Best Table Saw Under $500
The best table saws under $500 are unique in that they oscillate between affordable and mid-range. If that’s the maximum budget you have, you can freely choose to spend a little extra for more helpful features or just go for an economical table saw that meets a specific need (e.g. small-time DIY projects or working with only one or two materials).
Whatever your purpose is, we will do our best to help you make the most out of your money with the help of this guide.
Mind you, you can already get a lot of really outstanding table saws with this budget. Whether this is too cheap or expensive for you, know that the products that we have reviewed here will not disappoint.
In fact, it will not be farfetched to say that you just have to find out which one will suit your woodworking needs and purposes best. This only proves that you do not need to break the bank to get a reliable table saw that can put a checkmark on all vital criteria like power, accuracy, safety, durability, and portability.
Pay attention to the table saws we listed here because they are quick to outshine even a handful of table saws that cost way more. That said, your value for money is nothing less than assured should you opt to choose any of the following best table saws under $500.
#1 DEWALT DW745
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 1850-watt and 15-amp motor with 3,850 RPM that can power through most hardwoods
- Large 10-inch blade 24-tooth carbide blade
- Includes Site-Pro Modular Guarding System for better safety
- 20-inch rip capacity
- Highly accurate adjustments can be done due to cast tabletop design and bevel lock
Once you compare the DW745 to other table saws with, more or less, the same prices, it will not take long for you to see that it is not that powerful with a 3,850 RPM that is just a bit higher than the recommended minimum. But why, you might ask, is this Dewalt invention considered as a masterpiece by a lot of DIY woodworkers, professional and beginner alike? Well, this may sound cliche but, simply put, it has everything you need without costing you an arm and a leg.
You get a 10-inch saw that cuts precisely with the aid of the no-nonsense miter gauge and rack and pinion telescoping fence. This is a big, standard-sized saw that is ideal for improving your DIY skill with time, assuming you are just starting out.
Your safety is doubly assured by the included push stick and blade guard. Additionally, durability is improved by the metal roll cage and the overall compact design of the entire table saw, highlighted only by its relatively lighter weight.
Lastly, thanks to the dust port reducer, the table will be kept clean without you having to do it yourself as much as possible. In terms of essential aspects like portability, safety, and accuracy, this table saw is just excellent.
PROS
- Versatile enough to provide support for domestic and professional projects
- Delivers plenty of value for the very budget-friendly price
- Compact and lightweight allowing it to be lifted and transported with ease
- High rip capacity makes it easy to cut through larger items
CONS
- May not be that useful for bigger projects
#2 Metabo HPT Table Saw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 15-amp powerful motor with 4,500 RPM
- Soft-start feature that greatly reduces the noise produced by the motor reduces recoil when starting
- T-slot miter gauge that extends longer for additional measuring capacity and includes specific stops from 0 to 60 degrees for precision
- 8 x 13/16” Dado capacity that accommodates Dado blades and cuts
- Emergency OFF switch and adjustable riving knife added as an extra safety feature
- 35-inch rip capacity
It’s easy to see the heavy-duty quality of this table saw upon first glance. And it smoothly proves itself as a reliable tool for any kind of DIY application. Its performance relies heavily on its 4,500-RPM Hitachi motor, which effortlessly cuts through hardwood, plywood, and any other kind of wood material.
It also comes with its own stand, which not a lot of other table saws in this price point can boast of including. They are fairly sturdy, too, regardless of the type of job that you are doing.
The added wheels offer a nice bonus for convenient mobility after folding it from its upright position. Accuracy-wise, the table saw performs great as well thanks to the included extendable miter gauge.
What are its safety measures? Well, the emergency OFF safety feature pretty much makes sure that the gadget will immediately shut down should there be any event that occurs which increases your risk of injury.
The table saw also throws in a dust collector to ensure you hassle-free clean-up after every job.
PROS
- The powerful motor is complemented by a 10-inch blade with a high 35-inch rip capacity
- Straight, accurate cuts can be performed with relative ease
- Imparts adequate peace of mind with its stringent safety features
- Efficient and accurate adjustments can be done anytime
CONS
- Heavier than most units
- Lacks on-board blade storage
#3 SKILSAW SPT70WT-01
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 15-amp motor with a maximum 5,300 RPM with a cutting depth of 3 ½ inches
- Self-aligning rip fence that boosts accuracy without making further adjustments regularly
- Worm-drive gear system used on the motor to ensure better power and motor durability
- Made mostly of aluminum
- Anti-kickback and safeguard systems for extra layers of security
- 25-inch rip capacity
Power abounds in this Skilsaw offering and, boy, does it know how to handle and use it. Considering the 15-amp dual-field high-capacity motor it uses, you’ll be achieving those big cuts you’ve always wanted with this beast. 5,300 RPM is no joke for a table saw this cheap, so think of this as your key to getting through those larger projects once and for all. Surely a motor this powerful would be noisy, right? Not at all, as many satisfied users can attest.
The table saw, once fully extended, can handle 25 inches of space that it can rip without much difficulty. That’s a fairly average rip capacity, but Skilsaw has always been known to play it safe in that area.
This extra space affords better stability for any kind of material you choose to work with, and the sturdy self-aligning rip fence only adds to this.
Even if it doesn’t come with its own stand, the table saw as a whole just goes the extra mile compared to others. It wouldn’t have made such big waves in the power tool industry otherwise. It’s undoubtedly defined by the way it pushes table saw power yet still ensuring accuracy (thanks to the self-aligning rip fence).
Another neat feature is the quick-switching bevel that this table saw has. With one movement, you can change angles in a second and lock it in place.
Ultimately, this table saw sets itself apart through its durable and dynamic motor design and the amazing portability it possesses.
PROS
- Unrivaled power and motor life ensured by Skilsaw’s development of their own worm drive motors
- Self-aligning rip fence improves accuracy and user convenience
- Comparatively lightweight when compared to other great table saws
- Decent ripping capacity
CONS
- Though not as loud as other table saws with powerful motors, it could still prove to be noisy for some users
#4 Bosch GTS1031
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 15-amp motor with 5,000 RPM with a ⅝-inch arbor size
- 10-inch blade diameter enough for most kinds of projects
- Self-aligning square lock rip fence for boosting accuracy
- Lightweight and made of aluminum
- 18-inch rip capacity
- Onboard storage and dust port
Any DIY woodworker can easily fall in love with the GTS1031 because of its tough aluminum build that still manages to keep its weight down and the sweet 15-amp motor it has that can guarantee an exact 5,000 RPM. It’s like a lightweight behemoth, with its main distinctive features considered.
Its base is notably made up entirely of steel so there’s no room to question the amount of impact it can absorb, even if you’re working with heftier wood.
We are also more than eager to rain praises on the number of micro-adjustments you can do on the blade’s height and bevel lock’s angle to ensure the kinds of clean cuts you want. It just goes so well with the sheer amount of punch that it packs power-wise – to the point that you won’t be worrying about picking the wrong hardwoods to work with it.
The rip fence it incorporates (which the brand terms as a square lock) aligns by itself to not only contribute to accuracy but consistency in cuts as well.
Furthermore, you’ll also be enamored before long with the unit’s smart guard system, which uses both kickback pawls and a riving knife feature. You can take off and replace the blade guard in only a few minutes without relying on any additional tools to do so. More importantly, these safety features basically keep you safe from harm every time you turn this table saw on and start working.
The areas that the GTS1031 as a whole shines in are power, toughness, and portability. It’s solid, in short, which says a lot considering the competition it’s up against. The onboard tools storage and dust collection bonuses are just the icings on the cake.
PROS
- Above-average power that can achieve the most standard cuts
- Very portable due largely to it topping only 52 pounds
- Smart guard system provides double safety
CONS
- Might take some time and effort to ensure proper accuracy adjustments are made
Buyers Guide Questions
The list of table saws above represents what many woodworkers will deem as the creme de la creme of table saws under $500. If you do not want to have to inspect a single table saw closely for factors such as specs, pros, and cons, then you will not go wrong with any of the said choices. Should you have any further questions about purchasing, then do take the time to go through our FAQ section as follows.
What would be considered as the “perfect table saw”?
Since we are talking about the best here, it is only right that we give a crystal-clear definition of what makes a table saw stand out for any savvy power tool pundit. “Perfect” may be too strong a word, but if you are going to be completely honest, it is just the table saw that will be able to fulfill all the projects that you will be doing with its help. It should, as much as possible, be able to achieve this with minimal to no fuss whatsoever.
Most of the time, this takes paying attention to the power and accuracy of the table saw. Does it wobble? Then that is definitely not a good sign for precision. A really good table saw is one that manages to deliver the cuts on a consistent basis. This, of course, takes familiarizing yourself with all its features and utilizing them to the fullest. In the end, the perfect table saw blends convenience, accuracy, and safety – and there are certainly a number of candidates that more than meets this standard from the brands we reviewed.
Are tables saws under $500 worth buying?
Considering the quality that you can get, as proven by the table saws we have shared above, it is not hard to answer yes to this question. In fact, you probably won’t be having a hard time choosing a good table saw that can meet your needs should you be willing to shell out a couple more bucks. It’s the price point sweet spot once you look at the amazing offerings by known brands like Dewalt, Skilsaw, and Bosch in it.
You can get a complete woodworking experience without spending an additional hundred bucks or two from these models alone. You get satisfactory versatility, too, which says a lot for these table saws that are considerably cheap.
Should I be concerned about the safety of table saws in this price range?
Some people might raise their eyebrows at a few of the cheaper selections included here. They may be powerful but are they safe? We are going to say outright that these models are safe because they include more than part that guarantees the safety of the user. That said, your safety should never take a backseat when trying to finalize your decision.
Be extra cautious of the safety features of the table saw you are considering, especially if you are just a newbie. It won’t hurt to opt for models that take extra steps to heighten your security while working.
Which table saw is the best all-around for any DIYer?
It’s not difficult for us to recommend the DW745 because of its sheer versatility and well-rounded features. It covers every major element of table saws spectacularly. It also caters to beginners, casuals, and pros alike, which not a lot of other options can, unfortunately, claim to be able to do.
The Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 comes to a close second by virtue of its heavy-duty performance. If you want to be able to handle bigger projects that the DW745, as you grow your woodworking skills, then it won’t hurt to invest in this table saw from the outset. Safety, though not as great in other models, does not take a backseat in it, which is just another undeniable plus.
How will I know which table saw suits me?
You can never go wrong by checking how the table saw delivers power. Power in most motor-powered saws is usually expressed in RPM. Any table saw that has at least 4,500 RPM can already be considered as fairly heavy-duty; 6,000 RPM is typically the maximum limit that most woodworkers are willing to go.
You also do not want to forget about accuracy. There are a couple of ways to ensure perfect accuracy in table saws. The miter gauge, fence, and riving knife all play the most integral roles to guarantee. Therefore, you have to not only make sure that the table saw incorporates high-quality renditions of the said parts, but you also have to take the time to know how to use them properly.
Final Verdict
Think you found the perfect table saw that you have been looking from the ones we listed above? When in doubt, just take the time to remember the fundamental table saw criteria we mentioned above.
Deciding does not have to be a herculean, time-eating issue as long as you exert effort in familiarizing yourself with these key concepts.
Feel free to use the reviews as your reference and guide when deciding, too, especially if you do not want to get into the specificities and technical aspects too much. That said, it certainly won’t hurt to take the time to get to know them as well – and develop your skill and knowledge in woodworking, for that matter.
This especially applies to people who are more than willing to do DIY woodworking as a long-term hobby or even a side profession.
Our Top Pick
DEWALT DW745
- 1850-watt and 15-amp motor with 3,850 RPM that can power through most hardwoods
- Large 10-inch blade 24-tooth carbide blade
- Includes Site-Pro Modular Guarding System for better safety
- 20-inch rip capacity
- Highly accurate adjustments can be done due to cast tabletop design and bevel lock
Related Pages
