Photo: Skilsaw
Buying a table saw is a very important step for any woodworker, so it needs lots of focus and preparation. If you’ve got a small shop, however, you’ll additionally need to find the best table saw for small shops.
Compact table saws offer many advantages to any woodworker with limited space. Some come with stands, wheels for transport, or metal roll cages for toughness.
To make things easier for you, this table saws for small shops review focuses on providing you a list of the top compact saws, as well as a buying guide that shows you how to make the right choice.
In this post:
- 10 Best Table Saws For Small Shop – Review
- 1. DeWalt DW745 – 10-inch Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
- 2. DeWalt DWE7491RS – Very Portable Table Saw for Small Shops
- 3. Bosch 4100 – Table Saw for Small Shops with Folding Stand
- 4. Skilsaw SPT70WT – Brass Worm Drive Table Saw for Small Shops
- 5. Makita 2705 – Highly-accurate Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
- 6. Skil 3410 – Budget Table Saw for Small Shops with A Folding Stand
- 7. Bosch GTS1031 – Super Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
- 8. Rockwell RK7241S – Table Saw for Small Shops with Laser
- 9. Hitachi C10RJ – 35-inch Rip Capacity with Fold & Roll Stand
- 10. TruePower 01-0130 – Lowest Priced Table Saw for Small Shops
- How to Buy the Best Table Saw For Small Shops
- Conclusion
10 Best Table Saws For Small Shop – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DW745 (10-inch Compact) |
| |
 | 2. DeWalt DWE7491RS (Very Portable) |
| |
 | 3. Bosch 4100 (With Folding Stand) |
| |
 | 4. Skilsaw SPT70WT (Brass Worm Drive) |
| |
 | 5. Makita 2705 (Highly-accurate & Compact) |
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 | 6. Skil 3410 (Budget with Folding Stand) |
| |
 | 7. Bosch GTS1031 (Super Compact) |
| |
 | 8. Rockwell RK7241S (With Laser) |
| |
 | 9. Hitachi C10RJ (35-inch Rip Capacity with Fold & Roll Stand) |
| |
 | 10. TruePower 01-0130 (Lowest Priced) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeWalt DW745 (10-inch Compact)
|
2. DeWalt DWE7491RS (Very Portable)
|
3. Bosch 4100 (With Folding Stand)
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4. Skilsaw SPT70WT (Brass Worm Drive)
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5. Makita 2705 (Highly-accurate & Compact)
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6. Skil 3410 (Budget with Folding Stand)
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7. Bosch GTS1031 (Super Compact)
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8. Rockwell RK7241S (With Laser)
|
9. Hitachi C10RJ (35-inch Rip Capacity with Fold & Roll Stand)
|
10. TruePower 01-0130 (Lowest Priced)
|
1. DeWalt DW745 – 10-inch Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 15 Amps/ 1,850 Watts
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 3,850 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45°
This DeWalt DW745 is a compact and tough table saw for small shops and on-site use. It weighs just 45 pounds and measures 22.7 x 29.2 x 16.7 inches, making it a very compact unit.
The beauty of this table saw is the steel roll cage that holds it together and makes it tough enough to survive drops and impacts during transportation or even on job-sites.
It comes with a 15-Amp and 1,850-Watt motor that generates 3,850 no-load RPM to drive its 10-inch and 24-tooth carbide blade. You get a 3.12-inch maximum cut depth, 45° bevel ability, and up to 20 inches of rip width.
You also get many accessories and this includes a miter gauge, a rip fence, push stick, and blade wrenches. DeWalt then backs it with an impressive 3-year warranty to make it one of the best small shop table saws.
It’s worth mentioning that DeWalt has a newer model of this saw on offer. This is the DeWalt DWE7480 and it offers an improved 4,800 RPM, 24.5-inch rip width, and 48 pounds of weight, while every other feature remains the same.
Pros:
- High-quality compact table saw
- Features a steel roll cage for toughness
- Bevels and includes a miter gauge and fence
- Backed by a 3-year DeWalt warranty
Cons:
- The stand gets sold separately
- Relatively small rip capacity
2. DeWalt DWE7491RS – Very Portable Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 4,800 RPM
This compact table saw comes with two highlights. The first is its included rolling stand, which makes it easy to roll around and take anywhere you want.
The second highlight is its 32-inch rip width, thanks to its telescoping fence. This opens up many possibilities and makes it one of the best portable table saws on the market.
It comes with a 15-Amp motor and produces 4,800 RPM with its 10-inch and 24-tooth carbide blade.
For downsides, you get its 90-pound weight and relatively higher price tag. But if you want a high-quality table saw for small shops and in a portable design, then it’s worth it. DeWalt offers a 3-year warranty.
More Detailed: DeWalt DWE7491RS Review
Pros:
- Table saw with a rolling stand for portability
- Features a 15-Amp motor with 4,800 RPM
- Comes with a 10-inch and 24-tooth carbide blade
- DeWalt backs it with a 3-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s a relatively costly compact table saw
- It’s twice as heavy as the previous saw
3. Bosch 4100 – Table Saw for Small Shops with Folding Stand
Photo: Bosch
- Power: 15 Amps / 4 HP
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 3,650 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 47°
Bosch also has a compact table saw for small shops and contractors. This Bosch 4100 comes with a folding stand that’s also wheeled for full versatility.
It comes with a 15-Amp and 4-HP motor to generate 3,650 RPM for its 10-inch carbide-tipped blade. You can cut boards up to 25 inches wide and the table will bevel up to 47°.
For cons, you can get a cheaper saw elsewhere, but it might not feature such an outstanding folding stand. This package also includes a miter gauge, a rip fence, a push stick, and wrenches for maintenance.
More Detailed: Bosch 4100-10 Review
Pros:
- Compact table saw with folding wheeled stand
- The 15-Amp motor produces 3,650 RPM at 4 HP
- Features a 25-inch rip width
- Comes with all necessary accessories
Cons:
- You can get a cheaper compact table saw
- It only has a 1-year warranty
4. Skilsaw SPT70WT – Brass Worm Drive Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: Skilsaw
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 5,300 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 46°
This Skilsaw SPT70WT is one of the top-rated portable table saws because of its many innovative features. First off, it features brass worm-drive gearing for maximum torque.
Secondly, Skilsaw uses dual copper windings to offer more induction surface and produce a motor that stays cooler for longer, and thereby able to tackle the toughest jobs.
The 15-Amp motor delivers 5,300 RPMs of no-load speed to power the 10-inch carbide-tipped blade, which offers cut depths up to 3.5 inches at 90°. The best performance so far in this review.
Its stand gets sold separately and the warranty is only for a year. However, the package includes a self-aligning fence, a miter gauge, a push stick, insert plate, wrench, and an anti-kickback device for your safety.
More Detailed: Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 Review
Pros:
- Table saw with brass-geared worm drive
- Special saw motor produces 5,300 RPM
- Offers an impressive 3.5-inch cutting depth
- Generous 25-inch rip width
Cons:
- There are cheaper offers
- Skilsaw sells the stand separately
5. Makita 2705 – Highly-accurate Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: Makita
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 4,800 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45°
With attention to detail and a precisely machined tabletop, this compact Makita 2705 table saw offers a quality tool for those who want a little more than the standard.
At 36 x 16 x 32 inches, it’s larger than the table saw above and it’s also heavier. It includes a 15-Amp motor, produces 4,800 RPM, includes an electric brake, and cuts up to 3.6 inches of depth.
The extendable table also provides space for up to 25 inches of rip width and the table will bevel up to 45°. Makita backs this offer with a 1-year warranty.
The blade is also easily enclosed under the table for safety during transport, making this Makita 2705 one of the best table saws for home shop owners and contractors.
More Detailed: Makita 2705 Review
Pros:
- Accurate table saw with precision machine table
- Easy-to-read scale for speed and accuracy
- Includes onboard anti-kickback devices
- Large 25-inch rip width and 3.6-inch cutting depth
Cons:
- It’s larger and heavier than the offer above
- The stand costs extra
6. Skil 3410 – Budget Table Saw for Small Shops with A Folding Stand
Photo: Skil
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 47°
If you’re looking for a good deal on the best table saws for small workshops, this Skil 3410 comes at a very attractive price and with an impressive performance.
It features a 10-inch carbide-tipped blade and a 15-Amp motor to drive it up to 5,000 RPM speeds. The blade will cut up to 3.5-inch thick boards and the table will bevel up to 47°.
One of its best features, however, is the included folding steel stand, because it makes it a truly portable and versatile compact table saw.
It lacks a dust collection system anyway, but if you consider its attractive price, the 3-year warranty, miter gauge, and rip fence, then it’s still a great offer.
More Detailed: Skil 3410-02 Review
Pros:
- Affordable compact table saw
- 15-Amp motor with a 5,000-RPM output
- The package includes a folding steel stand
- Backed by an impressive 3-year warranty
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a dust collection system
- The power cord is only 6 ft. long
7. Bosch GTS1031 – Super Compact Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: Bosch
- Power: 15 Amps, 4 HP
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 47°
Bosch is one of the best power tool brands on earth. So, Bosch should also make one of the best table saws for small shops.
This one features a unique design that makes it the most compact saw on this list with its 26 x 24.7 x 15.5-inch dimensions. It even includes a one-handed carry handle.
Not minding its compact design, you’ll still find on-board storage space for the accessories it comes with, such as the push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, and wrenches for changing the blade.
One let-down with this offer is that it only has a 1-year warranty. But asides from that, it’s an impressive piece of German ingenuity.
Pros:
- Very compact design fits the smallest spaces
- Features a 10-inch blade with 5,000 RPM
- Includes storage space under the table
- Comes with a dust bag
Cons:
- There are cheaper table saws for small shops
- It only comes with a 1-year warranty
8. Rockwell RK7241S – Table Saw for Small Shops with Laser
Photo: Rockwell
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 4,800 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45°
Rockwell also did a great job with this Rockwell RK7241S design. It combines heavy-duty construction, compactness, and creative design.
You can unfold its folding fence to offer enough space for 30-inch rips. You can also unfold the integrated stand to easily and quickly set it up anywhere.
It’s relatively heavy at 73 pounds. But when folded, however, its trolley design lets you pull it behind like a suitcase, making it very portable.
You also get an included laser guide, a 45° beveling table, a 4,800 RPM motor, a large dust bag, and 3 years of a manufacturer warranty, all combining to make it one of the best table saws for small shops.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty and versatile compact table saw
- Features a laser guide for precision
- Offers up to 30 inches of rip width
- Backed by a solid 3-year warranty
Cons:
- It’s a relatively heavy unit
- It’s also relatively costly
9. Hitachi C10RJ – 35-inch Rip Capacity with Fold & Roll Stand
Photo: Hitachi
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45°
This Hitachi C10RJ is another impressive table saw for small shops. Also featuring an integrated design like the Rockwell unit above, this Hitachi saw includes a roll stand with all-terrain wheels.
It features an adjustable rip fence that extends your ripping capacity up to 35 inches. This makes it an ideal unit for jobs that handle wide boards.
Keep in mind that Hitachi has renamed itself to Metabo HPT, so this saw’s also available as the Metabo C10RJ with the same 10-inch and 40-tooth blade, 4,500 RPM, and a 2-year warranty.
You also get a beveling table up to 45°, a 3/4-inch T-slot miter gauge with 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60-degree positive stops, on-board storage space, and a riving knife to protect against kickbacks.
Pros:
- Compact and impressive design
- Features built-in stand and all-terrain wheels
- Telescoping table supports up to 35-inch rip cuts
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- It doesn’t include a laser guide
- You can get cheaper offers
10. TruePower 01-0130 – Lowest Priced Table Saw for Small Shops
Photo: TruePower
- Power: 15 Amps
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Speed: 4,700 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45°
TruePower is the smallest power tool brand here, but it offers a great saw for beginners and budget-conscious woodworkers alike.
This compact table saw is the lightest and cheapest in this review. It produces 4,700 RPM and has a 3.25-inch cutting depth. The table can bevel up to 45° and it also comes with a miter gauge.
What you’ll lack with this offer is accuracy, so it’s not for experts. Else, this is a great entry-level offer from an upcoming brand.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact table saw for small shops
- The cheapest table saw in this review
- Includes a steel stand
- It offers rips, bevel, and miter cuts
Cons:
- Only allows rip cuts up to 13 inches
- There are more accurate compact table saws
How to Buy the Best Table Saw For Small Shops
Photo: Skil
Having a small shop means that you’ll have to choose your tools differently and probably consider factors that you wouldn’t consider with a larger shop.
In the following paragraphs, you’ll go through the most important questions to ask yourself, so you can get the best table saw for your small shop.
1. Compact Design & Portability
This is a very important factor here because limited space is a major issue in any small shop. You’ll have to focus on a table saw’s dimensions first when deciding on what to get.
Luckily, many manufacturers offer compact saws that are easy to move from place to place and are ideal for job site use. This type of table saw is also perfect for small shops.
You get your miter gauge, blade guard, and beveling features and most of them also come with 10-inch blades and about 15 Amps of power. Many offers also include a stand and some even with wheels.
2. Power & Speed
Power and speed are the two major features that help decide how good a table saw is. First, you need a powerful motor to get through all kinds of woods with ease. Then, you also need lots of speed to do the job more efficiently and accurately.
Power is usually given in Amps or horsepower (HP). A saw’s speed is given in Rotations Per Minute or RPM. Most saws in this category have about 15-Amp ratings, 3 HP, and about 4,000 RPM, which are all okay for most standard jobs.
3. Blade
The blade is the part of a saw that does the major work. Saw blades come in different sizes, construction materials, and the number of teeth. You’ll need to check these things when considering a saw.
Most of the compact table saws in this category come with 10-inch blades. Teeth number can range from 24 to 80 and the higher the teeth number, the smoother cuts you’ll get.
4. Cutting Capacity
Here, you need to consider the type of work that you do and if the compact table saw offers you the capacity or not. The important figures here are the rip width, maximum board thickness, and the saws beveling capabilities.
Some saws also come with telescoping features to extend their capacities.
5. Extra Features
Asides from a saw’s blade, there are lots of other parts and features that make the saw valuable. These include table extensions, control wheels to tilt the table, safety power switches, dust ports, on-board cabinets, and other storage systems, as well as mobility attachments.
You’ll find most of these on saws from reputable brands anyway, but it pays to remember these features when making your choice.
6. Safety
Table saws are dangerous tools. You don’t need anybody to tell you that. So, given the nature of compact table saws, you need to look out for certain important features to protect yourself.
The first safety feature is anti-kickback which prevents the saw from throwing boards back at you. Another important feature is a magnetic switch that prevents the saw from starting itself.
Also, read the manual, so you know what you’re dealing with because table saws are dangerous. Never forget that.
7. Warranty
Simply because they are compact units doesn’t mean they can have poorly construction. You want a table saw with as long a warranty as possible because they are usually made from the best materials.
Keep in mind, however, that they’ll often cost more than others. So, it’s left for you to decide on how much quality you want and on how much you’re willing to pay as well.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this table saws for small shops review and you’ve seen all the different compact table saws that are available out there.
From the super-compact to premium saws with impressive features, you’ve seen the extensive offers in the market for all kinds of woodworkers.
Your final choice, however, is all yours to make because it’s only you who knows what you need, what you can afford, and what you love.