Tool Test: Portable Jobsite Table Saws

Tester Comments
This saw came in a very close second with its top-level performance, but we would choose the version without the digital gauge for jobsite use (#4100-09, $599). It’s one of only two brands in the test with the new industry-
standard guard system.
Fence: For rips past 13-1/2 inches, you lock the fence there and use a second pointer on the sliding fence rail as you expand the top.
Guard: Bosch was the first in the industry to institute the new guard system on this saw back. This new design helps the user get the most done with the guard left on.
Adjustments: This saw can be set to back bevel up to 2 degrees.
Portability: The stand has large pneumatic wheels but is difficult to unfold. It can roll around while set up.
Features: We found the digital fence gauge to be a bit fussy for our building work. We couldn’t verify that it was always calibrated correctly with multiple workers using the saw. It could be more useful for a solo carpenter, though. Saw has a handy arbor lock lever.

Street Price
$679

Contact
Bosch Power Tools
877-267-2499
www.boschtools.com

Tester Comments
This saw has too many gadgets and moving parts for reliability on our jobsites, and it doesn’t seem designed for the pro. Its low-powered cutting means there are better saws for the money.
Fence: The bulky front and rear rails adjust side to side to increase the range of the fence, but all the moving parts kept me from trusting the scale.
Guard: Attaching the guard requires a wrench, and you must take special care to be sure the riving knife doesn’t contact the blade.
Adjustments: The right-tilting blade traps the work against the fence in its usual position, so bevel cuts must be made with the fence to the left of the blade for safety, but this requires switching out the saw’s tops.
Portability: It can roll around while set up.
Features: This has a nice large crank knob, and it’s the only saw with a metal cabinet. The sliding table takes up a lot of the operator’s space in front, but it can be flipped around. A router table fence and inserts are included with the saw. Seems DIY focused.

Street Price
$530

Contact
Craftsman Professional
866-798-6657
www.craftsman.com

Tester Comments
A real winner, this saw has the best functionality and features that we need on the job–no more, no less.
Fence: The rack and pinion design of the fence sets this saw apart. It stays true through tough jobsite conditions, and the control knob lets you move the fence quickly but still allows for micro-adjustments. A flip-down work support on the fence means the saw’s top has no moving parts.
Guard: The new industry-standard modular guard system is new to the DeWalt saws and is noticeably easier to use. A thicker riving knife is available to use with full-kerf woodworking blades.
Portability: This stand is the only one that detaches from the saw instantly with quick-release levers, making it easier to load and store.
Features: The tool-free locking knob on the throat plate is a nice feature that no one else has; it provides easy access but stays on when the saw is bounced around. The push stick clipped to the fence is right where you need it. Saw needs a cord wrap.

Street Price
$639 ($499 saw only)

Contact
DeWalt Industrial Tools
800-433-9258
www.dewalt.com

Tester Comments
A good performer overall, but a little short on power and lacks any real standout features. It has the only stand in the test without wheels.
Fence: For setting beyond 13 inches, you lock the fence there and use a second scale on the sliding rear fence rail as you expand the top. A tape measure rolls out as needed. The loose action of the fence made it prone to jumping out of its track when adjusted.
Guard: Attaching the guard requires a wrench
Portability: The stand is attached with captive toggle-head bolts that are quick to assemble, but without wheels, you will always have to carry this saw around the jobsite.
Features: The rubber grips on the saw’s handholds make for more comfortable carrying than others. Saw has a handy arbor lock lever.

Street Price
$449

Contact
Hitachi Power Tools
800-829-4752
www.hitachipowertools.com

Tester Comments
Our fourth-place saw overall boasts the most raw ripping power and capacity–really setting the standard. It has our favorite stand and is the only saw in the test with an electric brake. This makes it safer to grab that small cut-off piece sooner and keep moving.
Fence: For setting beyond 12 inches, you must slide the top to its fully extended position. This leaves your work unsupported along the fence for all cuts between 12 and 23-1/2 inches.
Guard: Attaching the guard requires a wrench. It is better than most, with its separate right and left side guards.
Portability: The straight-up unfolding of this stand was the easiest to do, and it is the only saw stand that can be set at different heights. Twin pneumatic cylinders help with the load and prevent the stand from slamming shut. It can roll around easily while set up.
Features: A unique two-position fence lock keeps the fence from coming off its rails while still sliding freely. This keeps it from falling off, unlike most other fences.

Street Price
$599 ($499 saw only)

Contact
Makita USA
800-462-5482
www.makitatools.com

Tester Comments
Our third-place pick has well-thought-out features and great performance that make it solid on any jobsite.
Fence: For setting beyond 14-7/8 inches, you simply read from the same tape measure that rolls out on top of the fence rail as you extend the table top. A unique thumbwheel works very well for micro-adjusting the fence.
Guard: The splitter doesn’t rise with the blade, leaving it too far away for shallow cuts. The guard assembly can be installed without using tools.
Adjustments: This is the only tool with a locking knob for the blade-height setting. Its internal steel gear is the best of the crank-type bevel adjustments.
Portability: The saw is heavier than most and a bit harder to load alone. It can roll around easily while set up, and has a large handle that doubles as a handy outboard steadying support.
Features: One of the nicest features of this saw is that it came fully assembled right out of the box, stand and all.

Street Price
$70 tool only, $300 w/charger & two batteries

Contact
Ridgid Power Tools
866-539-1710
www.ridgid.com

Tester Comments
This low-cost saw has great power for the price, but its lighter-duty design isn’t as sturdy as we need on our jobs. If a budget price is your top priority, this is the one.
Fence: For setting beyond 16 inches, you lock the fence there and use a second pointer on the sliding fence rail as you expand the top.
Guard: The splitter doesn’t rise with the blade, leaving it too far away for shallow cuts. The guard assembly can be installed without using tools.
Adjustments: The right-tilting blade traps the work against the fence in its usual position so bevel cuts must be made with the fence to the left of the blade for safety, but locking the fence on the left sliding table section pulls it out of square.
Portability: Wheels on the saw body itself instead of on the stand subject it to more abuse during transport.
Features: The sliding table on the left side is not a benefit for our uses and just provides more loose parts. The extending outfeed table helps offset the fact that this saw has the shallowest table, by far. Dust bag included.

Street Price
$249

Contact
Ryobi Power Tools
800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com

Tester Comments
This compact saw has all the great features of its winning big brother and a nice roll-cage design, but its small rip capacity isn’t enough for most of our jobs. Makes a great trim or flooring saw.
Fence: The rack and pinion design of the fence is our favorite. It stays true through tough jobsite conditions, and the control knob lets you move the fence quickly but still micro-adjust. A flip-down work support on the fence means that the saw’s top has no moving parts.
Guard: The new industry-standard modular guard system is brand new to the DeWalt saws and is noticeably easier to use. A thicker riving knife is available to use with full kerf woodworking blades.
Portability: Fits the same stand as the winning DeWalt, which is available separately (DW7440RS, $169).
Features: The tool-free locking knob on the throat plate is a nice feature that provides easy access but stays on when the saw is bounced around. The push stick clipped to the fence is right where you need it.

Street Price
$538 ($369 saw only)

Contact
DeWalt Industrial Tools
800-433-9258
www.dewalt.com