Have you just stepped into the world of woodworking? The chances are that you consider yourself a novice and are probably perplexed about what to do next. From stacking up on the right tools to learning the basics, there’s a tremendous amount of experience you gain while at work. Even though it’s a steep learning curve, having the right guidance in place can do wonders for newbies. A good starting point would be to consider switching from hand tools to the more refined ones. Yes, we’re referring to a table saw, but what is it that distinguishes the best beginner table saw from an average one? It’s the precision of cuts, ease of use, and of course, affordability. Hence, keeping the aforementioned factors in mind, here’s a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
5 Best Beginner Table Saws
1. Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Table Saw
ASIN: B07BZVKF8M
Even though we hardly pay heed to a product’s longevity, this is where it becomes absolutely inevitable. As a beginner, you want to make sure that the table saw you invest in grows with you, the better your skills get. Hence, apart from the 10″ diameter saw, this product also has a number of other notable features, such as the 15A motor driving the blade to speeds of over 3600 rotations in a minute and, of course, the 29 x 21.5 inches dimensions, making it big enough to tackle large stocks of wood. Furthermore, the top is made using aluminum, allowing wooden pieces to slide off the top without much effort. Hence, it is often recommended for beginners to take on medium-sized projects. However, nothing beats its supremacy when it comes to the square lock rip fence. As a beginner, you will always want to be wary of wrong measurements, and this is where the feature comes in handy, as its aluminum construction aids in sliding and preventing hitches.
2. Hitachi C10RJ 10″ 15-Amp Jobsite Table Saw
ASIN: B01N5PY1E8
Hitachi has long been known to be one of the safest names out there, especially when it comes to getting the best beginner table saw. Not only has the brand been at the forefront of designing activities, but it has also manufactured the safest power tools on the market. Since it has a soft start function, you can trust the minimal noise levels it emits. Mostly suited for increased cutting speeds, Hitachi does a wonderful job at keeping the machine from heating up regardless of how high the speed is. Thanks to its caster wheels, you can enjoy the portability feature by moving it from one spot to another effortlessly.
3. SawStop 10-Inch Contractor Saw
ASIN: B006G36VHG
What makes a table saw worth the while, especially for someone as new as a beginner? Despite the high price factor, the SawStop contractor has the best blend of features, size, and, most importantly, safe technology, making it a desirable choice for amateurs with a good budget. For starters, it has a 1.75HP motor and 36 inches of rip capacity. Then there are tons of additional accessories such as router tables, crosscut tables, overhead dust collection, and mobile bases to help you turn any space into your workstation. However, if the price is somehow affecting your decision-making ability, then you may want to keep reading until a SawStop alternative shows up in the market.
4. ROCKWELL Blade Runner
ASIN: B00L47FZ8A
Remember, when it comes to power tools, bigger isn’t always better. Even if a product promises lots of power, it doesn’t necessarily entail that the stated amount of power can be used adequately. While it may not seem to be a perfect choice, given how there’s a literal sea of options out there, this ROCKWELL table saw is undeniably the best beginner table saw for those who’ve never used or, let alone, touched a saw in their lives. It’s important to acknowledge that beginners don’t necessarily need over 8000 RPM to get the work done since the projects they take on aren’t as huge as remodeling homes, for instance. For this reason, this lightweight blade runner is the most recommended product for most novices. Following the footsteps of Makita, this unit also comes with a rip fence, five extra blades, and a miter gauge, which can be attached to the unit body to save you from the hassle of recalling where you placed them for the next attempt.
5. MAKITA 10″ Table Saw
ASIN: B0027FFKWY
If safety is your primary concern, then get your hands on this one without thinking twice. Makita is not only known for its exceptional safety features but also attention to detail. One of the best safety features in the package includes the double-sided transparent blade to assist the user in their vision of the workpiece while working. Rest assured, Makita also has a 10-inch carbide-tipped blade that allows you to literally throw anything into it as long as it’s the same size. However, speaking of the beginner-friendly aspect, there is an electric brake and two anti-kickback paws in case you end up biting more than what you can chew in the learning process.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, it’s safe to assume that table saws possess a great deal of importance in woodworking projects, even if it doesn’t seem so initially. The degree of accuracy they provide is unmatched by anything else. However, whether you’re a beginner or have been in the market for a considerable amount of time, safety comes first. This is why you must ensure that the product you choose to invest in gives you complete control over the rate and depth of the cut. Also, remember that the best beginner table saw isn’t necessarily the biggest or the most expensive. There are plenty of options to explore within your budget range, and through this article, we hope to have laid a solid foundation of what to expect in a quality product.
IMAGE CREDITS
Image by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash.
