Many woodworking tools that are currently in the market can perform almost the same kind of cutting as table saws. But most of these tools require some woodworking experience to manipulate and they’re not as versatile as the table saw.
If you have DIY projects that you enjoy working on or some carpentry work that you’re engaged in your small workshop or garage, a low priced table saw would be a perfect addition to have.
These table saws are safe to use, easily portable and they have a wide range of cutting applications. They are handy power tools that use the standard electric circuitry so you can set it up in your garage.
They are also compact for easy storage but have powerful motors that cut through a variety of wood materials smoothly.
We’ve looked at several table saws in the market and we’ve come up with the best table saws under 500 to review in this article.
And if this is your first table saw you’re looking to buy, we’ve prepared a comprehensive buying guide with all the information that you’ll need to make the best choice.
The Best Table Saw Under $500 Are…
Product | Details | ||
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1. Rockwell RK7241S Table Saw | Top Pick |
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2. DeWalt DWE7485 Compact Jobsite Table Saw |
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3. Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw |
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4. Ryobi RTS11 Table Saw |
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5. Evolution RAGE5S TCT Multi-Purpose Table Saw |
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6. Genesis GTS10SB Table Saw |
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7. RIDGID R4513 Heavy Duty Portable Table Saw |
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8. TACKLIFE MTSO1A Table Saw |
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9. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw |
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1. Rockwell RK7241S Table Saw — Top Choice
This is a heavy-duty saw that you can use to cut through thick hardwood without strain on the motor. It is the highest-priced saw in our best table saw under $500 reviews but it’s well worth the money.
It is versatile because it has the best cutting depth in its class so it can cut through a wide variety of woodworking materials easily.
It also has the most rip cut capacity at 30-inches with 11–inches to the left which allows you to comfortably rip 4 x 8 sheet material. It is powered by a 15-Amp motor that delivers 4800 rpm so you get clean and professional cuts.
Another unique feature that we like is the LaserGuide Technology that helps line your cuts with the blade for precise cutting.
Its trolley stand features inbuilt wheels for easy portability and the saw comes with a dust bag for efficient dust management where you don’t have a vacuum to clean up the work area.
Specs
- SK5 steel blade
- 180-degree rotating hand grip
- Cuts up to 1/2-inch diameter
- Four feet in length
Pros
- Best in class cutting depth of up to 4-inches
- Extra-long 30-inch rip capacity
- Laser-guided cut line to improve cutting precision
- Quick folding trolley stand for easy portability
- Dust collection bag
Cons
- Blade alignment issues
This is a great saw for DIY and some light-duty professional work. It is quite accurate and it allows for cutting sheet materials and heavy pieces.
The blade alignment issues require you to disassemble and reassemble the saw which can be a nuisance. But if you can get over that, we recommend this table saw.
Overall Rating – 3.7/5
2. DeWalt DWE7485 Compact Jobsite Table Saw
This is a portable job site saw that features an 8-1/4″ blade powered by a 15-amp motor that delivers 5800 rpm.
A smaller blade is not only less expensive, but it also allows for cleaner cuts with less sawdust. Though it is compact, this saw allows you to perform a variety of applications effectively.
It features rack and pinion telescoping fence rails that provide for smooth fence adjusting. The fence has a 24.5-inch rip capacity that allows for ripping sheet goods.
Other great features include convenient onboard storage for fence and other accessories. The saw is enclosed in a metal roll cage for job site durability and easy handling when carrying it.
Some safety features include power-loss reset to prevent accidental restarts and the blade brake.
Specs
- 15-Amps 110/120V motor
- Rack and pinion telescoping fence
- Blade: 8-1/4″
- Blade Speed: 5800RPM
- Rip Capacity: 24.5-inch
- Weight: 46 lbs
Pros
- A smaller blade that delivers smoother cuts with less sawdust
- Compact and easy to carry
- Easy set-up out of the box
- Efficient dust collection
Cons
- Lacks an outfeed extension
- Not compatible with a dado blade
This table saw is an upgrade of the DW7480 saw that features a 10″ blade and has high consumer ratings. It is slightly heavier but offers the same great performance that users loved in the previous saw.
Overall Rating – 4.9/5
3. Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw — Best Job Site Saw Under $500
The Bosch portable job site saw features a 10-inch blade that runs at 5000 rpm to deliver smooth cuts. It is a lightweight saw with a one-handed carry handle for easy portability to the job site. And for protection against site conditions, it is enclosed in a steel base for durability.
This saw features an 18-inch rip capacity Square Lock fence that glides easily and has a firm lock. It provides for consistent accuracy in cutting and greater productivity. It uses a quick and easy blade guard system that provides good safety and control while cutting.
Specs
- 4HP 15-Amps 120V motor
- SquareLock Rip Fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 5000RPM
- Rip Capacity: 18-inch
- Weight: 52 lbs
Pros
- A high-quality fence that maximizes productivity
- Wide tabletop allows for cutting sheet goods easier
- Allows for easy mobility and storage
- Generous under the table storage
- Powerful motor that doesn’t bog down
- Compatible with a dado blade
Cons
- Very loud and requires ear protection during use
A quick look at user reviews will show that precise blade alignment is a major issue and the tabletop could have been of better quality. But if you’re looking to cut through thick planks and you’re not too keen on precision, give this saw a chance.
Overall Rating – 4.3/5
4. Ryobi RTS11 Table Saw — Recommended for Beginners
This compact saw has a rip capacity of just 12-inches making it the smallest table saw we’ve reviewed here. It is also the best budget saw we have here but it doesn’t mean that it can’t perform well. Because of its size, it is not very useful for professional jobs but it works well for the occasional DIY projects.
It features a 15-Amp motor that delivers 4700 rpm, enough to rip through hardwoods and other wood materials. The foldable stand provides stability while cutting and compact storage. It is also detachable to allow you to use it on any workspace you’re comfortable with.
This saw provides an extension table to increase the working surface area. For safety, it provides a tool-free adjustable blade guard and anti-kickback pawls.
It also has an integrated push stick that keeps your hands from getting too close to the blade. All in all, it is a good quality saw at a great price.
Specs
- 15-Amps 120V motor
- 12″ Rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 4700RPM
- Weight: 50 lbs
Pros
- Cast aluminum worktop for a flat and durable surface
- Steel roll cage frame that protects the table saw from damage
- Detachable folding stand for easy storage
- Very affordable for first-time buyers
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Not rated for dado blades
- Small working surface
The RTS11is a budget saw that you keep in your garage for occasional DIY projects and carpentry work. It cuts accurately and smoothly to give you a quality finish for any professional jobs you may want to work on.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
5. Evolution RAGE5S TCT Multi-Purpose Table Saw
This multipurpose table saw utilizes a patented TCT-RAGE blade that easily cuts through a variety of materials such as metal, wood, and plastic without changing it.
The blade cuts through smoothly without sparks or burrs producing a professional finish to your cuts. Also, the blade lasts longer and cuts 4X faster than the competition.
It features a 15-Amp motor that delivers a low 2500rpm to reduce stress on this saw’s unique multi-purpose blade. This, in turn, optimizes the performance of the saw to enable it to cut heavy material such as 1/4″ of mild steel smoothly.
Another great feature of this table saw is its sliding table with built-in extensions that increase the table’s surface area and support wide workpieces. It has a collapsible frame with a foot pedal and wheels for easy portability and storage.
Specs
- 15-Amps 2.4HP 110V motor
- Self-aligning rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 2500RPM
- Rip Capacity: 25.5-Inches
- Weight: 76.8 lbs
Pros
- Collapsible frame with wheels for easy mobility and storage
- A multi-purpose blade that cuts a variety of materials
- Reasonably priced with professional-grade features
- Extended worktop increases the work surface
Cons
- Not suitable for demanding work
- An ineffective dust collection system
Evolution Power Tools is a leading manufacturer of high-performance power tools such as the RAGE 5S. It one of the most versatile table saws in the market with multiple cutting applications and easy mobility at a great price.
Overall Rating – 4.0/5
6. Genesis GTS10SB Table Saw
This quality table saw features a 15-Amp motor that runs at 4800 rpm for smooth cutting. It offers quality features for a reasonable price which makes it a great option for DIY hobbyists at home. The saw performs rip cuts, crosscuts, and compound cuts for a variety of woodworking applications.
It features a generous die-cast aluminum tabletop with an optional sliding extension table that can expand the rip capacity to 24-inches. It has a self-aligning rip fence and a sliding miter gauge that enable this saw to perform accurate cuts.
Specs
- 15-Amps 120V motor
- 25″ rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 4800RPM
- Weight: 55 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight table saw for easy portability
- Reasonably priced saw for easy DIY jobs around the house
- Easy to assemble stand that provides a stable base
- Performs a wide variety of cuts
Cons
- Has an inefficient dust collection port
This is a good value table saw for light-duty projects. It has some nice features that allow it to perform a wide variety of cuts and it’s lightweight for easy mobility.
Overall Rating – 3.5/5
7. RIDGID R4513 Heavy Duty Portable Table Saw
This saw has been reconditioned to improve the quality of its features so as to improve its performance. It is a heavy-duty table saw featuring a 15-Amp motor that delivers 4000 rpm to enable you to cut a variety of materials.
Some of the updates include a more user-friendly utility trolley that has a simple one-step set up for convenience. It also provides a stable base for working which is a plus considering how heavy this saw is. The cast-iron tabletop is extendable for more working area and material support, one of the largest in its class.
It features a telescopic 25-inch rip capacity lightweight fence that takes some ingenuity to keep it aligned. It allows for ripping sheet goods and it slides easily and locks securely.
Specs
- 15-Amps 120V motor
- 25″ rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 4000RPM
- Weight: 90.5 lbs
Pros
- Tabletop provides a large working surface
- Sturdy trolley stand for easy mobility and storage
- Cast iron tabletop allows for precise cutting
- Powerful motor allows for cutting various materials
Cons
- Cheaply made to keep it low cost
- Poor quality blade adjustment mechanism
The R4513 saw is an upgrade of the popular R4510 table saw. It has great cutting power and an accurate fence once you figure out how to keep it firmly locked.
Also on this model, the manufacturer seems to have cheapened out on some materials which lower the overall quality for it to be serious saw. However, it works well for DIY and small residential jobs.
Overall Rating – 2.9/5
8. TACKLIFE MTSO1A Table Saw
This is a well-priced job site table saw that is convenient for simple DIY projects. It comes with a 15-Amp motor for cutting through various woodworking materials without effort. It has some nice features that we like and it’s great quality for the price.
Its table surface is aluminum and provides a smooth working surface. It allows for extensions on both sides to 3.9-inches for a generous working surface and offers good support for ripping longer wood pieces.
It features a clear see-through blade guard for visibility while cutting while offering protection. The fence allows for straight and accurate cutting and has a firm lock.
Specs
- 15-Amps 120V motor
- 1″ Rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 4800RPM
- Weight: 47.5 lbs
Pros
- Good quality for the price
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Makes clean and accurate cuts
- Good value table saw for home DIY projects
Cons
- Frustrating to assemble
- Not compatible with dado blades
Tacklife is a Chinese company that manufactures quality and affordable power tools such as this table saw. This is a good option for DIY jobs and it cuts well with a professional finish.
Overall Rating – 3.9/5
9. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw
This lightweight saw allows for easy portability and features a rubberized handle for one-handed carrying. But the best feature of this saw is its worm drive motor that provides extra power for ripping without overheating or bogging down.
It is a first in the market and it has the added advantage of having dual copper windings that keep the motor running cool for longer and increases the motor’s durability.
On the flip side, it provides a little extra weight and when you compare with the other job site saws in our best table saw under 500 reviews, there is about 10 lbs difference in weight.
Other features include a self-aligning rip fence that is unreliable for accuracy though it has a 25-inch rip capacity and a 4-inch wide outfeed to comfortably rip 4×8 sheet goods.
Specs
- 15-Amps 120V Worm Drive motor
- Self-aligning rip fence
- Blade: 10″
- Blade Speed: 5300RPM
- Rip Capacity: 25-inch
- Weight: 59 lbs
Pros
- A high-performance motor that allows for demanding work
- An aluminum table provides a smooth working surface
- Low noise and low vibration for smooth cuts
- Good quality build that provides stability
Cons
- Loose rip fence makes it unreliable
This saw has a good solid build and an excellent, powerful motor that is sure to increase productivity but they compromised on the rip fence. It is well priced and it’s a great go-to saw if you’ve got time to keep rechecking the accuracy of your fence.
Overall Rating – 4.3/5
Buying Guide For Getting The Best Table Saw Under $500
Trying to get the best table saw under $500 can be more of a challenge than just getting a regular table saw. They are limited in the amount of work they can perform and they are cheaply made which means that most features have been compromised to reduce costs.
But even with all these challenges, budget table saws can make a great addition to your garage workshop because they are effective for DIY projects.
Table saws are also versatile in the types of cuts they can perform and are safer to use than most other woodworking tools and also doesn’t require an experienced hand.
So, how do you decide which table saw to get? Let us look at the most important features consider when buying to help you decide.
Motor
These budget saws feature a 15-Amp motor that runs on the standard residential circuitry. It’s a small motor but it allows for cutting most wood materials.
Some table saws have a more superior motor such as the SKILSAW Worm Drive Table Saw which provides extra power without bogging down or overheating.
Rip Capacity and Cutting Depth
The quality of the rip fence is important because it determines the accuracy of your cuts.
Because these are budget saws, getting a precise fence will be unlikely but the DeWalt Saw does feature a good quality telescoping fence. Aim for a sturdy fence that locks well because it can give you good service over time.
The rip capacity is another feature to consider because it will determine the widest cut you can make with the saw. Most of the table saws in this review feature rip capacities above 25-inches which make them eligible to cut standard sized 48 x 96-inches plywood sheets.
The Rockwell Saw features the largest rip capacity in our best table saw under 500 reviews as well as the best cutting depth in its class at 4-inches.
Blade and Blade Speed
Another consideration is the cutting depth of the table saw. Most 10″- blade saws can cut 3-inches of wood and most wood materials comfortably.
You can also check out the Evolution Saw, a multipurpose saw that has a special blade that is able to cut a variety of other materials such as metals and plastics.
Size and Weight
Most table saws in this class are lightweight and portable. They are easy to store because of their compact design and most feature a trolley stand for portability.
Other features that affect the size include outfeeds which increase the working table surface area. These are great because they allow for cutting bigger materials but they also can make the table saw unstable.
Conclusion
Finally, it is important to look at what safety features are included such as the effectiveness of the blade guard and if it provides clear visibility while cutting.
Others include the riving knife and anti-kickback pawls that help prevent kickback and the push stick to prevent your hands from coming too close with the blade while cutting.
Though most features are scaled down to make the table saws affordable, they are still good enough for producing some amazing DIY projects. And when all things are considered, the Rockwell RK7241S Table Saw comes out on top as the best table saw under 500 and offers the best value for money.
It rates well for best in class cutting depth and for the largest rip capacity. It also features the most stable trolley stand in our reviews and it is the only saw that comes with a dust collection bag and a laser guide for accurate cutting in our reviews.