plugged in your garage without having to rewire for more power.
Even though it is designed to be a contractor saw, it comes with industry-grade components making this a premium stationary saw for a good price.
It comes with a cast iron table and a choice of a 30-inch or 50-inch Accu-Fence system, an industry-grade fence assembly that provides precision and rigidity.
Other features we like include an arbor lock for one-handed blade changes and a miter gauge that provides for a full range of cuts.
This saw has an efficient dust collection system that works along with the blade guard to maximize dust collection for a healthy work environment and enhanced safety.
Specs
- Motor: 1.75 HP (60Hz TEFC) 115v 15/7.5 A 1-Phase
- 30″/50″ Accu-Fence System
- Dimensions: 43″ W x 61″ D x 44″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4200 RPM
- Weight: 346 lbs
Pros
- Allows a maximum rip capacity of 52-inches
- Convenient hands-free power switch
- Easy blade height and bevel adjustments with a 7-inch handwheel
- Professional-grade components and fence system
- 115V power connection for small workshop use
Cons
- Comes with a short 3-foot power cord
- Cannot be used with a thin kerf knife
- Does not come with in-built castors for mobility
This table saw is rated among the best in its class. It provides top-quality features for a reasonably priced saw.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
6. SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw — Best for Professional
This heavy-duty table saw is packed with superior quality features for woodworking enthusiasts and professionals alike. The most differentiating feature that sets this saw apart from the rest in our best contractor table review is its worm drive motor.
Although all the motors featured here are powerful, the worm drive has more torque to deliver a higher RPM to cut through materials 4 times faster than a regular table saw.
It features a 30.5 Rack and Pinion fence system that makes adjustments easy for smooth cuts. The rip capacity is 2-inches smaller than the Dewalt job site saw but its outfeed and left support allows it to perform larger cuts.
Another outstanding feature is the portable stand that is strong enough to transport this saw over rough construction surfaces and stairs.
Specs
- Motor: 15 A Worm Drive Geared
- 5″ Rack and Pinion Rip Fence
- Dimensions: 35″ H x 29.5″ W x 52.6″ L
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 5000 RPM
- Weight: 98.8lbs
Pros
- Worm Drive motor that provides increased productivity
- Rugged portable stand provides easy mobility and storage
- Features an efficient dust port elbow
- Outfeed and left support system allows for large sheets to cut by one person
- Easy blade adjustments for miter cuts.
Cons
- Low-quality T-rail miter gauge
The worm drive motor utilizes dual copper windings to keep it running cool while making tough cuts. This ensures that the motor doesn’t overheat allowing it to be perfect for heavy-duty cuts.
The SKILSAW brand is known for providing top quality, reliable equipment, and this table saw is no exception.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
7. Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw — Best for DIY
This lightweight contractor saw designed to give you high performance and value for money. Though it is not a professional grade saw, it features some of the top-quality features you would find in the more expensive professional saws.
The best of these features include the Biesemeyer style fence system with dual rip windows that brings reliable accuracy to your cuts.
It features a unique open base shaped in a tubular style for maximum support. The base has fewer parts for quick assembling and also comes with three castor wheels for easy mobility.
Other great features include an easy-access power switch and a tool-free split guard design that makes changing the blade easy.
Specs
- Left tilt operation
- Motor: 1 HP 120V – 240v 15 A 1-Phase
- 30″ Biesemeyer Style Fence with dual rip windows
- Blade Size: 10″
- Weight: 230 lbs
Pros
- Heavy-duty Biesemeyer style fence provides accuracy
- Easy and quick set up
- The unique stand provides stability
- Good value for money
- One-piece rail system for more precise cuts
Cons
- No zero clearance available to use a dado blade
- Plywood base extension table
This saw offers better performance than other saws in its class and is also at a much better price. It is also highly accurate when assembled, has minimal vibrations to keep it accurate over time.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
8. Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table Saw
This is another cabinet style table saw that features a heavy-duty steel base for stability. Like the Powermatic, this saw also features cast iron components that help to reduce vibrations and at the same time provide durable and precise cutting surfaces.
It comes with a wooden extension table with adjustable legs which allows for a 49″ ripping capacity.
It is great that it has a cast iron table and extension wings which provide a smooth working surface. However, it comes with a rip fence system that you would get on a lower quality table saw which will affect the accuracy of your cuts.
It comes with a powerful 3 HP motor with a lower 4300 RPM to enable continuous use. It is designed for cabinet wood and plywood though some reviews saw it cut through 4-inches smoothly.
Specs
- Left tilt operation
- Motor: 3 HP 220v 14.5 A 1-Phase
- 48″ Camlock T-Shape w/HDPE Face
- Dimensions: 82″ W x 41″ D x 40″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4300 RPM
- Weight: 546 lbs
Pros
- Has a powerful motor that cuts clean
- Precise calibration
- Easy assembly process
- Features a true riving knife that moves and tilts with the blade
Cons
- An inefficient dust collection system
- A lower quality fence system
- Doesn’t offer mobility
This is one of the best-priced cabinet saws in the market. Other than the T-Square fence system that may require shimming to make it accurate, it offers several good quality features for the price.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
9. Powermatic PM2000 Cabinet Table Saw
This is another favorite for woodworkers. Unlike the open base that SawStop features, this saw has the heaviest cast iron cabinet base in its class with almost zero vibration.
It also comes with a cast iron table with extensions and a trunnion mechanism that adds to the stability of the table.
Unfortunately, this also adds on to the overall weight of the saw which is at a massive 627 pounds, twice the weight of the SawStop above.
The cast-iron components make this table saw the high quality and durable. It also offers a mar-free, smooth surface for accuracy and support for bulky workpieces.
The saw uses an industry-standard Accu-Fence system to facilitate accurate cuts while a heavy-duty miter gauge with a 13-inch extension fence provides stability and accurate angle adjustments for miter cuts.
Specs
- Left Tilt Operation
- Motor: 3 HP 230v 14.5 A 1-Phase
- 30″ Accu-Fence Assembly
- Dimensions: 37″ W x 45″ D x 34-3/4″ H
- Blade Size: 10″
- Arbor Speed: 4500 RPM
- Weight: 627 lbs
Pros
- 5-Year Warranty
- Industry-standard Accu-Fence system provides accuracy
- Cast iron construction provides stability and zero vibration
- Out of box precise calibration
- Built-in and retractable caster system to provide mobility
- Faster and safer blade and riving knife changing process
Cons
- Short power cord limits the range of mobility
- Cast iron base and the extension wings may not be perfectly aligned
The PM2000 is a powerful cabinet saw that is excellent for small workshops. The motor can withstand continuous use and has enough power to cut through hardwood without stress.
It has a smaller work surface than the SawStop and it doesn’t have any innovative safety features.
Overall Rating – 3.9/5
What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Contractor Table Saw
Contractor table saws can be found in two categories, that is, portable table saws and stationary table saws.
Portable Contractor Table Saw
The portable saws include the Bench Top table saw, which is the smallest and most affordable, and the Compact table saw which comes with a stand to hold the saw.
The portable Contractor table saw, also known as the Jobsite or Worksite table saw, has more rugged construction for durability and comes with industry-grade features to handle heavy-duty work.
The motors come with more power and a faster blade speed which gives you smooth cuts on thick blocks.
They also come with a professional-grade fence such as the Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence System whose rails can retract to keep the saw compact for easy storage.
But the trademark feature of portable Contractor tables saws is the mobility stand. It acts as the base of the table saw but it also has wheels to help you move the saw around to where you’ll set it up for work.
Some features of portable contractor table saws include:
- Powerful 15 A 120V motors that deliver more RPM for smooth cuts on thick material
- Professional-grade rip fence with a bigger rip capacity.
- More work surface area with outfeed supports and extension tables
- Rugged construction for durability as it is constantly being moved from job site to job site.
- Stable mobility stands with wheels for easy portability.
Stationary Contractor Table Saws
There are three types of stationary table saws. The Hybrid table saw is the newer type in this category and it combines features of the contractor saw and the cabinet saw. They are light-duty saws that are affordable making them a favorite choice for beginners and casual users.
The Cabinet table saw is a heavy-duty saw designed for continuous work. It features professional-grade components that provide durability and reliability for a high production shop. It has a solid closed base that helps to reduce vibrations and mechanical noise and provides stability.
Stationary Contractor table saws are also as light-duty as the portable versions with lighter components to keep the weight down. The motors on these saws are between 1 HP to 2 HP power.
The better quality models have TEFC motors that enable them to work continuously without maintenance for busy workshops. The motors are not enclosed which means they’re louder with an inefficient dust collection system. The saw’s base comes with castors that allow mobility.
Some features of stationary contractor table saws include:
- 1 HP to 2 HP induction motors that utilize normal 120V power outlets for convenience.
- Non-enclosed motors that are louder and have more vibrations than cabinet table saws
- Feature a lighter construction such as sheet metal extension wings and plywood extension tables
- Trunnions are mounted under the table which makes it harder to align the blade with the miter gauge.
- Some have bases with caster wheels to allow for mobility.
How To Choose The Best Contractor Table Saw
The Motor
Most contractor table saws have 15-amp motors with 1 HP – 2 HP. The motor is powered with normal 120V power outlets which are convenient for most users.
Some contractor saws feature dual voltage systems that allow up to 240V for more power. Other saws such as this SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw utilize a worm drive motor that delivers more power for increased productivity.
Rip Fence
The quality of the fence system will greatly affect the precision and accuracy of the cuts that your saw makes. The newer models of contractor table saws feature high-quality rip fence systems that you’d normally find in the high-end industrial models.
The Delta 36-5000 Contractor Table Saw is a good example of an affordable saw featuring a professional class rip fence. It uses a Biesemeyer style fence system that is the industry standard for professional table saws but the table saw remains affordable for the average consumer.
The Base
For stationary table saws, the base supports all the mechanical parts of the saw. Contractor table saws feature an open base and a non-enclosed motor.
The newer versions such as the SawStop CNS175-TGP36 Contractor Table Saw have a mobile hybrid base that is partly enclosed to reduce noise and dampen vibrations as well as to improve the dust collection system.
The portable saws feature a portable stand that enables the saw to be moved around easily. Some well-designed stands such as the Makita 2705×1 Contractor Table Saw allow you to make height adjustments to a comfortable position.
Table and Extension Wings
Contractor table saws mostly feature tabletops made of lighter material such as aluminum or a lighter stamped steel to keep the overall weight of the table saw down and to make them affordable.
A good example is the Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw which features a cast-aluminum tabletop that offers a sufficient workspace for most typical jobs. It is a reliable top without humps that will give you the accuracy required when cutting.
Final Thoughts
A final but important consideration is the safety system of the table saw. Although these saws are relatively safer than many other woodworking tools, it’s important to know and understand their safety features and how reliable they can be.
I trust that the contractor table saw reviews in this article have helped to make the decision of which table saw to get considerably easier.
But if you’re still not too sure which is the best for your needs, we recommend the DeWalt DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw. This table saw provides professional class performance in a compact and affordable package for all your job site projects.
