The short answerMost DIYers should buy a 10 in jobsite saw with a 15 amp motor, a rack-and-pinion fence and at least 24 in of rip capacity. Expect $450 to $700 with a stand. If the budget stretches, a saw with a flesh-sensing blade brake starts around $900.
What to buy
Occasional cuts, small space
Compact 8-1/4 in jobsite saw, 15 amp, about 24 in rip
Light enough to carry and store on a shelf. It cuts about 2-1/2 in deep, and most can't take a dado blade set.
$250 to $400
See options on Amazon →Most DIYers
10 in jobsite saw, 15 amp, 24 to 32 in rip, folding stand
Rips sheet goods and 2x lumber, then folds up against the garage wall. The small top and loud motor make fine furniture work harder.
$450 to $700
See options on Amazon →Safety first
Jobsite or contractor saw with a flesh-sensing blade brake
Stops the blade on skin contact, which can turn a lost finger into a small cut. It costs several hundred dollars more, and each trip costs a cartridge and often a blade.
$900 to $2,200
See options on Amazon →Dedicated hobby shop
Contractor or hybrid saw, cast iron top, 1.75 to 2 HP
Heavier, smoother and more accurate, and it runs on a regular 120V outlet. It weighs 200 lb or more and wants a permanent spot.
$1,000 to $2,000
See options on Amazon →Serious shop
Cabinet saw, 3 HP, 240V
Cuts thick hardwood all day without slowing. It needs a 240V circuit, weighs 400 lb or more, and is far more saw than weekend projects need.
$2,500 to $5,000
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Need a few plywood sheets cut down? Many lumber stores will cut them, and a circular saw with a straightedge guide does the rest. A table saw earns its space when you rip boards often.
What the numbers mean
- Rip capacity
- The widest cut that fits between the blade and the fence. 24 in splits a 4 ft plywood sheet down the middle, and 30 in gives you room to spare.
- Riving knife
- A curved steel plate right behind the blade that rises and tilts with it. It stops the wood from pinching the blade and kicking back, so leave it on.
- Flesh-sensing brake
- The saw detects skin touching the blade, then stops and drops the blade in a few thousandths of a second. The brake cartridge is single-use.
- Blade size
- 10 in is the standard and cuts about 3 in deep at 90 degrees. 8-1/4 in saws cut about 2-1/2 in deep, with fewer blade choices.
- Fence
- The guide the wood rides against. A rack-and-pinion fence moves both ends together, so it stays parallel to the blade.
What not to pay for
- A cabinet saw for weekend projects
It needs special wiring and a permanent home. A good jobsite saw builds shelves, decks and furniture.
- Taking off the riving knife
Kickback happens faster than you can react. The knife stays on for every through cut.
- Keeping the stock blade forever
A 40 or 50 tooth carbide combination blade costs about $30 to $60. It makes a budget saw cut noticeably cleaner.
Keep the riving knife and guard on, and use a push stick for narrow cuts. Stand to one side of the blade, never cut freehand, and never use the fence and miter gauge together on a crosscut. Wear eye and hearing protection, and skip gloves and loose sleeves.
Questions
What's the difference between jobsite, contractor and cabinet saws?
Jobsite saws are portable, with small tops and loud 15 amp motors. Contractor and hybrid saws are heavier, with cast iron tops and quieter motors. Cabinet saws are 3 HP and up, need 240V, and stay put.
Is a flesh-sensing blade brake worth the money?
If you can afford it, yes. A table saw injury is often permanent, and the technology is well proven. It doesn't prevent kickback, so the riving knife and push stick still matter.
Can I run a table saw on a normal outlet?
Jobsite saws and most contractor saws run on a standard 120V circuit. Give the saw its own circuit if you can, and avoid long, thin extension cords. 3 HP cabinet saws need 240V.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.