Best Cordless Job Site Table Saw

When it comes to choosing the right table saw, professionals know that not all tools are created equal. With so many options on the market, it’s essential to understand how different models stack up in real-world scenarios. In this comprehensive Head-2-Head comparison, we put six of the top cordless table saws to the test, evaluating their performance on precision, power, ease of use, and safety. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a woodworking enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision and find the saw that best meets your needs in the workshop. Let’s dive in and see which saw comes out on top!

Cordless Table Saw | Selection Criteria

We chose to test six saws in the 8-¼” range focusing on the mobile Pro contractor. In the end, we allowed Metabo HPT to send us their 10- inch and Festool to send their 168 mm [6.6”] saw because they did not have an 8-¼” saw.

Table Saw Specifications

Bosch

• Model: GTS18V-08
• Bare Tool Price: $399.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,500 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 25”
• Weight: 44 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

DEWALT

• Model: DCS7485B
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 60V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,800 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 24”
• Weight: 52.69 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

Festool

• Model: CSC CYC 50 EB
• Bare Tool Price: $1,499.00
• Blade Size: 168 mm, 6.6”
• Voltage: (2) 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 6,800 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 0”
• Rip Capacity Right: 11-¼”
• Weight: 33.08 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 1-⅞”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-11/32”

FLEX

• Model: FX7211
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 24V
• Max RPM Speed: 6,000 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left:12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 25”
• Weight: 50.73 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-⅝”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-⅞”

Metabo HPT

• Model: C3610DRJ
• Bare Tool Price: $599.00
• Blade Size: 10
• Voltage: 36V
• Max RPM Speed: 5,000 RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 22”
• Rip Capacity Right: 35”
• Weight: 67.3 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 3-⅛”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 2-¼”

Milwaukee

• Model: 2736-20
• Bare Tool Price: $449.00
• Blade Size: 8-¼
• Voltage: 18V
• Max RPM Speed: 5800RPMs
• Rip Capacity Left: 12”
• Rip Capacity Right: 24-½”
• Weight: 41.6 lbs
• Max Cut Height 90°: 2-½”
• Max Cut Height 45°: 1-¾”

Cordless Table Saw | Evaluation Format

Our team has put significant time and effort into our Head-to-Head evaluation to provide you with the most comprehensive information available. For this evaluation, we divided the analysis into several categories:

1. Precision & Accuracy
2. Performance
3. Price
4. Features, Usability & Ergonomics
5. Saw Stand Evaluation
6. We also chose the best value saw and also discuss decibels.

How Most Table Saws Are Used In Job Sites

When these saws arrive on-site, they are quickly unboxed, assembled, and put to immediate use. Users expect them to be mostly accurate. So we looked at the saws out of the box and then corrected any accuracy deficiencies prior to our power testing.

Best Cordless Table Saw | What and How We Measured

To assess the manufactured accuracy of the eight saws, TBB evaluated six key areas:

1. Table Flatness,
2. Accuracy of 45° Stop,
3. Accuracy of 90° Stop,
4. Blade Parallel to Miter Slot,
5. Fence Parallel to Miter Slot,
6. Saw Blade Runout

Best Cordless Table Saw | Accuracy Testing Procedures

Table Flatness

We assessed the flatness of the table by placing the edge of a precision-ground flat bar across it and using feeler gauges to measure any gaps. Measurements were taken in four directions:

1. Front-to-rear at the arbor
2. Left-to-right at the arbor
3. Upper left-to-lower right table corners
4. Upper right-to-lower left table corners

This comprehensive data collection allowed us to create a ranked set of results by assigning a 1-2-3 rating to the relative values of the measurements. We then ranked the saws for overall table flatness as manufactured. For context, a typical sheet of copy paper is approximately 0.004 inches thick.  Our measurements ranged from 0.004 to 0.026 inches.

The saws individual flatness scores across the 4 measurements are added to a summarized score.  The saws are then ranked based on that score.

The Bosch ranked the highest in table flatness with a maximum measured deflection was .011″.  The Flex was a close second followed by a three way tie for third with the DEWALT, Metabo HPT and Milwaukee.  Surprisingly, Festool had the most deflection in its table with this measurement method.  The Festool has a unique feature where the left side of the table can glide front and back to act as pseudo cross-cut sled. There is a small variable in the height between the sliding and the stationary sections of the table.

Accuracy of 45° Stop

To measure the accuracy of the factory-set 45-degree stop, We used a Beall digital inclinometer, which has an accuracy of 0.1 degrees. The process began by placing the Beall gauge on the table and calibrating it to zero relative to the table surface. After calibration, we attached the gauge to the blade and adjusted the blade incline until it hit the factory-set 45-degree stop. The measurement was recorded, and the test was repeated to ensure repeatability, with results consistently within 0.1 degrees of each other.

For contractors using their job site saws for high-quality built-ins or precise finished cuts, saw accuracy is crucial. The out-of-the-box accuracy from the manufacturer directly impacts the quality of the cuts and the safety of the operator. We compared the relative accuracy of the saws immediately after assembly to determine their “as-built” precision. The results showed how each saw stacked up in terms of manufactured tolerances and overall accuracy.

Accuracy of Vertical 90° Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90-degree stop using the same digital inclinometer. After calibrating the gauge to the saw’s table, we moved the blade to approximately 70 degrees off vertical and then adjusted it to the factory-set 90-degree vertical stop. The measurement was recorded and repeated, with consistent results within 0.1 degrees of the previous tests. All of the saws were perfect at 90 degrees.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

To measure the blade’s alignment with the miter slot, we used an iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator, accurate to 0.0005 inches. A new Diablo blade was installed in each saw, and the blade height was set to 2-inches.

We marked a single tooth as the reference point, positioned that tooth at the rear of the saw, and the dial indicator was set to zero against the marked tooth. The blade was then rotated to the front of the saw, and the same tooth was measured again.
A negative reading indicated the blade and miter slot were closer together at the front, while a positive reading indicated they were farther apart.

By analyzing the data from these tests, We were able to rank the saws based on their as-built accuracy and alignment.
Note – we placed a Diablo 8-1/4″ blade on the Metabo HPT for testing, but were not able to use a Diablo blade on the Festool, we used compatible tooth count Festool OEM blades.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of a saw depend on the blade being parallel to the rip fence. Having already tested the parallelism between the blade and the miter slot, the next step is to check if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence. This ensures a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

We used the iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the factory-set fence relative to the table’s miter slot. We started by locking the fence in position approximately 1 inch away from the blade on the side opposite the miter slot. The throw of the dial indicator was adjusted to take readings in the middle of the indicator’s range of movement, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the measurements.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to zero at the operator’s end of the rip fence. Then, we positioned the dial indicator at the rear of the saw, placed it on the rip fence, and took the reading. If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. Conversely, if they were farther apart, the dial indicator displayed a negative reading. A positive reading indicated that the materials being cut might be pinched, increasing the likelihood of kickback.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot | After Adjustment

It is important to note that all saws were adjusted after the accuracy evaluation and before the performance testing. With the exception of blade run-out, other adjustments can be made to fine-tune the saws. We were able to adjust the saws to the following:

Being able to reliably and repeatedly adjust the fence is an important feature of any table saw.

Blade Run-out

Blade run-out describes how much the edge of a saw blade wobbles while mounted on the motor shaft. Measuring run-out with a saw blade assumes the blade is nearly perfect in flatness. To ensure accurate measurements, TBB used a Freud calibration plate, which is ground to a flatness tolerance of ±0.0005 inches.

We used the Freud calibration plate on each test saw to measure run-out. After removing the new Diablo blade and installing the calibration plate, we raised the trunnion to its maximum vertical adjustment. A black mark on the calibration plate provided a consistent starting position for the run-out test, using the iGauging dial indicator.

We carefully rotated the calibration plate by its outer rim to avoid side-to-side force that could skew the results. We recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator and validated it by repeating the test, ensuring consistent readings. Notably, the maximum readings occurred at different points along the plate’s rotation across the eight saws, reinforcing our confidence in the plate’s flatness.

Precision Summary – Winner FLEX

Based on the data from the 7 individual tests, we compiled a summary ranking to determine the overall winner for as-built accuracy. Here are the results: FLEX was consistently accurate and precise in 6 out of 7 categories. Milwaukee was a close second followed by DEWALT.

Best Cordless Job Site Table Saw | Performance Testing

For this segment of the testing, we used two different materials (3/4″ CDX Plywood, and 2x KD lumber while measuring the saw blade RPM drop. We assessed the saws performance based on their blade speed under load and speed of cut.

Blade Speed (RPM under load vs no load)

The first performance measurement we looked at was blade speed while cutting all the test materials. This test provides a relative comparison of blade speed reduction under different loading conditions, giving us an idea of the motor/gearbox combination strength for each saw. We recorded the “no-load” speed to capture the relative drop in RPM during cutting. We used our measured no-load speeds instead of the manufacturers’ published values.

To measure blade speed, we used a digital laser, non-contact tachometer. Reflective tape was adhered to each saw blade just behind the carbide tooth, positioned above the wood cutting surface, allowing us to capture blade speed during the cuts.

A power feeder ensured consistent feed rates through each saw. We used a Diablo 8-¼” 24-tooth Framing blade in all the saws, including the Metabo HPT [10-inch saw] and for the Festool saw we used a 42 tooth finish [168 mm] Wood Universal Blade.

Performance Summary – Winner DEWALT

To determine our power winner we measured the percentage of RPM drop of the saw under a slow-feed cut and a fast-feed cut. By averaging the RPM drop across these two scenarios we determined our power ranking.

DEWALT had the most available power and showed the least RPM drop under load with just a 14% drop in RPM. By comparison the next closest was FLEX with a 19% drop and Milwaukee with 24%. The Festool was unable to complete either cut without overloading.

Manual Hand Feed Comparison

To validate our power feeder rig, we conducted a cutting speed test without it. One operator handled the test, feeding the material as quickly as possible while monitoring the saw’s motor and adjusting the feed rate accordingly. The operator adapted the speed for each cut, either speeding up or slowing down as needed. We made several cuts and recorded the fastest time achieved.

The hand feed result and the subsequent ranking matched the result seen in the power feed test.  The gap between the FLEX and Milwaukee was closer in the 2nd and 3rd place race.  The Festool was still unable to complete the test without overloading.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Price Comparison – Bosch

We ranked the table saws using their bare tool pricing. The Bosch was the least expensive at $399.00, with DEWALT, FLEX and Milwaukee tied at $499.00. Metabo HPT was $599.00 and the Festool was $1,499.00.

Ergonomics & Features

When evaluating cordless jobsite table saws, ergonomics play a crucial role in ensuring tools are both efficient and safe to use. Ergonomics focuses on designing tools that enhance productivity while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and the risk of injury.
Features such as well-placed handles, riving knives, safety switches, and non-slip coatings contribute to the overall ergonomic performance of a saw.

Evaluation Factors

In our ergonomic evaluation of cordless table saws, we considered the following factors and rated them on a scale of 1 to 6 (1 being best):

Weight

Below is a summary based on the provided weights for the different brands. These figures show the relative heaviness of each model with its battery, with Metabo HPT being the heaviest at 62.4 lbs, and Bosch being the lightest at 45.7 lbs.

Power Switch

Ease of use and safety are major considerations for our team, especially with the large, easy-to-actuate power switches.
Bosch and FLEX had the best switch, both are pulled into the on position, or shut off with the users knee. The team found them to be simple and intuitive.

The Festool has a two-step process to turn the saw on, requiring activating a master power switch, followed by the power on switch. The saw cannot be stopped easily with a knee.

The DEWALT has a red paddle, however, when held at its highest point and released, the paddle can accidentally shut off the saw due to the closing momentum. This occurs occasionally.

On Board Storage

The Festool was superior with its Systainer based accessory storage. The Milwaukee came in second with excellent accessory storage secured with a permanent mounted, spring-loaded securing nut. All the other saws had removable wing-nuts that can be easily lost.

Fence

The Flex fence is a rack and pinion style similar to DEWALT and Milwaukee. The only real difference is that the FLEX fence has a rechargeable, 12 LED light strip built into the fence. This light is activated by a rocker switch on the rear side of the fence. The DEWALT and Milwaukee fence are super smooth to operate, and capable of precise 1/64” adjustments.

The Bosch saw also has a rack-and-pinion system, but we experienced jerky micro adjustments. Additionally, the fence lock is on the left side of the knob, which can be awkward, especially for DEWALT and Milwaukee users.
Festool has a lever-lock fence that indexes and slides in a dado. We found that it was not as smooth as other saws and took effort to dial in. The fence requires unlocking with a knob, sliding out, reversing, and sliding in for narrow rips. The fence can be removed and stored in a Systainer.

Metabo HPT has a pull-to-lock mechanism, which is opposite of Bosch, DEWALT, and Milwaukee saw. The team found it choppy when trying to dial in 1/64”. The fence features a twist knob to lock on or remove, requiring users to push tabs to engage which is less intuitive than other models. The fence also rotates for extended support or narrow rips, requiring a sub-fence assembly that stores on the side of the saw.
Raising Blade

The Festool blade can be adjusted to a precise height using an electronic control linked to a 1/64-inch digital display. In comparison, raising the blade on the Flex saw is quick, requiring just 9¾ hand rotations.

Hand Rotation Results are as follows:

• FLEX: 9-¾ rotations
• Bosch: 13-¾ rotations
• DEWALT: 35-¾ rotations
• Metabo HPT: 29-¾ rotations.
• Milwaukee: 15 rotations.

Ripping Width

Most of the 8-¼” saws had similar ripping widths.
The Metabo HPT is a 10-inch saw and as a result has the largest ripping capacity at 35-¼” to the right and 22-⅜” to the left.

Bevel Adjustments

The Festool had the widest bevel range from -10 to 47 degrees.

Riving Knife Adjustments

The riving knives were either removable or non removable. The Milwaukee riving knife was the easiest to adjust or remove. It requires a uses a easy to actuate, pull lever to release the riving knife.

The FLEX uses a flip down lever to release the riving knife. The user needs to tilt the riving knife out and down to seat it, which is not intuitive. Overall we liked the feature, once you get the hang of it.

The DEWALT has an easy to turn knob to loosen and a simple depress on the knob removes the riving knife. The Bosch has a lever that turns to adjust, locks in at multiple positions, but is non-removable. The Festool requires too many steps to access, but super easy to remove once accessible. Locks in at one height and is removable.

The Metabo HPT has a nicely machined aluminum cam lever, but was stiff to actuate. It has three height positions and is non-removable.

Guard

We evaluated the saw blade guards and found that the Metabo HPT was super easy to install. The Bosch was clunky and awkward to attach. The DEWALT features a 1-⅝” OD (1-⅜” ID) dust shroud on the blade guard. Milwaukee was similar to DeWalt but without a dust shroud. The Festool required many steps but was super easy.

Battery Gauge

The FLEX has the brightest battery LED gauge, with 4 LEDS. This feature can be activated with the saw in the off position. Bosch has a bright green, 3-LED light above the power switch but does not activate unless the saw is powered on. Festool has two battery symbols on the top left corner of the LCD screen, which can be hard to see in daylight. The rest of the saws require pushing the battery indicator, all facing in the user’s direction.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Feature Winner – FLEX

FLEX’s cordless table saw has set a new standard in its category, emerging as the feature winner with an impressive performance. Scoring a low 31 points across 14 categories, FLEX excelled by taking top honors in six distinct areas, outshining many competitors.

While Milwaukee scored 37 points and Bosch came in with 44 points, FLEX’s unique features make it a strong contender. The saw is equipped with a folding side extension table, which enhances stability and support for larger workpieces—an invaluable asset for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts.

Additionally, the FLEX table saw includes innovative rechargeable LED lights integrated into the rip fence, providing excellent visibility for precise cuts. This thoughtful design element not only improves visibility and enhances safety by illuminating the work area.

Best Tablesaw Stand -Winner Milwaukee

Our crew found that saws with scissor stands were the fastest and easiest to set up. Brands like DEWALT, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Flex all offer models with scissor stands. Bosch, Flex, and Milwaukee have latches that lock the saw to the stand, making them highly mobile; you can easily pick up and relocate the saw since they lock together.

Photo: Bosch Saw

In contrast, the DEWALT stand does not have a locking mechanism, which often results in the saw sliding off when users try to move it. The Milwaukee stand features an adjustable foot for leveling, while the Bosch stand has rear legs that extend further than the others, providing added stability but also creating a potential trip hazard.

The Festool setup includes the MFT table and dolly, which takes up more space than the scissor stands. Although the Festool saw sits in grooves marked on the tabletop to assist with placement, it does not lock in place, making it awkward to move once set up. This system is more suited for rolling from the truck to the job site and can stack with other Systainers to save space inside a vehicle.

The Metabo HTP stand is excellent but requires bolting to the saw, creating a semi-permanent pairing. It features sturdy folding tubular legs, an adjustable leg, and roller wheels. While the crew appreciated this setup, they found it too large to be considered a truly mobile table saw, as it’s not easy to lift into a vehicle.

Decibels

All of the saws were quite loud, with decibel levels ranging from 104 to 106 dB. We concluded that a difference of just 2 dB was not sufficient to effectively differentiate or score the saws.

Best Portable Job Site Table Saw – Winner FLEX

Choosing the best portable job site table saw was a challenge, as our testing focused on the everyday mobile contractor.
FLEX, being new to the market, had ample time to perfect their saw. With a total score of 8 points, the FLEX portable jobsite table saw ranks first overall in our assessment, showcasing its balance of accuracy, usability, and value. While it may not lead in every individual category, its combination of strengths makes it an excellent choice for contractors seeking a dependable and cost-effective tool, particularly for those prioritizing performance without a high price tag.

The Milwaukee portable job site table saw ranks second overall with a score of 10 points. Its strong performance in accuracy, power, and ergonomics makes it an appealing option for contractors who value precision and reliability. The stability provided by its stand further enhances its appeal, ensuring safe operation in various job site conditions. In summary, the Milwaukee table saw represents a solid investment for professionals looking for a high-performing, durable tool that delivers consistent results. While it comes at a slightly higher price, its overall value in terms of performance and usability makes it worthwhile for serious contractors.

The DEWALT portable jobsite table saw ranked third overall with a score of 14 points. Its strengths in power and competitive pricing make it a reliable choice for contractors seeking a powerful saw. Although it may not excel in every category, it provides a well-rounded performance that meets many professionals’ needs. In summary, the DEWALT table saw offers a good balance of power, accuracy, and affordability, making it an attractive option for contractors who prioritize performance and value. Its reputation for reliability further enhances its appeal, ensuring it remains a popular choice in the job site tool market.

The new Festool table saw did not quite fit our testing criteria and, due to its high price, is likely to attract a specific user base. While it is expensive, it offers several key advantages: designed for precise cuts, it is ideal for job sites or workshops with limited space and seamlessly integrates with other Festool products, enhancing workflow for brand users.  We feel that the Festool is best suited for professional woodworkers, carpenters, finish carpenters, and those who value precision and portability.

Best Value Winner – FLEX

“Best value” is a crucial category in tool comparisons as it balances decision-making by considering both performance and budget, leading to practical choices that provide long-term savings and higher overall satisfaction by ensuring durability and reliability.

Best Cordless Table Saw | Final Thoughts

These tests and evaluations are demanding, time-consuming, and limited in scope since we are not a professional testing company and have restricted time for evaluations. We are unable to conduct long-term testing to assess durability, nor can we test every possible application for which you might use these saws. Nevertheless, we believe that all the table saws in this Head-to-Head are quality tools, and our testing highlights the pros and cons of each model.

Ultimately, everyone must choose a tool based on their specific needs, uses, and budget. With all the data provided above, we are confident that you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your next portable jobsite table saw.

Best Cordless Tables Saw Comparison Video

Best Cordless Table Saw | 2024 Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SawStop 10-inch Compact Job Site Table Saw CTS-120A60

SawStop Compact Table Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: SAWSTOP
Model number: CTS-120A60
Price: $899
Power source: 120V AC
Motor size: 15A
Weight: 68 lbs

Like all SawStop saws, the CTS has outfitted with SawStop’s active injury mitigation [AIM] technology.

Specifications | SawStop Compact Table Saw CTS-120A60

• 120 VAC 60 Hz,
• 15A
• 4,000 RPM | No Load
• 10″ Blade
• Max. Depth of Cut at 0° 3 1/8″ (79.5 mm)
• Max. Depth of Cut at 45° 2 1/8″ (54 mm)
• Max. Rip Capacity 24 1/2″ (648 mm)
• Max. Rip Left of Blade 9 ½” [241 mm]
• Weight 68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 14 ¼” H x 23 ½” W x 27” D
• Table Surface: 23” W X 22 5/8” D
• Dust port: Inside Diameter 2.3” [58 mm] outside diameter 2.5” [65 mm]

First Impression

We reviewed the SawStop CTS Table Saw and stand together. The first impression with all SawStop tools is one of high quality. The tool looks and feels like a well-designed machine and comes in at $899 with active injury mitigation technology – well that’s just a win for us small guys!

At 68 lbs this 10-inch table saw is heavy and corded but that is a small consolation when you consider the cost of a table saw laceration or amputation.

How SawStop Compact Table Saw Works

The SawStop CTS table saw carries a small electrical signal through the blade which monitors and detects skin contact.

Once the signal changes with flesh contact, the saw activates a spring-loaded, aluminum block braking system that embeds itself into the saw blade stopping it in 3-5 milliseconds.

The degree of injury is dependent on the speed at which the hand or body part propels into the blade. Faster speeds can result in more serious injury. The brake and blade collision momentum drives the blade beneath the tabletop, removing the blade from view, and simultaneously turning off the saw motor.

After activation, the saw needs to be reset and the saw blade and AIM cartridge replaced, which took us 5 minutes to do. Any activation will require a new cartridge [$100] and a new saw blade [$50-100].

Pro Tip:

Make sure that you use only 3/32nd to 3/16th kerf saw blades that are NOT coated. Coated or lacquered saw blades are non-conductive and can reduce the speed that the system reacts to flesh contact.

Our Table Saw Accident Story

Annually, there are over 30,000 table saw injuries in the US.

Last May, one of the guys on the crew slipped and fell into the blade. He was the 4th person in the ER that day to suffer an injury from a table saw, and it was a weekday, not a weekend, telling me that these were most likely Pro user injuries.

Luckily, he only suffered a broken bone and lacerations. In the end, he was out of work for a few weeks and on light duty for several other weeks. The entire accident was a drag for our team member to go through and cost the company $15,000 in worker compensation costs.

When I compare $15,000 to $900 for a SawStop there’s really no excuse NOT to outfit your crews with the saw.

Power and Capacity

The SawStop CTS table saw is plenty powerful for job site cutting, we used it to rip down some 2x stock and it had zero issues. Its 15 Amp motor spins a 10” blade at 4,000 RPM. The CTS saw has a 23” W X 22 5/8” Deep tabletop with a maximum rip of 24-1/2” on the right side of the blade, and 9-1/2” on the left blade side. The CTS has a maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8” at 90° and 2-1/8” when set at 45°.

Dust Collection

The SawStop CTS table saw has a 2-1/2” rear dust port. SawStop recommends using a dust collector that has at least 170 CFM [4800 LPM] of airflow.

The dust port’s inside diameter measures 2.3” [58 mm] and the outside diameter is 2.5” [65 mm] The dust collection works well and collects approximately 90-95% of the dust. The only way to improve dust collection would be to use a blade guard dust port and connect it to a Y-connector and the lower port.

Important User Note:

It’s important to note that the CTS saw is not designed to run without dust collection attached at all times. The saw, brake, and trunion are enclosed and if dust collection is not used this area will fill up with sawdust and overheat the saw.

Precision and Accuracy

The quality of the cuts and more importantly the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the accuracy of a table saw. For many folks that means relying on the as-built accuracy from the manufacturer.

Let’s face facts many contractors, maybe most, take their table saw out of the box and start using it right away, for them, factory settings are good enough. Other folks like me, and probably you, take the time to true up their saw.

I want to point out that the SawStop CTS table saw is not a cabinet shop grade saw, it’s a compact job site saw. Some of you may build high-quality built-ins or make high-tolerance finished cuts on the job site, but this isn’t really the saw for that – no job site table saw is. I feel that if you don’t have access to a precision cabinet saw, you’d be better off using a track saw for that stuff. Either way, I wanted to see how the SawStop CTS measured up in it’s out-of-the-box accuracy.

Because accuracy equates to safety and quality, we assessed the manufactured accuracy of this saw, looking at five areas:

1. Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop
2. Accuracy of 90 Deg. Stop
3. Blade Parallel to Miter Slot
4. Fence Parallel to Miter Slot
5. Blade Run-out

Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 45-degree stop by using a  digital inclinometer with an accuracy of [zero point two] 0.2° degrees.

We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements shown on the gauge give a result that is relative to the saw table.

We attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 45-degree stop and recorded the measurement. We ran the test several times to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to be 45.5 degrees.

Accuracy of Vertical 90 Deg. Stop

We measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90-degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. After calibration, we used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 90-degree vertical stop and recorded the measurement.

We ran the test several times to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to be 89.20, and when we used the micro adjustment and cranked it hard we could get the saw to 89.70. We felt that most contractors won’t do that while using it, so we adjusted it. 

Adjustment Results of 45 and 90 Degree Bevel

Adjusting the saw was easily accomplished with the onboard Allen wrench.

We were able to adjust the saw to a perfect 90 degrees with the red indicator needle at zero, but unfortunately, the needle when placed at 45 degrees measures 45.4 degrees, close but not perfect. I will note that the saw will move further and I will purposely move my needle to 45-1/2 degrees to achieve 45 degrees.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

We used the iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator and a Freud calibration plate to measure the accuracy of the blade position to the table miter slot. Freud manufactures this ground stainless steel plate to a tolerance of ± .0127 mm flatness across the plate.

We positioned the dial indicator to the rear and front of the calibration plate, marking the plate to ensure a consistent measuring spot. If the plate and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the plate and the miter slot were farther apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading.

The Saw stop measured 0 to 0.19 mm out of parallel to the miter slot. Compare that measurement to a sheet of paper which is approximately 0.10 mm thick. That’s an acceptable tolerance in anyone’s book.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of any given saw are dependent upon the blade being parallel to the rip fence. If the fence is at all out of alignment, it can result in burning on your workpiece, binding, pinching, or even dangerous kickback.

Since we tested the amount of difference in parallelism between the saw blade and the miter slot in the previous test, we need only to see if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence to see if the saw has a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

Reusing the same iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the as-delivered factory fence to the table miter slot.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to a zero reading at the operator’s end of the rip fence so that we started out with a reading of zero. Next, we positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the rip fence and took the reading.

If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were farther apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. A negative reading meant that the materials being cut might be subject to being pinched and a kickback is more likely to occur.

Remembering that a sheet of paper is approximately 0.1 mm thick, the SawStop measured 0 mm at the front to -0.17 mm at the rear of the fence. Not bad but I adjusted the fence to parallel.

Blade Run-out

One term you may hear when reading about table saw accuracy is blade run-out. Run-out is a term that describes whether or how much the outside edge of a saw blade wobbles.

Sometimes, operators measure run-out by using a saw blade. In that case, the very use of a saw blade presumes that the specific blade is perfect or nearly perfect in its flatness. Using a saw blade that has any warping will not give a clear indication of blade run-out.

We used the Freud calibration plate to measure run-out. With the trunnion raised to its maximum vertical adjustment. Before measuring the run-out, we placed a black mark on the calibration plate to give a consistent starting position for the run-out test.

We placed the dial indicator on the starting position of the calibration disk and calibrated that position on the dial indicator to a reading of zero. We were very careful to rotate the calibration plate by using the outside rim so as not to impart any side-to-side force on the plate that might introduce errors in the measurements.

While we rotated the plate, we recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator. We validated the maximum reading by running the test for a second time and noting that the readings were consistent. We also noted that as we performed this test, the maximum readings occurred at different parts of the plate along its rotation. The maximum reading was  -0.008 mm.

Using the SawStop Compact Table Saw

There are several features that I immediately liked, the first was the rack & pinion fence. This fence operates with a unique pull-to-unlock and push-to-lock mechanism. This is completely different from anything I’ve experienced in my 33 years as a carpenter and took some getting used to.

Rip Fence Adjustments

This fence is easy to adjust and reliably square, I liked the push stick attachment design on the fence. The push stick indexes on a fixed peg, which is different, but more secure than most of the table saws I’ve used.

The fence can mount to 3 sets of adjustable mounting lugs and adjusted with a 4 mm hex-key wrench.

The fence has an auxiliary fence or what SawStop calls a low fence. This low fence stores on the rear of the main rip fence and rotates over to provide two different functions:

1. The lowest position provides a shelf for material support for ripping wide materials when the fence is extended beyond the table saw top.
2. The higher position rests on the tabletop and allows for narrow rips and the use of the push stick when the saw has the blade guard attached. A nice safety feature!

Rip Fence Extension |Accuracy

Lots of folks have been commenting online on how the fence can be lifted up and down. This is something that is common on many saws, and in my opinion, is a non-issue.

If the lower fence holds its position at the bottom position, that’s all that matters. The bottom position is important and needs to hold the weight of a board on it. This bottom position should be in the same plane as the tabletop.

We used a level to compare the tabletop to the fence shelf height, while fully extended to 24-1/2 inches.

We noted that the SawStop CTS table saw rip fence shelf [out of the box] was indexing ¼-inch below the tabletop and needed to be leveled.

NOTE:

SawStop has a service document that addresses this issue and it’s called the CTS Puck Adjustment Procedure.

We performed the puck procedure and were able to obtain a perfect straight-line alignment between the tabletop and rip fence shelf. I will note that this adjustment does stiffen the rack and pinion action of the fence, a little silicone applied to the inside slots of the fence rails alleviate this issue.

Rip Fence Storage

The rip fence storage is under the table. To release the fence, you simply push the “red dot” area on the end latches. The latches pull out and the fence can be quickly and easily relocated on another set of adjustable fence lugs or stowed under the table. We noted that the CTS latch system is nicer to use than the DEWALT and Milwaukee fence systems.

Integrated Blade Control | Raising and Beveling the Blade

Another feature that was different, but one that I really like was the blade elevation and quick-tilt bevel feature. The blade elevates fast and easily – not much more to say about that other than this wheel rotates clockwise to raise the blade and counterclockwise to lower it.

Behind the elevation, the wheel is the bevel adjustment knob. Now, this is a slick detail on the SawStop CTS saw. The bevel control knob is spring-loaded control, activated with a quick squeeze and hold. Once activated the bevel control will unlock and you can slide the bevel manually or release it and rotate the wheel for micro-adjustment to dial in a precise bevel angle. Once satisfied with your bevel, push the bevel control to lock the bevel in place.

Zero Clearance Insert

This saw comes with a bright red zero clearance insert that is pre-cut at the factory. When compared to other job site saws with wide open plates, these zero clearances maximize the support you’ll have with narrow cuts, reducing the risk of a kickback. A simple, easy-to-miss, if you’re not looking, safety feature.

Removal of the insert is easily accomplished by listing a spring-loaded lever and sliding it toward you.

On-Board Storage Compartment

A storage compartment in the rear of the saw holds the blade wrenches, a spare cartridge, accessories like the miter gauge, and anti-kickback pawls. I like that this compartment has everything in one location.

Power Controls

The SawStop CTS table saw power control switch can be confusing at first glance. There is a power switch that controls the electronics for the saw, and then a larger start/stop paddle. In between the two switches are green and red LED indicator lights.

The LED indicator lights provide up to 12 different conditions, and a quick reference, all weather label is attached to the side of the saw, near the switch for quick reference.

Status Lights and Codes

The green and red LED lights under the power switch provide feedback on the saw’s status.

The lights function independently or in a combination with each other depending on the saw’s status. Either light can flash slowly, fast, or be lit continuously. The red light can flash once indicating the saw is in bypass mode. Basically, there are 12 different status situations.

This is where I think SawStop could improve the design for users. While they provide a label with all the possible light status conditions, it’s confusing and not intuitive.

I’d like to see subsequent SawStop saws simply have a display screen that shows the saw’s status using words. For example, “Replace Cartridge.” With today’s technology, how hard could that be?

Flesh Sensing Feature | Testing

We did not test the flesh-sensing feature in this review. SawStop’s flesh sensing technology is well documented, and they have proven to reduce injuries. If you’d like to see this feature in action check out SawStop JSS saw review.

Avoiding Non-Flesh Activations | Bypass mode

The bypass mode on this saw is used when cutting conductive materials that can activate the AIM system. It disables the safety system so you can cut conductive materials. We did not test these non-flesh conditions because it’s been proven by SawStop, us and others.  We tested many of them on our previous review of this saw’s JSS bigger brother. [link below]

SawStop Jobsite Table Saw JSS Review

Some examples of these non-flesh activation materials are:

• Green or wet wood
• Wet pressure-treated wood
• Very wet plywood or sheet stock
• Aluminum or other metals
• Carbon-filled materials
• Foil materials
• Saw fence contacting the saw blade

Testing Conductivity of Material

If you suspect that the material you want to cut may activate the brake cartridge, then you can utilize the bypass mode to test the conductivity of the material. The saw is put into bypass mode after cutting the questionable material if the RED light is flashing fast, then the material is too wet or green to cut. If this happens, you will want to keep the saw in bypass mode to finish cutting this material

Leveling Foot

One cool feature, that can easily be missed, is the leveling foot, which is located on the base of the saw, not the folding stand. This leveling foot is designed if using the saw on a tabletop or flat surface and is not used when the saw is on the stand.

SawStop CTS | Folding Stand

The stand is durable and easy to set up. It has two red clips that rotate open to allow the saw to be placed on the stand and then rotate over the saw frame and lock the saw down.

One thing I did notice was that when taking the saw out of the van on a project the stand slid on the van floor and one of the leg caps fell out. This is a common issue with all stands – and I addressed it like the others. I placed electrical tape on all the caps to prevent them from being lost.

Blade, Riving Knife, and Brake Cartridge

The blade change process is accomplished with the two onboard wrenches in the rear of the saw.

The saw guard, and separate riving knife remove with a flip of a lever. The aluminum brake cartridge easily removes with a removable lever pin.

SawStop CTS Table Saw | Room For Improvement

This saw is great but if I could offer two points of improvement it would be for SawStop to make the status lights and codes show on a lettered display screen. The other improvement would be to make the power cord length longer.

SawStop CTS Table Saw | Cost

The SawStop CTS-120A60 sells for approximately $899.00, a new brake cartridge, model# TSBC-10R3 $95.00 and the folding stand model# CTS-FS $129.00.

All three items are available at Acme Tools, I’ll put a link in the description below.

Overall Impression

The trade-off for many contractors who recently went to cordless table saws is cordless, size, and weight vs flesh sensing protection. There is no argument that the SawStop CTS table saw is corded, bigger, and heavier. You’re buying this machine first for the protection it offers, and second for the quality of the tools build. The SawStop CTS compact table saw is well built with precision fit and finish, resulting in a very smooth and easy-to-operate saw.

The biggest takeaway is that SawStop is now making a more compact job site saw for under 1,000 bucks. Yup that’s a lot of money compared to other corded table saws out there, but you just need to talk to one contractor who has had a table saw injury claim and see what they think of that cost.

SAWSTOP Compact Table Saw CTS | Video Review

SawStop CTS Table Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Oliver Machinery 10″ Table Saw w/ Roller Stand Review (model 10010)

Oliver Machinery Table Saw Model 10010

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Oliver Machinery
Model number: 10010
Power source: 115V
Motor size: 15 Amp / 2HP
Weight: 90 lbs

Oliver Machinery’s recently released 10″ job site table saw, model 10010, is a fully-featured portable table saw worth highlighting. This 10″ job site table saw with a roller stand is Oliver Machinery’s top option for portable table saws. It also represents Oliver Machinery’s commitment to expanding their market with high-end PRO-level tools from their previous industrial-focused offerings. We only wish we’d had the Oliver Machinery 10010 job site table saw for our most recent Head-to-Head table saw test! This is a great saw full of features we were happy to put to the test.

Oliver Machinery Table Saw Model 10010 Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Table Saw – Which One To Get?

Back at the end of 2015, Skilsaw announced the first ever worm-drive table saw (SPT 70WT-22). Before that no one had ever had that geartrain in a table saw let alone a job site saw. Then just about 2 years later the brand announced another table saw (SPT 99-12) also with worm drive but this one was touted to be more powerful than the first one. So how do you decide which Skilsaw table saw to get? We’ll break it all down for you.

What’s A Worm Drive?

Let’s start with the basics… what’s a worm drive? A worm drive is a gear train that has the motor at 90 degrees to the output. To achieve this, a worm with spiral teeth meshes with a worm gear or wheel. To contrast this, a sidewinder or direct drive saw uses spur gears which are straight toothed and the input and output are inline.

So what’s the benefit to worm vs spur? In a saw this translates to greater torque in the worm drive set up. This can also mean a larger footprint and mass though. The size and weight matters if you’re using a circular saw overhead but less so in a table saw. In a table saw application, power is usually one of the most important factors. Additionally, the worm gear configuration allows a greater depth of cut. That’s a big plus in a table saw.

The Contenders

Like I mentioned above, Skilsaw now has two worm drive table saws. The portable SPT 70WT-22 and the heavy-duty SPT 99-12. The SPT XX is for the series motor that’s in the saw and the last digit is for the saw blade. A two is for a Diablo blade vs a one which would be a stock blade.

Skilsaw Table Saw Similarities

Most importantly, both saws offer the legendary Skilsaw worm drive geartrain. This makes for a quieter and more powerful saw. This also allows for a 3-5/8″ depth of cut. Pair that with a Diablo ripping blade and both saws can just hog through the wood.

• Worm Drive
• 10″ Diablo Ripping Blade
• 3 in 1 safety guard – riving knife, anti kickback pawls, and blade guard
• All saw and safety parts store inside saw frame
• 15A 110V
• 3-5/8″ Depth of Cut
• Upfront Controls – Power, depth, bevel, and fence levers and dials are all right on the front
• Bevel -1 to 46 degrees
• Optional Zero Clearance Insert

Skilsaw Table Saw Differences

The rack and pinion fence on the SPT 99 is one of the biggest differences between the two. It is very similar to the Dewalt fence and locks very tight with the flick of a lever. It is still highly adjustable when released though. In fact, I usually just grab the fence and pull it to the right mark, it’s faster than spinning the dial. This fence also offers greater rip capacity at 30-1/2″ vs 25″

One of the other huge differences between the two is the stand. The stand on the SPT 70 is a compact little fold up unit. The stand on the SPT 99 is also a fold up unit but is permanently attached to the saw. It offers support for sheet goods while cutting as well as the most generous wheels of any tool stand I’ve ever used. At 16″ they’ll roll up an over any job site debris you may encounter and even work really well on stairs. The stand is awesome but it is big.

With the different motors in the saws, a 70 series vs a 99 series motor, I would think there would be a difference in power but to be honest it isn’t noticeable. They both had no issue with full depth rip cuts in a chunk of red oak dunnage.

Decision Time

So which one do you get? Think about the features that are important to you. If you work out of a pickup or small trailer, the SPT 70 and its tiny storage footprint should be on your radar. You’ll have to carry it though and deal with a lesser fence. The fence isn’t bad, it just isn’t as nice as the rack and pinion. The saw isn’t that heavy either, just 49 lbs. It’s an easy one arm carry for just about any tradesperson.

This saw is a great addition to the jobsite.

If you work on gnarly job sites or have to go up and down stairs a lot, the SPT 99 should be on your short list. The wheels on the stand are the biggest of any in the industry. Also, the fence is right on par with the Dewalt, often considered one of the best on any job site table saw. This saw takes up a ton of space though.

The last thing that may figure into a purchasing decision is the price. The SPT 70 is normally priced around $370-80 and can sometimes be found with a free stand. The SPT99 is usually a few ticks over $500. You’ll have to decide if the fence and wheeled stand are worth the $130 price difference.

(The links above are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing the tool using the link, I get a very small commission. This helps us to keep producing free tool content to all of you.

Skilsaw Table Saw – Which One To Get? is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw

One of the most widely used power tools for carpenters is the table saw. For carpenters that don’t work exclusively in the shop a portable jobsite table saw is essential. For this Head-to-Head we’re focusing on corded portable 10″ jobsite table saws. We are not including cordless table saws in this test as we plan on doing another head-to-head exclusively for cordless table saws later this year as several are available now.

Portable Table Saw Lineup

This portable jobsite table saw head-to-head includes 8 saws from; Bosch, Delta, DEWALT, Hitachi, Makita, Ridgid, SawStop and Skilsaw. Originally, we had also to include Ryobi as a budget friendly option for DIY’ers or guys just starting in the trades. However, we were not able to adapt that saw to our testing rigs so we pulled it from the testing (you may see some photos with the saw but again we’re not including it in the results).

• Bosch Model 4100-09 10 In. Worksite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand
• Delta Model 36-6022 Portable Table Saw with Stand
• DEWALT Model DWE7491RS 10″ Jobsite Table Saw 32 – 1/2″ Rip Capacity, and a Rolling Stand
• Hitachi Model C10RJ 10″ Jobsite Table Saw w Fold Roll Stand
• Makita Model 2705X1 10” Contractor Table Saw with Portable Stand
• Ridgid Model R4513 Heavy Duty 10 in. Portable Table Saw With Stand
• SawStop Model JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw
• Skilsaw Model SPT99-12 10″ Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

Table Saw Evaluation Format

Once again our team has put some serious time and effort into our Head-to-Head evaluation to bring you the most comprehensive information available. For this evaluation, we broke things into several categories including: Precision & Accuracy, Performance (power), Price, and Ergonomics. For each of these categories we’ll rank the saws and at the end we’ll name the Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw based on all the results combined.

• Precision & Accuracy – In this category we evaluated the accuracy of the table saws straight out of the box, and how easy it is to make calibration adjustments. We also discuss the quality of the fence system as it relates to ripping accurate cuts.
• Performance – The performance evaluation took a very deep dive into the power of the saw motors and how well the saws managed different ripping materials including plywood, pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine 5/4 decking and Mahogany 5/4 decking. We measured saw RPM’s and Amps for each of the cutting materials under constant feed rates.
• Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which saw is best for a user. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the saws at the time of publication.
• Ergonomics – Ergonomics are really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool. In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Features

Before we present the testing results, it’s helpful to set the stage by listing all the features and specifications for comparison. All 8 of these jobsite table saws are similar in size and capacity. Each of the saws uses a 10 inch blade, 15 amp motor and they are all able to use a dado set. Specific differences in the saws are listed below.

• Bosch 4100-09
  • Weight: 112 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 3,650 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence.
• Delta 36-6022
  • Weight: 92 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/2″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 30″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• DEWALT DWE7491RS
  • Weight: 90 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,800 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/4″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 32-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Rack and pinion fence
• Hitachi C10RJ
  • Weight: 96 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,500 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/4″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 35″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Rack and pinion fence
• Makita 2705X1
  • Weight: 114 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,800 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-5/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• Ridgid R4513
  • Weight: 80 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/2″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/2″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 3/4″
  • Traditional sliding fence
• SawStop JSS-MCA
  • Weight: 108 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 4,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-1/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-1/8″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 25-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: 13/16″
  • Traditional sliding fence
  • Safety: Flesh Sensing Technology exclusive to SawStop
• SkilSaw SPT99-12
  • Weight: 98 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Dept of Cut at 90 Deg.: 3-5/8″
  • Depth of Cut at 45 Deg.: 2-3/10″
  • MAX Rip Cut to Right of Blade: 30-1/2″
  • MAX Dado Cut Width: “13/16″, but presently comes with an insert that only allows 1/2
  • Rack and pinion fence

One of the things we looked at was the ease of assembly out of the box. We had the same person assemble each of the saws and timed the assembly to see if there are any significant differences between the models. The assembly time for the saws ranged from 21 minutes to 48 minutes. While some stands required more than twice the time, we felt the assembly time was not a significant enough factor to change someone’s mind on which saw to purchase.

We also did some testing of dust collection to see if there were any significant differences between the saws. We attached a Bosch dust extractor to each saw and measured the weight of dust collected for a fixed number of cuts. The bottom line is with a good dust extractor attached there was negligible difference between the saws.

Lastly, we spent some time evaluating the fences. Overwhelmingly the crew really likes the rack and pinion fences that DEWALT, Hitachi and SkilSaw have on their saws. Rack and pinion fences are quicker to adjust, hold in place better during cuts, and provide better accuracy.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Precision & Accuracy

In the commercial construction business, we typically buy a job site saw for each project and use it up during the course of an 18-month job. When these saws hit the site, they are unboxed, assembled and immediately put into use. We rip stacks and stacks of sheet goods with these saws and the tolerances of the cut materials are not very critical. However, that example represents the portable saw use within our commercial crews’ business.

What if a contractor uses their job site saw for high quality built-ins or high tolerance finished cuts? In that case, saw accuracy is critical for that work. In this use case, if the saw is immediately put into use, success depends upon the out-of-the-box accuracy from the manufacturer. The quality of the cuts and more importantly the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the as-shipped accuracy of the saw from the manufacturer.

TBB compared the relative accuracy of the test saws as soon as we assembled and set them up. How would the saws in the TBB Head To Head test compare to each other? We measured the manufactured tolerances and found out. We analyzed the data from the tests and ranked these saws for as-built accuracy.

What and How We Measured

To assess the manufactured accuracy of the eight saws, TBB looked at six areas to measure and compare: Table Flatness, Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop, Accuracy of 90 Deg. Stop, Blade Parallel to Miter Slot, Fence Parallel to Miter Slot, and Blade Runout.

Table Flatness

We evaluated the flatness of the table by measuring the flatness by placing the edge of a precision ground flat bar across the table and placed feeler gauges in any gaps to measure any difference between the ground bar and the table. TBB took measurements in four directions. As the operator faces the saw, we measured the flatness at the arbor from front-to-rear; we measured the left-to right flatness at the arbor; we measured the flatness from the upper left-to-lower right table corners; and, finally, we measured the upper right-to-lower left flatness between the corners.

We compiled this set of data and created a ranked set of results by assigning a 1-2-3 rating to the relative values of the test measurements. Then we ranked the saws for overall as-manufactured table flatness. As a point of interest, a typical sheet of copy paper is approximately .004 inches thick. Flatness measurements varied from 0.0 to .09 inches.

All of the data for the table saw flatness can be found here. The overall ranking of the table saw flatness is in the following table:

Accuracy of 45 Deg. Stop

TBB measured the accuracy of the factory-set 45 degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. This device has an accuracy of 0.1 degree. We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements shown on the gauge give a result that is relative to the saw table. We attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 45 degree stop and recorded the measurement. TBB ran the test twice to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to within 0.1 degree of the prior test.

As you can see below most of the saws were fairly close to 45 degrees right out of the box, but you’ll want to do some calibration if you plan on doing some finish work. SawStop was perfect out of the  box and Makita, Hitachi and SkilSaw were very close with only a 0.1 degree deviation. Ridgid was almost a full degree off from the 45 stop.

Accuracy of Vertical 90 Deg. Stop

TBB measured the accuracy of the factory-set 90 degree stop by using a Wixey WR365 digital inclinometer. This device has an accuracy of 0.1 degree. We placed the Wixey gauge on the table and calibrated the inclinometer to the table by zeroing out the gauge. After that calibration, the measurements give a result that is relative to the saw table. We moved the blade to an approximate position of 70 degrees off vertical. TBB attached the gauge to the blade and used the saw mechanism to adjust the blade incline to the point at which the blade or trunnion hit the factory-set 90 degree vertical stop and recorded the measurement. TBB ran the test twice to ensure the repeatability of the measurement. In every case, the result came out to within 0.1 degree of the prior test.

The results are shown below for the accuracy of the 90 degree stop. For this evaluation both the SawStop and Ridgid were perfect at 90 degrees, Makita, Bosch and DEWALT were also only off by a small amount at 0.1 degrees. The Hitachi, Delta and SkilSaw could use some calibration.

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot

TBB used an iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the blade position to the table miter slot. This instrument has an accuracy of .0005 inches. As part of the table saw set-up, TBB installed a new Diablo blade in each saw and these never-before-used blades were used in the measurement test. To ensure that any wobble in the blade did not enter into the test results, TBB marked a single tooth as the reference point for the measurement. The blade position was moved to the front of the saw to allow the iGauging dial indicator to hit the tooth immediately behind the carbide tooth, The iGauging dial indicator was calibrated and the indicator had a reading of zero.

We rotated the blade to the rear of the saw to enable the dial indicator to contact the same location of the same tooth behind the carbide portion. We positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the blade and the reading recorded. If the blade and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were father apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading.

The results for the blade parallel to the miter slot are shown below. Again the SawStop had a perfect reading right out of the box and the Ridgid needs some extra calibration in order to get the blade more parallel to the miter slot.

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot

The accuracy and safety of any given saw is dependent upon the blade being parallel to the rip fence. Since we tested the amount of difference in parallelism between the saw blade and the miter slot in the previous test, we need only to see if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence to see if the saw has a parallel relationship between the blade and the rip fence.

TBB used the same iGauging 35-125-4 digital dial indicator to measure the accuracy of the as-delivered factory fence to the table miter slot. We started by placing the fence in a locked position about 1” away from the blade on the opposite side from the miter slot. We adjusted the throw of the dial indicator so that we took the readings on the indicator, as before, in the middle of the indicator’s range of movement.

We calibrated the iGauging dial indicator to a zero reading at the operator’s end of the rip fence so that we started out with a reading of zero. Next, we positioned the dial indicator to the rear of the saw placed onto the rip fence and took the reading.

If the fence and the miter slot were closer together at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator has a negative reading. If the blade and the miter slot were father apart at the rear of the saw, the dial indicator showed a positive reading. A negative reading meant that the materials being cut might be subject to being pinched and a kick back more likely to occur.

Remembering that a sheet of paper is approximately 0.004″ thick, the results show that the Hitachi and Skilsaw factory settings need some adjustment for better accuracy.

Blade Runout

One term you may hear when reading about table saw accuracy is blade runout. Runout is a term that describes whether or how much the outside edge of a saw blade wobbles while being held by the motor shaft. Sometimes, operators measure runout by using a saw blade. In that case, the very use of a saw blade presumes that the specific blade is perfect or nearly perfect in its flatness. Using a saw blade that has any warping will not give a clear indication of blade runout.

To ensure that our runout measurements were accurate, TBB used a Freud calibration plate. Freud manufactures this ground stainless steel plate to a tolerance of ± .0005 inches in flatness across the plate. While TBB does not have a means to measure the accuracy of this specification, we did put this calibration plate on top of a polished granite calibration table and could not shine a light under any portion of the plate or slip the 0.001 feeler gauge under the edge.

We used the Freud calibration plate on each of the test saws to measure runout. We removed the new Diablo blade, installed the calibration plate, and raised the trunnion to its maximum vertical adjustment. Before measuring the runout, we placed a black mark on the calibration plate to give a consistent starting position for the runout test. The same iGauging dial indicator provided the test measurements, only this time, the units were set to read out in mm. TBB noticed that in the initial saws, the movements were sufficiently small to need the smaller metric units.

TBB placed the dial indicator on the starting position of the calibration disk and calibrated that position on the dial indicator to a reading of zero. We were very careful to rotate the calibration plate by using the outside rim so as not to impart any side-to-side force on the plate that might introduce errors into the measurements.

While we rotated the plate, we recorded the maximum reading on the dial indicator. We validated each maximum reading by running the test for a second time and noting that the readings were consistent. TBB also noted that as we performed these tests on all eight saws, the maximum readings occurred at different parts of the plate along its rotation. Because the max readings were in different and discrete parts of the calibration plate, TBB had a very high level of confidence in the flatness of the calibration plate, itself.

As you can see above the runout ranges from 0.00079 for the DEWALT and SawStop all the way up to 0.0126 for the SkilSaw. Typically values below 0.005″ are considered very good. Both the Bosch and SkilSaw are in a range that needs further evaluation especially if the saw is to be used for finish work.

Precision Summary – Winner SawStop JSS-MCA

From the data of the six individual tests above, we compiled a summary ranking for the overall winner of the as-built accuracy. The ranking for the summary follows:

The winner for the as-built precision and accuracy is SawStop, followed by Makita in second and Bosch and DEWALT tied for third.

We took the time to measure the as-built accuracy of these table saws. Why?

As we said in the beginning of this section, many of these saws will be used, right out of the box, for rough cutting materials and the fine accuracy may not matter so much in that application. If this is the case for a saw, the quality of the cuts and more importantly, the potential safety of the operator is going to be a function of the as-shipped accuracy of the saw from the manufacturer. So, TBB wanted to see how the various saws compared right out of the box. The results are in and, as a group, these eight saws measured up quite well for out-of-the-box accuracy.

It should be noted that all of the saws were adjusted after the accuracy evaluation prior to the performance testing. With the exception of blade runout the other adjustments can be made to dial in the saws.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Performance

For this portion of the testing and evaluation we used three different materials (3/4″ AC Plywood, 5/4 Mahogany Decking, and 5/4 Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine Decking) while measuring the saw blade RPM, and the saw motor AMP draw. To compare the saws we’re looking for how much blade speed each saw has under load, and also how much the amp draw increases under load. Think about it like driving a car, a more powerful car will not drop as much speed going up a hill and the engine won’t work as hard.

We also measured the decibels during the test. We are including in our ergonomics section.

Blade Speed (RPM)

The first measurements we looked at with the performance testing was blade speed cutting all three of the test materials. This tests gives us a relative comparison of how much blade speed reduction the motors have under different loading conditions. In our opinion this gives us an idea of how strong the motor/gear box combination is for each saw. For each test we also recorded the “no-load” speed to capture the relative drop in rpm in the blade speed while cutting wood. We used our as-measured no-load speeds instead of the published values from the manufacturers.

In order to measure the blade speed we used a digital laser non-contact tachometer. A piece of reflective tape was adhered to each saw blade just behind the carbide tooth, so that the tape would be just above the top of the wood cutting surface, allowing us to capture the blade speed during the cuts. We used a power-feeder to ensure that all the material was pushed through each saw at the same feed rate. In the photo above you can see our test set-up with the power feeder, a decibel meter to the left, the digital tachometer in the center, and the amp meter on the right. If you look really closely at the saw blade, the piece of reflective tape is to the left side of the blade near the power feeder.

Above are the results for RPM Blade Speed while cutting 3/4″ plywood. In the left column is the no-load blade speed and the right column is the lowest recorded blade speed during the cut. The drop in blade speed is fairly small ranging from 6% for Hitachi and Ridgid, 7% for Makita and SawStop, 9% Bosch, 11% DEWALT, 14% SkilSaw, and 24% for the Delta.

In the next test we measured blade speed cutting 2x pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine decking. In this test the lowest blade speed drop was 11% for the SawStop, 15% SkilSaw, 23% DEWALT and Makita, 27% Ridgid, 29% Bosch, 31% Delta, and 33% for Hitachi.

The last test was using 5/4 Mahogany Decking. This was an even more extreme test with the lowest blade speed drop going to SawStop at 22%,  24% Makita, 25% Bosch and Ridgid, 27% DEWALT, 28% SkilSaw, 33% Delta and 41% Hitachi.

Saw Blade Speed (RPM) Summary: The table saw with the lowest average drop in blade speed for each of the tests we performed was the SawStop. Coming in second place was the Makita followed by Ridgid in third, Bosch and DEWALT in fourth, SkilSaw in fifth, Hitachi in sixth, and Delta in seventh place.

Motor AMP Draw

Another indication of how hard a table saw is working is monitoring the amperage (AMP) draw under loading conditions. We measured the amp draw for each saw using all three materials again at the same time we were recording RPMs. The first graph below shows the amp draw for each saw cutting plywood compared to the no-load amp draw. The white bar on the left indicates the no load amps and the colored bar on the right shows the maximum amp draw during the cut.

For this test the SkilSaw had the lowest increase in amp draw at 5% followed closely by Hitachi at 6%. The rest of the saws had fairly significant increases in amp draw with DEWALT at 32%, Delta at 42%, Bosch at 55%, Makita at 61%, SawStop at 79% and Ridgid at 120%.

The next graph includes the results from the pressure treated framing lumber.

For this test SkilSaw finished in first with the lowest increased amp draw of 14%, followed by Hitachi at 58%, DEWALT at 77%, SawStop at 110%, Makita at 119%, Delta at 146%, Ridgid at 184% and Bosch at 196%.

The next graph includes the results from the 5/4 Mahogany decking.

Again we saw the SkilSaw record the lowest increased amp draw at 59% followed by Hitachi at 86%, DEWALT at 103%, SawStop at 110%, Makita at 129%, Delta at 135%, Ridgid at 157% and Bosch at 169%.

Performance Summary – Winner Skilsaw SPT99-12

We took all of the data from the RPM and AMP measurements and added them to come up with the final performance rankings. For each saw we added up the total percentage decrease in RPM’s (for each material type) and added that to the total percentage increase in AMP’s (for each material type). This gives us a relative comparison of each saw over all 6 sets of data.

The best overall performance in our testing was the Skilsaw SPT99-12. The Skilsaw was described by many of the TBB crew as a beast and the data reinforces that. Regardless of the type of material the Skilsaw SPT99-12 offered the lowest drop in RPM’s and the lowest increase in AMP draw. Following in second place is the Hitachi C10RJ and the DEWALT DWE7491RS in third place.

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Price

Below we’ve included the current pricing (at the time of publishing this article). Pricing includes the cost of the stand and ranges from a low of $349 for the Hitachi to a high of $1,299 for the SawStop. The lowest price isn’t always the best in our opinion, we’re looking for the best value.  The Hitachi is an incredible deal at $349 and our top pick for price and value for a saw that has lots of power, a rack & pinion fence, and a solid stand.

Another really nice value is the Ridgid that’s currently selling for $399 including the stand. Lastly, it’s hard to ignore the $499 price tag on the DEWALT which is a great contractor grade saw with great features, a great fence, and a really good stand.

Price Summary – Winner Hitachi C10RJ

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools that improve a worker’s efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and risk of injury. Ergonomically enhanced tools can include helpful features such as angled handles, riving knives, safety switches, and non-slip coatings. Whether you’re shopping for ergonomic tools or just trying to select the right one for the job from an existing collection, the key things to consider are whether or not the tool eases your work and prevents you from straining in ways that could lead to injury. Ergonomic guidelines in tool design can help maximize human performance on the job by making the job easier for the worker, improving safety and decreasing injuries.

For this ergonomic section, we considered the following factors, rating them 1 thru 3. [1 being best]

• Weight (Tool and Stand)
• Power Switch location
• Accessory Storage
• Fence
• Adjustments of Riving Knife
• Guard
• Stand
• Ascending Stairs
• Stand Leg Adjust
• Height
• Decibels

Below is a graph showing the weights of all the table saws including their stands. The saws/stands range from 80 lbs with the Ridgid up to 114 lbs for the Makita.

Below is a graph showing the average measured decibels for the saws (for each of the materials we tested). As you can see the saws range from 93.7 db to 97.9 db. OSHA allows 8 hours of exposure for up to 90 db, from 95 db up the exposure limits start dropping quickly starting at 4 hrs for 95 db so clearly these saws all need hearing protection. The Makita was given the best score of 1 as it was considerably quieter than the remaining. DEWALT and Delta were ranked worse with a score of 3, while the remaining were ranked as a 2.

Our TBB crew all helped rank each of the table saws for the ergonomics categories that we defined. Below is a table showing the ranking for each category and the final ranking. An interesting note about the stand height. The crew felt they were all decent heights but the Makita offers several heights which is a really nice feature!

Ergonomics Summary – Winners DEWALT DWE7491RS and Makita 2705X1

The DEWALT and Makita finished in first for our ergonomic rankings followed by a tie for second between Hitachi and Skilsaw and a tie for third place by Bosch and Ridgid. Both the DEWALT and Makita built their saw with the professional contractor in mind. Overall the entire crew really likes the saws with a rack-and-pinion fence system and the large wheels on the Skilsaw were also a big favorite.

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Winner Hitachi C10RJ

Choosing the best portable jobsite table saw wasn’t an easy task but we’re confident we’ve done a thorough evaluation. In a very close race for the best table saw Hitachi beat out the DEWALT which came in second place followed by Skilsaw in third and Makita in fourth. It’s very interesting that the Hitachi and DEWALT look extremely similar. Hitachi edged out the DEWALT in performance and price resulting in the final scores. Skilsaw beat out Makita for the 3rd place only slightly and that result is really a function of pricing.

It’s interesting to note that if pricing was taken out of this evaluation the ranking would have been: DEWALT in first, Makita in second, Hitachi, Skilsaw and SawStop tied for third, Bosch in fourth, Delta in fifth and Ridgid in sixth place. But at the end of the day price is certainly a factor. What we didn’t do in our evaluation is any long term testing to look at durability which ultimately could affect your purchase decision as well.

We really should point out a big deal here and that’s the SawStop. It’s hard to put a price on safety and while the SawStop costs more than 3 times what the Hitachi costs it does offer safety that no other saw in test can offer. For those that can afford the additional cost that feature alone may tip the scales for you. Regardless of price SawStop came in 5th place for the categories we evaluated.

Final Thoughts

These tests and evaluations are very difficult, take a lot of time, and ultimately limited in scope as we’re not a professional testing company and we’ve got limited time to evaluate the tools. We cannot do longer term testing that would shed light on durability and we can’t possibly test every application that you might use of one of these saws for. However, we feel comfortable that all the table saws in this Head-to-Head are good saws and our testing helps bring to light pros and cons for each saw.

Ultimately everyone needs to choose a tool based on their specific needs, uses, and budget. With all the data above we’re very confident that all of you can make a better educated decision when you buy your next portable jobsite table saw.

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw Head-2-Head Video Review

Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

SawStop Jobsite Saw Model JSS Review

SawStop Jobsite Table Saw JSS

5/5

Manufacturer: SawStop
Model number: JSS
Price: 1399.00
Power source: 120 Vac
Motor size: 1.5 HP

• Blade Guard
• Splitter and Anti-Kickback Pawl
• Riving Knife
• Large safety switch
• Push Stick
• Flesh Sensors

SawStop Blade Brake Technology

We recently took the SawStop Jobsite Saw JSS to our jobsite to evaluate. SawStop table saws are famous for their flesh sensing blade braking technology that stops the saw within 5/1000ths of a second after contact with skin.

While a lot of hoopla has surrounded this saw what often gets lost in translation is that with or without the flesh sensing brake technology, this saw offers premium features and performance.

How SawStop Works

The saw blade carries a small electrical signal which monitors and detects skin contact with the blade, the signal in the blade changes because the human body is conductive. Once the signal changes, the saw activates a braking system which is a spring loaded, aluminum brake that embeds into the spinning blade, stopping it in 5/1000ths of a second.

The brake and blade collision momentum drives the blade beneath the table top, removing the blade from view, and simultaneously turning off the saw motor.

After an activation the saw needs to be reset.  This is accomplished by replacing the saw blade and activated SawStop brake cartridge. The reset process takes approximately five minutes.

SawStop Jobsite Table Saw JSS is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Announces Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw

New tools come out seemingly every day. Many of them are complete redesigns over previous models but sometimes they are incremental improvements that fix the issues with the previous model. We reviewed the Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw when it first came out. The sheer power and depth of cut were unmatched by any 10″ job site saw to date. It was an incredible saw. The only complaint we had was the fence. The new HD version has a rack and pinion fence, just like the Dewalt one that everyone loves. Now we’re talkin’, this is a saw we can’t wait to get onto the job site!

Quick Details

• Increased 3-5/8-inch depth of cut
• 30-1/2-inch rip capacity
• New precision rack and pinion fence system
• Rugged rolling stand with 16-inch wheels for unsurpassed jobsite mobility
• Unique dust elbow for dust management
• Left-side support for larger materials
• Round-edged handles on the stand for easy loading

Press Release

SKILSAW Announces 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw
The new table saw gives professionals more power and performance at the jobsite with
greater cut capacity and an easily transportable stand

Naperville, Ill., Oct. 4, 2017 – SKILSAW, creator of the worm drive saw, takes its professional table saw offering to the next level with its new 10-inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw. This heavy duty table saw is equipped with SKILSAW’s legendary worm drive power train for maximum torque, and a patented Dual-Field motor that runs cool, enabling it to work harder, longer, increasing jobsite productivity.

The table saw features a 3-5/8-inch depth of cut that rips through sheet goods and cross cuts 4x with ease and accuracy, as well as a 30-1/2-inch rip capacity. SKILSAW designed this saw with a precision rack and pinion fence system, allowing quick, smooth fence adjustments for exact cuts.

“We introduced the first worm drive table saw in 2015, and now, to further our commitment to providing cutting solutions to professional users, we’re bringing pros a heavy duty version with greater cut capacity and jobsite mobility,” said Bogdan Moldovan, Product Manager at SKILSAW.

Included with the table saw is a rugged, rolling stand with 16-inch wheels that delivers unsurpassed mobility, even when moving the saw over stairs, uneven surfaces and rough jobsite terrain. The stand also features a left-side support for larger materials, while the table saw’s flip support extends the fence beyond the table surface. Round-edged handles on the stand enable snag-free loading and unloading while transporting, and solid rubber feet provide extra stability whether the stand is in use or folded.

Dust management is facilitated with a unique dust elbow, which can be connected to a vacuum or used to direct sawdust into a bucket or other container.

The 10-inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is available in two different models: the SPT99-11, featuring a SKILSAW blade, and the SPT99-12, with a Diablo blade. The table saw is priced competitively at $579.

To learn more about the 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw, visitwww.skilsaw.com.

About SKILSAW Power Tools
SKILSAW Power Tools, in Naperville, Ill., is a leader in cutting technology serving the professional construction market under the SKILSAW brand and consumer do-it-yourself market under the SKIL brand. SKILSAW Power Tools was founded in 1924 with the invention of its flagship tool, the SKILSAW, the world’s first portable circular saw. The invention of this saw also pioneered the use of worm drive gearing, Dual-Field motor and die-cast aluminum motor housing. Its successor, the SKILSAW Model 77 became the benchmark of portable circular saws changing the construction and home improvement industry forever.

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Skilsaw Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw

Way back in February of 2016 a couple boxes showed up at my doorstep with the black diamond Skilsaw logo. It was a worm drive table saw. Skilsaw had recently gone through a rebranding to help distinguish itself as a pro brand with less confusion over the DIY focused Skil brand. Along with the rebrand came a number of new products, one of them being a jobsite  table saw. At the time Skilsaw was owned by Bosch and instead of just taking a blue saw and painting it black and gray, they grabbed what looks to be some parts of the Bosch GTS1031 saw but the motor and gearing is all Skilsaw. They slapped the motor and gearing from the Sawsquatch 10-1/4″ monster circular saw into this table saw. I was practically salivating at the thought of all that power and it was on my doorstep.

Using the Worm Drive Table Saw

At the time it arrived we were 6 months into a build on a huge $1+ million dollar custom home. Framing was about half done but framing on the whole was pretty minimal since it is an ICF house, everything was concrete including the floors (both of them). The worm drive table saw showed up and it only got light use for a few weeks until we got everything weathered in and started on the exterior trim. All of the exterior window and door trim, bands, and frieze board was a product called Boral TruExterior Trim. It’s similar to cement board in that it’s low maintenance but it machines like wood and is much more flexible the cement board. All of the frieze board had to be ripped down a half inch to get the right reveal after the soffit went on. We put hundreds of feet of this trim through the saw. The window and door heads were also ripped down to match the same reveal. We ripped so much of this material that we started wearing through the powder coating on the table top within the first week. The saw just rips, and rips, and rips.

Later on in the build we were building a large deck (28′ wide). Due to the constraints between the engineered beam and the door heights, all of the 2×10 joist material had to be ripped down to 9″. We were taking 16′ brown-treated 2x10s and pushing them through the saw at a decent clip. We tried to bog the saw down but no luck. The power of this saw is on a whole other level than typical jobsite table saws. You guys know what a bear it can be to rip wet, treated lumber, this thing is always in beast mode and gobbled right through it.

This saw is a great addition to the jobsite.

Features and Specifications

• The first ever brass-geared Worm Drive table saw makes this the ultimate ripping machine
• Solid construction coupled with best in class Dual-Field motor keeps it cutting for a lifetime
• 25 In. rip capacity and 3-1/2 In. depth of cut for demanding jobs and increased productivity
• Portable and compact
• Max Cutting Depth @ 90 deg: 3-1/2″; @ 45 deg: 2-1/4″
• Includes 30 tooth carbide Diablo blade
• Weight: 47.9 lbs
• Accommodates up to 1/2″ stacked dado blade set
• 13.4″ tall

What I Love

The first thing anyone notices about the saw is the motor. The motor on the worm drive table saw is a beast. Like I said above, it’s the same one out of Skilsaw’s 10-1/4″ worm drive circular saw. I have been continually amazed at what this thing can cut without bogging down. 16′ brown treated 2×10 were easily ripped. 1×6 cherry resawn in 2 passes without flinching. That’s 2-3/4″ in solid hardwood in a dado pass (blade buried). Try that on another jobsite table saw, I dare you.

Heart of the beast

As an added benefit of the motor and worm drive combination depth of cut on this saw is 3-1/2″. No other jobsite table saw can do that. In fact almost all 10″ table saws, whether they are a jobsite saw or up to a stationary cabinet saw, can only cut about 3-1/8″ deep. A 4×4 in a single pass is really amazing.

Other things I love is that there is onboard storage for everything. The fence, 3-1 guard components, miter gauge, wrench, and push stick all store on the saw in a secure place. The push stick storage is a particular nice addition. It stores conveniently on the front of the saw and is easily drawn from its holster right when you need it.

Finally, the saw is available in two configurations, a stock blade or a diablo blade. We opted for the diablo equipped unit of course. It’s nice that you can get a saw without a throwaway blade. Right out of the box it’s ready for serious ripping. When it finally comes time to replace the blade, there is an ingenious arbor lock so that only one wrench is needed for blade changes. Nice work, engineer guy.

Flip up arbor lock

What Could be Improved

I like this saw a lot. I don’t quite love it though. There’s just one thing that keeps it from being a brilliant saw and that’s the fence. I know a lot of other reviewers were pleasantly surprised with the fence but I couldn’t adjust it to the point where it slid smoothly and still locked down tightly. It was an either or but not both, at least on the saw I have. Maybe it’s a fluke because a lot of other reviewers liked it. Other than that the worm drive table saw is amazing.

Where to Buy

The Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw is available from a number of different outlets. The Home Depot, Acme Tools, CPO, or Tyler Tool all carry the tool online. The last 3 are all running a promotion currently to get the stand for free when you buy the saw. You get the 10″ worm drive table saw with a 3.5″ depth of cut, diablo blade, and a stand for $375. It’s a smokin’ deal.

Skilsaw Worm Drive Table Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Takes User Safety to the Next Level and also Saves the Blade

The wait is finally over! After waiting well over a year since our team got a sneak peak at this amazing new jobsite table saw Bosch is finally ready to sell it! This has been a much anticipated new offering in the market for tradesmen looking for a safer table saw and an option to the SawStop version on the market. We’ve personally seen this saw in action and it’s simply amazing! Keep reading for the official news release below:

Bosch Active Response Technology delivers flesh-detecting technology to help reduce potential user injury

Mt. Prospect, Ill., April 6, 2016 – Safety comes first on any construction jobsite, especially regarding a table saw where a momentary lack of focus could have permanent consequences. Bosch, a power tool industry  technology leader, extends its heritage of award-winning table saw design with the introduction of the REAXX Jobsite Table Saw – the first saw with the company’s proprietary flesh-detecting Active Response Technology.

The Bosch Active Response Technology platform helps reduce the risk of injury to users by combining advanced Bosch sensors and electronics with mechanical injury-prevention systems. The Active Response Technology system on the REAXX table saw detects human flesh that comes in contact with the blade and rapidly drops the saw blade below the tabletop. This high-speed action helps reduce the potential of serious user injury.

Fast Reset That’s Quick and Easy

After activation, the system can be reset in less than 60 seconds. A dual-activation cartridge enables activation for two incidents before replacement is needed; just rotate the dual-activation cartridge and reset the drop mechanism and the REAXX table saw is ready to go without damaging the blade. All necessary parts, instructions and wrenches are located onboard the saw, including storage for extra dual-activation cartridges.

“The REAXX Jobsite Table Saw is not a reinvention of the table saw category. Actually, the REAXX saw builds on the Bosch heritage of precision cutting tools and adds an extra layer of user safety,” said Jim Stevens, product manager, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. “Bosch is a leader in the portable table saw market, and it makes sense that the REAXX Jobsite Table Saw incorporates great precision with the latest user interface and injury mitigation technology.”

The Bosch REAXX on-board control system is an intuitive, easy-to-understand LED light panel that communicates and manages saw operation and indicates saw status.

• Green means the saw is ready for use
• Yellow means the saw is in bypass mode and will not react to blade contact; this mode can be used for cutting conductive materials that could potentially activate the Active Response Technology system
• Red means the saw is not ready and will not function until the user corrects an issue
• Blue light means the saw requires service

Legendary Bosch Table Saw Capability

Like all Bosch table saws, the Bosch REAXX saw includes a modular blade guard, the Smart Guard System. This primary safety device provides a physical barrier between the user and the saw blade, as well as offering protection against kick-back. Active Response Technology is integral to the REAXX Jobsite Table Saw and is intended to be used with the Smart Guard System to provide the operator with an added level of protection.

Bosch REAXX has a 15 amp, 4.0 hp max motor that generates 3,650 rpm. It’s jobsite ready because it works with onsite generators for a truly portable solution for mobile trade professionals. Cutting varied materials  requires maximum horsepower and excellent cutting speed. The Bosch REAXX Jobsite Table Saw offers these attributes along with electronic control soft-start, constant response electronics and overload protection. Advanced electronics reduce the intensity of motor startup and maintain cutting speed under load.

Bosch REAXX is able to cut most non-conductive materials, including trated lumber without excessive water content.

Additional precision features include an optimized rail system that boasts a pre-squaring SquareLock Rip Fence, which is engineered for precision. Prior to locking, the fence glides along the rail and locks into place for solid and consistent cutting performance. The table is sturdy cast aluminum sized to rip up to 25″ on full-sheet materials (4 ft. x 8 ft.); an on-board rear outfeed support provides an extra 18″ of support for longer workpieces. A rugged sub-base is built to withstand daily abuse related to transport, storage or jobsite conditions.

Easy Transport on Any Jobsite

This full-featured jobsite table saw can be easily transported to and from the job thanks to the Bosch Gravity-Rise Stand, which sets up in seconds. The stand includes 8″ treaded wheels and is sized for easy pickup truck loading or unloading.

The Bosch REAXX Jobsite Table Saw will be available June 1, 2016 with a US suggested retail price of $1,499 ($1,699 Canada). To learn more about REAXX, visit https://www.boschtools.com/reaxx. To learn about other Bosch products, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99. Check out www.bethepro.com for additional tips and videos.

Bosch GTS1041A REAXX™ Jobsite Table Saw is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Bosch GTS1041A REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw

I have no doubt this will be one of the biggest stories in power tools for 2015! This is so damn exciting and I had the pleasure of seeing a live demonstration earlier this year at a private media event with Bosch. My reaction was WOW! Using a German Bratwurst as a demonstration the user tried to cut the Brat in half and the saw shut down so fast there wasn’t even a scratch on it! This new saw is sure to put up some serious competition against the SawStop portable table saw that was announced earlier this year as well.

Below are all the details from the official press release. We’ll no doubt get one to test on the jobsite, in the meantime we’ll keep you posted of developments in this exciting announcement.

Bosch GTS1041A Video Preview

I saw this saw in person and it’s very impressive. Check out this quick preview video.

Bosch GTS1041A Press Release

Mt. Prospect, Ill., March 18, 2015 – Safety comes first on any construction jobsite, especially regarding a table saw where a momentary lack of focus could have permanent consequences. Bosch, the construction industry’s technology leader, extends a heritage of award-winning table saw design to enhance workplace safety with the introduction of the REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw – the first saw with the company’s proprietary flesh-detecting Active Response Technology.

The Bosch Active Response Technology platform, first launched on Bosch Brute Tough hammer drill/drivers, helps reduce the risk of injury to users by combining advanced Bosch sensors and electronics with mechanical injury-prevention systems. The Active Response Technology system on the REAXX table saw rapidly detects human flesh that comes in contact with the blade and drops the saw blade below the tabletop. This high-speed action helps reduce the potential of serious user injury and occurs without damaging the blade.

Fast Reset That’s Quick and Easy

After activation, the system can be reset in less than 60 seconds. A single two-shot cartridge enables activation for two incidents before replacement is needed. Just rotate the activation cartridge and reset the drop mechanism and the REAXX table saw is ready to go. All necessary parts, instructions and wrenches are located onboard the saw, including storage for extra activation cartridges.

“We’ve engineered the Bosch REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw to offer users the best injury mitigation system available in the power tool industry,” said Craig Wilson, product manager, Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. “But even with the safety enhancements incorporated, the award-winning attributes of the Bosch 4100 table saw series remain. There’s a heritage in jobsite table saws that Bosch has spent decades building and users will find that this saw maintains that high standard.”

The complexity of the Bosch REAXX on-board control system is translated to an intuitive, easy-to-understand LED light panel that communicates and manages saw operation and indicates saw status.

• Green means the saw is ready for use
• Yellow means the system is set in bypass mode by the operator; this mode is used for cutting conductive materials that can potentially activate the Active Response Technology system. In addition, there’s no override key to lose or misplace, yet still offers various lock-out options to prevent unauthorized bypass mode operation
• Red means the saw is not ready and will not function until the user corrects an issue
• Blue means the saw requires service

A near field communicaton (NFC)-enabled phone app offers Bosch REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw owners and operators another measure for ease of use. Through the phone app, the saw can communicate information from the onboard control system – such as number of system activations, servicing needs, access to instructions, how-to videos and other details. Also, the saw owner can use the app to manage who can use the bypass and main switches. This capability enables owners and managers to lock the saw as needed, which ensures that jobsite workers cannot bypass the safety system.

Legendary Bosch Table Saw Capability

Like all Bosch portable table saws, the Bosch REAXX saw includes a modular blade guard, the Smart Guard System. This primary safety device provides a physical barrier between the user and the saw blade, as well as offering protection against kick-back. Active Response Technology is integral to the REAXX portable jobsite table saw and is intended to be used together with the Smart Guard System to provide the operator with the greatest level of protection.

Bosch REAXX has a 15 Amp, 4.0 Hp max motor that generates 3650 RPM. It’s jobsite ready because it works with onsite generators for a truly portable solution for mobile trade professionals. Varied material cutting requires optimized, maximum horsepower and excellent cutting speed. The Bosch REAXX Portable Jobsite Table Saw offers these attributes along with electronic control soft-start, constant response electronics and overload protection. These advanced motor electronics reduce the intensity of torque buildup and maintain cutting speed under load.

Additional precision features include an optimized rail system that boasts a pre-squaring SquareLock Rip Fence, which is engineered for precision. Prior to locking, the fence glides along the rail and locks into place for solid and consistent cutting performance. The table is sturdy cast aluminum sized to rip up to 25“ on full-sheet materials (4 ft. x 8 ft.); an on-board rear outfeed support provides an extra 18“ of support for longer workpieces. A rugged sub-base is built to withstand daily abuse related to transport, storage or jobsite conditions.

Easy Transport on Any Jobsite

This full-featured jobsite table saw can be easily transported to and from the job thanks to the Bosch Gravity-Rise Stand, which sets up in seconds. The stand includes 8″ treaded wheels and is sized for easy pickup truck loading or unloading.

The Bosch REAXX Jobsite Table Saw will be available fall 2015. To learn more about this table saw or other Bosch products, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99. Check out www.bethepro.com for additional tips and videos.

Bosch Portable Jobsite Table Saw Fact Box

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