5 Best Cabinet Table Saws (Woodworker’s Dream Saw)

If you haven’t owned a cabinet table saw, I recommend changing that. I switched to a cabinet table saw a couple of years ago, which completely transformed how I tackle many projects.

working with a cabinet table saw

But as with any saw, there are both good and bad models, and I don’t want you to potentially make a costly mistake. After all, some cabinet table saws can cost a small fortune, but it’s all worth it if the model delivers everything you need.

To help with your decision, I’ve compiled a list of the five best cabinet table saws on the market right now. 

What I Based My Decision On

I based my selection on specific criteria. First, I wanted to cover different price ranges. Having a low budget should never mean you cannot get your hands on a decent cabinet table saw.

Also, I looked at overall build quality, ease of use, and what previous customers have said about the models.

Once I considered everything, these cabinet table saws represented the best on the market.

Before we dive into individual reviews of all the five products on the list, here are are my top three picks:

PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Quiet and Efficient Operation: Poly-V drive belt system.
  • Plenty of table surface.
  • Plenty of table surface.
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  • Features a beveled edge for smoother operation.
  • POLY-V BELT DRIVE SYSTEM: Reduces vibration and maximizes efficiency.
  • One-handed blade changes with minimal tools.
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  • The stop features give a real sense of safety.
  • It has a vast amount of power.
  • The router table includes support legs and universal T-track router clamping system.
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Best Overall Cabinet Table Saw – JET 708675PK XACTASAW

  • Power: 3 HP, 230V
  • Maximum Rip: 50 inches
  • Size: 85 x 36 x 38 inches
  • Arbor Speed: 4300 rpm
  • Maximum cut depth: 3 inches
  • Warranty: 5 years

This cabinet table saw by Jet is one that really stood out for me, and it did so for various reasons.

First, there was the build quality. It is exceptional. Also, it comes with a 50-inch rip, so that’s up there with some of the biggest. But the cool thing is the table is big enough to handle wood up to 8 ft in length. 

From a cutting depth, it measures in at 3 inches when at a 90-degree angle. However, it does drop to 2 ⅛ inches when you change to a 45-degree angle. This should still prove adequate for most projects.

For power, then the 3 HP motor won’t let you down. It has ample capacity for that 10-inch blade.

But I and others love the ease with which you can switch out blades. The arbor lock has a simple push mechanism, and you can quickly flip out those blades. This mechanism will prove invaluable if you work with different types of wood.

Overall, this cabinet table saw has everything you could want. It’s versatile, can handle large pieces of wood, and is surprisingly easy to use.

Pros

  • It’s powerful enough for beginners and enthusiastic woodworkers alike
  • The blade and fencing come perfectly aligned, so no crazy cuts
  • The push-button lock makes changing blades very easy
  • It comes with a magnetic power switch for added safety
  • It has an independent leaf guard sitting over the blade

Cons

  • You do need a lot of space due to its size
  • You do need to go slow when cutting thicker wood to make sure it cuts perfectly
  • Quiet and Efficient Operation: Poly-V drive belt system.
  • Plenty of table surface.
  • Rapid Blade Changes: Push-button arbor lock.
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Best Budget – Powermatic PM1000 1791001K

  • Power: 1.75 HP, 115V
  • Maximum Rip: 50 inches
  • Size: 36 x 27.5 x 64 inches
  • Arbor Speed: 4200 rpm
  • Maximum cut depth: 3 ⅛ inches
  • Warranty: 5 years

For anyone on a lower budget, then I wouldn’t look past the Powermatic PM1000. This cabinet table saw is still an impressive piece of kit, but it doesn’t come with the sky-high prices you may see elsewhere.

But don’t think it means this model will fall short. That won’t happen, as the Powermatic PM1000 is filled with valuable features that won’t let you down.

It has a less powerful motor, so you may struggle with the harder woods. However, the arbor speed remains impressive even on that reduced power.

I also love how this model comes with a belt drive system. That will cut down on vibration, so you then have a steadier cut as a result. 

However, one of the standout features for me is the fence. At 5-inches, it will work for most projects, but Powermatic also ensures the fence is easy to set up and precisely lock into place. Also, it feels rigid, so it won’t buckle under pressure.

I do also enjoy the miter-gauge. It means you can cut with precision at up to 60-degree angles on either side, making life much easier. 

Pros

  • You can change blades with one hand
  • The adjustable miter-gauge works well
  • The reduction in vibration does allow for better cuts
  • The fence is straightforward to set up
  • It comes with 64-inch rails

Cons

  • It can struggle somewhat with harder wood
  • It does have a slight power drop compared to other models
  • Features a beveled edge for smoother operation.
  • POLY-V BELT DRIVE SYSTEM: Reduces vibration and maximizes efficiency.
  • One-handed blade changes with minimal tools.
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Best Portable – Sawstop PCS31230-TGP236

  • Power: 3 HP, 220V
  • Maximum Rip: 36 inches
  • Size: 69 x 33 x 34 inches
  • Arbor Speed: 4000 rpm
  • Maximum cut depth: 3 ⅛ inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

Some cabinet table saws can weigh a substantial amount, so portability may become an issue. However, if you need something portable, I recommend this model by Sawstop.

But be aware that this model still weighs in the region of 350 pounds. That’s a lot, but it remains lighter than most other models on the market. Also, you do have the option of popping this saw up on wheels to aid you with moving it around.

From a power perspective, this portable version packs a punch with 3 HP and 220V. Also, the arbor speed sits at 4000 rpm, so this model has few problems getting through most woods.

The model also has 69-inch long rails, but what I like about this Sawstop is not only the fence but the fact it comes with a T-stop. This combination makes it easy to get those accurate cuts, making this model exceptionally easy to use.

But the best thing of all is the Sawstop safety system. This clever technology uses an electric current that passes through the blade. This detects if the blade starts to cut a conductive material and switches off.

Overall, the relative portability makes this model stand out for me. Also, it’s more compact, so if space is an issue, then this could work.

Pros

  • The safety features are outstanding
  • It’s powerful enough for most woods
  • The ability to put it on wheels to move around works well
  • The 69-inch table means it takes up less space

Cons

  • The 36-inch rip may come in as too small for some people
  • The 36-inch T-Glide Fence & Rail are made of heavy-gauge steel.
  • SAWSTOP PATENTED SAFETY SYSTEM: Stops a spinning blade on contact with skin.
  • The 69-inch table means it takes up less space.
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Best for Versatility – Grizzly G1023RLWX Cabinet Table Saw

  • Power: 5 HP, 240V
  • Maximum Rip: 32 inches
  • Size: 66 x 47 x 39 inches
  • Arbor Speed: 4200 rpm
  • Maximum cut depth: 3 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year

I’ve included this Grizzly model in my list because of one simple reason, its versatility. First, there’s the cut depth. At 90 degrees, it comes in at 3-inches, but it still achieves a depth of 2 ⅛ inches at 45 degrees. It comes with 10-inch blades, and you do have the added option of also using ¾-inch dado blades.

Also, it has a 5 HP motor, so this is an absolute beast of a machine. With 240V, you feel you can throw any type of wood at this motor, and it will cope. It is also equipped with a Poly-V serpentine belt, leading to a smoother operation.

Another thing I love is the fact the table is extendable. It moves from 27-inches to 40-inches, so there is no need to have a large table taking up extra space when not in use. These wings slide in and out easily while remaining sturdy when in use.

Precision is also evidently key with this model. The bevel angle even comes with a digital display, so you know the exact angle of your cuts. No more guesswork leading to a better end result.

Add an easy-to-set t-style fence, dust collection, thermal overload protection, and a magnetic stop button, and you have a fantastic cabinet table saw at your disposal.

Pros

  • It has a vast amount of power
  • The stop features give a real sense of safety
  • It’s extendable
  • The digital reading gives accurate precision over your angles
  • The serpentine belt makes for smoother operation

Cons

  • The dust collection could be slightly better
  • They could offer a more extended warranty
  • The stop features give a real sense of safety.
  • It has a vast amount of power.
  • The router table includes support legs and universal T-track router clamping system.
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Best 10-Inch Blade Model – Shop Fox W1819

  • Power: 3 HP, 220V
  • Maximum Rip: 29 ½ inches
  • Size: 67 x 46.5 x 30 inches
  • Arbor Speed: 4300 rpm
  • Maximum cut depth: 3 ⅛ inches
  • Warranty: 2 years

This Shop Fox model offers your average amateur woodworker an easy-to-use cabinet table saw capable of producing outstanding results. With 3HP and 220V, the Shop Fox W1819 will make quick work of almost anything, thanks partly to that high arbor speed.

Also, the maximum cut depth will cover most projects. The average enthusiast rarely needs to cut anything beyond this, so this model has you covered. 

I do need to talk about the fence. The machine is compact and powerful, but the fence can resist vibrations. It’s solid and sturdy, so you can achieve those clean cuts.

But that’s not all I loved about the fence. 

You will also discover that both blade and fence come out of the box perfectly aligned. That means there’s no additional setting up of the blade, and you can start using your new machine immediately.

However, there is something of a downside: the size. The maximum rip is under 30 inches, so you have some restrictions regarding the maximum size you can cut. But if you don’t intend to cut huge pieces of wood, this may not be as much of an issue.

Pros

  • The fence is sturdy and provides perfect alignment for clinical cuts
  • The saw is very powerful for its size
  • It’s quick and easy to set up for beginners
  • It isn’t affected by vibrations

Cons

  • The small rip size may prove problematic for larger projects
  • Quick release riving knife, blade guard and splitter assembly.
  • Adjustable T-slot miter gauge with anodized fence extension and flip stop.
  • Magnetic switch with thermal overload protection.
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How to Choose Your Cabinet Table Saw

Each model I’ve listed above has a list of features longer than you’d imagine. So I’m going to help you out when it comes to choosing your cabinet table saw. 

sawstop cabinet table saw

When searching for a saw, you have certain key areas that I feel you should focus on.

The Power

The first thing is the power output, and I suggest not going for anything below 3HP. If you see a cabinet table saw with a power output of 1-2HP, you instantly limit what you can do with it.

When the power is below 3HP, the saw is only suitable for softwood. Anything harder and it’s going to struggle, and you run the risk of burning through the material. 

Nowadays, most saws come with a minimum of 3HP, but if you plan on using your cabinet table saw a lot, I suggest going up closer to 5HP. At that power rating, it will make quick work of anything you plan on throwing at it.

The Stability

A cabinet table saw is a dangerous piece of kit, so you want to feel it’s nice and stable when in use. But here’s the good news. These saws’ sheer weight and size generally mean stability is not an issue. 

These saws are designed for you to find the place in your workshop, put them down, and leave them there. With many weighing more than 500 pounds, they won’t move around when in use. 

 While you still want to ensure you have a level floor to place it on, stability is not as big an issue as it is with other lighter forms of table saws.

The Safety

The issue of safety should always be number one on your list, and each model I mentioned above comes packed with all sorts of safety features. 

Your saw should always contain at least some of the following for safety reasons:

  • A guard
  • A riving knife or splitter
  • Anti-kickback pawls (sometimes they only come as an option)
  • Thermal overload protection
  • Automatic shut-off

I would always suggest opting for a model packed with safety features, no matter your level of skill.

The Blade and Cutting Depth

Your cabinet table saw will come with either 10-inch or 12-inch blades. There are also sometimes options for a dado blade, and that’s generally smaller at 8-inch.

The saw should also make it easy for you to set the blade. This means the blade can run true, and you get a cleaner cut. Check out the blade adjustment method, or you could end up with wood that’s ripped and rough to the touch rather than the smooth, clean cut you want.

But blade size is not everything you need to think about. There’s also cutting depth to consider as well.

The slightly crazy thing is that two different models can hold the same blade, but they both have a different maximum cutting depth. This makes a difference when it comes to cutting thicker pieces of wood. 

I suggest checking out the maximum cutting depth for the model that interests you. The last thing you want is to come up short when cutting through wood, and it’s only cut 90% of the way through.

The Size

I admit the cabinet table saw is not the smallest piece of kit you will ever own, so you require a significant amount of space. Also, the lightest model I included still weighs 350 pounds, which may determine where you will even place your saw.

These saws can have a maximum rip from 32-inches to 52-inches. The maximum rip refers to the width of the cut from the right side of the blade to the fence. This distance then changes the overall size of the saw.

If you purchase a 52-inch cabinet table saw, it could be up to seven feet long. That tells you how much space you need to walk around and fully use the machinery.

So check the dimensions, and take accurate measurements in your workshop. It could force you into changing your mind as to which saw you will then buy.

Additional Features

I believe you have several other additional features you might want to focus on when deciding on your cabinet table saw. 

The Fence

You want the fence to feel solid. If it’s not solid, it may not perform well whenever any pressure is applied, which will happen a lot. Also, you need the fence to lock perfectly into place, so it sits square while in use.

Adjusting the fence should also be an easy process. Check for easily adjustable screws to allow you to make those adjustments before using the saw.

Dust Collection

You must ensure your table saw has some dust collection, as that sawdust can quickly get into your lungs. Usually, you have one of two options.

Your saw may come with a port under the table, typically a 4-inch port, where you can attach some form of extractor. Alternatively, some models on the market have a hose that sits above the blade to extract the dust as it’s produced.

Make sure the dust collection option fits in with your current setup, or check what else you will require to ensure dust does not become an option.

Overall Conclusion

I know I’ve covered a lot here regarding cabinet table saws, but it’s worth taking your time to review the information before deciding which saw you wish to purchase. 

A cabinet table saw is an investment but will also last for years. You do need a significant amount of space for most models, but their versatility and how they will transform your projects make them invaluable.

I’ve never looked back since I bought one, and I know you will feel the same too.

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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