For any serious woodworker, the most essential tool is a table saw. It is an extremely versatile tool capable of delivering a lot of different cuts with high precision. In fact, it is one of the primary choices of tools for many expert woodworkers.
With a budget of 600 dollars, you can find some pretty decent equipment in the market. However, due to the popularity of this tool, you need to tread with caution when you are looking to buy one.
The reason is that there are a lot of low-quality products floating around just waiting to take your money.
If you want to end up with a product that satisfies you in every way, then you came to the right place.
In this article, we have gathered a list of the table saws under $600 that are available in the market along with a complete review so that you can assess each of them and determine which one serves you the best.
So, without further ado, let us jump in.
Best Table Saw Under $600 Review
We have done extensive research on each of the units that we are about to show you so that you do not need to worry about anything.
In our selection, we took a lot of different aspects of the tool under consideration, which we will discuss in a later portion of the article.
For now, here are our top picks!
Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Table saw
Starting off our list is the 10-inch table saw by the brand Bosch. This brand has quite a reputation when it comes to high-quality power tools.
And this particular model by them is one of their finest offerings, giving you a good balance of affordable price and powerful performance.
The unit features a power output of 15-amps with its excellent 4 HP motor capable of delivering a rotation speed of 3650 RPM.
As a result, whether you are using it for rip-cutting or cross-cutting, you should expect a precise performance.
It can handle both fine and rough materials without breaking a sweat.
The Constant Response circuitry in the unit allows you to maintain a consistent speed whenever you are using the tool while the Soft Start circuitry ensures proper startup.
In case you lose power suddenly, the unit shuts down and will not turn on until you manually start it. This feature is excellent when it comes to your safety.
Furthermore, the unit features a large top made of cast aluminum that gives you enough space to work with any materials with 30 inches of ripping capacity.
The smart guard system in the unit provides you with all the safety you would want while operating the tool. It also features a wheeled stand that lets you move it around easily.
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DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Table Saw
If you are looking for a high-quality cordless power tool, you can always count on Dewalt to have your back.
The Flexbolt 60V cordless table saw is a battery-powered unit that comes with enough power to compete against many of the robust corded table saws that you find on the market.
This 8¼ inch table saw comes with a rip capacity of 24 inches. So, when you are planning to rip through 4×8 plywood or similar materials, you can be sure that this unit is up to the task.
In addition, the rack and pinion telescoping fence rails ensure that you can make easy adjustments for a clean and smooth cut.
The unit features a metal roll cage base at the top. This addition ensures that you will get better durability from the machine as well as a stable and wobble-free experience while cutting materials.
It also comes with a dust port where you can hook up a vacuum to clean up sawdust as you work.
With all battery-powered tools, the main issue is not the power but the runtime. Thankfully, the Flexvolt 60V battery that you use with this unit will give you around 6Ah, which is enough to get through a day’s worth of work.
However, you need to buy the battery and charger separately, which is slightly disappointing.
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TACKLIFE Table Saw, 10-Inch 15-Amp 4800RPM Table Saw
For the next product on our reviews, we will be looking at the brand TackLife. This 10-inch table saw is an excellent unit for people who are on a tight budget.
It comes with many interesting features that both beginners and experts will find useful, such as bevel cutting and high ripping capacity.
The unit features an extremely powerful motor made of pure copper that features a power output of 15 amps along with delivering a whopping 4800 RPM capacity.
This combination gives the unit a ripping capacity of 31.5 inches, which means you can cut through any material with little to no hassle.
It comes with an aluminum tabletop that can be extended on either side, giving you ample space to work with.
The top is smooth and allows you to move materials easily while cutting. In addition, you get a miter gauge for crosscutting and a rip fence for when you want to rip cut.
The unit comes with a 24T carbide blade that you can swap out with any other 10 inch blades at your convenience.
However, the included blade is decent and can last you quite a while before it needs replacing. For the price point, the features that you get with this unit is highly appealing.
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Milwaukee 2736-20 M18 Fuel ONE-Key 8-1/4 in. Table Saw
Similar to Dewalt, Milwaukee is another brand that has made its mark in manufacturing high-end battery-powered power tools.
This particular table saw by the brand comes with many excellent features and an extremely powerful cutting capacity making it one of the best choices that you can make.
This unit handles 8¼ inches blades to its fullest potential, boasting a rip capacity of 24½ inches. So, you can rip through 4×8 sheets of plywood or OSB easily without any hassle.
In addition, it has a bevel capacity of 47 degrees that allows you to get creative with your cuts if you need it.
The unit also features onboard storage for accessories like push stick, fence gauge, miter gauge, etc. to ensure you have everything in one place.
Thanks to its tool-free blade changing mechanism, you will be able to quickly replace the blades when it gets dull. Changing the guard or riving knife also requires no tools.
Unfortunately, this unit does not include any batteries. However, since it is compatible with all M18 batteries, buying it later should not be an issue.
We recommend getting higher capacity cells as it would ensure you have the most uptime to get through any of your projects without running out of juice.
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Hitachi C10RJ 10″ 15-Amp Jobsite Table Saw
To wrap up our list of reviews, we will look at the C10RJ by the infamous Hitachi. The brand is quite well-known not only for its power tools but also for a lot of different devices that you will find in the market.
This table saw by the brand gives you the same quality you expect from any of their other products.
The unit delivers 15 amps of power using its direct-drive universal motor giving you a high rotation speed of 4500 RPM.
So, any doubt you might have about the ripping capabilities of this unit can be put to rest. In addition, the unit is also bevel capable up to 45 degrees, allowing you to get creative with your application.
It features a soft start function that ensures minimum recoil, making the unit safe to operate. As an added safety measure, the unit comes with a high-quality electric brake that instantly stops the rotation the moment you activate it.
Moreover, the unit comes with a 10-inch 40 toothed Carbide blade, giving you the ability to cut through anything.
One of the best elements of this unit lies in its portability. It comes with four foldable legs and transport wheels that you can activate when you fold it up.
As a result, moving it around on the job site is a piece of cake. Considering the price and its amazing list of features, this unit is a complete powerhouse.
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Things to Look for When Buying the Table Saw
With the list of products out of the way, we can focus on some of the features that are worth knowing when you are shopping for a table saw.
Knowing what to look for when buying a table saw will protect you from making a bad investment and help you get the most value out of your investment.
Type of Table Saw
The first thing that you need to decide when buying a table saw is which type of unit you want and need.
There are a few different variants of this tool, each with its own purpose and applications. So, you need to understand the purpose of each type and compare it with what you want to get out of it.
The different variants of table saw that are available on the market are:
Benchtop
This type of unit does not come with any stand. As the name suggests, you simply place it on a table and fire it up. It is an excellent choice for a DIY enthusiast or a hobbyist.
Compact
These units, despite the name, are actually slightly bigger than benchtop models. A compact table saw generally uses small toothed belts and comes with a smaller table.
Jobsite
Jobsite models come with their own bench and are used by professional contractors. It has quite a lot of power but still manages to be lightweight and portable.
Contractor
These table saws are somewhat extinct these days. They came at a similar design to Jobsite units but bigger and more powerful.
Cabinet
Undoubtedly, cabinet table saws are the most powerful units of the bunch. These monsters are extremely heavy and feature an enclosed cabinet.
It is only suitable for serious woodworkers who require extreme precision. They also tend to be quite expensive.
Rip Fence and Miter Gauge
Both the rip fence and miter gauge are important elements of a table saw and contribute to its cutting capabilities.
With the rip fence, you should look for a rip capacity of at least 24 inches. Anything less might not give you the ability to cut through tougher materials.
The miter gauge is important for bevel cuts or simply for cutting angles. You should get a unit that allows you to make at least up to 45-degree angles with your cutting.
That way, you will have a lot of options in making precise angled cuts, which opens up a lot of possibilities.
Motor Power and Configuration
The motor is obviously an important part of your table saw. There are two types of drive systems that you should be aware of, as it affects how much power the motor has. They are belt-drive and direct-drive.
Direct-drive
These motors typically operate at 120V and can give you around 1-2 HP. On paper, it might not seem much, but it is typically enough for most hobbyists.
Belt-drive
On the other hand, this type of motor typically operates at 240V and can give you around 3 to 7 HP. As a result, they are quite powerful and more suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Amps and Rotation per Minute
The amp refers to the total power output of the unit. For most tasks, you should be fine as long as the unit can deliver 15 amps of power.
However, for people who require a table saw capable of more powerful cutting, investing in something with a bit more juice might be a better idea.
Another factor that contributes to the cutting ability is the rotation per minute or RPM. The higher the RPM, the faster it can cut.
However, with too much RPM, the finish might be rough. So, you need to find a unit that provides you with a good balance of finesse and cutting power.
Blade Quality and Changing Options
The one good thing about blades is that they are replaceable. So, even if your table saw does not come with a high-quality blade, you can technically replace the blade if everything else checks out.
However, buying a separate blade costs money, and if you get a perfect one with your purchase, it will save you a few bucks.
Make sure the blade comes with a carbide tip as it is both durable and sharp enough to cut through materials.
In addition to the blade itself, you should also look into the replacement options in the table saw.
Some models allow tool-free blade changing, which is excellent and saves you a lot of time and hassle.
Safety Features
One thing you should never overlook when choosing a table saw is its safety features. Remember, a table saw at the hands of an inexperienced user can be deadly.
So, always take proper precautions before you operate it. Additionally, some models feature a lot of safety systems to protect the user.
For instance, auto shut off is a feature that is extremely useful. This option automatically turns off your unit when the power goes out and comes back even when the switch is turned to on.
You have to manually activate the device to get it started, which is good as it prevents your unit from suddenly turning on.
Power Supply
When it comes to power, there are two types of table saws that you can find, battery-powered or electric. Battery-powered table saws are generally lighter and more portable.
So, if you want to move your unit a lot, you might be better off with a battery unit. However, you need to remember to charge the batteries, or it might run out in the middle of your project.
Electricity powered table saws, on the other hand, require a connection to a wall socket to operate.
Although it makes them less portable since you always need a powered wall socket nearby, you also get endless uptime.
Portability
Not everyone wants a portable table saw. But for those who need to move around the workshop or job site, portability is an essential thing to consider.
In that case, you need to consider the weight of the unit and also additional features that come with it, such as wheels and foldable legs.
Typically, a table saw, even a battery-powered one is quite heavy. So without wheels, it can be quite difficult to move around with it.
However, for people who are looking for a stationary table saw, portability is not an issue. This requirement varies from one person to another, so you need to think about your requirements first.
Additional Features
There are a few extra features that can add a bit more value when you are shopping for a table saw.
Although not essential, with something like a dust chute or table extension, you could essentially get a lot of additional options with your table saw.
So, if you can snag a unit with a few nifty tricks up its sleeve, it is always a good idea to go for it.
However, make sure you do not compromise on the essential elements when going for these extra features.
The factors we mentioned above are the most important things you need to consider. With all those sections covered, you are free to choose a unit that gives you a little something extra on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a hobbyist or a DIY enthusiast in general, then you should be able to find some pretty sweet table saws with a budget of 600 dollars.
However, for contractors and people who require a lot more power, it might not be the best budget.
That does not mean there are no options for you. It just means that you have to be a bit more careful and critical towards the feature and must assess the overall quality of the unit before you invest your money.
No power tools are ever truly safe. You need to use common sense and take basic safety precautions every time you use a table saw.
In addition, you need to be confident about your abilities as a woodworker. You need to study how it works before you start using it.
Not necessarily. In fact, if you compare the learning curve of all the different types of power saws, a table saw is on the easier side of things.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to get into carpentry, one of your first investments should be a good table saw.
With our guide on the table saw, you should have no trouble finding an excellent unit at a decent budget.
We hope you found our article to be informative and helpful for your next big woodworking project.
