Best Table Saw for DIY Projects

A table saw is more than just a power tool with a sharp, fast-revolving blade. Table saws are supremely handy and are among the most capable power tools in your workshop. Besides, they offer you plenty of freedom to try out different things. For instance, you can take a curved or crooked piece of lumber and straighten it, try molding, or do other creative woodworking tasks. 

The correct attachments and accessories can upgrade your table saw and sharpen your skills. Additionally, a good table saw employs a changeable, somewhat exposed blade to make precise miter, beveled, cross, and rip cuts. Again, some table saws can make unique cuts like rabbet or dado. 

If you're here, you must be looking for the best table saw for DIY projects. While I will review the best ones, I advise picking a portable, efficient, and user-friendly unit, ideal for all sorts of projects around your house. 

With that said, here is my review:

My Top Pick: SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw 

If you’re serious about your DIY projects, you should be looking for a table saw that won't disappoint. On the other hand, you're not looking for something that will break the bank or top-of-the-line machines, ideal for professionals. This perfectly describes the SKIL TS6307-00 table saw; it will get the job done without costing you all your savings!

This convenient and powerful tool will oblige all your DIY projects' needs and go a step or more beyond. It's a DIY-friendly saw that has a wide range of valuable and convenient features, which I'll talk more about below:

Specifications

Dimensions: 16.93 by 27.17 by 28.74 Inches 

Weight: 52 Pounds 

Amperage: 15

Max Cut Depth at 450: 2.5 Inches

Max Cut Depth at 900: 3.5 Inches 

Blade Tilt: 450

Rip Capacity on the Left: 14 Inches 

Rip Capacity on the Right: 25.5 Inches 

Blade Size: 10 In.

Max Speed: 4600RPM

Length of Cable: 6 ft.

Cutting Table Dimensions: 24 by 22 In.

What I Like

• The incorporated foldable legs improve portability

• It has a top-quality build for maximum durability

• The Rack & Pinion system is efficient 

• It offers stable cutting

• It provides excellent value considering its price

• You can use Dado blades

What I Don't Like

• The stand doesn't include wheels.

• The table is made of aluminum which often transfers vibrations.

Key Features 

Build Quality

Considering this unit's affordable price, the construction quality is quite impressive, though if you're looking for a professional-grade table saw, this is not it. 

It comes with an even-surfaced table and boasts a metal and plastic build, which is typical for table saws within this range. While there might be more durable combinations, it is sturdy enough for your DIY tasks. Also, the grips are made of plastic, so handle them carefully. 

Overall, the build quality could be better, and while more is needed for professionals, it's perfect for DIYers and beginners. 

10-Inch Blade 

The SKIL TS6307-00 table saw uses 10-inch blades. They deliver 3.5 inches of optimum cutting depth, with room for 90 degrees adjustment. Additionally, it provides a 2.5 inches maximum cutting depth when slanted to 45 degrees. 

Fortunately, 10-inch blades are the most popular, so you'll have a broad scope of blades to pick from. 

When I opened the package, it included several accessories, such as the 24-tooth blade, perfect for making rip cuts. Also, I use it for rough cutting. For those who want to make smooth cuts, it would be best to go for a saw blade with a higher TPI.

Something else I love about the TS6307-00 table saw is that it is compatible with dado blades, with the optimum dado width standing at 5/8 inches. This is worth mentioning because only a few table saws within this range can power a dado or wobble blade. 

Blade Adjustment 

The other outstanding feature of the TS6307-00 table saw is the bevel adjustment extent. I could easily slant it from -20 to 470. This is not a range you'll easily find with models within this range. 

Further, SKIL offers two positive halts at 45 and zero degrees. These are the most commonly utilized settings; therefore, the indents facilitate swift adjustment between them. 

Miter Gauge & Rip Fence

The rip fence is situated on the rack & pinion section, letting it move effortlessly without jumping or lingering when setting it. This makes it more convenient to make minor modifications while trimming lumber. 

When it comes to the miter gauge, it is adjustable, making it easy to create miter cuts. Again, the miter gauge fits easily on the inserts to the right and left of the blade. 

I could easily make rip cuts, with the left side allowing for a 14-inch cut and 25.5 inches on the right. This was sufficient for all my DIY and home-related projects. Also, for beginners, this SKIL model is one you should consider purchasing. 

The easy-to-use fence control allows even the newbies to have an easy time with this machine, while the aluminum table has a coating for reducing friction as your workpiece moves through it. 

Motor

The other component I'll review is the motor. The SKIL TS6307-00 table saw motor delivers 15 amperes of power which is standard for the best table saws for DIYers. This amperage is high enough to drive wobble blades and a dado stack, which, as pointed out, makes this power tool stand out on the market. 

I love that the gear system has ample torque to handle all my projects at home, and the 4600 RPM no-load speed ensures I can cut through wood like a hot knife through butter. Unfortunately, you won't get variable speeds with this model. 

Dust Collection

Considering the amount of sawdust produced while making different cuts on different woods, it's vital that your table saw have a dust collection system. Luckily, the TS6307-00 unit has a reliable dust collection system. 

Since DIYers might overlook this when shopping for a table saw, I chose a unit that includes it. This one even consists of an elbow which lets you link the hose to the side, facilitating a more convenient connection. 

Safety Features 

On top of everything else, this saw is a safety feature-filled unit with a handful of the usual safety features. For this reason, I can recommend it to beginners.

The blade guard mechanism is installed to achieve several objectives. For instance, it has a blade guard to keep the workpiece from coming into contact with the blade by accident, while the riving knife is situated at the back to hinder the workpiece from gripping the blade. 

Additionally, you get the anti-kickback pawls for preventing pieces of the material from hitting you in the event that something is misaligned. 

Something else you'll appreciate is the secure restart feature. This prevents the table saw from turning on automatically in case power returns after an outage. Lastly is the push stick, which keeps your palms far from the blade. 

What's Inside the Box?

Here is what I found once I opened the SKIL TS6307-00 table saw package:

• The table saw & stand

• Rip fence

• Blade guard

• Miter gauge 

• Push stick

• Riving knife 

• Dust port-arm

• Anti-kickback pawls

• Two wrenches 

• 24T blade 

Cost & Comparison 

As mentioned, the SKIL TS 6307-00 unit is affordable compared to some top-of-the-line models. It costs between $200 and $400. However, the competition is more affordable, though they aren’t as feature-filled as the SKIL table saw. 

The Go-plus table saw costs $200 to $350, while the Ryobi, my budget option, sells at $150 to $300. 

Worthy Competitors

GoPlus 10-In. Table Saw 

My first pick for a worthy competitor is the Go-Plus unit which is relatively more affordable than the SKIL, depending on where you purchase. While it's not among the reputable brands, its performance and quality are almost as good, which is why it presents incredible value for money. 

It has a potent 15-amp and a blade 10 inches long like the TS 6307-00 and a maximum speed of 5000 RPM, slightly higher than the SKIL's 4600 RPM. Furthermore, it facilitates variations to the fence and expands the blade adjustments. For this reason, you can make various cuts, including dual bevel cuts, miter cuts, and crosscuts. 

Also, the paralleled blade placement lets you adjust the saw blade guaranteeing accuracy, which is of precedence for DIYers. The tabletop has an aluminum coating which decreases friction, allowing for effortless sliding and smooth cuts, while the sturdy metallic stand boosts the table saw's stability.

Nonetheless, it has a few downsides, including poor-quality locking parts and miter gauge. Also, it can be challenging to assemble. 

Ryobi RTS12 Table Saw 

Lastly, is a budget-friendly option; the Ryobi RTS12. Just because you're on a budget doesn’t mean you have to purchase a sub-standard power tool. If you need a table saw that can handle light and medium tasks around your home, the Ryobi RTS12 unit is your best bet!

It comes with a foldable stand for easy storage and convenience when cutting different workpieces. It comes with a 15-amp motor that revolves around the blade at 5000 RPM, allowing you to make different cuts on different woods easily. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an extendable rail. That said, you can purchase a separate stand to hold the bigger workpieces. Similarly, at its price, it's hard to find something better. 

Why you Should Choose the SKIL TS6307-00 Table Saw

SKIL didn't design this table saw from scratch, and neither did they upgrade an older model. Alternatively, they picked a few of the best features and incorporated a few twists. 

Its somewhat low price makes it one of the most comprehensive units I've seen within this price range. It's an excellent recommendation for beginners and DIYers.

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