How To Buy A Cabinet Table Saw
Accuracy
Cabinet table saws are used for two main things. The first is to increase cutting speeds and the second is to improve cut accuracy. These table saws are extremely precise. They are extremely precise thanks to their solid rip fence, large base and large table area. A well-built cabinet table saw will not have much vibration and will be well balanced.
Power
You will need more or less power depending on what material you are cutting and the type of cuts you make. Cabinet table saws use electric motors. When deciding to buy a cabinet saw, compare the motor power of different models and the electric input requirements.
Safety Features
Table saws are one of the main power tools to cause injuries, meaning safety is very important and should be a huge priority. Things like blade covers, emergency stop buttons, riving blades, and conductive braking systems are now relatively common features in table saws. Be sure to take a look at the safety features that the table saw youre interested in has.
Table Size
A cabinet table saw must be able to support the material. This can be achieved by placing the material on the tabletop and using either the miter or rip fence to guide the material.
Three Best Cabinet Table Saws Reviews
1. SawStop PCS31230-TGP236 3-HP Cabinet Table Saw Best Overall
This Saw Stopwill hurt the wallet a bit, but if table saw safety is your number one concern, this is one of the best cabinet table saws on the market. It is unlike any other. Its not only the best cabinet table saw for safety, its in the running for the best cabinet table saw overall. It is serious business.
- 69 1/20 cm W, 84 cm D, 86 Cm H
- With a keen eye for detail, you will get a perfect fit and finish
- SawStop safety system
- Professional T-Glide rip Fence System 91 cm provides smooth operation, precise measurement and lockdown without deflection
From the official product description:
Ideal for both craftsmen and hobbyists, the SawStop 3.0 horsepower Professional Cabinet Saw (model PCS31230-TGP236) delivers the performance you need with the peace of mind only SawStops patented safety system can provide. In milliseconds, the safety system detects if someone has accidentally touched the spinning saw blade and stops it. This prevents serious injury from occurring. Built to satisfy the toughest expert users, the Professional Cabinet Saw features superior dust collection and an exacting fit and finish. This model comes with a 91 cm T-Glide rip fence system for added strength and increased precision as well as rails and extension table. Official Product Description
What is the Saw StopTable Saw?
- A small electrical signal is carried by the blade.
- The signal changes when skin touches the blade because the human body has conductive properties.
- The safety system is activated when the signal changes.
- An aluminum brake springs into the spinning blade, stopping it.
- The blades‘ angular momentum propels it under the table, eliminating the possibility of contact with other objects.
- Power to the motor is shut off.
- This all happens in less that 5 milliseconds
- Resetting the saw yourself is easy. You just need to replace the blade, affordable brake cartridge, and your saw will be operational.
- The entire process of reset takes less than five seconds.
Additional safety features include a lockout key for the main power switch to prevent unauthorised users from turning the saw on, and a large start/stop pedal with hands-free shutoff. This allows you to stop the blade safely even when your hands are busy. Product Description
This video is a thorough and in-depth review of the Saw Stop. Grab some popcorn.
What’s in the Box?
3.0 horsepower saw with enclosed base, 91cm professional T-Glide Rip Fence system, table extension and two adjustable legs. 25cm 40-tooth combination knife, dust collection blade guard.
This is the best table saw Ive ever laid my hands on (no really it is). It’s hard to believe that there is any comparison between these two table saws, even though Craftsman was my first choice. This saw is too expensive for hobbyists. However, I feel that my fingers will be protected in case of blade contact. Safety feature aside, its still an amazing saw. Hoang Rockler.com Customer Review
2. Powermatic PM1000 1791000K Cabinet Table Saw Honorable Mention
This cabinet saw is stylish, and according to the Wood Whisperer, is the best one out there for the price. Not only does it look nice, its the first cabinet saw to run on 110V, which means your house will be able to handle this kind of power saw on a regular outlet in your garage or work space.
If you are looking to start woodworking, this is the table saw you should choose. If you go for a more expensive table saw, you may not be able to afford all of the tools just to get you started.
Once you purchase all the tools you need to just get started, youll find that you can always sell your less expensive starter tools and upgrade as you feel you have improved and need more top-of-the-line tools that will stand the test of time.
This cabinet table saw is a good choice for anyone who’s just beginning to do woodworking.
Minor throat place adjustment and it was ready to go. It was quieter than my old Delta. All the rip, crosscuts, and small-piece miter cuts were done flawlessly. Cuts that would have weighed down my old Delta saw were made with no whimper.
- It only requires 115V power -the first of its kind
- A saw blade surround with a collection hose provides a clear path for dust collection, maximising its effectiveness.
- Conveniently located power switch that can be used hands-free
- A tool-less guard assembly is available with side leaves that can be detached. This increases safety.
- The miter gauge pivots 60° to either side. This allows for easy adjustment for a wide range of cuts.
3. Jet 708493K JPS-10TS, 25 Cm Best Budget Pick
Jet is a brand that you shouldnt sleep on.
The Jet cabinet table saw is a great alternative to the Saw Stop if you don’t have the budget. They are quite true to their claim that you get features you would expect from a high-end cabinet see from a contractor tablesaw.
The saw blade change process is super quick and simple, and the table leaves little doubt in the quality with its cast iron construction. Jet also offers a 5-year warranty to ensure that the product lives up to its hype.
- Riving knife maintains close saw blade proximity to reduce chance of kickback
- Integrated arbor lock is accessed from table top for rapid saw blade change
- Quick release allows for tool-less mounting or removal of the saw blade guard, and riving knives.
- Easy assembly with an enclosed cabinet and a unique leg stand
- Cast iron heavy duty table with T-style miter gauge slot
This saw is extremely well-built. The saw cuts through mahogany like butter, and it runs extremely smoothly. It is clear that they took time to design it. This saw is highly recommended. Randy (HomeDepot.com review)
Buyer Guide: What You Need To Know
Are you looking for a cabinet saw?
The Table Better Be Flat
It is important that the table be flat. However, you should pay attention to the areas closest to the blades. This is the most important part that must be flat. This is nothing to worry about but if you find that the table on your saw isn’t flat, it may be worth skipping.
Zero-Clearance Inserts
Make sure you have zero-clearance inserts on the saw that you purchase. The inserts included with the saw may have a wide gap. You can make your own or purchase ones that are more closed-gapped. These are a must!
Splitter in Place
Splitter is fine, but riving knives are better. It can be used in multiple situations and doesn’t need a bulky guard. It is simple to remove the riving knife and requires only an overhead guard. Its easy to put back in place, and allows for the safest cuts possible.
Reliable Fence
Another thing you need to look for is a reliable, solid rip fence. One that, when you lock it down, it isnt going anywhere. There should be no flex (movement) and the fence itself should be nice and straight.
Miter Slot
You want to be sure that your miter saw slot isnt an odd-ball size. You won’t have any trouble finding accessories for this slot if you buy anything after-market (see picture above). It is important to ensure that the accessories you buy will fit in with your cabinet table saw’s miter slot.
The Arbor Shaft Size
The arbor, the shaft that holds your blades, should be long enough to hold a stack of blades. If you want to get the most out of every blade use our ultimate guide to buying the best table saw blades.
What You Can Usually Ignore
- Blade Guard Most of the time, the included blade guard with your saw is not very good. Don’t worry! You can buy them after-market. There are many great options. This should not be something that sells you on which one is the best cabinet table saw.
- Table leaves – It doesn’t matter if they are made from metal or not, as long as they provide support for the tabletop.
- The Blade- most stock blades are kind of crappy. This is not something to be concerned with at all when considering which is the best cabinet table saw on the market. It will be upgraded anyway.
Wrap Up
Cabinet saws are one of those items that you won’t upgrade often. We recommend buying the best cabinet saw you can afford, whether you are purchasing your first or replacing an old one. Make sure to consider how much HP you really need, check out our guide that breaks down table saw horsepower.
The old adage of if you buy on price, you buy twice is especially painful as the dollar figure goes up.
We feel really good about all 3 we discussed, but if you can swing it go for The Saw Stop.
I know none of us think well ever chop off a finger, but lets face it table saws are legit and can be very dangerous. To me, the unmatched and unique safety feature in the Saw Stop is a game changer.
