Best Portable Table Saw Review 2022
Best Portable Table Saw Review
Portable table saws are very much the kind of tool that is perfect for contractors who work in different locations on a regular basis. The convenience they provide means that you can use a portable table saw to cut wood to size whilst onsite rather than having to keep going back to the workshop. Large power tool manufacturers have focused on improving the technology of portable table saws and now there is a wide range of different options available on the market. So, that’s exactly why we created this review. To point you in the right direction of the best portable table saws on the market today. Our goal is to help you get a great tool, that has the power and reliability you need, without having to break the bank.
We don’t believe in rating saws, because it really is a matter of which is best for you. They are also difficult to compare because they are designed to meet different needs and be more suited to certain tasks. But what we try to do is make our recommendations based on the different requirements from users. For example, we’ll pick our overall favourites, then we’ll pick a portable table saw that we feel offers the best value for money. We will also mention the best that money can buy (which is not always our top pick), as well as picking our top pick for home enthusiasts and for contractors.
At Wonkee Donkee, we like to finish the reviews with a buyers guide that’s created for less experienced users. At the bottom of this review, we have a full table saw guide for anyone who wants to know more about the specifications, variations and features. We also go into detail as to why they matter, so you can pick a saw that matches your needs.
With portable table saws, it can be quite confusing because they offer a lot of different features, which naturally bring with them different benefits. We’ll talk you through these different features, so you have a clearer understanding of which is the right portable table saw for you.
DEWALT DW745 Compact Job-Site Table Saw
There are no surprises what this portable table saw is all about, it’s in the name. The DeWalt DW745 is a beast of a table saw, and not just compared to other portable table saws. It’s run by a fierce 1850 watt motor that delivers both incredible power and reliability.
The tabletop is made from cast iron and has been specifically designed to deliver the precision you should expect from a high-quality DeWalt table-saw. The steel roll cage gives you protection, stopping things falling on it, which happens regularly on busy job-sites. So this is a really handy feature.
Then finally, we get to the portability of the table saw. It’s really quite staggering how lightweight and easy to move the DeWalt table saw is. Considering the amount of power produced and the strong materials used to build it. You can easily get it onto sites, move it around to where you need to work it and transport it in your vehicle.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 1850 Watt
- Weight: 22KG
- Size: 85.4 x 68.4 x 37.6 cm
What We Like:
- Lightweight and Powerful
- Extra Standard Safety Features
- Overload Protection System
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Shop Fox W1819 HP 10-Inch Table Saw
When it comes to our premium, no financial constraint, best portable table saw, we’ve gone for a surprising outsider: the Shop Fox W1819. It’s not your typical lightweight table saw, like most others that will make this list, but rather it’s something that needs to be set up. If you only need a portable table saw for small jobs then this might not be suitable for you.
But if you tend to get set up and do a lot of jobs on a table saw on-site, then the Shop Fox W1819 might be for you. It is designed for this too, with additional sturdiness and durability make it able to power through the heaviest of workloads with ease. The quality is on a par with static commercial table saws, even though it actually designed to be moved to job sites. This tends to be where portable table saws struggle against static models but Shop Fox has really addressed this.
So whether this portable table saw is the right one for you is really a matter of your requirements. If you have projects that require a lot of work for a table saw, and it’s the kind of work you need to complete onsite, this is a great choice. If you have projects where the workload for the table saw is more sporadic or less demanding, then you’ll probably prefer one of the more lightweight portable table saws, like the DEWALT DW745.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 12.8 Amps
- Weight: 457 Pounds
- Size: 62 x 41 x 40 inches
What We Like:
- Ability to Complete Large Projects
- Quick-Release Blade Guard
- Magnetic Switch
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SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw
Flipping the switch, we are now going to give our recommendation for the best portable table saw which in our opinion is the complete table saw. This portable table saw also has a solid reputation amongst most tool experts, so it’s not just us who thinks it’s great. The reason that the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch table saw is so good is that it is the easiest to move and setup without a drop in reliability and precision. Don’t get us wrong, there are others on the market that do this well. For example, there is a good Makita portable saw, but it doesn’t get that balance as right at the SKIL 3410 does.
For a start, it has a foldaway stand that is extremely practical. It’s very compact and easy to store and transport, but equally, it has an extending table that allows you to work on larger jobs with relative ease. We’re also massive fans of the self-aligning rip fence that ensures your measurements are accurate, so you can make accurate cuts every time.
As with many top table saws, it’s always the little things that differentiate them from others. For the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch table saw, how you can set it up and start using it within minutes is the key feature. Add to this a design that has extra tool storage, giving you more space to comfortably store the bits and pieces you need to keep close by. If you are serious about needing a portable table saw then you simply must check out the SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch table saw.
Specifications
- Motor Size: 15 Amps
- Weight: 67 Pounds
- Size: 28.9 x 12.99 x 20.87 Inches
What We Like:
- Heavy-Duty Steel Folding Stand
- EZ View Measurement System
- Self-Aligning Rip Fence
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Portable Table Saw Buying Guide
If you are new to portable table saws, or you need more guidance relating to what’s important when picking the right table saw, this is really going to help. We always write full buyers guides at the bottom of our reviews to help you make the right decision for you.
Weight
As we mentioned in our reviews, there is no average table saw. They come at different weights, even across the portable table saw ranges. This is something you really need to bear in mind as you’re looking at which portable table saw is most suitable for you. As a general rule of thumb, it depends on the type of work you do. If you tend to work with wood a lot and complete long projects where you’ll have the table saw on site for extended periods of time; then it makes sense to consider a more solid, heavier saw that takes longer to set up but will manage a heavier workload.
On the flip side, if you work on smaller projects and you need a table saw you can wheel up, set up quickly and make a few cuts; then the more compact versions are probably a better fit. Don’t forget to factor in what type of transport you’ll be using to move it from job site to job site. In addition, you will need to think about your physical capabilities when looking at the weight of different table saws. As you will want a model that you can easily move without fatigue or causing yourself potential injuries.
Power
Power is another factor that really varies depending on the saw. Even on the best table saws, due to the way they are designed to excel in different areas, power output can really fluctuate. Generally speaking, if you want more power, then you are going to need a higher Rotations Per Minute (RPM).
Many of the best table saws (including portable versions) have additional features like turbo switches, which will allow you to increase performance for a limited amount of time. This means that it might work out better for you to have a lighter-weight saw that has a standard RPM, but with the option of a turbo boost that allows you that extra kick in performance when you need it.
Anti-kickback
Safety features on all power tools are essential. At Wonkee Donkee, safety is the first thing we look at when reviewing a power tool. From what safety features are included, to how the device protects the user. One of the most important safety features for a power tool like a portable table saw is the anti-kickback features.
When you’re sawing a piece of wood (not only but in this case) the blade can slip off the wood causing the plank to kickback. Either towards the operator, which is very dangerous for obvious reasons; but also away from the operator causing them to be pushed towards the blade, which is even more dangerous. All of the table saws included in our best portable table saw review include anti-kickback safety features because for us its a necessity. If you choose to pick a portable table saw that we haven’t included in our review, then you should definitely check the safety features to ensure the safety of you and anyone around you.
Portable Table Saws - Frequently Asked Questions
How to use a Portable Table Saw?
If you’re new to using a portable table saw and you’re not quite sure how to best operate the saw, or how to ensure you’re using the safety features effectively, then you’re in exactly the right place. At Wonkee Donkee, we have created a step-by-step breakdown for you on how to use a portable table saw.
1. Start by setting up the portable table saw. Likely you’ll need to unpack and unfold the saw first. Setting up portable saws varies slightly between models so make sure you read the instructions of your device fully before starting.
2. Ensure that the saw is plugged into a suitable power source. If you are working on a busy job site and there’s a lot going on around you make sure you keep cables neatly tucked away and warn others whilst your using the table saw.
3. Next, you need to set your mitre gauge to the angle you would like to cut the wood or other material at.
4. Your table saw might be lightweight or portable but you still need to set up the accessories that will keep you safe, like a shroud, fence, and the extending table if you need it. If you have a roll cage, which is common with portable saws, set that up too. The instructions for setting up all of these on your specific portable table saw will be in your instruction manual.
5. Once the safety accessories for the saw are set up, you will need to turn the power on.
6. For accuracy, make sure you set the material that you want to cut at the right angle and double-check that all of your measurements are correct.
7. You should ALWAYS put on safety goggles and gloves before operating a table saw as this provides protection from any debris or your hand from coming into contact with the saw.
8. Once you are wearing the appropriate safety equipment, start pushing your material into the saw’s blade and you should be able to see the saw starting to cut through it.
9. Repeat this until the job has been completed.
What is the best RPM for a Portable Table Saw?
You’ll find that each table saw will have different Rotation Per Minute (RPM). Sometimes they hit as low as 3500 RPM. But usually, you will find the RPM sits between 4000 and 5000 RPM. However, do not be swayed into thinking that the golden rule is that the higher the RPM, the better the tool. Because what it really depends on is the torque rating. In layman’s terms, that means you’ll get more accurate cuts, more consistently, because the blade is less likely to get jammed. Ideally, you’ll want a combination of both a high RPM and a good torque rating, like with the DeWalt table saw range.
Portable Table Review Conclusion
There are many different portable table saws available on the market, and it can be very difficult to decide which one is going to be best for you and your needs. Portable table saws are a specific type of table saw that has some really great benefits. For instance, they don’t take up as much room compared to a regular table saw. Other benefits include that some models work just as well in terms of power and that they can work with larger jobs too because some models come with an extendable table.
But, before you do go ahead and purchase one, it’s best to check out our portable table saw buyer’s guide. This is because it will tell you all the things that you need to look out for, what they mean and how to get the most value out of the portable table saw you choose. Not only this, but it’s always worth checking out the maximum power that it has and comparing this to other portable table saws too.
