At the center of most woodworking shops, you will find the trusty table saw. For many woodworkers, it is the tool that is used on every single project they do. Despite it being such an important tool in the shop it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to break the bank. We’ll take a look at some of the best budget table saws available now.
In my woodworking shop, I use a Grizzly hybrid style table saw. It is a workhorse that is used to dimension lumber, cut dadoes and grooves, break down sheet goods and even cut segments for turning segmented bowls and platters.
What to Look for in a Budget Table Saw
Table saws can generally be broken down into 4 separate styles.
Typically the cheapest and smallest will be the benchtop style table saws. These have a smaller footprint, working surface, and cutting capacity and will typically cost under $500. For small workshops where space is at a premium, these can easily be stored under a cabinet and pulled out when needed.
The next step up is to contractor style table saws. These table saws are built with an open stand and include more powerful motors, larger working surfaces, and heavier duty materials. Contractor style saws typically range in price from $500 up to $2000. While still heavy at ~200 – 250lbs they can easily be maneuvered around the shop on a mobile base and stored off to the side when not in use.
Hybrid style table saws, like the one we use in our shop, offer the best of both worlds of a contractor style saw and the heavy-duty cabinet style table saws. Their lighter weight and smaller footprint mean they are still easily maneuverable on a mobile base. They also include upgraded hardware like powerful motors, premium fences, and an enclosed base which makes for great dust collection.
For most woodworkers working from home like we do these are a great option. Luckily there are also a lot of great options for under $1000 as well!
Best Mid-Range Table Saws
Grizzly G0771z
The Grizzly G0771z is the updated version of the table saw I use in my woodshop and a great pick for the best hybrid table saw under $1000. I personally love the saw and have been using it for around 5 years now. The newer version includes an improved fence but most everything else is the same.
I have used it to do precise cuts like cutting woodturning segments at exact angles. It also comes with enough power to rip through 2-inch thick hardwoods. I keep the saw on a mobile base and it is easy to roll out of the way when not in use.
The cast iron top is also a great size for small to mid-sized shops. At 40 1/2″ wide x 27″ deep is has plenty of rip capacity at 31″. We also frequently use the saw with a crosscut sled as well and the 27″ deep table gives plenty of working area to accurately crosscut wider pieces.
Shop Fox W1837
Shop Fox is a cousin to Grizzly tools so while it may not have the name brand recognition of Grizzly you know you’re still getting a solid piece of machinery. The Shop Fox W1837 table saw has a lot of similarities to the Grizzly G0771z. They are both approximately the same size with 40″ x 27″ tops, 2 HP motors, and 30″ vs 31″ rip capacities.
Some of the advantages of the Shop Fox saw are the built-in mobile base. A good mobile base will typically cost between $100 – $125 and lifting a saw onto the mobile base is never much fun unless you have a few helpers on hand.
One downside with this saw is it uses the older style Grizzly/Shop Fox fence system. It is the same fence I used on my table saw and it has been good but the newer versions hold square a lot better.
DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw
The Dewalt 10″ table saw is a great option for those who want a 10″ table saw yet may not have space for a hybrid style saw. This saw has all the features of a larger saw with a 10″ blade, dado capabilities, and 30″+ inch rip capacity.
The saw comes with a mobile base but another great option a lot of woodworkers have come up with is to build the saw into a dedicated worktable. That allows for a large work surface in your shop that also serves as an expanded top for your table saw. This will allow for easier cuts of larger items like plywood or longer lumber.
Best Budget Table Saws
If you’re new to woodworking or just need to make the occasional cut on a table saw then a budget model may be best pick for you. These budget table saws are all under $500 and will take up very little space in your shop.
DEWALT 8 1/4″ Compact Table Saw
The Dewalt 8 1/4″ table saw is the smaller, bench top brother of the Dewalt 10″ table saw. Despite its small size it still has plenty of features to do the job day in and day out.
Weighing only 53 pounds this saw can easily be pulled out and used on a table top when needed. It can also be easily integrated into a rolling cart to wheel around the shop.
The table saw’s fence allows for cuts up to 24 1/2″ wide which makes it perfect for ripping down sheet goods. Its miter gauge and tilting blade allow it to make a variety of precise cuts for whatever project you may be working on.
RIDGID 10 Inch Table Saw
Ridgid is a well known name in the woodworking world and for good reason. They produce quality, entry level priced tools aimed at the everyday wood worker.
The Ridgid R4518 lets a woodworker with a limited budget or space get a full sized 10-inch table saw at a low price.
This saw offers a generous 27 inch rip capacity, blade brake, and dust collection all wrapped in a compact size. While this saw may not last a lifetime it is perfect for the new woodworker or someone who just needs to make an occasional cut on the table saw.
Bosch Portable Table Saw
Bosch is known for its well-engineered tools and their portable budget table saw is no exception. This is a great budget option for woodworkers who need their table saw to make precise and accurate cuts time and time again.
This saw can cut woods up to 2 1/4″ although it will bog down with hardwoods at that thickness. Portable, jobsite style saws excel at cutting sheet goods, thin hardwoods or softwoods like pine.
Other Options to Find an Affordable Table Saw
If you’re looking for a larger, more capable table saw for your wood shop keep an eye on the used marketplaces. Facebook marketplace, craigslist or Offerup are all great options for buying used woodworking tools.
I frequently see cabinet shops close in our area and they will usually list their tools for sale online. This is a great way to find older, hybrid or cabinet style table saws for prices under $1,000.
Keep in mind that these saws can be a beast to move but by removing the cast iron tops they become a lot more manageable to handle with a truck or trailer.
Final Thoughts on the Best Budget Table Saws
Take the time to figure out how your budget, space and tool before pulling the trigger on a new table saw. An underpowered saw or one that takes up too much space can make the tool unusable and create a potentially unsafe situation.
Luckily there are a number of great budget table saw options that should fit most woodworkers needs.
Derek grew up woodworking in his father’s shop and has since gone on to start up a successful woodworking business on Etsy. In his spare time, you can find him mountain biking, skiing, or writing.
