Best Table Saw for Small Shop [2024 Review]

It doesn’t matter whether you own a workshop, aspire to own one, or simply enjoy DIY woodwork projects; it’s incredibly advantageous to have a table saw in your vicinity.

For small shops, the idea of a table saw can sound a bit confining. In reality, it’s very possible to have a table saw that can fit inside a small shop—leaving plenty of room as well. The most important thing is to find one that’s most suitable for your needs.

I provide you with the top recommendations of some of the best table saw for small shops. You’ll find out what makes each table saw the best for its category. In addition, you’ll have a guide to the features you should consider when choosing a small shop table saw.

Small Shop Table Saw Reviews

Small shop owners might find choosing a suitable table saw a bit challenging. The reason is that there’s a vast ocean of awesome table saws brands that offer different features and sizes.

For that reason, I’ve put together a list of the most recommended table saws for small shops.

DeWalt DWE7491RS

The DeWalt DWE7491RS is a best-seller jobsite table saw. You’ll probably find it among the top three picks of any table saw beginner or professional.

The dimensions of the DeWalt DWE7491RS are 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches, weighing around 90 pounds. This makes it one of the slightly larger and heavier table saws.

Still, this DeWalt table saw can fit virtually anywhere, which is why it’s one of the most recommended for small shops.

Here’s what comes with this DeWalt table saw:

• DWE7491RS 10-inch table saw
• 10-inch 24-tooth carbide blade
• Push stick
• Miter gauge
• Rolling stand
• Blade guard
• Two blade wrenches

In terms of performance, the DeWalt DWE7491RS is stable and efficient. Powered by a 15-amp motor, this table saw has a 3.125-inch maximum cut depth and an impressive 32.5-inch rip capacity.

This DeWalt table saw most likely owes its remarkable accuracy to its rack and pinion rip fence system. The fence is situated on a toothed rail and is highly adjustable. It enables you to cut quickly and accurately every time.

Another thing the DeWalt DWE7491RS is known for is its fast cutting. Perhaps that’s why the people at DeWalt include the push stick, which you can use instead of your hands to propel the wood through the saw.

This table saw is packed full of features that can be found on more expensive, larger table saws. It doesn’t just deliver outstanding performance; it’s also easy to install and pack for moving around and storing.

It’s worth mentioning that the DeWalt DWE7491RS table saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Read more in my Dewalt table saw review.

Bosch 4100-10 Table Saw

If you don’t end up going for the DeWalt DWE7491RS, then you should seriously consider the Bosch 4100-10. At first glance, these two table saws appear to be one and the same.

Like the DeWalt, the Bosch 4100-10 table saw has a 15-amp motor that allows it to cut precisely and accurately at a high speed. This motor makes both table saws go through thick pieces of hardwood easily.

Nevertheless, the Bosch 4100-10 has many differences that set it apart from the DeWalt table saw. For starters, the Bosch 4100-10 table saw has a rip capacity of 25 inches, making it ideal for light woodwork.

The Bosch 4100-10 table saw comes with:

• 4100-10 10-inch worksite table saw
• Gravity-rise wheeled table saw stand
• 10-inch carbide-tipped blade
• Smart guard system device
• Anti-kickback pawls
• Miter gauge
• Push stick
• SquareLock rip fence
• Multi-functions blade wrench
• Adjustment wrench
• Throat plate insert

What’s more, the Bosch has a gravity-rise stand that enables you to adjust the height of the table saw to your liking.

For all of its brilliance and similarity to the DeWalt DWE7491RS, I wouldn’t recommend the Bosch 4100-10 for beginners. To begin with, the Square Lock rip fence can be a bit complicated to work at first.

In addition, you may need to keep a close eye on the adjustable feet. Due to the pressure and vibration, the feet could slip or become ineffective.

SawStop PCS175-TGP236

The SawStop PCS175-TGP236 is the only stationary table saw on my list. This cabinet table saw is incredibly powerful, blending accuracy and safety.

Perhaps the SawStop’s most impressive attribute is its safety features. It’s designed to maximize safety beyond any other table saw.

The SawStop PCS175-TGP236 table saw comes with a considerable range of accessories:

• Two cast iron extension wings
• Two blade wrenches
• Two hardware packs
• 10-inch blade
• Riving knife
• Push stick
• Miter gauge
• Blade spacing adjustment gauge
• Micro-blade guard
• Dust-collection blade guard
• A 3mm, 5mm, and 8mm hex key

The SawStop sends an electronic signal through its blade that can detect the difference between skin and wood.

In the event that the signal spots skin instead of wood, a spring pushes the brake pawl into the blade’s teeth, effectively stopping the blade from spinning. Then, the blade drops into an enclosed cabinet. This all happens in mere three to five milliseconds.

The dimensions of the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 are 39.12 x 33 x 34, which aren’t considerably larger than other table saws. However, because it’s a cabinet table, the SawStop is incredibly heavy, weighing around 471 pounds.

While it carries a hefty expensive tag, the SawStop PCS175-TGP236 is one of the best table saws for beginners as well as professionals. It’s designed for those who want to put out the best work they can without worrying about safety.

SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw

The SKIL TS6307-00 is an excellent table saw for beginners and hobbyists.

It weighs around 50 pounds and its dimensions are 27.17 x 28.74 x 16.93. This table saw is lightweight and much more compact than most. What’s more, its motor is quite powerful, which allows the blade to spin at 5,000 RPM.

The SKIL TS6307-00 is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor, which allows the blade to spin at 5,000 RPM. It has a 25.5 rip capacity, with a 10-inch 24-tooth blade for quick rough cuts that must be sanded.

However, if you’re looking for an immediate super smooth result, you can exchange the 24-tooth blade with a 40-tooth blade.

• 10-inch table saw
• 24T saw blade
• Miter gauge
• Blade guard
• Self-aligning rip fence
• Heavy-duty steel folding stand

The SKIL TS6307-00’s 10-inch table saw has a typical sliding system, with a -2-47° bevel capacity and two positive stops at 0° and 45°. There’s also a quick-release lever behind the depth wheel.

One feature that makes the SKIL TS6307-00 stand out is its integrated folding stand—other table saw’s have detachable stands. You can easily lift up the table saw, fold down the stand, and lock it into place without another set of hands.

SKIL has also taken the liberty of using metal components rather than plastic, making this model much more sturdy and reliable than other beginners and hobbyists’ models at this point.

What’s more, this table saw is designed to work with dado blades. All you need is the proper throat plate and a blade that is 5/8 inches or shorter.

Still, to be able to judge the SKIL’s performance fairly, you shouldn’t compare it to more expensive counterparts. It has a 25.5-inch rip capacity and 2.5-inch cutting depth.

This is what comes with the Skil TS6307-00 table saw:

Goplus Table Saw

The table saw that has the least complicated name on this list, the Goplus table saw is also one of the smallest and lightest. It’s one of the best for novice woodworkers because of its simple design.

The Goplus table saw’s dimensions are 29 x 23 x 15 inches and it weighs around 46 pounds. It’s battery-powered so you’ll need to get a lithium-ion battery. In addition, it has a 26-inch rip capacity, which can go through large wood material while reducing friction.

The miter gauge can be adjusted for cross cutting with the self-aligning rip fence supporting from both sides for more precise and stable cuts.

One factor that contributes to this table saw’s appeal is its simple design. This straightforward model should allow you to work without feeling burdened by too many options.

Aside from the basic features, the blade of the Goplus table saw can move in different angles and bevel cut. What’s more, its 15-amp motor is designed to produce as little noise as possible.

It also has a large hand wheel that allows you to adjust the blade’s height. This is useful for a variety of tasks, such as cutting, slotting, or ripping.

What’s more, its high-power 15-amp motor is designed to produce as little noise as possible. It delivers 5,000 RPM cutting performance, allowing it to easily go through different kinds of hardwood.

The Goplus table saw has a slew of features that make it more convenient to use. The onboard storage system is useful for storing the wrench and push stick when you’re not using them. Its 10-inch table saw can be used for outdoor woodworking without the stand.

It also has an on/off safety switch that controls the table saw stand as well as provides overload protection.

In addition, the aluminum tabletop doesn’t just contribute to the overall lightweight of the Goplus. It also reduces extra friction, which allows the wood to slide smoothly.

The thing that gives this Goplus table saw bad rep the most is assuming that it can do more than what it’s made for. The Goplus table saw can handle small, DIY woodwork projects. It’s not suitable for heavy-duty woodwork projects, though.

The Goplus table saw comes with:

• 10-inch table saw
• 36T carbide-tipped blade
• Riving knife
• Push stick
• On-board storage system

Small Shop Table Saw Considerations

The market of table saws for small shops is so full of options that it can appear insurmountable. That’s why it’s essential to have an idea of what kind of table saw and features you’re looking for.

In this section, I’ll go over certain features to consider when choosing the most suitable table saw for your small shop.

Types of Table Saw

Table saws are mainly divided into two categories: portable and stationary. Within each of these categories, there are three basic classifications.

Known for being compact and lightweight, portable table saws consist of benchtop, compact, and job-site table saws. On the other hand, stationary table saws tend to be much larger and heavier. They’re divided into the high-quality contractor, high-quality hybrid saw, and cabinet table saws.

Portable table saws are designed to perform the same basic tasks that stationary table saws are able to perform, just on a smaller scale.

Small shops benefit the most from the best portable table saws. Their small size and weight make them easy to move around and fit pretty much anywhere.

Size

The size of a table saw mostly depends on the material it’s made from and the features it’s equipped with. It can weigh as little as 40 pounds or as much as over 1500 pounds.

What dictates what the table saw is made from and the features it has is its type. Generally, the heaviest and largest portable table still doesn’t weigh as much as the lightest and smallest stationary table saw.

For small shops, it’s preferable to consider portable table saws. Most models come with noteworthy robustness and power. For example, job-site table saws can handle heavy-duty use but won’t take up much space.

What’s more, most stationary table saws are made for factories, professional workshops, and specialized schools. These are all places that need the power and sturdiness of the stationary table saw.

Rip Capacity

The number one feature you should consider when purchasing a table saw is the rip capacity. It’s what dictates the amount of board width you can cut.

Large-scale construction projects require a rip capacity somewhere around 24 inches. Smaller projects, like furniture, can be cut with a rip capacity of 22 inches or less.

Rip capacity affects how much you spend on table saws. For that reason, you want to seriously consider what rip capacity will meet the needs of your projects.

Miter Gauge

A table saw’s miter gauge is one of the components that help with precision. It holds and guides the piece of material at an angle of your choosing.

Most table saws come with their own miter gauge. If, however, that doesn’t happen, there are highly precise miter gauges available.

Portability

Being able to move your table saw around is one of the main features to consider.

Nowadays, most stationary table saws can be mounted onto a mobile base. Still, due to their massive weight, moving them from place to place might be a bit arduous.

That’s why almost all table saws recommended for small shops are going to be portable. Not only can you move them around easily, but their small size and weight don’t make the task all that straining.

Basic Safety Features

Like with any woodworking machine, safety is paramount and shouldn’t be compromised. Table saws should include a combination of certain elements to provide maximum safety during usage and storage.

Riving Knife

Sitting behind the blade, the riving knife is an accessory that you can attach and detach when required. It moves up and down with the blade, preventing kickback.

Splitter

The splitter serves the same purpose as a riving knife. The difference is that it’s positioned near the back of the table saw, sitting at a fixed height.

While it’s meant to prevent kickback, the splitter is less effective due to its far distance from the blade.

Anti-Kickback Pawls

Just as the name implies, anti-kickback pawls are tiny saw-like latches that prevent kickback. They are designed to run across the wood as long as it is parallel with the table. If kickback happens, the teeth of the pawls dig into the wood to keep it in place.

Blade Guard

Another accessory that prevents kickback, the blade guard is also meant to shield you from any kind of flying debris and dust.

The market of table saws is constantly looking for ways to maximize safety for individuals.

Some table saws have magnetic switches that turn off power in case of a power outage. Others are equipped with sensors that immediately stop the blade from spinning if it comes into contact with skin.

It’s also worth noting that old table saw models may not have the same features as table saws nowadays. If you’re thinking about purchasing an older model or a second-hand table saw, it’s advisable to look into its safety features.

Conclusion

Just because you’re looking for a table saw that can fit in a small shop doesn’t mean that you have to make huge sacrifices. What’s important is knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

Many compact table saws come with powerful motors and swift blades that can handle any light or heavy woodwork. Each offers its own unique features that set it apart from the other. You can almost always find one table saw that meets your needs.

The DeWalt DWE7491RS is a terrific investment. To begin with, this saw has yet to have a serious competitor that comes with the same features.

The DeWalt DWE7491RS is easy to use, stable, and high quality. It’s quite sturdy, with the ability to handle larger projects than most portable table saws. Its powerful motor, along with its rip capacity and cut depth, enables the table saw to go through projects quickly and easily.