If you’ve read my guide to setting up a woodworking shop, you probably already know how enjoyable and rewarding woodworking can be. Once you get started, one of the bigger pieces of equipment you’ll be thinking about is a table saw. Whether you’re building small keepsakes or dreaming of cabinetry, a table saw usually lands high on the wish list. Sorting through all the different types and brands can be confusing, but I’m here to share what I’ve learned in my own shop over the years. This article will walk you through the key types of table saws and what each one is really good for, so you can feel more confident when it comes time to pick your first (or next) saw. This is the kick-off for my multipart table saw series. We’ll dig deeper into each type in the following posts, but today’s overview helps you spot the basics so you’re not walking in blind.
Five examples of the types of table saws. Top left, DeWalt Benchtop saw. Top right, Milwaukee Cordless saw. Middle, Harvey Cabinet saw. Bottom left, Ridgid Contractor saw. Bottom right, Grizzly Hybrid saw.
Why Table Saws Matter for New Woodworkers
There’s a reason table saws are often considered the heart of the woodworking shop. You’ll find sawdust on the floor and offcuts everywhere because a good saw gets used on almost every project. I remember my first saw—an old Menards benchtop model I inherited from my dad. It wasn’t the fanciest setup, but it sure helped me figure out what worked (and what didn’t). These days, there are lots of saws to choose from, each designed for specific jobs, spaces, and budgets. I know from experience: learning the strengths and limitations of each type makes shopping and using the saw a lot smoother down the road.
Main Types of Table Saws & What They’re Good At
Every type of table saw shines in its own way. Some are built for easy portability, some for power and accuracy, and others for handling hours of work without breaking a sweat. Here’s a look at the main kinds you’re likely to bump into, with their typical uses, benefits, and a few things to watch out for.
- Benchtop/Tabletop Saws
- Contractor Saws
- Hybrid Saws
- Cabinet Saws
- Cordless Table Saws
Benchtop/Tabletop Saws
This is often the first table saw lots of hobbyists use, just like the one I started with. Benchtop saws are light, pretty affordable, and can be tucked away when you’re working in a small space like a basement or garage. You’ll usually find plastic or lightweight aluminum parts to keep them portable.
- Pros: Easy to lift, doesn’t take up much space, and gets you through basic cutting jobs.
- Cons: Not great with thick hardwoods, limited accuracy due to lightweight fences, and the motors can be pretty noisy.
Some of the brands making benchtop saws include DeWalt (USA), Bosch (Germany), and Skil (USA, now under Chervon, a Chinese company). Grizzly, Ryobi, and Craftsman make affordable options too. Most of these are built overseas, usually in China or Taiwan.
Brands Under the Same Parent Company
DeWalt, Black & Decker, Porter-Cable, and Craftsman actually all land under the massive Stanley Black & Decker umbrella. Skil, meanwhile, is owned by Chervon, which also owns Flex and Ego. This is pretty handy to know because sometimes the different brands borrow designs or use similar motors across models.
Buying thoughts
If you’re just starting, focus on the balance between accuracy and budget when choosing between benchtop saws and contractor saws. Benchtop saws are more affordable and portable but may not provide the precision required for larger or more intricate projects. Consider whether you need something lightweight or a more robust machine that can grow with your needs.
Personal Story:
Be sure to always fasten your benchtop saw down when using it. I didn’t follow that practice, and I had a very serious incident. I was sawing a long board, and the saw started tipping over as the weight of the board transferred to the rear of the unit. Instinctively, I grabbed for the falling saw while it was turned on. By God’s mercy, I only grabbed the top edge of the saw and kept it from falling, but I could have just as easily put my hand into the spinning blade. Always secure your saw, no matter the size—safety first!
Contractor Saws
Think of contractor saws as a step up from benchtop models. They’re popular with folks who build decks on weekends or do jobsite work, but they’re heavy enough for someone who wants more power and consistency than a benchtop saw offers. This is what I have now. My Ridgid has been running strong for 20 years. I have found it surprisingly capable, even with thicker hardwoods. Most contractor saws have an open base with the motor hanging off the back and are usually belt-driven.
- Pros: More stable and accurate than benchtop saws, better for cutting hardwoods and sheet goods, usually can run on household current. Often easier to move than a full cabinet saw. Many can be wired for 110 or 220 making wiring choices flexible.
- Cons: Still can be pretty loud and heavy, not as precise as cabinet saws, and dust collection isn’t necessarily great. There is always some buildup in the cabinet. (Even more when I forgot to turn on the dust collector lol.)
Brands to look for include Ridgid (USA, made by TTI in China), Delta (USA, built in China or Taiwan these days), Jet and Powermatic (both owned by JPW Industries, USA, but built overseas), and Grizzly (USA based, built in Taiwan and China). SawStop is famous for its safety tech and builds contractor models too—they’re designed in the USA but built in Taiwan.
Buying Thoughts
Consider your shop space and whether the additional power and stability of a contractor saw will be beneficial for your needs. If you plan to work with hardwoods or larger sheet goods, the investment in a contractor saw will pay off with improved performance.
My 20-year-old Ridgid Contractor Saw. Notice the shop supervisor is hard at work.
Hybrid Saws
Hybrid saws sit between contractor and cabinet saws. If you want some cabinet saw heft without having to rewire your shop for 240V, hybrids are worth a look. They blend some of the structure and features of bigger saws, but with a simpler motor setup. Hybrids often have a closed base (sometimes for better dust control), but are typically lighter and need less power than cabinet saws. They’re a good fit for hobbyists who also care about quality and precision. To really make the most of a hybrid saw, it’s worth investing in an upgraded fence down the road, and you’ll appreciate the improved dust collection once you start tackling larger sheet goods or hardwoods.
- Pros: Good accuracy, better dust collection, fits in a home garage, and usually plugs into standard outlets.
- Cons: Heavier and more expensive than contractor saws, but not as beefy as a full-on cabinet saw.
Popular brands here include Laguna (USA design, made in Taiwan), Jet, Powermatic, Grizzly, and Shop Fox (Grizzly’s “sister” brand under the same parent company). Sometimes you’ll spot hybrids from DeWalt or Delta as well. These models are almost always imported, since very few saws are built start to finish in the USA anymore. If ease of dust control or safer riving knives are important to you, hybrids are definitely worth a closer look.
Buying Thoughts
If you’re working in a smaller shop but want to upgrade your equipment, consider a hybrid saw. While they’re heavier and more expensive, they offer better performance and can handle larger projects while still fitting in a home garage setup.
Cabinet Saws
Cabinet saws are the heavyweights. They’re what you find in serious shops, schools, and pro settings. They’re built to last, with cast iron tops and steel bases. You’ll need a dedicated spot for one of these. They take up space, demand 220V or more, and weigh a few hundred pounds at least. On the upside, the accuracy and power make them a joy for any precision job. I’ve only worked with cabinet saws in school but drool over the dream of getting one someday. Their not just for looks; a rock solid saw really does help you make better cuts, and the improved dust collection can keep your workspace much cleaner. Plus, the extra mass means less vibration—great if you’re aiming for crisp joinery or smooth-edged panels.
- Pros: Cuts are super accurate, will handle any hardwood with ease, great dust collection, low vibration and noise, built to last decades. They have bigger motors with more hp. No more bogging down with heavy cuts.
- Cons: Big, expensive, heavy, and requires higher shop power. You’re not moving this around the garage unless it is put on a good mobile base.
Big names for cabinet saws: SawStop (famous for its safety feature, designed in the USA, made in Taiwan), Powermatic (JPW, USA design, made overseas), Delta Unisaw (USA design, some models still assembled in the US), Grizzly, Jet, and Laguna all make solid cabinet models. Harvey is another newer company worth checking out—based in China, but shipping worldwide. Oliver Machinery makes quality saws (based in the USA, made in China), Shop Fox, as I mentioned, is a Grizzly company. They sell similar models with minor changes in features. A high-quality cabinet saw can last thirty years or more, so for dedicated woodworkers, it’s an investment worth weighing carefully.
Buying Thoughts
If you have the space and budget, investing in a cabinet saw will provide the best long-term accuracy and power. For those committed to woodworking as a craft or career, it’s an investment that will pay off in performance.
Cordless Table Saws
Here’s a fairly new category that’s really taken off: cordless table saws. These are battery powered, usually based off existing jobsite or benchtop platforms but now running on tool batteries. They’re not meant for heavy-duty ripping, but can be a huge time saver if you find yourself working where power isn’t handy. If you already own batteries for other tools, this is a game-changer for punch list projects. Some models can even run on the same power packs you use in your drills and impact drivers.
- Pros: No cord needed, lightweight, easy to move around, great for punch list jobs, fence systems are improving every year.
- Cons: Battery life limits you to smaller jobs, not as much power as plugged-in saws, pricier if you’re not already invested in the brand’s battery platform.
DeWalt and Milwaukee are leading the way here with cordless table saws; both are American brands, though these models are built overseas in Asia. Makita (Japan-based, made globally) also offers cordless options, usually compatible with their popular tool batteries. Bosch has begun testing the waters here as well. Cordless saws typically work best as a second saw for the mobile pro or homeowner who already has other tools from the same family. If you work mostly on-site or need a portable option, cordless models can save serious setup time.
Simple Comparison Chart
Saw Type Pros Cons Ideal For
Benchtop Affordable, portable, Limited power, noisy, Beginners or small-space , compact not great for workshops
Contractor Stable, more accurate, heavy, noisy, dust Weekend builders or , better for hardwoods collection issues more serious hobbyists
Hybrid Accurate, better dust Heavier, expensive, Hobbyists or those , collection, fits in a not as powerful as upgrading from , home garage cabinet saw contractor saw
Cabinet Super accurate, long- Expensive, requires Pro-level woodworking , lasting, low vibration space, heavy dedicated shops, or , serious hobbyists.
Comparing Leading Brands and Their Global Roots
When I talk to folks about saws, brand loyalty comes up a lot. Some folks grew up with Craftsman in the garage, while others swear by DeWalt’s customer service, or wish they still made Jet saws in America. With globalization, these brand stories switch up fast.
- DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Black & Decker, and Craftsman: All are part of the Stanley Black & Decker family. Some Craftsman tools are still assembled in the US, others made abroad.
- Jet and Powermatic: Owned by JPW Industries, USA based but the machines are made in Taiwan or China.
- Grizzly and Shop Fox: Based in the US, manufacturing in Taiwan and China. Shop Fox models often closely mirror Grizzly specs.
- Makita: Japanese company with manufacturing in Japan, China, and elsewhere; tools are known for reliability.
- Bosch: German owned, with production in Germany, China, and other locations.
- SawStop: American innovation (famous safety system), designed in Oregon, made in Taiwan.
- Harvey: Based in China, making premium quality saws that have been getting attention globally.
- Skil: Originally US based, now part of Chervon (China) since 2016.
While the badge on your saw might sound familiar, the place it comes from is probably halfway around the world. If the country of origin is important to you, double-check the label and do a bit of digging before you buy. Some American brands, like Delta, sometimes offer models assembled here, but it’s rare these days. If you want to shop “Made in USA,” check out woodworking forums or company websites, since production lines change often.
What to Think About Before Picking Your First Table Saw
The best table saw for you mostly depends on your space, budget, and the kind of work you plan to tackle. Some things that have helped me (and friends in my shop):
- Room Size: If you’ve got a single garage, a benchtop, hybrid, or contractor saw might be all you need. Folks with more space sometimes spring for a full cabinet saw.
- Project Type: Benchtop and cordless saws are fine for smaller craft projects or trim, but you’ll want more power and accuracy for furniture work or cabinetry. Cabinet saws own the stage for full-on furniture building or joinery.
- Budget: No shame in starting small. I sure did. Even a basic benchtop model can teach you a ton and last for years if you treat it right. If your budget allows, hybrids and cabinet saws bring more accuracy and features.
- Power and Dust Collection: Shops with kids or tight quarters benefit from good dust management and safety features. SawStop’s system is worth checking out if you’re worried about fingers. Cabinet and some hybrid saws offer much better dust control than open-frame contractor models.
Consider noise levels, too. Some of the portable saws run quite loud, while high-end hybrids and cabinet saws are noticeably easier on the ears. Don’t forget about dust collection—especially if you share your shop space. A little advance planning saves cleanup headaches and may even make your household more tolerable of shop days!
When I upgraded from my little benchtop table saw to another saw, I had a number of things that I wanted to be sure were on the new saw. I had learned a lot about what I didn’t care for as much on the smaller saw. The new saw had to have a fence that was solid and wouldn’t move during use. My little saw was notorious for that. It had to have a mobile base or could easily be put on a mobile base. I had to be able to move it around depending on the cuts I needed to make. And three, it needed to have a good splitter and blade guard that was easy to take on and off. I am a firm believer in keeping my guard in place. I know some woodworkers don’t keep theirs on, but I have seen the results of kickback and don’t want it happening to me.
Table Saw Safety
Table saws are powerful tools, but they also come with significant risks if not used properly. Here are some important safety tips to follow:
- Always use a blade guard and riving knife: These safety features prevent kickback and help maintain stability while cutting.
- Use push sticks and push blocks: To keep your hands at a safe distance from the blade.
- Keep the work area clean: Sawdust and offcuts can create a dangerous work environment.
- Wear proper safety gear: Safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask are essential when operating a table saw.
- Maintain your saw: Regularly check and maintain the blade and other components to keep your saw in safe, working condition.
Common Challenges and Small Shop Solutions
Everyone starting out runs into a few headaches. My first saw left me with burnt cuts, rough edges, and sawdust everywhere, but learning to set up my saw correctly and buying a decent blade helped a lot. If you’re stuck with a small space, castors on the saw and a folding outfeed table can make life easier. Also, setting up basic shop organization for push sticks and spare parts saves headaches. And don’t forget, mistakes happen. That’s why they sell extra wood!
In busy home shops, managing power sources is often tricky. If your garage only has one power circuit, you may need to avoid running a shop vac and saw together. Your dust collection strategy can be as simple as a shop vac with a good filter, or as fancy as a cyclone collector with ductwork. The key is keeping sawdust under control to protect your lungs and keep your workspace tidy.
Accessories and Add-ons to Grow With
One thing I always recommend is investing in a good blade before any fancy gadgets. Reliable push sticks, a riving knife, and a proper dust mask make a real difference in everyday use. After you get comfortable, consider adding specialty blades—like crosscut or dado stacks—to get smoother edges and step up your joinery game. Aftermarket fences or miter gauges can take your accuracy up a notch. Mobile bases let you stow your saw when space is tight, and outfeed tables make it much safer to handle big panels. As your skills grow, so will your need for repeatability, so simple jigs and measuring tools become big time savers.
Upcoming in the Series
This article is just the beginning. I’m working on deep dives into each type of table saw. Part 2 will cover benchtop models in detail (including what makes a “good enough” first saw). Part 3 is all about contractor saws, part 4 will study hybrid and cabinet saws side by side, and part 5 takes a look at the latest cordless models. I’ll fill each post with firsthand insights, practical setup tips, and stories, just like we do in the shop. Sawdust and all. If you have questions or a saw you want reviewed, let me know!
Frequently Asked Table Saw Questions
Question: Can I use a benchtop saw for building furniture?
Answer: You can, but expect some limitations. For smaller pieces and pine or plywood, it’ll do OK. For hardwoods or precise joinery, accuracy and power can fall short.
Question: What brands are easiest to service or get parts for?
Answer: In the US, DeWalt, SawStop, and Grizzly do a good job with replacement parts and service. With imports, check the company’s reputation for support before you buy.
Question: Is SawStop’s safety system worth it?
Answer: If peace of mind is a priority, especially if you’re working around kids or teaching, yes—a lot of folks find it worth every penny. I’ve seen one save a finger, and that sets a memory you never forget.
Question: How much power do I need for my saw?
Answer: Most 15amp, 120V saws are OK for hobby use and softwoods. Cabinet saws (3HP or more) will need 220V, but give smoother, more reliable cuts, especially in thick materials.
I hope this breakdown gives you a better sense of where to start. Maybe it clears up some of the confusing stuff out there. Remember, a shop is a work in progress, and there’s plenty of joy in figuring out what fits your space, your style, and your budget. Thanks for letting me share some sawdust-filled lessons. It’s a blessing every time I get to use my hands this way. Stick around for the rest of the series!
Never give up, never surrender! (Galaxy Quest) Remember this as you keep creating.