Photo: Skil
As a professional woodworking contractor, the best contractor table saw should always be part of your tool collection as it will be useful for almost all your projects.
The contractor table saws are built with a professional contractor in mind and most will typically feature a belt drive and larger induction motor that makes them more powerful than regular benchtop and portable table saws.
With their more powerful motors, the contractor saws are quite heavy as some models will weigh up to 300 pounds and they also have a sturdier and larger table to accommodate larger materials.
Besides contractors, these saws can work for DIYers and hobbyists looking for a powerful stationary power saw. However, like with all power saws, you need to pick the best model from the many options.
To help make it easy to choose a good contractor table saw, below we review 7 top rated models and also explain the most important things to look for when shopping.
In this post:
- 7 Best Contractor Table Saws – Review
- 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS – Best Contractor Table Saw Overall
- 2. Makita 2705 – Best 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
- 3. Bosch GTS1031 – Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
- 4. Skil 3410-02 – Best Contractor Table Saw under $200
- 5. Rockwell RK7241S – Best Contractor Table Saw under $500
- 6. Delta 36-5000 – Best Contractor Table Saw Brand
- 7. Delta 36-5052 – Best for Professionals
- How to Buy the Best Contractor Table Saw
- Conclusion
7 Best Contractor Table Saws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DWE7491RS (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. Makita 2705 (Best 10-Inch Design) |
| |
 | 3. Bosch GTS1031 (Best Portable) |
| |
 | 4. Skil 3410-02 (Best under $200) |
| |
 | 5. Rockwell RK7241S (Best under $500) |
| |
 | 6. Delta 36-5000 (Best Brand) |
| |
 | 7. Delta 36-5052 (Best for Professionals) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeWalt DWE7491RS (Best Overall)
|
2. Makita 2705 (Best 10-Inch Design)
|
3. Bosch GTS1031 (Best Portable)
|
4. Skil 3410-02 (Best under $200)
|
5. Rockwell RK7241S (Best under $500)
|
6. Delta 36-5000 (Best Brand)
|
7. Delta 36-5052 (Best for Professionals)
|
1. DeWalt DWE7491RS – Best Contractor Table Saw Overall
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-9/16” at 90° and 2-1/2” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
With a top-rated contractor table saw like the DeWalt DWE7491RS in your workshop, there is no cutting job that will be too hard for you as it can handle almost anything.
It is a powerful table saw that runs on a 15-amp motor and is capable of cutting up to 3-9/16-inch deep cuts at 90 degrees or 2-1/2-inch cuts at the 45-degree angle.
Besides the top-notch quality and powerful saw, this DeWalt contractor table saw also comes with a rolling stand that makes it super easy to move around. And it includes a unique fence designed for fast, smooth and accurate adjustment.
This table saw offers a rip capacity of 32-1/2 inches, a unique material support system that allows for narrow rip cuts and a 2-inch dust extraction port that will help ensure efficient dust extraction.
Assembling this contractor table saw can be a little hectic and quite a long process, but the good news is that the manufacturer provides some detailed and easy to follow instructions.
More Detailed: DeWalt DWE7491RS Review
Pros:
- Fast, smooth and accurate fence adjustment
- Handy rolling stand
- Highly useful material support
- Efficient dust extraction
- Convenient onboard storage
Cons:
- Assembly can be a little hectic and long
- Shorter power cord
2. Makita 2705 – Best 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw
Photo: Makita
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-9/16” at 90° and 2-1/2” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 65.5 pounds
If you prefer the versatility and convenience of a 10-inch contractor table saw, the Makita 2705 is a perfect choice as it is also highly precise and accurate.
Its high accuracy stems from the fact that it has an easy-to-read scale that is also magnified to ensure you always get the measurements right and the precision-machined table top that ensures true and accurate cuts.
This well-built table saw will make cuts that are up to 3-9/16 inches deep at 90 degrees and comes with a riving knife that can adjust to three-positions to allow you to make dado and both through and non-through cuts.
And with the extension table, this 15-amp table saw provides greater cutting capacity, and it will include onboard accessories storage and will come with wrenches.
The rip fence on this Makita contractor table saw seems to be its only notable shortcoming as it does not seem to lock tight enough and adjusting it is also not very easy. However, for most woodworkers and DIYers, this should be a small issue to fix with some inventiveness.
More Detailed: Makita 2705 Review
Pros:
- Flat and true table top
- 3-position adjustable riving knife
- Large power switch and easy to read scale
- Great for both shop and job site
- Convenient onboard storage
Cons:
- Rip fence design and quality are wanting
- Instructions are not very easy to understand
3. Bosch GTS1031 – Best Portable Contractor Table Saw
Photo: Bosch
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-1/8” at 90° and 2-1/4” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 52 pounds
A portable contractor table saw like the Bosch GTS1031 is designed to allow you to carry your table saw to almost any job site which is always very convenient.
Its increased portability comes from the fact that it is the lightest among our contractor table saw review and the fact that it also includes a comfortable one-handed carry handle.
Besides the smaller weight, this table saw is designed to be tough as it will include a durable all-steel base designed to withstand regular worksite abuse.
Also, you can be confident of more precise and consistent cutting thanks to the square lock rip fence that allows you to glide material along the saw with ease.
And this 15-amp table saw also has a Smart Guard system that makes use of a riving knife system and anti-kickback pawls to ensure you get maximum control and to save you time.
When compared to what other contractor table saws on our list have to offer, the 18-inch rip capacity is relatively smaller, but for most DIYers and hobbyists, it should still be more than enough.
Pros:
- More compact, lightweight and portable
- Durable all-steel base
- Precise and consistent cuts
- Complete on-tool storage
- Time-saving smart guard
Cons:
- Relatively smaller rip capacity
- Table surface could be smoother
4. Skil 3410-02 – Best Contractor Table Saw under $200
Photo: Skil
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-1/2” at 90° and 2-1/2” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 67 pounds
Skil 3410-02 is a more affordable contractor table saw model that will be perfect for those shopping on a budget. But despite the relatively smaller price tag, this is still a powerful 10-inch table saw with a 15-amp motor.
Also, it is a feature-rich model that is designed to ensure accurate cutting thanks to a self-aligning rip fence and EZ view measurement system. And it is built to last with a heavy-duty steel stand.
Setting up the saw should be fast and easy as it uses some quick mounts, and it also includes some handy onboard storage for all your important accessories.
If you are a professional contractor looking for something for heavy-duty use, this Skil table saw might not be very ideal but for DIYers and hobbyist, it will still be a perfect choice.
More Detailed: Skil 3410-02 Review
Pros:
- Accurate self-aligning fence
- Faster saw setup
- Heavy-duty steel stand
- More affordable
- Relatively lightweight
Cons:
- Not very ideal for heavy-duty use
- Fence handle shape can be little bothersome
5. Rockwell RK7241S – Best Contractor Table Saw under $500
Photo: Rockwell
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-9/16” at 90° and 2-9/16” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10-inch
- Weight: 73.7 pounds
The Rockwell RK72441S is a relatively lightweight but still heavy-duty contractor table saw that will work for all kinds of users from DIYers to professional contractors.
It runs on a powerful 15-amp motor and uses a 10-inch diameter saw to ensure it can handle almost any cutting task. And with its convenient folding fence, it can accommodate larger material and make wider cuts.
With this top-notch table saw, you also get a handy laser indicator that has been designed to help maker precise cuts and do it consistently.
And it comes with a fully assembled trolley that not only supports it but also makes it more portable. The easy folding stand and the included wheels make this an easy saw to transport.
Although the fence on this table saw can be a little flimsy and is still not as good as what you get from the top end models, it is still way much better than you get from cheaper models. And once you master how to adjust and lock it in place securely, it will give you great service.
Pros:
- Relatively lightweight but heavy duty
- Convenient folding fence for wide cuts
- Easy to carry around
- Laser indicator delivers more precise cuts
Cons:
- Fence can be a little flimsy
6. Delta 36-5000 – Best Contractor Table Saw Brand
Photo: Delta
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-1/2” at 90° and 2-1/4” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 230 pounds
Delta is one of the most reputable contractor table saw brands, and you will hardly ever go wrong with their products. Their heavy-duty model 36-5000 is perfect for both DIYers and professionals, and besides being well-built, it has a lot more to offer.
This top-notch contractor table saw features a unique tubular stand that has been designed for maximum support and stability and a larger and easily accessible on/off switch for simple operation.
There is a heavy-duty Biesemeyer-style fence and one-piece rail system that will help ensure more precise and consistent cuts and some convenient dual rip windows. Also, this Delta contractor table saw will include a blade brake that stops the blade in seconds for safety.
Given that this is a large high-end contractor table saw with lots of components and features, assembling it will require more than one person, but the good news is that it is quite straightforward and the manufacturer provides adequate instructions.
Pros:
- Large and easy access switch
- Heavy duty one-piece rail
- Blade brake provides increased safety
- Tough and highly supportive stand
Cons:
- Assembly requires some extra help
- A little on the heavy side
7. Delta 36-5052 – Best for Professionals
Photo: Delta
- Power: 15 Amp
- Max Cut Depth: 3-1/2” at 90° and 2-1/4” at 45°
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Weight: 233 pounds
Delta’s 36-5052 is a heavy-duty contractor table saw that has been built with professional contractors that are looking for something for heavy and regular use in mind.
Like many other Delta table saws for professional users, it features a heavy-duty one-piece rail system designed to deliver precise and consistent cuts and a unique tubular stand for maximum stability and support.
This contractor table saw also has a blade brake that will stop the blade in seconds for safety. But, what truly sets it apart from many others in its class is the heavy-duty extension board with support legs as it helps create a large table size to accommodate larger materials.
Woodworkers will love that this saw includes some sturdy wheels for easy transportation and that it has a large and easy to access power switch.
Being the priciest model among our contractor table saw review, it might be beyond the reach of some DIYers and hobbyists, but for professional users, the price is still within the acceptable parameters.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty rail
- Large on/off switch
- Larger total table size
- Supportive and stable tubular stand
- Highly durable overall construction and parts
Cons:
- Relatively pricier
- Heavier and bulkier
How to Buy the Best Contractor Table Saw
Photo: Bosch
There are several factors that you need to take into account when shopping for a contractor table saw to ensure what you buy meets your needs and requirements.
Keeping these factors in mind ensures you do not end up spending your hard-earned cash on substandard models and that you get something that will enhance job site productivity and they include the following.
1. Power
Power is what will determine what you can use your contractor table saw for, and so it should be one of the key things to consider when shopping for one.
Typically, the contractor table saws will be more powerful than others like the portable table saw and most models will have at least 15-amp motors capable of providing up to 2 HP and with a wattage of up to 1,500 watts.
Any contractor table saw below this might be a little under powered. However, the actual power that you need depends on your projects and the larger the materials you intend to cut and the more you intend to use the contractor table saw the more power you need.
2. Blade
The blade matters a lot when it comes to choosing the best contractor table saw as it is what will make the cuts. Even if a saw is very powerful, it might still not work for you if it does not have the right blade.
When it comes to the blade, the first thing to consider is the size, and here the most common option is 10 inches. The 10-inch blades can cut through almost any material, but there is some higher end contractor table saws that will come with 12-inch blades.
You will want to consider the maximum cut depth that the blade can deliver and the deeper, the better. Also, the blade material matters as it will determine what it can be used for. For example, the diamond tipped tungsten blades are the best for harder materials like metal while steel and carbon steel are ideal for cutting wood.
3. Table Size
The table size has a huge role to play when it comes to contractor table saws as it will determine the material size you can handle comfortably and the ease of maneuvering it.
And while a larger work table might look more favorable, this is not always the case as it means the table saw will have a larger footprint, and it also affects maneuverability.
Ultimately the right table size for you will depend on what you will be using the contractor table saw for and the amount of space you have. But, models with tables that are least 30 inches are often good enough.
4. Fence
With most table saws like the contractor, the fencing is an essential component as it provides stability and control to make straight cuts possible.
Without a good fence, making straight cuts will be hard and tedious even for the experienced woodworker, and so you should always make sure that whatever you buy has the best one.
A good and reliable fence is one that locks down your material and will not move out of position when making the cut. Also, the fence should be nice and straight as this will provide a cleaner cut and should be made from a durable material.
5. Brand
You should not just buy your contractor saw from any brand because not all companies are known to make good quality ones.
To increase the likelihood of ending up with a well-built contractor table saw that will give you great value for your cash, you should stick with reputable brands like SawStop, DeWalt, Delta, Makita, Bosch, and Skil.
But, it is worth noting that most of these brands are famous for different things. For example, DeWalt prides in making highly durable and easy to use contractor table saws while Makita is known for energy efficient models with high industrial power.
Conclusion
A contractor table saw is one of the best power saws for professional contractors, DIYers, and hobbyists. If you choose a good model, you will always get the perfect balance between cutting power and portability.
And by considering factors like the power, blade, table size, fence, and brand, finding the best contractor table saw should be a less overwhelming task.
Furthermore, our top 7 contractor table saw reviews will provide a perfect starting point when shopping for one of these handy power tools. And given that they are all well-built, powerful and feature-rich saws from top brands, you can be confident that there is at least one that will work for you.