When it comes to woodworking, the heart of any well-outfitted workshop is the table saw. This pivotal tool can mean the difference between a project that’s merely completed and one that’s completed with excellence. For Australians who take pride in their craftsmanship, whether professionally or as dedicated hobbyists, choosing the right table saw is not just about making cuts—it’s about making a commitment to quality, efficiency, and safety.
In our country, there are numerous options available, each with their own unique features and capabilities. But how do you know which one is the best table saw for your needs? In this blog post, we will explore the top table saw options in Australia, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision in finding the best table saw that suits your woodworking needs.
How to Choose the Best Table Saws for you
Choosing the right table saw involves several critical decisions based around your intended use, workspace, and budget. Here is a detailed guide on what to consider to help you make the best choice.
Understand the Types of Table Saws:
There are several types of table saws, each catering to specific needs:
Portable Table Saws: These are designed for users who need to move the saw between job sites or do not have a permanent workshop. While they are convenient for transportation, their smaller size and motor may limit the thickness and length of material they can handle.
Contractor Table Saws: These saws are a step up in size and power from portable table saws. They usually have a larger table for supporting big pieces of wood, and a more potent motor that can handle tougher cuts. Contractor table saws are a good middle-ground for serious hobbyists or professionals.
Cabinet Table Saws: Built for professional use, these saws are heavy, robust, and powerful. They feature large tables and potent motors that can handle almost any job. However, they are also the most expensive and require a dedicated space in your workshop.
Hybrid Table Saws: These are a combination of the contractor and cabinet table saws. They offer many of the benefits of a cabinet saw but at a lower price point and with a smaller footprint, suitable for hobbyists who want a bit more than a contractor saw.
Consider the Motor and Horsepower:
The motor directly affects the saw’s ability to cut through different materials without bogging down.
Direct-Drive Motors: Found on portable saws, these motors operate on 15-amp, 120V circuits and are suitable for cutting thinner material sheets.
Belt-Drive Motors: Seen on larger saws, they require a 240V supply and have the power needed to cut through hardwoods and thicker materials.
Horsepower (HP) matters, especially if you’re cutting dense materials:
– 1.5 to 2 HP motors can cut 2-inch thick hardwood.
– 3 to 5 HP motors are needed for thicker, harder woods.
Assess the Rip Capacity and Table Size:
Rip capacity determines how wide a cut you can make. It’s essential to match the rip capacity with the widest material you plan to cut. A table saw’s table size also influences your work, as a larger table supports bigger materials, which can be critical for accuracy and safety.
Look for a Sturdy and Accurate Fence:
The fence’s quality is crucial for making straight cuts. Ensure that the fence is sturdy, easy to adjust, and remains parallel to the blade when locked in place. T-square fences are known for their reliability.
Miter Gauge and Bevel Capabilities:
A precise mitre gauge is vital for accurate crosscuts and angular cuts. Ideally, a mitre gauge should fit snugly in its slot without any play. Bevel capacity is also important if you need to make bevel cuts. Saws that allow for a wide range of bevel adjustments can be more versatile.
Dust Collection System:
Efficient dust collection keeps your workspace clean and reduces health risks. Look for a table saw with a good dust port and consider pairing it with a shop vac or dust collection system for optimal sawdust management
Safety Features:
Never compromise on safety. Consider saws that come with features like:
Riving Knife: Reduces kickback by keeping the cut material from pinching the back of the blade.
Blade Guards: Offer protection from the spinning blade.
Anti-Kickback Pawls: Further reduce the risk of kickback.
Emergency Stop: Quickly stops the saw in case of an emergency.
Magnetic Switch: Prevents the saw from automatically restarting after a power outage.
Read Next: Best Portable Generators | Random Orbital Sanders | Mitre Saws
The Best Table Saws Australia
1. Dewalt DWE7491-XE
At a mere 26.6 kg, the DeWalt DWE7491-XE table saw champions portability without sacrificing functionality. Its compact design ensures it can be easily transported, a must-have for dynamic worksites. Amidst the hustle of job sites, the steel roll cage stands as a guardian against accidental drops and impacts, preserving the saw’s longevity.
Precision is the name of the game with the rack and pinion fence system of this robust saw. Front and rear fence locks, alongside large scales, facilitate remarkably accurate cuts. A generous 410 mm rip capacity is a boon for handling sizable materials, without compromising on portability. The cast tabletop further enhances the precision of each cut, ensuring results that are both accurate and consistent.
Power is not an afterthought, as evidenced by the 2000 Watt motor tucked within this compact frame, ready to tackle a variety of applications. Even with the toughest woods, whether hard, wet, or frozen, the overload protection system ensures that the saw’s performance remains uncompromised. Adjustments are a snap, thanks to the quick bevel lock and its easy-to-read scale, making accuracy accessible even under demanding conditions.
2. HiKOKI C10RJ(H1Z)
The HiKOKI C10RJ(H1Z) table saw comes thoughtfully designed with an adjustable rip fence capable of extending up to 35 inches, accommodating larger materials with ease. Its support table feature offers added stability for those expansive workpieces that demand both space and precision. This saw caters to users who require adaptability in their tools without any compromise on capability.
Quiet operation is a standout feature, thanks to the Soft Start function, which significantly reduces noise upon starting—a courtesy to both the user and the surrounding environment. Alongside this, an electric brake enhances the saw’s safety by halting the blade within 3 seconds after the unit is switched off, adding an extra layer of security in the bustling realm of a workshop.
Despite its robust functionality, this tool is designed with storage in mind. The inclusion of a folding stand and wheels speaks to its compact nature, making it a space-efficient addition to any work area. Reduced noise, assured safety, and convenient storage underscore this saw’s appeal for professionals seeking efficiency and order.
3. Metabo TS254MSET
The Metabo Table Saw exemplifies mobility, merging compact design with striking cutting prowess. Its anti-twist tubular frame ensures durability, whether in the rigorous setting of a building site or during delicate installations. Thoughtfully engineered, it provides a high comfort level for the user, with a space to store cables and accessories for effortless transport.
Safety and power go hand in hand with this model. The robust motor not only has electronic overload protection but also features a motor brake that halts the saw blade within 3 seconds. Added restart protection keeps the saw from accidentally powering on after an outage, while the soft start mechanism ensures the longevity of the motor and drive system, a feature that’s as practical as it is protective.
Precision is paramount, and this tool doesn’t disappoint. A finely adjustable rip fence with secure clamping complements the easy-to-set gear-guided blade inclination. After making undercuts, the saw resets automatically to 0 – 45 °, adding efficiency to the task. Tool-free lowering of the splitting wedge for hidden cuts and a simple saw blade change via spindle lock refine the user experience. An extendable table width extension allows for handling larger work surfaces with precision, making this saw a versatile ally.
4. Makita 2704N
The Makita 2704N stands out as a compact table saw, boasting an impressively powerful cutting performance without compromising on user comfort. Designed to withstand the demands of busy construction sites and intricate installations, it features anti-twist tubular frame construction to endure the rigours of daily use. The convenience is enhanced by onboard storage for cables and add-ons, streamlining transport and setup.
Equipped with a robust motor that offers electronic overload protection, the Makita 2704N prioritises both power and safety. A quick-stop motor brake and restart protection provide peace of mind, ensuring the saw blade stops rapidly after use and doesn’t restart unintentionally. The soft start feature also helps to preserve the longevity of the motor and drive.
Precision is facilitated by a rip fence that promises easy adjustability and secure clamping, complemented by a gear guide for meticulous saw blade inclination. A smart design allows for the automatic resetting of blade angles between 0 – 45 ° post-undercuts, while changes to the saw blade are simplified with a spindle lock. For larger workpieces, the saw’s extendable table width extension proves invaluable, ensuring accuracy on expansive surfaces
5. Festool TKS 80 EBS
The Festool TKS 80 EBS introduces SawStop technology that dramatically decreases the risk of severe cutting injuries, a leap forward in workshop safety. Its responsive sensor rapidly stops the blade and retracts it in just 5 milliseconds upon skin contact. This is achieved through an intelligent cartridge system that can be easily replaced, ensuring both safety and minimal downtime.
Flexibility and precision come together in the TKS 80 EBS, offering a cutting height of up to 80 mm for handling larger materials with ease. Its design emphasises precision with fewer splinters and clear visibility of the workpiece, especially when making mitre rip cuts. The comprehensive system accessories, including the ability to extend the work surface and a sliding table for cross-cutting up to 920 mm, enhance the saw’s versatility.
Festool doesn’t neglect efficiency and health; with its CLEANTEC dust extraction system, the work environment remains dust-free, preserving both the air quality and the clarity of the workspace. The patented splinter guard ensures clean cuts, while the MMC Electronics maintain a constant speed and monitor temperature for working with various materials. Safety is further embraced with a quick-acting brake, reassuring users during sawing or routing.
FAQ’s
What tooth blade is best for a table saw?
The best tooth blade for a table saw depends on the material and cut type. For general woodworking, a 10-inch blade with 24 to 40 teeth provides a good balance for clean cuts. For finer work, like cabinetry, a 50 to 80-tooth blade is ideal.
What is the best table saw blade for hardwood flooring?
For hardwood flooring, a 10-inch table saw blade with 40 to 80 carbide-tipped teeth ensures smooth, fine cuts, minimising splintering and providing the precision needed for a quality finish. A higher tooth count delivers cleaner edges, essential for flooring aesthetics.
What is the difference between a 40-tooth and 60 tooth saw?
A 40-tooth blade is typically used for general woodcutting, providing faster cuts with a moderately clean finish. A 60-tooth blade, on the other hand, is designed for finer work, offering cleaner and more precise cuts, ideal for trim work or detailed woodworking, due to the higher number of teeth.
