Looking for the best portable table saw? If you ask these guys you’re going to get 5 different answers. So we need to figure out how we’re going to rate that table saw first!
There are several brands on the market that dominate the competition, I’m going to narrow in on the four top models. There are a few things to think about when purchasing a portable table saw.
Here’s a little video on deploying a table saw.
What type of work will it be used for?
Is it for very fine cabinetry work or is it used for just ripping wood around the house? We’ll assume this is one that will be used for some cabinetry work, as well as cutting shelving for the garage or laundry room.
What price range are we looking at?
Basically, if you’re going to be using it strictly for cabinetry, you will want the more expensive model. If you want to use it around the house, you may not want the high dollar model, or if you’re a
Does weight carry any weight when making the decision?
If it’s in and out of the truck a lot, you’ll want to stick with a lighter model. If you’re using it for cabinetry at a secure location, such as a private home, you may be carrying it in and leaving it there for a longer period of time.
If you use the thing at home for ripping some wood once in a while, maybe it sits folded away in the corner most of the time, then you don’t care about weight, your primary concern is the less expensive model.
The old model I have was once brand new, back when the Pope was still in diapers, and it’s been a great saw. It was a less expensive model then, so it’s held up well for business use.
I’ve used it for light cabinetry, I’ve created a “book box” or two with it. Ripped a few hundred sheets of plywood down to size, too. It’s a good all around saw. It’s a Craftsman Model, very noisy after all these years.
The Four Amigos.
The four we’re going to count down on are the Dewalt 15 amp 10 inch, The Ridgid 13 amp 10 inch, and Number Three is the Grizzly G0870. And in the Number One spot is the surprise winner!
First Up, the DeWALT DWE7491RS
The Dewalt is definitely the pretty one. It’s also the heaviest one out of the three, and the most expensive, Dewalt is a good brand without a doubt. The specs are as follows:
| Model: DeWALT DWE7491RS |
| Weight: 110 lbs shipping |
| Amperage: 15A |
| HP: N/A |
| Physical Size: 31″x24.5″ |
| Rated RPM: 4800 RPM |
| Rip Capacity: 32-1/2″ |
| Max Cut Depth: 3-1/8″ |
| Quoted Price: $599 with free shipping |
The MGT9000 Tool-O-Meter rating for the Dewalt is 8.
Next Up, the Ridgid R4513
The Ridgid brand is usually more of a contractor’s level of tool, except the orange frame under the deck is all molded plastic. There is no other frame other than the metal deck. Even with that, the shipping weight is a little more than the DeWALT model.
| Model: Ridgid R4513 |
| Weight: 92 lbs shipping weight |
| Amperage: 15A |
| HP: N/A |
| Physical Size: 30″x41″x17″ |
| Rated RPM: N/A |
| Rip Capacity: N/A |
| Max Cut Depth: N/A |
| Quoted Price: $591 |
The MGT9000 Tool-O-Meter rating for the Ridgid is a 7.5.
The Grizzly Model G0870
The Grizzly comes from a strictly industrial company, Grizzlys are known for heavy-duty shop level units, that are stationary, and run sometimes 24-7 in production environments.
Mister Goodtools apologizes for no image, as we do not have an affiliate relationship with The Grizzly Company, the pat on the back to their portable saw is
So for Grizzly to even offer a portable model must be Grizzly’s attempt at getting into the contractor customer market. One interesting point for the Grizzly is the variable speed, 2000-4000 rpm.
The other is the fact they are the only ones who rated the unit for horsepower. Those industrial guys may know something we don’t! This Grizzly is made in Taiwan, not China.
| Unit: Grizzly Model G0870 <== Click on the link to view the unit. |
| Weight: 70 lbs for the saw, plus 20 lbs stand, ship weight |
| Amperage: 15A |
| HP Rating: 2hp |
| Physical size: 22’x26 3/8 |
| Rated RPM: 2000-4000 |
| Rip Capacity:28” |
| Max Cut Depth: 3 1/8″ |
| Quoted Price: $365, Shipped from factory includes shipping. |
The MGT9000 Tool-O-Meter rating for the Grizzly is 9.0
The winner of the competition is:
The Skilsaw Model SPT99-12 Portable Table Saw.
A unit that comes from a brand that is synonymous with the circular saw. Skilsaw Company. How many guys call the circular saw a skill saw.
And of course they are living up to their name with this one, it has a worm drive instead of the direct gear drive, which means less wear on the motor, and a deeper max cut depth than the others
The unit has an actual tube frame under the aluminum deck. The motor housing is also aluminum.
| Model: Skilsaw Model SPT99-12 |
| Weight: 98.8 lbs |
| Amperage: 15A |
| HP Rating: N/A |
| Physical Size: 40x30x20 |
| Rated RPM: 5000 Rpm |
| Rip Capacity: 30-1/2″ |
| Max Cut Depth: 3-5/8″ |
| Quoted Price: $555 plus $48 shipping |
The MGT9000 Tool-O-Meter rating for the Skilsaw is 9.8
So there you have it. What is the best portable table saw?
My choice for the award goes to the Skilsaw Model SPT99-12 Portable Table Saw.
You ready to see what kind of deal you can get on this saw? Go here now:
There you have it, Mister Goodtools’ rating of the best portable table saw!
Leave me a
These are great saws and it is hard to choose the right one. I wouldn’t be too concerned when looking at the weight of the saw as these have wheels to make it easier to move. I’d say the heavier the better as far as vibration and stability go. I personally like the DeWALT saw. The way the information on the saws is laid out make it easy to compare.
Jeffrey, it is hard to pick when they are all good tools, and hopefully, the information I give to people will be enough for someone to make the decision of which one they want. One guy might want the lighter one, and one guy might want the heavier one, this way both will have the info to make the choice! Thanks for pointing out the vibration and stability aspect, that’s a good point to consider!
Steve
This is the perfect explanation to cut my garage metal easily by these table saw modern cutting tools . I appreciate your hard work for this post. For buying those tools, I hope we got full guideline.
Danny, I think you hit the nail on the head, Dewalt is my fovorite for the Best Chopsaw Award, I used mine for years in my former business. It’s a must for finishing basements with metal studs!
Keep up the good work,
Steve