Cabinet Table Saws: A Short Introduction
A cabinet table saw, or cabinet saw, is one of the top tools you can upgrade when moving from consumer to professional level woodworking projects. The best cabinet table saws come with many more features than a standard benchtop table saw. A table saw is the base tool for almost any woodworking project, so make sure you are cutting precisely with the best cabinet table saw.
Cabinet saws help you to cut through thick pieces of timber accurately and quickly with minimal vibrations. They are built to last for generations and are suitable for day long use, day after day.
We have put together a comprehensive review of the 10 best cabinet table saws on the market today. Judging them by their features, price, quality, and reading through hundreds of other reviews.
What To Consider When Buying A Cabinet Table Saw
Accuracy
We use power saws for two main reasons. The first is to increase cutting speed. The second is to increase cut accuracy. Cabinet table saws are designed to be very accurate. Their wide base, solid rip fence, and large table area add to this. A well-built machine does not have much vibration in the blade and is well balanced.
Power
Depending on what material you are cutting or the types of cut you are making you will require more or less power. For dado cuts for example you will need enough power to chip out the material. Cabinet table saws are powered by electric motors which are measured in Horse Power (HP). When comparing cabinet saws check the motor power between devices and their electric input needs.
Safety Features
Table saws are the top power tool that leads to the most injuries in the workshop, so safety is very important. Blade covers, riving blades, emergency stop buttons, and even conductive braking systems are now commonplace. Keep an eye on the safety features that come with the cabinet table saw you choose.
Table Size
When using a cabinet saw you need to support your material fully to cut straight. This is achieved by placing it onto the tabletop and using the rip fence or miter to guide the material. The table size can often be increased with table extensions or extension wings that allow for more material to be supported.
Top Cabinet Table Saws
Best Overall
1. SAWSTOP Professional Cabinet Saw PCS31230-TGP252
Key Features
Motor Power – 3HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Base Dimensions – 20” W x 27” D
Fence Length – 52 Inches
Extension Table – Yes
Weight – 449 lbs.
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Our Take
The SAWSTOP PCS31230-TGP252 Cabinet Saw is our best overall reviewed cabinet table saw. SAWSTOP stands out above the rest straight away because if its unique safety feature, its revolutionary brake system. It senses conductivity in the cutting blade to tell if your finger might be being cut to instantly stop the saw blade, greatly increasing its safety.
With its 3 horsepower motor you can be sure to have enough power for any cutting job that you might need it for. It comes with a 52-inch T-Glide rip fence to give even the longest boards support throughout the full cut. A cast iron table provides a very solid and smooth platform to move your timber across.
It includes two cast iron wings to expand the table size as you see fit. The SAWSTOP Cabinet Saw also includes a 10-inch circular saw blade with 40 teeth. This is a universal blade suitable for many applications. However, it is a good idea to get specialized blades for each application, just make sure that they are suitable with the SAWSTOP brake system.
SAWSTOP cabinet table saws are built to last, with durable gearing and a strong powerful motor. They also want to keep your health in the best condition by also using a 99% dust collection system. This makes sure that carcinogenic sawdust is kept out of the air in your workshop and more importantly your lungs. The blade guard works with the dust collection system in a unique method to remove as much dust as early as possible.
With all of these fantastic features, especially its outstanding safety mechanisms, it is no wonder that the SAWSTOP PCS31230-TGP252 is our best overall cabinet saw.
Best Premium
2. Powermatic PM1000 179100K Table Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 1- ¾ HP
Base Dimensions – 43 x 61 x 44 inches
Fence Length – a0 Inches
Extension Table – Yes
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Our Take
Powermatic is an American woodwork tool manufacturer that specializes in cabinet table saws. They make many of their products in the USA and started way back in 1928. With a huge amount of heritage behind them, it is no wonder that they are a world-class leader in woodworking machinery.
Running off a 1-3/4 HP motor the Powermatic PM1000 is a Cabinet Saw that may not sound like it has enough punch. However, a specific poly-v belt system makes sure that the motor is used to its maximum efficiency and reduces the vibrations to the blade.
It comes equipped with a 30-inch rip fence and a miter gauge. In terms of safety features, it has a tool-less blade guard assembly that sits above a 10 inch saw blade. This is a design that allows the sides of the guard to move independently. Therefore, never leaving an edge of the blade to be exposed.
The Powermatic PM1000 has many positive reviews, with compliments towards its accuracy and value for money. Powermatic is known for its impeccable build quality and accuracy, one of the main selling points for this cabinet table saw. The slightly smaller engine power size is still more than powerful enough to cut through oak and maple and the riving knife is easy to adjust.
Best Value Cabinet Saw
3. Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX Cabinet Table Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 5 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 40” W x 27” D
Fence Length – 32 Inches
Extension Table/Wings – Yes
Weight – 580 lbs
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Our Take
The Grizzly G1023RLWX is the newest machine in the Grizzly cabinet table saw range. The only table saw in our review that comes with a built-in router table. Just add your preferred router to the table and you can maximize the space in your workshop. It even allows you to use the fence for the router as well and doubles as an extension wing.
Grizzly has excelled themselves here with this cabinet table saw, continuing to develop and improve an already fantastic product. The G1023RLWX comes with a Shop Fox Classic rip fence, one of the best table saw fences on the market. A now-standard quick-release blade guard means swapping between through cuts or saw blades a simple task
A huge 5 horse power motor will guarantee that you will get through anything that you throw at this table saw. Plus, large handwheels make adjusting the blade height and angle even easier. Dado blades can be fitted onto the arbor which is the standard 5/8 inch diameter.
Make sure that you have a 220 Amp connection in your workshop or garage as this is required for the motor. The quality of Grizzly Industry products is superb as well as their safety features, including the double lockout system. With good customer service and simple set-up, this is an excellent addition to the already great Grizzly range.
4. JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe Cabinet Table Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 3 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Base Dimensions – 21” W x 24” D
Fence Length – 50 Inches
Extension Table – Yes
Weight – 510 lbs.
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Our Take
Jet expanded its business model into woodworking back in the 1980s, having started selling hardware from Japan in the US. They offer many woodworking tools that are well regarded as some of the best in the industry. They back up their immaculately produced tools with a 5-year warranty and excellent customer service should you run into any problems setting your cabinet table saw up.
One of the benefits of a cabinet table saw is having a sealed cabinet that protects the motor from sawdust. The Jet XACTASAW Deluxe saw makes good use of this as well as including a built-in sealed storage drawer for tools and accessories. There is also a built-in 4-inch dust collection area inside the cabinet.
A large cast-iron table is made even bigger with the addition of 2 cast iron wings. Support your material throughout the full cutting process and maintain accuracy with a large 50-inch rip fence. The blade is able to be easily moved using the arbor and trunnion, rotation to the left for bevel cuts with beautifully machined cast iron handwheels.
To quickly change the blade the JET 708675PK comes with an arbor push-button locking system. To assist with blade changing the riving knife can be swapped out easily thanks to its quick-release mechanism. Along with a riving knife, there is also a blade guard that protects the operator from the blade, even when the blade is titled up to 45 degrees.
Once fitted into your shop and connected to the electricals you will find it precisely aligned and ready to use. Make sure you get it set down where you intended to use it as it is quite difficult to move.
5. Jet 708674PK XACTASAW Deluxe Cabinet Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 3 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Base Dimensions – 21” W x 24” D
Fence Length – 30 Inches
Extension Table/Wings – Yes
Weight – 490 lbs.
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Our Take
The Jet 708674PK XACTASAW Cabinet table saw is a slightly smaller version of the Jet 708675PK. It has many of the same features and great build quality, but with a smaller cast iron table.
The included 30-inch XACTA fence is a commercial-grade rip fence built with accuracy and safety in mind. It is essential that a rip fence is perfectly straight and built with high-end materials to ensure consistency and accuracy throughout its use.
To protect the internals and the motor from dust and debris the cabinet is fitted with a hinged cover. This gives you easy access to the drive system and dust collection area whilst maintaining a dust-free area during cutting. A storage draw is also built into the cabinet for your accessories, manuals, or spare parts.
Safety is paramount when working with a table saw and Jet has approached this by supplying a rail-mounted magnetic switch. It performs two uses, first, it is easy to reach the emergency switch to turn off the machine. Secondly, it is an overload protector to protect against power surges. There is also a leaf design blade guard that allows for the sides of the guard to move independently, making sure the blade is covered even when cutting very narrow material.
The quick-release riving knife and arbor locking mechanism make it a simple job to change blades. Jet cabinet saws are finished to a very high standard and built to incredible accuracy. They have many highly positive reviews and with a few added extra accessories such as a saw gauge, they can be great cabinet table saws.
6. Grizzly Industrial G0651 Heavy-Duty Cabinet Table Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 3 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 38 x 30 x 41.25 inches
Fence Length – 52 Inches
Extension Table/Wings – Yes
Weight – 435 lbs.
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Our Take
The Grizzly G0651 cabinet table saw is the first of two Grizzly products included in our comprehensive review. Grizzly Industrial is one of the leading producers of table saws with 37 years of experience. They build very robust and well-built machines for both woodworking and metalworking, plus many power tools. Grizzly also has very good technical support should you run into any issues during installation.
The Grizzly Industrial G0651 heavy duty cabinet table saw comes with both a side and rear table to give your material support. Unlike many of the other saws, we have reviewed this L shaped table arrangement means that you are able to support a full sheet of plywood. This makes it much safer and faster when making rip or crosscuts.
As well as a 52-inch rip fence the G0651 comes with a magnetic power switch that can be mounted onto the rail. The switch provides thermal overload protection for the motor to make sure it doesn’t get damaged.
A quick-release blade guard comes equipped as standard with a riving knife. The blade guard should be used at all times to give maximum protection. If not making through cuts then a riving knife only attachment can be fitted. The motor is decent with 3 horsepower, plenty enough power for any woodworking job.
Even including a digital readout for the bevel angle to make sure it is precise as possible the Grizzly Industrial has got everything you need in a cabinet table saw.
7. Powermatic 64B Table Saw 1791230K
Key Features
Motor Power – 1.75 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 70” W x 32” D
Fence Length – 52 Inches
Extension Table/Wings – No
Weight – 470 lbs.
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Our Take
The second of our two Powermatic cabinet table saws is the Powermatic 64B 1791230K table saw. It is slightly smaller and cheaper compared to the Powermatic PM1000. It still has the excellent build quality that you would expect from a Powermatic cabinet table saw.
As with the PM1000, it uses a 1 3/4 HP electric motor that requires either a 115 or 230 volt supply. Fitted with dual voltage options means that it is suitable for installing in different locations. The arbor has a locking mechanism that is accessed from above the table, making it easier to change out the saw blade.
Covering the blade is a transparent blade guard with independent leaves on either side. A quick-release riving knife is at the rear of the blade to help stop kickback. For increased usability, the cabinet comes with hooks to hang your push sticks or rulers to keep them within reach.
Taking the average user only 3 hours to get it up and running from delivery this is a well built and affordable cabinet table saw. It is found to be well balanced and produce a smooth cut, without any issues with cutting materials. Even though this is the bottom of the line for Powermatic it is still a high-grade machine.
8. DEWALT DWE7491RS
Key Features
Motor Power – 15 Amp
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches
Fence Length – N/A
Extension Table/Wings – N/A
Weight – 110 lbs.
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Our Take
The DEWALT DWE7491RS table saw is designed to be used year after year without any issues. DEWALT is a reputable brand with high-quality products that will stand the test of time.
In the signature DEWALT yellow and black colors, this product has a 10-inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, and rip fence. You also get 2 blade wrenches blade guard assembly manual.
It comes with a 22-inch maximum rip to the left of the blade, and a 32 1/2-inch maximum rip to the right of the blade. The motor is a 15.0 Amp high torque motor with the power to cut pressure treated lumber and hardwoods. The rolling stand is designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability.
With plenty of 5-star reviews it is a very popular product between professional and hobbyist woodworkers alike. Especially those looking to get into high-quality woodworking without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars. The set up is simple, just make sure to read the instructions. Many people find that the addition of the mobile base is worth it to help free up space in your workshop.
9. SAWSTOP 10-inch 1.75 HP Cabinet Saw
Key Features
Motor Power – 1.75 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 39.12 x 33 x 34 inches
Fence Length – 36 Inch
Extension Table/Wings – No
Weight – 471 lbs.
Our Rating
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Our Take
The final product in our review is another SAWSTOP model. With a slightly lower HP than the number 1 cabinet table saw in our review, this is another great buy, but perhaps a little less bang for your buck.
This model has a 26-inch T-Glide fence assembly. The rail is made of heavy-guage steel for sure lockdown and reliable square cutting for years without deflection. It boasts a SAWSTOP patented safety system. This stops the spinning blade on contact with skin, preventing serious accidents. This is a great safety feature for most home-users.
The quality of all SAWSTOP products is extremely high, hence it features twice in this review. The trunnion and arbor are built for precision, strength, and stability to give you a long-lasting cabinet table saw that works extremely efficiently. It has a dust collection blade guard, collecting 99% of dust created when operating.
Overall, this system is high-performance and well-reviewed. However, it is quite expensive considering you can get the top model in our review for a similar price. That explains why this premium saw didn’t make it into our top 3.
10. Delta UNISAW 36-L352 Table Saw with Biesemeyer Fence
Key Features
Motor Power – 3 HP
Blade Diameter – 10 Inches
Table Dimensions – 44” W x 50” D
Fence Length – 52 Inch
Extension Table/Wings – Yes
Weight – 661 lbs.
Our Rating
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Our Take
This is an ideal cabinet table saw solution from Delta, built with Woodworking professionals in mind. Plus, matched with the Biesemeyer 52 inch fence it is a fantastic machine. Fitted with the American Marathon 3 horsepower motor you will never run out of ripping power.
The 52-inch rip fence by Biesemeyer is leagues above the rest of the field. A hairline pointer accurately locates your position on the built-in tape. It has very tight tolerances that are suitable for professional accuracy and use. The cam lock lever action makes sure that it is easy to move into a precise location and remain in place.
A large sturdy cast iron base makes sure that it is always on a solid footing, no matter the flooring below. This is great if your garage isn’t perfectly level. A much higher level of dust collection is achieved by using a collector hose coupled with a bottom cabinet collection point.
We recommend purchasing a mobility stand to help move it around the workshop. It also comes with a 5-year warranty so you know that they stand by their products. Straight out of the box accuracy you are going to find setup a breeze, thanks in part to the very well-packaged machine. The extension table isn’t the best we have reviewed, it is made from plywood, but this is a minor factor overall.
Cabinet Table Saw Buyers Guide
There are many different cabinet table saws to choose from it can be tricky to work out exactly what matters. To help you understand we have put together a guide on everything to consider when choosing your cabinet table saw.
Arbor Shaft Size
It is worth checking the arbor size of the cabinet table saw you intend to purchase. This is to make sure it will fit your table saw blades. The common shaft size is 5/8 inches which is suitable for most 10 inch blades. To be able to also fit dado blades you need to check that the shaft is long enough to accommodate the dado spacing.
Table Size
Cabinet saws have a smaller footprint than a contractor table saw. This is because it houses the motor neatly inside the cabinet. However, there is much more flexibility with the size of the table with a cabinet saw. The main priority is to have a perfectly flat and smooth table. Ideally, get a table in heavy-duty metal, such as cast iron, to make sure it doesn’t warp or bend over time.
When buying a cabinet saw you will often want to be breaking down big sheets of wood for smaller projects. A large table that can handle a rip fence of around 50 inches to make rip cuts through plywood sheets is essential. Some craftsmen adjust their saws with extensions to increase their size. But make sure that these align up perfectly flat with the rest of the table. Plus, you will find router inserts in a few table extensions which helps save space in the workshop.
Miter Slot
A common tool is a miter gauge that helps feed materials across the table at the desired angle. Used in conjunction with the rip fence it provides a stable point of contact for your work. For a miter gauge to work you also have to have a miter slot machined into the table surface. Ideally, you are looking for a miter slot that is on both sides of the blade. Another plus is that it retains a hold on the miter gauge even when fully extended.
Power Rating
Cabinet table saws come with many different engine sizes and their power requirements also differ. A table saw that comes with a 1.5 horsepower to 2 HP motor will often be able to run off a standard household 120-volt circuit.
For the more powerful 3 – 5 HP motors, you will often need a 240-volt circuit wired into your workshop. If you are lucky you might find that you already have a 240V circuit in your garage. It is always worth but always checking your setup before purchasing. These are suitable for cutting through thicker wood usually around 3 inches at a minimum.
Dust Collection
When using any power tool it is important to keep it clean. This helps prolong its life and reduce the chance of injury to yourself. With a saw cutting through timber you will accumulate a lot of dust in a short amount of time so dust collection is essential.
With a cabinet table saw, the job is made easier as there is a sloped shelf inside the cabinet. This feeds the sawdust collected down to a 4-inch duct. Connect up the shop vac to remove the sawdust.
Cabinet Table Saw FAQs
What is the best cabinet table saw on the market?
We would recommend that the best cabinet table saw is the SAWSTOP 10-inch Professional Cabinet Saw. It has a superb built-in safety system. This is designed to stop the blade within 5 milliseconds of contact with flesh. It is also strong heavy-gauge steel that increases its precision and reliability.
Plus, with its 99% dust collection, it makes sure that the air is free of any dangerous sawdust particles. An extremely popular machine is the SAWSTOP PCS31230. It has really good reviews. That’s why we rate it our number 1 best overall.
What is the difference between a table saw and a cabinet saw?
Both a cabinet and a table saw comprise of a circular blade that protrudes through a metal table. The saw blade is adjustable in height to suit the material you are cutting.
The main difference is the larger amount of power a cabinet saw motor has compared to a standard table saw. With a powerful motor, they are capable of cutting larger and thicker timber whilst keeping a very precise cut.
Cabinet saws are much heavier than their counterparts. This is because they are designed to be permanently in a workshop. A table saw is, alternately, designed to be taken to a job site or used on a worktop surface. They also cost considerably more than a table saw and are used by professional woodworkers.
Are grizzly table saws any good?
With a couple of competitively priced cabinet table saws also on the market, Grizzly is a popular choice. Grizzly produces a range of table saws that have the very good build quality and excellent customer service. They have also many five-star reviews across their table saw range. With excellent customer service and a straightforward setup process, they are a good brand to go for.
Do I need a cabinet table saw?
The main reason people buy a cabinet table saw is for their precision and control. If you are currently producing, or are planning on, a lot of carpentry projects, then a cabinet table saw will give you the speed and repetition you need.
If you do woodworking as a hobby then you are unlikely to need a high-end machine. A benchtop table saw or other tools may be more suited to hobbyists. It is also always worth thinking about what you are planning to use a tool for. Don’t purchase a tool for it to collect dust.
1 comment
Surprised you didn’t test the Harvey Table saw. They are amazing! Should add them the your list for future reference!