Cabinet table saws, often just called cabinet saws, are the largest of the table saws, with huge power and tremendous cutting capacities. As the name suggests, this makes it the best table saw for cabinet-making, which often involves large pieces of wood that need to be cut with a high degree of accuracy. The large tables provided also mean they are excellent for working with 8-feet by 4-feet sheet material.
Buying a cabinet table saw requires a considerable investment. This article will look at all the important features and technical details, and offer some real-world examples that represent the best cabinet table saws available.
- BEST OVERALL: SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Powermatic Table Saw With Accu-Fence System
- UPGRADE PICK: Jet Deluxe Xacta 10-Inch Cabinet Saw
- BEST PRECISION: Grizzly Industrial G0651 10-Inch Cabinet Table Saw
- MOST VERSATILE: Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX Cabinet Table Saw
- BEST 12-INCH: Baileigh Industrial Professional Cabinet Table Saw
Before You Buy a Cabinet Table Saw
For professionals, cabinet saws are often the best commercial table saw choice, but they certainly aren’t for everyone. These are large and expensive tools, so a substantial work space is needed. Be advised that for some heavy-duty saws, you may need to hire an electrician to install an outlet that can handle 20 amps (A) or more in your workspace (a standard household outlet is either 15 or 20 amps) and a dedicated circuit to avoid tripping breakers.
While strictly speaking they are no more complicated to use than any other type of table saw, a reasonable level of experience is required to get the most from them. In other words, they would not be considered the best table saw for beginners.
How We Chose the Best Cabinet Table Saws
With more than 10 years of hands-on woodshop experience and extensive research on leading manufacturers and their current lineups, we compiled this list of top picks.
As stated, most of the top cabinet table saws are largely similar, so we focused on the small but important details, and by doing so, we selected machines that offer something for most woodworkers in search of a cabinet table saw.
Although there is no such thing as an inexpensive cabinet table saw, budget was also a factor, so we tried to find machines that were as affordable as possible while still providing high performance and ease of use.
Our Top Picks
From budget-friendly to professional-grade, this list of cabinet saws comprises a variety of categories to meet a variety of needs.
Photo: amazon.com
It isn’t easy to pick an overall best cabinet table saw, but the SawStop can meet the needs of many woodworkers. The T-Glide fence is solid and offers excellent precision. The table is extremely flat, with accuracy given as within 0.010 inches across the diagonal. Power comes from a 3-horsepower (hp) motor that requires a 230V supply.
The SawStop cabinet saw comes with a 10-inch, 40-tooth spinning blade, and has a maximum depth of cut of 3⅛ inches at 90 degrees and 2¼ inches at 45 degrees. There is 52-inch ripping capacity. A 4-inch dust port is provided, which is 99 percent efficient, according to SawStop.
The headline feature of this cabinet table saw is the blade safety system. The blade carries a very small electrical current. This current doesn’t change when cutting wood but does if it comes into contact with skin. In this event a sensor activates a brake and drops the blade below the table. All this happens in 5 milliseconds.
It is a superb design and could prevent serious injury. However, the safety cartridge is a one-time use only, and it costs over a hundred dollars to replace. Also, since the blade could be damaged when the sensor activates the brake, SawStop recommends changing the blade before the next use.
Product Specs
- Power: 3 hp, 230V, 13A
- Maximum rip: 52 inches
- Weight: 449 pounds
Pros
- Excellent build quality throughout for long-term use and durability
- Superb blade-safety features for added protection while in use
- Accurate T-Glide fence for precision while cutting
Cons
- Brake cartridges are required for operation; can be expensive to replace
- Upper end of price range for a 3-hp model
Get the SawStop cabinet table saw at Amazon or Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
Powermatic is known for making reliable woodworking equipment at reasonable prices, and this cabinet table saw is a good example. It is well made, with a precision-ground cast-iron table and a sturdy fence. Although none of these machines could be called inexpensive, this is the best budget cabinet table saw available.
The motor is a 1¾-hp unit. Unusually, it comes wired for 115V, so it can be plugged into a standard household outlet (a 20A circuit is recommended). It is noticeably less powerful than most competitors, so although it’s perfectly adequate for sheet materials and softwood, it may struggle with dense hardwood.
Its cutting capacities are competitive, with a maximum depth of cut of 3⅛ inches at 90 degrees and 2⅛ inches at 45 degrees. Ripping is 52 inches. However, a blade is not included. A 4-inch dust port is provided for extraction.
Product Specs
- Power: 1¾ hp, 115/230V, 20A
- Maximum rip: 52 inches
- Weight: 289 pounds
Pros
- Runs off standard household outlet for versatility and ease of use
- Competitive capacities for small to large cutting jobs
- Ideal for soft wood varieties and sheet materials
- Fence systemintegrated for added safety when in use
Cons
- Motor could be more powerful; not ideal for hardwood varieties
- Blade not included with purchase; may need to be purchased separately
Get the Powermatic cabinet table saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Photo: homedepot.com
The 3-hp motors fitted to many cabinet table saws are more than powerful enough for most users, but professionals in high-volume woodshops will often upgrade to a 5-hp model like this Jet Deluxe Xacta. Cutting capacities are similar, but the increased performance means these cabinet table saws breeze through even the most dense hardwoods. As is common, a 230V supply is required.
The Jet Deluxe Xacta has a maximum depth of cut of 3 inches at 90 degrees and 2⅛ inches at 45 degrees. Ripping is 50 inches. The fence is particularly good. The rigid steel construction has HDPE (high-density polyethylene) faces, so material moves smoothly across it. This Jet cabinet table also has a small button at the end that raises it just above the surface of the table and prevents dragging. It has a separate manual so users can maximize precision, though some complain that this, and the general assembly of the machine, is rather complex. The shrouded blade guard is claimed to give particularly good extraction via a 4-inch port.
Product Specs
- Power: 5 hp, 230V, 18A
- Maximum rip: 50 inches
- Weight: 500 pounds
Pros
- Immensely powerful motor for hardwood varieties and large cutting tasks
- Precision Xacta fence for safety and precision while in use
- Fast blade-changing capabilities for versatility during projects, plus an integrated blade guard
Cons
- Blade not included with purchase; may not be ideal for some users
- Time-consuming assembly; may require more than one set of hands
Get the Jet cabinet table saw at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.
Photo: amazon.com
For precision cuts, look no further than this heavy-duty model from Grizzly Industrial. This option comes with a 3-hp motor, a 10-inch blade, and a wide range of cutting options of up to 3-3/16 inches at 90 degrees to 2-3/16 inches at 45 degrees, and a maximum ripping capacity of 52 inches. Wow!
Though it is on the heavy side, this Grizzly Industrial model has a rail-mounted lockable magnetic switch with thermal overload protection, a Poly-V belt drive system, a digital readout for adjusting the blade angles, a dust hood on the underside of the table, and a precision-ground cast-iron table for long-term use.
Product Specs
- Power: 3 hp, 220V, 13A
- Maximum rip: 52 inches
- Weight: 602 pounds
Pros
- Wide range of cutting options for precise cutting projects
- Heavy-duty power with a 3-hp motor and maximum rip capacity of 52 inches
- Comes with many on-board features for user-friendliness
- Precision-ground cast-iron construction for long-term use
Cons
- Heavyweight construction; may be difficult to assemble upon arrival
Get the Grizzly Industrial G0651 cabinet table saw at Amazon.
Photo: homedepot.com
Grizzly Industrial has built a reputation for extremely durable equipment. Its products tend to look a bit basic and heavy-duty, but that shouldn’t detract from their performance. This model comes with a powerful 5-hp motor that will rip through hardwood with ease. It has a Shop Fox fence, which is renowned for long-term precision.
The maximum cutting depths are 3 inches at 90 degrees, and 2⅛ inches at 45 degrees. A 40-tooth blade is included. Ripping is limited to 32 inches. However, extensions to the frame and table are available to purchase separately if greater ripping capacity was required.
A cast-iron router table section adds useful versatility. It should take most ¼- and ½-inch routers. It provides an exceptionally sturdy platform and could save valuable space in smaller shops.
Product Specs
- Power: 5 hp, 240V, 23A
- Maximum rip: 32 inches
- Weight: 509 pounds
Pros
- Very robust construction; powerful motoris ideal for commercial as well as DIY use
- Includes cast-iron router table for added ease of use and convenience
- Accurate Shop Fox fence for protection while cutting
Cons
- Modest ripping as standard; may be best for DIY use
- Industrial appearance; not as attractive as some comparable options
Get the Grizzly Industrial G1023RLWX cabinet table saw at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
The Baileigh cabinet table saw combines heavy-duty components with a powerful 5-hp motor and a blade with a 12-inch diameter to create one of the best industrial table saws on the market. It isn’t just about high output, though. There are digital readouts for both blade beveling and ripping, and it’s very accurate. Furthermore, setting up the saw is fast.
Large precision-ground cast-iron tables absorb vibrations and provide a tremendously stable platform for repeatable accuracy. The maximum cut is 4 inches at 90 degrees and 2¾ inches at 45 degrees, so it’s capable of sawing very large material. Ripping is 52 inches. The inside of the cabinet is designed to funnel sawdust down to a 4-inch port for collection.
Perhaps not surprisingly the Baileigh cast-iron cabinet table saw comes with a significantly higher price tag than most. It is also very heavy and ships in several crates.
Product Specs
- Power: 5 hp, 220V, 15A
- Maximum rip: 52 inches
- Weight: 680 pounds
Pros
- Outstanding productivity; excellent for home usage as well as commercial applications
- Digital accuracy for precision while cutting hard and soft wood
- Increased capacities for larger projects; cast-iron table absorbs vibrations
Cons
- Large investment compared to other table saws on this list
- Very heavy; not ideal for transporting to jobsites
Get the Baileigh cabinet table saw at Amazon.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cabinet Table Saw
These machines are not just the best table saw for cabinet-making but for an array of other large projects or high-productivity environments. However, at a glance, the specifications for many cabinet saws can look quite similar and some come with helpful saw accessories. It’s important to understand the differences and safety features to get the right level of performance and thus the best value.
Power
The power of a cabinet table saw is given in horsepower (hp). Few are less than 2 hp, some are as powerful as 5 hp. Most use a single-phase electrical supply like that supplied to homes (rather than three-phase industrial). These cabinet table saws are usually specified as 1PH for single phase. However, the majority cannot run from a standard 110-volt outlet.
Upgrading to 220/230V is not a difficult process, but unless the owner is experienced with household electrics, it would be best to use a suitably qualified contractor. It may also be necessary to increase the amps of the circuit. Details are available from each cabinet table saw manufacturer.
Size and Weight
Cabinet table saws are usually described by their blade size, which is usually 10 inches but sometimes 12 inches, and the maximum rip (width of cut), which is the usable table length from the right of the saw blade, to the furthest extent of the fence. The smallest of these is 32 inches, the largest is 52 inches.
It’s important to understand that these measurements do not indicate the full size of the saw. There is also a table area to the left of the blade, so a 52-inch cabinet saw might actually be 7 feet long or more. The distance needed to feed large material through the blade and out the other side also needs to be taken into account. Cabinet table saws need a lot of space, and this must be considered when planning the installation.
Weight should also be checked. These machines can weigh anywhere from about 300 to more than 700 pounds and are probably only delivered close to the workshop, not brought inside. While some sections are separate, the main body of the machine is still very heavy. A mobile base may help. These are an option with some, or a universal model can be purchased.
Stability
The size and weight of a cabinet table saw usually makes it very stable. A secure platform is important for safety, allowing it to support large pieces of material. Stability is also important for accuracy. If the table moves or wobbles, the cut will not be consistent.
The table of a cabinet saw is made of cast iron, which is extremely rigid and helps absorb motor vibration, again improving stability. Cabinets are substantial steel constructions, sometimes with useful storage, that also add to the overall rigidity. Although it’s not necessarily true that the best cabinet table saw is the heaviest, it is certainly not a disadvantage.
Accuracy
Stability is just one factor in cabinet table saw accuracy. How flat the table is also has an impact. Most manufacturers say that their tables are milled and/or ground to be “perfectly” flat, and they occasionally give precise dimensions.
The fence is vital. It needs to be of solid construction so that it doesn’t deflect under pressure. It has to lock in place firmly so it stays square. Screws allow for the fence to be adjusted during initial setup, and this should be checked periodically.
Proper blade setting is the final factor. If it is not running true, the cut won’t be accurate and the finish may be rough. All cabinet saws have some form of blade adjustment, so although it’s important to check this once purchased, it’s not really a consideration beforehand.
Blade
As mentioned above, cabinet table saws have blades of either 10-inch or 12-inch diameter. Dado blades, used for cutting slots rather than all the way through material, are often smaller in diameter, typically 8 inches. Two cabinet saws that have the same blade size can have different maximum cutting depths, so it’s worth checking the specification.
The number of teeth on the blade has an impact on sawing speed and quality of finish. It is important to choose the best saw blade for the task. A general-purpose 24-tooth blade is often included, but not always, so be sure to check. It can be frustrating for the saw to arrive, only to discover there’s no blade included.
Safety
All cabinet table saws must have a blade guard that fits over the blade and a riving knife, or splitter, that fits behind it. The latter prevents the material from closing up and pinching the saw blade and jamming. This can result in the material being dangerously ejected. Anti-kickback pawls may also be included. A guard and riving knife cannot be used with a dado blade, but in this case, the cut doesn’t go through the wood, so the material doesn’t pinch the blade anyway. However, extra care is needed to keep hands well away from the blade.
Dust Collection
Sawdust can cause respiratory problems, can eventually clog and damage parts of the machine, and can ruin brush-on or wipe-on finishes. Some form of dust extraction is vital. Most cabinet table saws have a 4-inch port under the table for attaching a shop extractor, while a few have the facility to attach a hose that extracts from directly above the saw blade.
FAQs
There is a lot of useful information in this article about the specifications and features of the best cabinet saws. To round out all of that information, here are some answers to a few more common questions on these products.
Q. What is the difference between a table saw and a cabinet saw?
A cabinet saw is a type of table saw. They are often called cabinet table saws. There are also portable (or jobsite) table saws, contractor table saws, and hybrid table saws. The cabinet saw is the largest, and most powerful of these.
Q. What makes a good cabinet saw?
A good cabinet saw needs a powerful motor, a flat table, and a sturdy, accurate fence. The article above looks at the important considerations in detail.
Q. What is the best cabinet saw on the market?
It’s hard to say which is the best cabinet saw on the market because it very much depends on needs and budgets. Our overall best is the SawStop, and the Powermatic is the best cabinet table saw for the money, but each of our choices has its benefits.
Q. What is the most accurate cabinet saw?
Each of the top picks above is designed for precise woodworking, but the SawStop cabinet table saw has a T-Glide fence that offers excellent precision, and the table is extremely flat, with accuracy given as within 0.010 inches across the diagonal.
Q. Do I need to be grounded to work with a cabinet table saw?
No. A high-quality cabinet table should be grounded via the electrical connection to your breaker box.
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