Table saws are undeniably the kings of rip cuts on the jobsite and in shops but which is the best portable jobsite table saw?
The concept is simple: Place a motor below a solid table to turn a blade somewhere in the 4,000-5,000 rpm range through the surface and watch the sawdust fly. But how big should the table be? How large should the blade be? How light should it be? These and other questions have to be answered when you’re on the hunt for the best portable jobsite table saw.
To level the playing field and since the stock blades that come with table saws vary widely, we used Diablo’s 40-tooth general-purpose blade on each saw. This blade shares many features with other Diablo blades. The carbide teeth are cut from Diablo’s TiCo high-density carbide. Perma-Shield non-stick coating helps the blade move through material with less friction.
Calibration
Every saw we tested to determine the best portable jobsite table saw has the capability of being calibrated and it should be the first thing you do after setting it up. Like a new miter saw, blade calibration is simply part of delivering professional results.
There are two major points that affect post-calibration table saws: fence quality and overall stability. A fence works by grabbing hold of the table edge and clamping into it. The best fences have three points of contact.
When you’re setting up your table saw fence, slide it into position by pressing the front of the fence forward against the table with both hands. This will allow the entire fence to slide square to the table. Hold your final position with one hand while locking it down with the other. This should help you avoid many of the accuracy issues that come from an off-square fence.
Table saw stability and portability
For stability, we had to consider the system as a whole including the stand. We extended the tables as far out as each could go and worked around to see how much movement we could expect when cutting. Part of the equation was getting the extension locks right. If it locks down tight, there’s not much movement to worry about.
Portability boils down to a couple of important features. First and foremost, weight has a huge impact on how easily you can transport the saw, especially if it has to go into the bed of a truck rather than a trailer. If you’ve got a trailer, a wheeled stand works.
Bosch’s Gravity Rise Stand was the best design of the group with large diameter tubing that improves durability, easy set up/take down and larger pneumatic wheels to move over less-than-ideal terrain.
The Skilsaw stand doesn’t have wheels, but it has a wide, solid base that attaches to the saw with a pair of clips. That and the saw’s light weight makethis portable jobsite table saw ideal for transporting in the bed of a truck.
Blade height and bevel adjustments
When using a portable table saw, even a novice recognizes some have easier adjustments than others. RIDGID is the only table saw to include an independent blade height lock. The adjustment wheel raises and lowers with multiple full turns like most saws, but integrates a lock into the center. For the bevel adjustment, the outside of the height adjustment wheel turns a rack and pinion style system to accurately change the blade angle – a feature Makita shares.
For height adjustments, we discovered several different methods in the group. Most of the saws employ a bevel gear system that provides smooth, reliable performance. We noticed that many use solid metal gearing, but Bosch uses plastic. RYOBI uses a threaded rod to push against a pivot point. Because of this, there’s a noticeable difference between raising the blade and the much easier lowering.
Among the less critical points we reviewed was adjustment of the side extensions. While the locking mechanisms factor into the stability of each table saw, the adjustments themselves are more an ease of use feature. Ideally, the extension will slide smoothly in and out, and lock into place without play.
DeWalt’s rack and pinion system eliminates any possibility of locking the extension down slightly out of square.
Performance
There were really two major performance considerations we wanted to look at to help determine the best portable jobsite table saw: cutting power and dust collection. Power is an obvious choice when using a portable table saw. We want to make clean, straight cuts, but we don’t want to spend all day doing it. Any saw can be calibrated to be straight and accurate, but some have to be babied more than others to get professional results.
We made a few test cuts with ¾-inch plywood just to get a feel for the motors we were working with. It became clear pretty quickly that not all 15-amp motors are equal. Once we knew what to expect, we moved to pressure-treated 2x pine in 7½-foot lengths.
To get the feel of the cut, we used a two-man team to feed from one end of the saw and catch on the other. This helped reduce the friction that comes from one person trying to hold a board flush against the fence while applying downward pressure to keep it level on the table.
There was definitely hesitation at the beginning of each cut that was alleviated once the board was received by the second man on the other side. It was during this middle section that the table/fence friction was at its lowest point, and we made our determinations about each saw’s power.
The top performers were very close and it took many cuts back and forth between saws to determine which portable table saw came out ahead. Coming out on top was RIDGID.
Dust collection
Dust collection isn’t important to some contractors. Bosch’s 4100, DeWalt, Makita, Skilsaw and RIDGID were all on par with each other, leaving almost no dust when connected to a Bosch VAC140 Dust Collector. However, each one of these portable table saws threw shavings up toward the user.
Bosch’s Reaxx had near perfect cleanup at the collection point and only a slight amount of dust came out toward the user. What did make it out was less coarse than the other Pro-level saws. Both saws have narrower throat openings for the blade that reduces the amount and size of material that can make it out.
Best portable jobsite table saw: Value category
RYOBI RTS21G
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 5,000 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 50.95 pounds
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3¼ inches
Max dado capacity: ¾ inch
Max rip cut width: 27 inches
RYOBI’s RTS21G is the only portable jobiste table saw in the group under $200. It’s lightweight and reasonably compact, and we got acceptable jobsite cuts with the upgraded Diablo blade. The throat plate uses magnets to hold it in place while leaving it easy to remove for blade access. Using a threaded rod to push the height adjustment up, you’ll notice it’s easier and smoother on the way down. The stand folds up and can be Velcro-strapped to the back, though it’s a bit wobbly compared to the others.
Letting the motor work at its own pace will help you deliver good results. Pick up an upgraded blade when you grab the saw, and you’ll be able to complete projects with better results than you expect from a DIY tool.
Best portable jobsite table saw: Professional category
Bosch 4100-09
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 3,650 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 60 pounds
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3⅛ inches
Max dado capacity: ¾ inch
Max rip cut width: 25 inches
The Bosch 4100 table saw has been around for a while, but still comes out on top in the professional class. Bosch uses plastic bevel gears for height adjustment. It doesn’t affect the adjustment, but may come into play long term.
From there, it gets better with a solid fence and the best stand in the group. The miter gauge is constructed with a metal overlay rather than plastic and features detents at common angles, identical to Makita’s. Bosch also uses metal for the foundation of the blade guard to make the connection to the riving knife more durable. It comes in reasonably light weight at 60 pounds – only Skilsaw and RYOBI had lighter weights.
The 4100 didn’t really stand out from the crowd in features and performance, but it was consistently solid in every area we tested. That consistency earned it the top spot in the class.
Skilsaw SPT 70 WT-22
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 5,300 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 49 pounds
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3½ inches
Max dado capacity: ½ inch
Max rip cut width: 25 inches
Awards: Best Value, Greatest Cutting Depth, Most Stable Stand
The second place winner: the Skilsaw SPT 70 WT-22 was the only worm-drive table saw in our group and we had high expectations, especially given the higher rpm. In the end, the power is definitely at the professional level and tied for fourth overall with DeWalt.
This was the lightest, most compact portable saw in the group. The lack of an outer housing leads to more efficient cooling but drops storage for an extra blade.
While it loses points for portability, Skilsaw’s design was the most stable stand of the entire group. Another benefit to going with this simple stand design is that it’s certainly responsible for dropping the price. Skilsaw is definitely the table saw you want to go with if you’re moving your saw in and out of a truck bed.
When it comes time to change the blade, the blade lock lever is a big improvement over using a second tool to hold the blade in place. Cutting depth is also the best in this group.
RIDGID R4513
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 5,000 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 95.08 pounds (Stand included – saw-only weight not available)
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3½ inches
Max dado capacity: ¾ inch
Max rip cut width: 25 inches
Awards: Best Power
Although it finished in third place, RIDGID continues to impress us in head-to-head competitions. RIDGID’s 15-amp motor powered through cuts better than any other saw we tested. It was close, but RIDGID consistently beat out each competitor. The power does come with more vibration than some of the others though.
The fence is outstanding for its design. Its large front plate helps stabilize it and the whole thing just feels solid. There’s very little play compared to some of the others and we were consistently able to lock it down perfectly square. We like the pinion-style bevel adjustment. It’s not quite as good as a separate adjustment wheel, but a great improvement over simple sliding.
We also like the independent locks for height and bevel. It’s not often that a height lock would be required, but there’s an element of confidence with it. When using the side extension, a tape moves along so you won’t have to remember what measurement to lock the fence on or read a double-marked measurement guide. It’s an innovation we like. RIDGID uses a magnetic throat plate to secure it while leaving access simple.
DeWalt DWE7499GD
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 4,800 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 90 pounds
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3⅛ inches
Max dado capacity: ¾ inch
Max rip cut width: 32½ inches
Awards: Best Side Extension
The fourth-place DeWalt DWE7499 is loaded with features. Once you learn how they work, you’re going to love it. The rack-and-pinion fence extension is a favorite with the team and earned a top ranking. A dual-riving knife eliminates the need for complicated anti-kickback pawls and blade guard placement. Simply swap out the riving knife only for the knife with pre-installed safety attachments and you’re good to go.
DeWalt earns a few safety points for the Guard Detect system. It’s not inherently safer, but it forces you to acknowledge you’re working without the guard and pawls in place for each cut. Hopefully, this is a last minute reminder to be extra careful making your cuts.
The fence system helps eliminate accuracy issues and is nearly dummy-proof. Rather than locking with a lever-clamping system, it hooks on to two points in several locations based on your needs. Since the connection points are integrated on the table, the fence should be square no matter where you install it.
The stand is collapsible and wheeled, but it’s not the gravity-rise style. You’ll have to use a foot to stabilize it while you pivot it up or lower it down. The lower locks are released with your feet. An open housing design has two major results – motor cooling should be more efficient but it trades off storage for an extra blade.
Makita 2705X1
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 4,800 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 65.5 pounds
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3⅝ inches
Max dado capacity: 13/16 inch
Max rip cut width: 25 inches
While Makita’s 2705X1 tied for last in the power category in the professional class, it was one of the smoothest cutting saws we tested. It has an external riving knife release so you don’t have to reach into the throat to loosen it. Because of the external release, Makita screws down the throat plate in place. You should only need to get in there for blade changes. Makita uses a metal-plated miter gauge with screw-based stops at common angles. The blade guard and anti-kickback pawls are connected on an aluminum assembly as one piece.
Setup was simple. We only needed to attach the handle and bolt the saw down to the stand. The stand is a gravity-rise style, but requires you to bend down to ground level for collapsing and extending it. It’s a reasonably solid platform.
Best portable jobsite table saw: Professional with flesh detection
Bosch REAXX
Motor: 15-amp
No-load speed: 3,650 rpm
Blade size: 10-inch
Weight: 78 pounds (saw), 45 pounds (stand)
Max cutting depth@ 90°: 3⅛ inches
Max dado capacity: 13/16 inch
Max rip cut width: 25 inches
Class Ranking: 2/2
Overall Ranking: 2/10
Awards: Best Stand, Best Flesh Detection Recovery
The Bosch Reaxx is built on the 4100’s foundation with similar performance and a few improvements. The Reaxx did seem to have better cutting power than the 4100. The narrow throat plate opening also gave it much better dust collection, allowing only the finest material to find a way out. It shares the top ranking gravity rise stand with the 4100. From there, it’s all about flesh detection. The Bosch system drops the blade without damaging it.
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