Not long ago, I was looking at starting my own little woodworking space in my house. I enjoyed crafting but struggled to find time. Then, I just made the decision to move forward and start investing in the right tools. The first big tool would be this: finding the best table saw under $500.
I knew it wouldn’t be a “top of the line” model. But I could make it work because I couldn’t drop $1,000 or more here. So come along with me and see how my journey went to discover this table saw. Maybe you can find one that works for you too!
Table of Contents
The Best Table Saw Under 500 Comparison Table
Top Table Saw Under 500 Reviews
Check out our reviews of the top 5 table saws for your money.
Bosch 4100-10 Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Our #1 Choice For Top Table Saw Under $500
Professional rip capacity that can get the job done.
Pros:
- Strong power
- Large Cast Aluminum Top
- Smart Guard System
- Soft-Start Circuitry
- Portable
Cons:
- Not easy to adjust rip fence
- Useless dust catching system
- Miter gauge is not good
The Bosch 4100-10 Portable Jobsite Table Saw is one of the best table saws under $500 that can help you accomplish all the wood-cutting jobs that you have. This 10 in. 15-amp worksite table saw can deliver 4.0 max HP and 3,650 RPM. The Bosch 4100-10 Saw, with this powerful combination, will work just great for ripping, rip-cutting and cross-cutting fine and rough carpentry materials.
A Bosch Portable Table Saw has a large cast aluminum top that features a large cutting surface area and a ripping capacity handling stock for up to 25 inches wide. This increased workspace and material support that Bosch has, can cover all typical jobsite rip-cutting widths. So whether you’re ripping new decking or just a fun art project with the kids, this Bosch has you covered.
This top table saw under 500 has a Smart Guard System. While the guard assembly provides a barrier to help prevent blade contact, it will allow you to have an unobstructed view of the cut. The Bosch’s riving knife and anti-kickback pawls can provide protection.
The Bosch 4100-10 Portable Jobsite Table Saw can manage the intensity of motor start-up. Incorporating a soft-start circuitry, this top-rated table saw under $500 is in for a smooth but quick ramp-up. This can also minimize the possibility of tripping a circuit breaker. It also includes Constant Response circuitry that will help maintain speed under load and overload protection.
The Bosch Table Saw is a portable table saw with an innovative, gravity-rise, collapsible table saw stand. This will allow you to adjust its height to meet your specific needs in accordance to the job that needs to be done. Aside from its innovative table, this affordable table saw also has an 8-inch treaded pneumatic wheels that provides mobility from jobsite to jobsite.
A Bosch 4100-10 Table Saw is a great table saw, but it does have drawbacks. First, its rip fence is not easy to adjust with just one hand. It takes a little struggling until you get used to the mechanism. Second, its dust catching system is pretty poor as also commented by several other users. Third, the miter gauge is not that good in doing its job.
Overall, Bosch 4100-10 Portable Jobsite Table Saw is an innovative table saw. It will surely get your wood-cutting job done. Check this out here on Amazon.
DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw
Ripping through hardwoods made easy.
Pros:
- Powerful Motor
- Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence Rails
- Site-Pro Modular Guarding System
- Metal Roll Cage Base
- Compact
Cons:
- Short power cord
- Miter gauge doesn’t snug tight
- Loud
What’s also considered to be one of the best table saws under $500 is the DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw. This model includes a redesigned 15-Amp motor which is combined with 4800 RMP motor. This combination will allow you to quickly rip through different hardwoods with an ease. DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw has an increased cutting capacity compared to the previous DEWALT table saws.
DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw features rack and pinion telescoping fence rails that allows you to make fence adjustments quick, smooth and accurate. This DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw with a 24-1/2 inch of rip, can easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials.
This top-rated saw under $500 has a Modular Guarding System that will allow you to freely adjust the guarding components appropriate for each application without using any tool. DEWALT Table Saw also has a 24-tooth carbide blade that enhances the cut quality while prolonging blade life. The blade can be adjusted 0-45 degrees for a smooth bevel cut too.
The DEWALT DWE7480 has a metal roll cage base that offers greater durability than plastic bases. It also has adjustable rear feet that are designed to level the saw while working on any uneven work surfaces and table coating that reduces friction for smoother cutting.
DEWALT Compact Table Saw features an on-board storage that will give you an easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding Components and push stick when they’re not in use. This table saw is also lightweight compared to some of the table saws out there. Weighing at only 45 lbs., it’s about 10% lighter than most other models currently.
A DEWALT DWE7480 Table Saw is an amazing woodcutting tool. However, it does have flaws. First, it has a short power cord. This can can be quite limiting to some people, but you can always grab an extension cord. Second, like some of the other brands of table saws, the miter gauge on this table saw isn’t great. You can buy an additional one that will be more reliable like this one here. Third, this DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw is loud to use for some users and noise-sensitive people.
Overall, DEWALT DWE7480 Compact Table Saw is a durable table saw. You’ll know all it can do once you get your hands on it. You can check it out here on Amazon.
Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw
With precision that never compromises.
Pros:
- Tough Motor
- Square Lock Rip Fence
- Smart Guard System
- Portability and Durability
- Convenient Storage
Cons:
- It is loud
- A bit heavy
- Doesn’t have a soft start
Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw is yet another contender in our list of best table saws under $500. This Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw is equipped with 15-Amp of power and 4.0 HP and a 5000 no-load RPM motor for a broad range of jobsite applications.
The Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw features a Square Lock Rip Fence that helps to decrease waste by increasing cutting trueness and maximizing output. This Square Lock Rip Fence, with auxiliary fence slots and a T-slot miter gauge, has been designed to be the best and most accurate in the business. It is capable of gliding smoothly along the rail for easy one-handed operation. It also locks quickly into place.
Bosch GTS1031 Table Saw as a top-rated table saw under 500 has a Smart Guard System. Its modular blade guard can be attached and detached in mere seconds. The riving knife prevents any material from pinching the blade while it provides superior control over the material as it cuts.
This Bosch Portable Table Saw has a 20-inch by 22-1/2-inch portable tabletop with 18-inch rip capacity, taking on larger stock or sheet good. This top-rated table saw is built for mobility. It has an ergonomic soft-grip handle and optimized center of gravity that helps for easy transportation. It also features a durable all-steel base that helps the saw hold up against impacts and other heavy-duty conditions. That unique base built to take jobsite abuse.
The Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw also offers aa convenient storage. You can store away the Square Lock rip fence, Smart Guard System, miter gauge, push stick and wrenches on its on-tool storage under the table. This works best for protecting the tools during transport.
A Bosch GTS1031 Table Saw is a well-made table saw, but it does have few drawbacks. First, users have noticed that it is loud when in use. Second, it is a bit heavy for transportation. Lastly, some users are wishing that this table saw must’ve soft start, but it doesn’t.
Overall, Bosch GTS1031 Portable Jobsite Table Saw is a great table saw. It’s portable and it gets the job done. Check this out here on Amazon!
DEWALT DW745 Compact Job-Site Table Saw
High performance in all applications.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance
- Exclusive Fence Configuration
- Convenient Guarding System
- Portable Design
- On-board Storage
Cons:
- Flimsy miter gauge
- Loud
- Doesn’t accept dado blades
One of the most popular and best-selling table saw in the market today is the DEWALT DW745 Compact Job-Site Table Saw. This is absolutely a contender for best table saw under $500. It delivers a consistent and powerful performance thanks to its 15-amp high torque motor.
You will be able to efficiently use this table saw for tough jobs like cutting hardwood and pressure-treated lumber. It has a 10-inch blade that spins at no-load speed of 3,850 RPM for quick and clean cuts in any applications.
The DEWALT DW745 Table Saw has an exclusive fence configuration that gives a huge 20-inch rip capacity. That’s one of the largest available for 10-inch table saws! It’s fast and smooth fence adjustment is due to its rack and pinion rails, which are unique positioned to maximize your results. This saw features a maximum cut depth of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees.
DEWALT DW745 Table Saw has a Site-Pro Modular Guarding System that makes it easy to set-up for a variety of applications by allowing tool-free adjustment of application-specific guarding components. This top table saw under $500 has a coated table surface for friction reduction to improve the cut quality across the board.
The DEWALT table saw can be moved from your workshop to any worksite with ease. It is portable and weighs just 45 pounds. It even has a metal roll cage base that provides a sturdy setup and improved durability.
For added convenience, DEWALT DW745 Compact Job-Site Table Saw has an on-board storage that allows you to have an easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding Components and the push stick. It is also handy with a dust collection port that can easily be connected to a Shop-Vac for a cleaner working area.
DEWALT DW745 Table Saw is an efficient table saw. However, it does have some drawbacks. First, its miter gauge appears to be flimsy for some users. This has been a consistent theme among our table saws so far. But it can be fixed if you choose other options for miter gauges.
Second, its pretty loud on operation which can be an annoying. But obviously you should get ear protection when operating a table saw. Third, this table saw doesn’t accept dado blades, which is kind of a bummer for some users and customers.
Overall, DEWALT DW745 Compact Job-Site Table Saw is incredible and truly a high-performing table saw. It is efficient and portable. You can check this out here on Amazon!
SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw
The world’s first Worm Drive table saw.
Pros:
- Legendary Power
- Dual Field Motor
- Rugged Durability
- Convenient On-tool Features
- Lightweight Portability
Cons:
- Easy to lose fence lock
- Doesn’t come with a stand
- It’s loud
The power and feel of a hand-held worm drive saw can now be found in a table saw. Introducing, the SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw. It is the world’s first ever Worm Drive table saw. This is the first and only worm drive table saw in the market that features a powerful 15-amp motor and a no-load 5,300 RPM. SKILSAW’s legendary Worm Drive gearing provides maximum torque and power for ripping through materials without bogging down.
This is the best table saw under $500 that features a best-in-class Dual Field Motor that powers and keeps motor cool through continuous cuts. It can rip full sheets of plywood and up to a 4x of material. It also features a 25 in. rip capacity and a 3-1/2 in. depth of cut. You’ll be able to make accurate cuts with its self-aligning rip fence and easy to adjust bevel that goes from -1 degree to 46 degree for true cutting.
SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw is constructed to withstand the demands of a jobsite. This table saw has a durable all-steel roll cage and a die cast aluminum top. Also, the mechanism that raise and lower the blades are made of metal that can withstand extreme temperatures without breaking easily.
This best table saw under $500 can protect the accessories with the on-too storage. The self-aligning rip fence and other included table saw accessories can be slid or clipped into place underneath the saw. They will be protected even during the jobsite to jobsite transport of the machine. SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw can also be easily connected to a vacuum through back port for sawdust cleanup while cutting.
SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw is reliable and portable, but it does have drawbacks. First, its fence’s lock, as observed by few users, can be loosened up without any notice. Second, this table saw doesn’t come with a stand like the other brands of table saw. Lastly, unlike some regular SKILSAW machines, this table saw is loud, producing too much noise.
Overall, SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Table Saw is fantastic in doing its job. It has the superior cutting power that cannot be compared. You can check this out here on Amazon.
What to Look for In A Quality Table Saw
If your serious about woodworking, a table saw is necessary for you to have. Table saws are excellent tools for making quick and precise work of repetitive cutting tasks and buying one for yourself is one of the most important investment that you can make as a woodworker.
There are different classifications for table saws. There are portable or jobsite table saws, contractor saws, hybrid saws and cabinet saws. With so many choices available in the market today, buying a quality table saw can be a daunting task. Thus, you need some helpful tips. Here are some tips of what to look for in a quality table saw.
Power
When talking about power, the higher the number can be, the more impressive the power is. The power of a table saw comes from its motor. This powered is measured by horsepower. And when it comes to horsepower: the more, the better.
According to experts, a table saw with 1 to 2 HP motor is powerful enough to cut through wood for about 2 inches thick. Table saws with 3-4 HP can cut through up to 3 inches thick of wood. 4 and higher HP can cut for up to 3-1/2 to 4 inches thick of woods.
Size
Table saws comes in different sizes. When it comes to size, there can be two things that can pop out on your mind. It’s either the size of the blade or the size of the table top. Both sizes matter.
There are 10-inch and 12-inch table saw blades. 10-inch blade are great for small woodcutting shop while the 12-inch blade works great for professional and more industrialized use. As for the size of the table top, its length and width matters. The larger the size, the better. The wider the table top, the better it can support the materials.
Portability
Bench top, Compact and Jobsite table saws are the three basic types of portable table saws. They are designed with less heavy and sturdy materials in order for them to be lighter and smaller. Portability matters for table saws. You’ll be able to transfer your table saw from one jobsite to another jobsite without worrying about its weight. Table saws with on-board storage can also increase portability.
Safety Features
A quality table saw must always have safety features. First and foremost, using a table saw with a 10-inch or 12-inch sharp blade, spinning at 3,000 or 4,000 RPM is not a joke. Losing a finger or two is always possible. You can use all the safety you can get. Therefore, safety is important. Standard safety features for table saws comes with blade guard, splitters and anti-kickback pawls, riving knife and push sticks.
How to Maintain A Table Saw?
The durability of a table saw depends on the quality of it and how you maintain it. Periodic maintenance of a table saw is essential to keep it in good condition. Doing all sort of woodcutting job on your table saw is messy and for a considerable amount of task that you finish and time that you take, dust, sap and other residue will all build up. Thus, a consistent maintenance and cleaning schedule for your table saw is needed for it to keep running well for a long time.
Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your table saw:
- Clean the accumulated sawdust all over the table saw. A brush or a shop vacuum can help to easily remove the dust.
- Make sure to properly lubricate the gears and pivot points.
- Clean the cutting blades.
- Polish the tabletop and rip fence for easier glide and more precise fence adjustments.
- Use a mild detergent or warm water to wash any plastic tools. Remember not to use any harsh cleaning materials.
How to Properly Use A Table Saw
Table saws can be used for a lot of woodcutting purposes. That’s why knowing how to properly use a table saw is necessary for you to achieve efficient output and have a good working experience while using it.
Proper alignment of the wood is crucial when making cuts. This will determine the accuracy of your cut. The setting of the fence is involved on this part. You need to know proper fence adjustments, for the fence is used to accurately cut pieces of wood length. You can easily slide the fence to adjust the width of your cut and ensure that the fence is locked in position after the desired width has been set.
Body positioning of the user is also important for the proper usage of a table saw. You just need to be aware of your surroundings all the time and you’ll be alright. For common cutting job, you can stand naturally where you are most comfortable while operating. The table saw positions your body to the left of the blade. This will reduce your chances of being struck by anything to some degree.
Proper usage of a table saw also includes using the safety features correctly. You need to take time to properly adjust your blade guard, splitter and anti-kickback pawls. They are sure to work in accordance to their purpose when properly set up and adjusted. Learn to use your safety guards efficiently for a safer and better working experience with your table saw.
Conclusion
Well now that we’re this far, I hope you enjoyed this list. It took some time to compile this list of the best table saws under 500. But obviously we don’ think we’re perfect. So please feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you feel. Do you agree with us, or think we missed something?
