Small workshops require compact, powerful table saws for good wood-cutting results. However, I chose the SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw as the best table saw for small shop sites due to its sturdy yet compact build and supreme rip capacity.
I’m a carpentry expert with over 20 years of experience in custom woodworking, where I’ve crafted intricate and bespoke furniture. So, I know how a suitable table saw should perform in a small job site, and I set out to find it.
Before making my choice, I took my woodworking rubric, 10 wooden boards, and some PPE to my shed. There, I tested ten different table saws to see which products worked in my home workshop.
Let’s get started
| Product Image | Product Name | SimpleWood Working Rating | What I liked | What I did not like | Link |
  | SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw | Best Overall | – Lightweight design – Powerful blade | – Heavier than advertised – Comes without casing | Check Price Here |
 | Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8¼-Inch Table Saw | Runnerup Lightweight | – Lightweight frame – Rack and pinion blade for easy adjustment | – Doesn’t include a stand | Check Price Here |
 | Rockwell Workshop Table Saw | Best Budget-friendly | – Performs versatile cuts – Easily replaceable blades – Good value for money | – It is loud -Uninformative manual -Miter block isn’t long enough -There is no dust collection | Check Price Here |
 | Festool Cordless Table Saw Set | Best Cordless | – Compact design – Performs versatile cuts – Cuts straight and precise angles | – Not light for easy transport | Check Price Here |
 | DeWalt Portable Saw for Jobsites | Best Home Workshop Saw | – Compact build – Good rip capacity – Accurate adjustments – Power loss reset | – The fence is tricky to keep straight – Miter gauge isn’t precise enough for fine woodworking | Check Price Here |
 | ARNOT Compact Table Saw | Best for Accuracy | – Non-slip feet for stability – Accurate adjustments – Powerful rip capacity – Easily transportable | – You can’t install a dado blade on this table saw | Check Price Here |
 | SawStop Compact Table Saw | Best Safety System | – Stops on contact with skin – Rack and Pinion fence – Easily tilt design – Micro-adjust feature | – You can’t install a dado blade on this table saw – Takes time to stop after turning it off | Check Price Here |
 | Nightcore Multifunctional Table Saw | Best for Versatility | – Quick assembly – Lightweight design – Anti-friction blade – Durable carbide tip | – Tricky alignment – Can require additional weight at the base | Check Price Here |
 | Shop Fox Hybrid Table Saw | Best for Big Projects | – Produces clean, straight lines – Little required adjustments – High-quality blade – Quiet design – Easily transportable | – Weak rear rail – Fence shifts during setting | Check Price Here |
 | VEVOR Table Saw for Jobsite | Best Beginner-friendly | – Easily adjusted – Simple assembly – Easily transportable – Low noise | – Fence isn’t precisely accurate – The cord is too short – Manual isn’t informative | Check Price Here |
Top 10 Best Table Saws for Small Shop Projects
1. Best Overall: SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw
The SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw stands out as my overall top pick for best table saw for a small shop, primarily due to its mangesium alloy construction that produces a light and easy-handed tool. It combines this structure with a heavy-duty 7 ½ inch blade that cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter.
The tool has cleary marked contorls and straighforward adjustments e, so you can tweak them without any issues. It also has a lot more torque than I’m used to,, especially when working with tough material like oak veneers.
While the blade is pretty strong, itsthe ergonomic handle and anti-snag lower guard ensure that you’re safe in the workshop.
I quickly discovered that this table saw does most of the work if I let gravity help, so there’s no need to push through each cut.
The table saw’s force has been consistent every time I’ve used it, and I’m certain it’ll outlast me.
One minor short coming I encountered when working with this tool [not a deal breaker].
The table saw is advertised to be 11 pounds but it feels a lot more like 14. Luckily, I’m used to using 100-pound saws so the 14 pounds was still extremely light.
What I liked
- Lightweight design
- Powerful blade
What I did not like
- Heavier than advertised
- Comes without casing
2. Runner-up Lightweight: Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8 ¼-Inch Table Saw
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8¼-Inch Table Saw is a lightweight table that combines portability and power.
It isn’t the strongest, but it works up a decent amount of power and rips through 12-inch sheets like butter. I appreciate its simple assembly and compact design because it fits in my small workshop, and this is the reason why I choose this tool as my 2nd runner up.
The gauges and adjustments are easy to read, and won’t give you a hard time to tweak. I used it to cut full plywood sheets, and the table saw cut in a straight line all across the sheet.
However, this table saw doesn’t include a stand, so you’ll have to set it up at table height. This means either purchasing a seperate stand or improvising with an existing workspace.
What I liked
- Lightweight frame
- Rack and pinion blade for easy adjustment
What I did not like
- Doesn’t include a stand
3. Best Budget-friendly: Rockwell Workshop Table Saw
The Rockwell Workshop Table Saw is the best table saw for woodworkers on a small budget.
It is advertised to perform crosscut, rip, and scroll cuts. So, I tested it with vinyl floors. To reduce slop, I wrapped my miter slide with some masking tape. But you can also clamp the workpiece to your table to reduce chatter.
The Rockwell Workshop Table Saw came with 5 easily replaceable blades ( jigsaw blades) and I found it easy to make straight and accurate cuts. So I’d call it a steal for its reliability and accuracy.
Now for what I didn’t like:
My package didn’t have a dust panel, which can be dangerous if you’re cutting MDF panels. This is also a right-handed machine, so it may not be ideal for lefthanded users.
What I liked
- Performs versatile cuts
- Easily replaceable blades
- Good value for money
What I did not like
- It is loud
- Uninformative manual
- Miter block isn’t long enough
- There is no dust collection
4. Best Cordless: Festool Cordless Table Saw Set
The Festool Cordless Table Saw Set is an extremely versatile table saw for upping your DIY game. It is small enough to fit in a systainer, yet it cuts like a beast.
You can use it to perform parallel cuts of up to 11 inches and different angles of crosscuts and bevel cuts. Its cordless design also reduces its footprint in the workshop by cutting down wire clutter.
For a table saw, it cost a pretty sum, so I tested it with 12ft hardwood boards. Not only did the Festool Cordless Table Saw Set power through each board, but it also created precise cuts every time.
What I liked
- Compact design
- Performs versatile cuts
- Cuts straight and precise angles
What I did not like
- Not light for easy transport
5. Best Home Workshop Saw: DeWalt Portable Saw for Jobsites
If you regularly cut OSB or plywood sheets in your home workshop, you need the DeWalt Portable Saw for Jobsites.
It has a high-quality build and high power, so it performs for a long time. And though it is small, it has the functionality of heavy-duty sliding table saws.
I did notice that the angles were a little off, so its 90-degree cut was closer to 89.7 degrees. So, it isn’t precise enough for intricate woodworking.
Its portable structure makes it easy to install in a small home shop without consuming all the space. However, it is just as noisy as a handheld circular saw.
With the blade’s depth and angle, you can slice through wood in clean cuts. So, the DeWalt Portable Saw for Jobsites is a solid and reliable tool with a 24-inch rip capacity.
What I liked
- Compact build
- Good rip capacity
- Accurate adjustments
- Power loss reset
What I did not like
- The fence is tricky to keep straight
- Miter gauge isn’t precise enough for fine woodworking
6. Best for Accuracy: ARNOT Compact Table Saw
The ARNOT Compact Table Saw is a premium choice for projects that rely heavily on accuracy.
You can easily angle its adjustable fence for making angled or bevel cuts.
I also noticed its blade guard and anti-kickback pawl to prevent workshop accidents. Plus, it combines a light frame and non-slip feet to provide stability as you work.
If, like me, you’ll be using it for cutting hardwood boards, then you’ll appreciate the 26-inch rip capacity. It’ll accommodate your material’s dimensions and glide through the wood smoothly.
What I liked
- Non-slip feet for stability
- Accurate adjustments
- Powerful rip capacity
- Easily transportable
What I did not like
- You can’t install a dado blade on this table saw
7. Best Safety System: SawStop Compact Table Saw
If you want a small, light, and safe table saw, the answer is the SawStop Compact Table Saw.
The fence is parallel to the blade, which ensures accurate cuts and locks in place. Plus, it uses Rack and Pinion controls, allowing for better adjustment and accuracy.
After startup, the SawStop Compact Table Saw runs safety checks, so there’ll be a short delay. But, it is negligible. and I was too impressed with the saw’s features to bother.
What I liked
- Stops on contact with skin
- Rack and Pinion fence
- Easily tilt design
- Micro-adjust feature
What I did not like
- You can’t install a dado blade on this table saw
- Takes time to stop after turning it off
8. Best for Versatility: Nightcore Multifunctional Table Saw
I tested the Nightcore Multifunctional Table Saw with 8ft and 12ft boards. It cuts fast and straight and saves you the noise. Plus, its bevel, angle, and miter cuts are right on the market.
The aluminum-coated blade cuts friction, allowing me to cut through large wood material easily, and the blade is tipped with carbide for extra durability.
The Nightcore Multifunctional Table Saw also has an ergonomic table design, which makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. So, you can transport and use it without strain.
It is lightweight and fairly sturdy, but it tipped when I was cutting 12-foot boards. So, you might need to beef up the base to prevent tipping.
What I liked
- Quick assembly
- Lightweight design
- Anti-friction blade
- Durable carbide tip
What I did not like
- Tricky alignment
- Can require additional weight at the base
9. Best for Big Projects: Shop Fox Hybrid Table Saw
The Shop Fox Hybrid Table Saw is a beefy table saw for large wood cutting projects.
It has a sturdy metal construction with very little plastic, which makes it an ideal heavy-duty saw for home workshops. So, I used it to cut MDF and hardwood boards with ease.
However, the rear rail isn’t very solid, so it dipped a little bit.
I appreciated the fence’s extruded aluminum face, which allowed me to add extra fences and jigs. Plus, the viewing window is large enough to read, and I could easily line up the red cursor.
What I liked
- Produces clean, straight lines
- Little required adjustments
- High-quality blade
- Quiet design
- Easily transportable
What I did not like
- Weak rear rail
- Fence shifts during setting
10. Best Beginner-friendly: VEVOR Table Saw for Jobsite
I tested the VEVOR Table Saw for Jobsite on 4 x 8 plywood boards.
There isn’t much to assemble fresh out of the best, which was great because the manual wasn’t helpful. It has pictures and words but lacks coherent instructions.
When I finally put it together, it ran great and had sufficient power to cut through the boards’ middle. I also noticed the carbide-tipped blades, which convinced me of its durability.
Like many table saws, it came with a flimsy miter gauge. So, if you need highly precise angle cuts, I’ll advise you to buy a third-party gauge.
What I liked
- Easily adjusted
- Simple assembly
- Easily transportable
- Low noise
What I did not like
- Fence isn’t precisely accurate
- The cord is too short
- Manual isn’t informative
My Final Verdict: SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw
The best table saw for small shop sites is the SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw. It is light and compact, which cuts down strain and makes sawing easier.
It is also powerful and sturdy, so it has a slight learning curve for beginners and amateurs. However, I noticed its right-handed design, which helped me watch my cut without looking over the saw.
Overall, the torque is unmatched and you can use the SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw to power through lumber easily.
Buyer’s Guide for Choosing the Best Table Saw for Small Shop Sites
Table saws can look the same if you don’t know what to check for. Here are some tips to help you cut through the crowd:
Power
When it comes to power tools, higher amp ratings mean greater cutting power. And, because powerful machines can execute heavy loads much longer, they tend to cost more.
However, a 15-amp motor is sufficient for a compact table saw you use for hobby woodworking. But they won’t easily cut hardwoods like Australian Bulkoke and black walnut wood.
Large table saws will also work for long without overheating and keep well over a long time.
Rip Capacity
A saw’s rip capacity is the maximum length between its blade and fence, and the fence is the adjustable guide keeping the wood boards in place. So, the accuracy and use of a table saw directly depend on its rip capacity.
Ideally, you should choose a board with a large rip capacity to accommodate your board’s full dimensions. This bit ensures that you make a clean cut through the material.
Portability
The portability of a woodworking table saw is essential if you’ll need it on the go. If you have a home workshop like me, then a stationary machine works fine. If not, you need a benchtop table saw.
Benchtop table saws are lightweight and compact, which makes them easy to transport. So, they weigh between 10-40 pounds. Since these table saws weigh less, they are often cheaper than stationary models.
However, stationary table saws aren’t without their perk. Their heavy-duty frame allows them to slice through thick boards easily for construction purposes. They’re usually coupled with stands for easy placement. But, they’re often tougher on the pocket.
Cutting Depth and Blade Size
Manufacturers group tabletop saws into blade sizes and depths for easy identification, and it can help you to know an appropriate saw right away.
For instance, 10-inch saws can cut up to 3.5 inches deep and most table saws are 10 inches, More uncommonly, you’ll also see 12-inch blades and 8-inch, designed to create more depth ranges. However, you can often adjust your blade’s height and angles.
Irrespective of the blade’s size, different heights and angles will create unique cut depths.
Safety Features
Wood saws are as useful as they are hazardous, so it is essential to check for safety functions.
Some machines use push sticks, riving knives, and blade guarding to prevent injuries while you work. And, you’ll also see precautionary functions like dust collection to manage sawdust from the wooden planks.
However, you should also wear personal protective equipment to solidify your safety.
When buying tabletop saws, always check for power loss functions because they help prevent accidental restarts. You should also ensure that the product has a stop bottom or brake system in case of malfunction.
Chop Chop
Overall, the best table saw for small shop settings is the SKILSAW Lightweight Circular Saw. It is light and built like a tank, so it cuts through boards easily. It is also really sturdy and fitted with high-quality construction.
If you’re looking to replace your workshop’s table saw, you should certainly give it a try.
What’s your ride-or-die table saw for small shop setups? Tell me in the comments, and I’ll try it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Best Table Saw for a Shop?
The DeWalt Portable Saw for Jobsites is the best table saw for a shop – both at home and at the worksite. It has a compact design and incredible rip capacity, which makes it suitable for tackling large OSB or plywood sheets. Plus, it has a power-loss function to prevent accidental restarts during power disruptions.
What is The Best Value Hobby Table Saw?
The best value hobby table saw is the Rockwell Workshop Table Saw. It cuts like a full-sized tabletop saw and allows you to perform scroll, rip, cut, and miter cuts. The Rockwell Workshop Table Saw is also lightweight and portable, which makes it a steal for its low price.
What Type of Saw is Best for Small Projects?
Coping saws are best for small woodworking projects. They’re extremely narrow, so you can use them to make intricate cuts in wood, plastic, and ceramic. You can also use a coping saw to achieve a smooth finish because of its teeth alignment.
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