The Best Table Saws For Accurate Cuts In Wood And Sheet Materials
Six saws for straight repeatable rip cuts in timber and sheet materials.
Our quick verdict
Our pick of the best table saw is the DEWALT DW7485 Heavy Duty. It's the saw we use ourselves, light enough to carry between jobs, and its rack and pinion fence keeps every rip cut square. If your saw will live in one workshop and you cut thick timber, go for the Makita MLT100 Table Saw, as its extra weight keeps it planted and steady.
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Our Picks At A Glance
- Check price of DEWALT DW7485 Heavy Duty
- Check price of Evolution Rage 5-S Table Saw
Best Value
Evolution Rage 5-S Table SawDIYers cutting mixed materials like timber with nails and composite decking
- Check price of Bosch Professional GTS 10 J
Best For Site Work
Bosch Professional GTS 10 JTrades who need a compact 110V or 240V saw with a wide cut
- Check price of Makita MLT100 Table Saw
- Check price of Evolution Fury 5-S Table Saw
Best Beginner & Budget
Evolution Fury 5-S Table SawBeginners setting up a first table saw in a garage or shed
- Check price of VonHaus DIY Table Saw
Two things separate these saws more than motor power, and they're the fence and how easily the saw moves. A rack and pinion fence stays parallel to the blade wherever you set it, while a fence that clamps at one end can drift and leave you with tapered boards. Weight works both ways. A heavy saw sits steady through a deep cut but is hard work to shift, which is why we swapped our Makita for something we could carry.
The six here run from portable job site saws to a cheap model for occasional cuts.
The Table Saws We've Owned And How We Judged Them
We've used table saws for years on all sorts of cutting jobs, and tried plenty of machines from the big names along the way. Our current saw is the DEWALT DW7485 shown below. It's the one we'd buy again because it's light enough to move between jobs, well built and has plenty of power, although you do pay for the DEWALT name.
We've also put two Evolution saws through their paces. The Rage 5-S was in use for a few months, and its gearbox and blade system impressed us. The Fury was the first table saw for Ed, one of the DIY Works team, and for a budget saw it was easy to set up and use, which makes it a good first machine for a beginner.
Before the DEWALT, we owned a Makita MLT100. It was a brilliant saw with lots of adjustment and a solid build, but we needed something more portable, so it made way for the DEWALT. For a heavier saw that stays put, it's still one we'd recommend, and the photos below show its table extensions closed and then pulled out for wide panels.
We judged every saw on the same points, using our own time with the DEWALT, Evolution and Makita machines and the published specs for the others:
- Motor and blade: power, no-load speed and the quality of the supplied blade
- Capacity: rip width and depth of cut
- Fence and adjustment: how square the fence locks and how easily the blade tilts and rises
- Safety: blade guard, riving knife, soft start and brake
- Portability: weight, handles, wheels and the stand
- Dust extraction, warranty and value for money
Our Table Saw Recommendations
The first four are built for regular use, and the last two suit lighter DIY in a garage or shed. Specs come from the manufacturers unless we say they're from our own use.
Best Overall
DEWALT DW7485 Heavy Duty
Best for: Regular users who move a saw between jobs and want accuracy
Check Price On AmazonThe DW7485 is the table saw we own and use now, and it's the one we'd recommend to most people who use a saw regularly. At 22kg it's light enough for one person to carry from the van, yet the steel roll cage frame takes the knocks that come with moving it around.
DEWALT quotes an 1,850W motor at 3,800rpm, but the feature that matters most is the rack and pinion fence. Both ends move together as you adjust it, so the fence stays parallel to the blade and cut after cut comes out square. Rip capacity from the fence is 610mm, enough for most sheet work in a house. It comes with a 24 tooth carbide blade, the guard adjusts without tools and there's soft start and overload protection.
It's the dearest saw in this roundup. DEWALT also makes a cordless version, but that costs more again.
What we like
- Light enough at 22kg to carry between jobs
- 1,850W motor at 3,800rpm according to DEWALT
- Rack and pinion fence rails keep cuts square
- 610mm rip capacity
- Steel roll cage protects the saw in transport
- Tool-free guard adjustment
- Soft start and overload protection
What to know
- The most expensive table saw in our roundup
- Supplied blade has only 24 teeth so a finer blade helps on sheet materials
Our verdict
The DW7485 is our favourite because it doesn't make you choose between a saw you can carry and one that cuts true, and the roll cage takes the knocks of moving between jobs. It's the priciest saw here, so occasional users will get better value from the Evolution Rage 5-S.
Best Value
Evolution Rage 5-S Table Saw
Best for: DIYers cutting mixed materials like timber with nails and composite decking
Check Price On AmazonWe used the Rage 5-S for a few months, and its gearbox and blade system were what impressed us most. Evolution says that setup extends the saw's life and improves cutting, and the 28 tooth Japanese tungsten carbide tipped blade is designed to cut wood with or without nails, composite decking, steel, aluminium, laminate and plastics.
That multi-material ability makes it handy on renovation jobs where you're cutting reclaimed timber and don't want to hunt for every old nail first. It bevels and mitres, the rip fence adjusts, and the blade guard has an extraction port for a vacuum.
The folding stand has foot pedals and a wheel, so you can tip it up and roll it away on the wheeled stand in our photo. It comes with spanners and a fixing bag, plus a 3 year UK warranty.
What we like
- Multi-material blade cuts timber with nails and composite decking
- Gearbox and blade system impressed us over a few months of use
- Folding stand with foot pedals and a wheel
- Bevel and mitre capability
- Blade guard with an extraction port
- 3 year UK warranty
What to know
- Build quality is a step below the DEWALT and Bosch
Our verdict
Pick the Rage if your timber isn't always clean, such as reclaimed boards with old nails or composite decking, as the multi-material blade is designed for exactly that. The folding wheeled stand makes it easy to store. Daily trade use calls for the tougher build of the DEWALT DW7485.
Best For Site Work
Bosch Professional GTS 10 J
Best for: Trades who need a compact 110V or 240V saw with a wide cut
Check Price On AmazonThe GTS 10 J is Bosch's premium compact table saw, with an 1,800W motor running at 3,650rpm and soft start and overload protection. Bosch quotes a cutting capacity of up to 455mm, helped by an integrated table extension that slides out for wider boards.
It's available in 110V for building sites and 240V for home use, and the carry handles and compact frame make it easy to load into a van, though at 26kg it's a little heavier than the DEWALT. The riving knife adjusts for height without tools, and the 10 inch blade has 30 teeth for a slightly cleaner cut than the DEWALT's 24 tooth blade.
We haven't used the GTS 10 J ourselves, so the figures here come from Bosch.
What we like
- 1,800W motor with soft start and overload protection
- Up to 455mm cutting capacity according to Bosch
- Integrated table extension
- Sold in 110V and 240V versions
- Tool-free riving knife height adjustment
- 30 tooth blade for a cleaner finish
- Three year Bosch guarantee
What to know
- Narrower 455mm cutting capacity than the DEWALT's 610mm rip capacity
- Heavier than the DEWALT DW7485 at 26kg
Our verdict
A 110V version and a wide cutting capacity make the GTS 10 J a natural fit for site work, and the 30 tooth blade gives a cleaner edge straight out of the box. We haven't run this one ourselves, so judge it on Bosch's figures. If you carry your saw a lot, the lighter DEWALT DW7485 is easier on the back.
Best Heavy Duty
Makita MLT100 Table Saw
Best for: A workshop saw that stays put and handles deep cuts
Check Price On AmazonWe owned the MLT100 before the DEWALT, and it was a brilliant machine. The build quality was excellent, there was plenty of adjustment for setting up accurate cuts, and the sliding table extensions in our photos support wide sheets.
Makita quotes a 91mm depth of cut, so thick timber goes through in a single pass, and the 1,500W motor runs at 4,500rpm. It has a removable blade guard, an electronic brake that stops the blade quickly and double insulation.
The reason we moved on was weight. At 38kg it's a struggle to lift on your own, and we needed something more portable. If your saw lives in a garage or workshop, that weight becomes a plus, as it keeps the saw steady.
What we like
- Excellent build quality from our own use
- Cuts up to 91mm deep according to Makita
- Sliding table extensions for wide sheets
- Electronic brake stops the blade quickly
- 1,500W motor at 4,500rpm
- Double insulated
What to know
- Heavy at 38kg and awkward to move alone
- Premium price compared with the Evolution saws
Our verdict
We rated the MLT100 highly for as long as we owned it, and for a saw that lives in one workshop, its 38kg weight becomes a strength that keeps it steady through deep cuts. Anyone who moves their saw between jobs will find it hard work, which is why we swapped to the DEWALT DW7485.
Best Beginner & Budget
Evolution Fury 5-S Table Saw
Best for: Beginners setting up a first table saw in a garage or shed
Check Price On AmazonThe Fury was Ed's first table saw, and it's a good one to learn on. It was easy to set up and use, and the green Evolution in our photos shows it on its four-legged base out in the garden.
It shares the Rage 5-S's gearbox and blade system and the same three year warranty, but it has a 1,500W motor running at 3,250rpm and a 24 tooth blade. Evolution says it's suitable for most DIY materials. The main difference is the stand, which is a sturdy four-legged base rather than a folding stand with wheels, so it's best suited to one spot.
For shelves, garden projects and the odd bit of furniture it does the job. It isn't built for heavy daily use.
What we like
- Easy to set up and use from Ed's experience
- Same gearbox and blade system as the Rage 5-S
- Sturdy four-legged base
- 1,500W motor at 3,250rpm
- 24 tooth blade included
- Three year warranty
What to know
- Not built for heavy daily use
- No folding or wheeled stand like the Rage 5-S
Our verdict
Learning on the Fury worked well for Ed, as it's easy to set up and use, and the three-year warranty is generous at this price. It's built for a home workshop rather than heavy daily use. If you need to fold it away, the Rage 5-S adds a wheeled stand.
Best Budget Runner-Up
VonHaus DIY Table Saw
Best for: Occasional cuts on a tight budget
Check Price On AmazonThe VonHaus table saw is for people who need a table saw now and then and don't want to spend much. It's one of the cheapest saws you'll find, yet VonHaus backs it with a two year warranty.
On paper the specs are generous, with an 1,800W motor and a no-load speed of 5,000rpm. The blade adjusts for height and angle, the rip fence has a quick clamp and the four-legged base keeps it steady on a garage floor.
The compromise is accuracy. The fence has a quick clamp rather than the rack and pinion system on the DEWALT, so it won't match that saw for precision, and you should check it's square before each important cut. For rough cutting, garden projects and one-off jobs, that's a fair trade for the price.
What we like
- 1,800W motor
- Quick clamp rip fence
- Adjustable blade height and angle
- Four-legged base for stability
- Two year warranty
What to know
- Quick clamp fence is less precise than the DEWALT's rack and pinion
- Build quality is below every other saw here
Our verdict
Price is the main reason to choose the VonHaus, and for the odd project or rough garden cutting it's a fair buy. The clamp fence is its weak spot, so check it carefully before every important cut. Regular users will find the Evolution Fury 5-S better made, with a longer warranty.
How To Choose A Table Saw For Your Workshop
The right table saw depends on where it'll live, what you'll cut and how precise the work needs to be. Start with the points below.
Job Site Saw Or Workshop Saw
Job site saws like the DEWALT DW7485 and Bosch GTS 10 J are built to be carried. They're compact, have handles or a roll cage, and are light enough for one person. Workshop saws such as the Makita MLT100 are heavier and bigger, which gives a steadier cut and more table area but makes moving them hard work.
Be honest about how much you'll move it. We swapped our Makita for the DEWALT purely because we needed something more portable.
Fence Quality
The fence decides how accurate your cuts are. A rack and pinion system like the DEWALT's moves both ends of the fence together, so it stays parallel to the blade. Cheaper fences clamp at one end and can drift out of square, which gives tapered boards and can make the timber bind on the blade. Check it against the blade with a square before important cuts, whatever saw you buy.
Blade, Motor And Depth Of Cut
Most saws come with a general-purpose blade. Fewer teeth cut faster and suit rough ripping, while more teeth give a cleaner edge on sheet material and trim like MDF or timber skirting boards. A multi-material blade like the one on the Evolution Rage 5-S is handy on renovations where reclaimed timber can hide old nails.
Motor power and depth of cut matter for thick hardwood and sleepers. For cutting worktop, decking and sheet goods, any of the saws here have enough power.
Safety Features
Look for a riving knife that sits behind the blade and stops the timber closing and kicking back, a blade guard you'll actually keep fitted and a brake that stops the blade quickly. Soft start stops the saw jumping when you switch it on. Always use a push stick for narrow rips and keep your hands clear of the blade line.
Where A Table Saw Fits With Other Saws
A table saw is best at long, straight rip cuts. For cross cuts and angled cuts on skirting, architrave and coving, a mitre saw is quicker and more accurate. Notches, plunge cuts and trimming fitted timber in place are jobs for a multi-tool, and cutting metal bar or tile is easier with an angle grinder. Most workshops end up with a mix, and the table saw is the one you'll use for sheet materials and ripping timber to width.
Table Saw Questions We Get Asked
What is a table saw used for?
A table saw is used for straight, accurate rip cuts along the length of timber and for cutting sheet materials such as plywood and MDF to size. The blade stays fixed and you push the material across it against a fence, which gives identical widths cut after cut. With a mitre gauge it'll also make cross cuts and angled cuts.
Is a table saw better than a circular saw?
A table saw is better for repeated, accurate rip cuts and for cutting lots of boards to the same width. A circular saw is better for breaking down large sheets on the floor, cutting fitted timber in place and working away from the workshop. Many DIYers use a circular saw to cut big sheets roughly to size, then finish them on a table saw.
Can a table saw cut metal?
A standard table saw with a wood blade can't safely cut metal. Some saws, such as the Evolution Rage 5-S, come with a multi-material blade that the maker says will cut steel, aluminium and timber with nails in it. If you cut metal regularly, an angle grinder or a dedicated metal cutting saw is the safer and cleaner choice.
What is a riving knife on a table saw?
A riving knife is a curved metal plate that sits just behind the blade and moves up and down with it. It holds the cut open so the timber can't pinch the back of the blade and throw the board back at you, which is called kickback. Keep it fitted for every through cut and set it level with the blade height.
Why did you swap the Makita MLT100 for the DEWALT DW7485?
We swapped them purely for portability. The Makita MLT100 was a brilliant saw with excellent build quality and plenty of adjustment, but at 38kg it was a struggle to lift alone. The DEWALT DW7485 weighs 22kg, which is light enough to carry from the van. If your saw stays in one workshop, the Makita's weight becomes a strength.
Is the DEWALT DW7485 worth the extra over the Evolution Rage 5-S?
The DEWALT DW7485 is worth the extra for regular use, because its rack and pinion fence keeps rip cuts square and the steel roll cage handles life on the move. It's the priciest saw in the roundup. The Evolution Rage 5-S gave us months of good service and cuts more than clean timber, so it suits occasional users better.
Is the Evolution Fury 5-S a good first table saw?
Yes, the Evolution Fury 5-S was Ed's first table saw, and for a budget saw it was easy to set up and use. It shares the Rage 5-S's gearbox and blade system and has the same three year warranty. It sits on a four-legged base, so it suits a home workshop rather than heavy daily use.
How accurate is the fence on the VonHaus table saw?
The fence is the VonHaus saw's weak spot, as it isn't as precise as the ones on the branded saws. Check it's square to the blade before each important cut and take your time setting it. That's a fair trade for rough cutting and garden projects, but regular users will find the Evolution Fury 5-S better made.
Which Table Saw We'd Choose
The DEWALT DW7485 is our top table saw and the one we use ourselves, light enough to carry between jobs with a fence that keeps cuts square. If you'd rather spend less, the Evolution Rage 5-S gave us months of good service and cuts more than just clean timber.
For a saw that stays in the workshop, the Makita MLT100 we used to own is hard to beat for build quality, and the Evolution Fury 5-S is the beginner's choice.
Richard has spent years renovating properties and turning them into rentals and Airbnbs. Like a lot of people he started out as a beginner, and these days there isn't much DIY he won't take on.