Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw

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Another tool that is important to a carpenter is a table saw. If you are looking for one, you came to the right place as through this article, we shall feature several portable jobsite table saws and compare each head to head. Take note that we are not including nor comparing cordless table saws in this article. 

Portable Table Saw Lineup

In this article, we shall compare the following table saws:

Table Saw Evaluation Format

In this article, we shall put the above mentioned brands and models to a head to head comparison and evaluation. We shall test them in different areas and categories such as:

  • Precision and Accuracy – in this area, we shall check the accuracy of the stable saws and how easy it is to calibrate and adjust them. We shall also focus on the quality of their fence system and accurate cuts. 
  • Performance – we shall check the power of the motors of each product, model and brand. We shall test these motors on different materials such as plywood, pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine 5/4 decking and Mahogany 5/4 decking. 
  • Price – of course this is one of the most important factors. Are they worth their value?
  • Ergonomics – We also included functionality in this category. 

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Features

Bosch 4100-09

  • Weight: 112 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 3,650 rpm
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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
  • Depth 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 

SkilSaw SPT99-12

  • Weight: 98 lbs (w/ stand)
  • MAX no Load Speed: 5,000 rpm
  • Depth 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

We also have checked how much easy or difficult it is to take the product out of its packaging or box. Upon testing, the average assembly time ranged from 21 minutes to 48 minutes. Aside from that we also tested the dust collection and we have come to the conclusion that even with a great dust extractor, there were still great deal of difference between saws. 

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Precision and Accuracy

In this category, we have tested tolerance on finished cuts and how accurate they are. Accuracy and precision are both very important factors especially when you are working on a critical project or work. 

What and how we measured?

To be able to assess the accuracy of the 8 brands and models mentioned above, we have measured and compared each model with six subcategories – Table flatness, Accuracy of 45 degree stop, accuracy of 90 degree stop, blade parallel to miter slot, fence parallel to miter slot and blade runout. 

Table Flatness 

In this category, we have gathered data and ranked the results. We have ranked overall manufactured table flatness. With flatness measurement from 0.0 to .09 thickness, Bosch led the race in this category. Followed by Makita and came in third was Hitachi. The last one on the list is SawStop. 

Accuracy of 45-degree Stop

In unboxing each and every product on our list above, most saws were close to 45 degrees. However, you would still need to do some calibration for you to complete the work. The results: SawStop came out perfect. Hitachi came in second, closely to SawStop and SkilSaw not far behind with only 0.1-degree deviation. 

Accuracy of Vertical 90 Degree Stop 

Wixey WR365 digital inclimoter was used in this category to measure the accuracy of factory set 90 degree stop. Results show that SawStop and Ridgid came with the perfect 90 degrees while Makita, Bosch and DeWalt were just set off by 0.1 degrees. Hitachi, Delta and SkilSaw on the other hand would need some calibration. 

Blade Parallel to Miter Slot 

In this category, the blade parallel to miter slot shows that SawStop had a perfect reading right after it was unboxed and did not need any calibration. Bosch came in second and Makita on third place. 

Saw Fence Parallel to Miter Slot 

After testing the difference in parallelism, we have also tested the miter slot. Now, we would be testing if the miter slot is parallel to the rip fence. To test this, we have used iGauging 35-125-3 digital dial indicator and the results were astonishing with Delta leading with 0.001-inches difference from its front to back of fence and coming at the last spot is SkilSaw with 0.102 inches. 

Blade Runout 

Runout describes how much your outside edge of saw blade wobbles. This is sometimes measured by using a saw blade. To test this category, we have used Freud calibration plate. The results – Dewalt came first with 0.00079 and Skilsaw came last with 0.0126. Below 0.005 is considered as good which both Skilsaw and Bosch are still within.

Precision Summary

Upon gathering every category under precision that we have tested, the first one that came in first and we considered as the overall winner is SawStop, followed by Makita and Dewalt. 

We Took the Time to Measure the As-Built Accuracy of These Table Saws

As mentioned earlier, the quality of cuts is highly important and to achieve the best quality cuts, your accuracy must be top-notch.

Take in mind that all of the saws were adjusted after accuracy evaluation prior performance testing. 

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Performance 

In the following next tests, we have used different materials such as ¾” AC Plywood, 5/4 Mahogany Decking and 5/4 Pressure Treated Southern Yellow Pine Decking. 

Blade Speed (RPM) 

In this test, we have compared how much blade speed reduction the motors have under different loading conditions. We have recorded no-load speed to check the relative drop in rpm in the blade speed while cutting wood. 

In this test, we have used digital laser non-contact tachometer. As for the results, the drop in blade speed is small upon testing with ¾ plywood. It ranged from 6% for Hitachi and Ridgid, 7% for Makita and SawStop, 9% for Bosch, 11% for DeWalt, 14 % for SkilSaw and 24% for Delta. 

As for treated Southern Yellow Pine decking, the test had shown that the lowest blade speed drop was 11% for SawStop, 15% SkilSaw, 23% DeWalt and Makita, 27% for Ridgid, 29% Bosch,31% Delta and 33% Hitachi. 

Lastly, we used 5/4 Mahogany Decking and the results were the following: SawStop 22%, Makita 24%, Bosch and Ridgid 27%, DeWalt 28%, SkilSaw 33% and Hitachi 41%. 

To summarize it, the lowest average drop in blade speed is SawStop, Makita followed next and Ridgid in third. 

Motor AMP Draw

We also measured the amp draw for each using the mentioned three materials. The results: the lowest increase in amp is at 5% for SkilSaw. Followed by 6% for Hitachi and those that have significant increase were DeWalt at 32%, Delta at 42% and Bosch at 55%. Makita had 61% while SawStop had 79% and Ridgid at 120%. 

For Pressured Treated Framing Lumber: SkilSaw: 14%, Hitachi at 58%, DeWalt at 77%, SawStop at 110%, Delta at 146%, Ridgid at 184% and Bosch at 196%.

For Mahogany: SkilSaw: 59%, Hitachi 86%, DeWalt: 103%, SawStop at 110%, Makita at 129%, Delta 135%, Ridgid at 157% and Bosch at 169%.

Overall Performance

Upon summarizing and averaging the results, the overall performance winner is the Skilsaw SPT99-12. Followed by Hitachi C10RJ and DeWalt DWE7491RS in third place. 

Portable Jobsite Table Saw Price 

As for the pricing, this ranges from $349 for Hitachi to $1299 for SawStop. 

Ergonomics 

This measures the increase of worker’s efficiency at the same time reduces the fatigue, discomfort and risk of injury. To test this, we have measured the following:

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

Upon testing all these factors, the results were that DeWalt and Makita came first in the ergonomic rankings which were followed by Hitachi and Skilsaw and third by Bosch and Ridgid.  

Overall Best Portable Jobsite Table Saw 

Upon summarizing all the tests that we have conducted on all eight table saws, the overall winner is Hitachi, DeWalt came in second and third was Skilsaw. 

We should point out that safety is a huge deal. Though SawStop costs more than Hitachi, SawStop comes with more safety options.  

Conclusion:

This concludes our article on best portable jobsite table saws. We hope that through this article we were able to provide you useful information which you could use in choosing the best one that would suit your needs. 

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