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Contractor table saws are ideal for rough carpentry jobs, but the blades and fences typically aren’t precise enough to achieve the cuts that finish carpentry demands. Cabinet-style table saws found in professional workshops can make those exact cuts needed for building furniture, but they cost thousands of dollars. Enter the hybrid table saw. It combines the sturdy and steady frame of a pro cabinet table saw with a contractor table saw’s smaller motor, making it precise yet affordable. This combination makes hybrid table saws a popular choice for the home workshop. That said, identifying what is and isn’t a hybrid table saw can be a challenge. This article will examine what features one should look for in a hybrid table saw while also reviewing some of the best hybrid table saws on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Jet ProShop II 10-Inch Table Saw
- RUNNER-UP: Shop Fox 2 HP 10-Inch Hybrid Open Stand Table Saw
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Grizzly Industrial Hybrid Table Saw
- UPGRADE PICK: Powermatic PM1000 1-3/4 HP Table Saw
- BEST FOR SMALL WORKSHOPS: Delta Contractor 10-Inch 15-Amp Corded Table Saw
- BEST FOR LARGE WORKSHOPS: Shop Fox 10-Inch Hybrid Table Saw
- ALSO CONSIDER: Laguna Tools Fusion 36-Inch Rip 110 V Table Saw
Before You Buy a Hybrid Table Saw
Before settling on a hybrid table saw, first determine if it’s what you really need. If you only use a table saw for a few projects a year, it probably makes sense to purchase a more affordable contractor table saw. However, if you use a table saw frequently or for finish carpentry projects, such as building cabinets or furniture, a hybrid is probably worth the investment. It’s also important to keep in mind that a hybrid table saw weighs between 200 and 400 pounds, so it isn’t a good option if you’re looking for a portable table saw.
How We Chose the Best Hybrid Table Saws
In narrowing the field of hybrid table saws down to the best models, we used a few criteria. First and foremost, our selections needed to fit the hybrid criteria. With that in mind, we only chose table saws with 1½ to 2 horsepower motors that could plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. Our selections also needed to have a fully enclosed motor and cast-iron table tops. Since hybrid table saws should be able to support cutting larger pieces of wood, we stuck with those that offer a rip capacity of at least 30 inches. Beyond those requirements, our selections consist of affordable models with open-stand designs that provide quality performance while staying within the budget of the average DIYer as well as high-end hybrid table saws with extended cast-iron table tops and cabinet-style bases for serious woodworkers.
Our Top Picks
The list below narrows the field of hybrid table saws to some of the best models on the market. It includes both high-end cabinet-style hybrid table saws as well as more affordable models with legs and a shorter enclosed base.
Best Overall
Jet ProShop II 10-Inch Table Saw
Jet hits the sweet spot between a cabinet and a contractor table saw with this 1¾ horsepower motor, an extended table, and a sturdy build. The motor delivers 4,000 rpm, which is plenty of speed to handle most jobs. Its enclosed base with four legs prevents vibrations, while two cast-iron hand wheels allow for precision adjustment of the blade’s height and angle.
Considered one of the best contractor table saws available, this model’s extra-long 52-inch cast wings allow the rip fence to extend wide for larger workpieces, and a large dust shroud over the blade keeps the area clean. There are also useful features that enhance safety and functionality, including an oversize on/off switch and a blade guard that serves as a buffer between the blade and the operator while still allowing the workpiece to pass through.
Product Specs
- Motor: 1¾ horsepower
- Rip capacity: 52 inches
- Weight: 312 pounds
Pros
- Ample power for a hybrid table saw; provides the user with 4,000 rpm
- Wide rip capacity of 52 inches; long cast wings are perfect for larger workpieces
- Durable steel and cast-iron construction for long-term use and durability
Cons
- Heavyweight design may be difficult to maneuver or place
Get the Jet table saw at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Shop Fox 2 HP 10-Inch Hybrid Open Stand Table Saw
Sturdy steel construction coupled with a large motor that rivals some professional cabinet table news make the Shop Fox table saw an excellent option for serious DIY carpenters and woodworkers. While this table saw doesn’t have the solid table extension of other hybrid table saws, its 2 horsepower motor makes it one of the most powerful hybrid table saws on the market.
A cast-iron table top coupled with metal hand wheels for adjusting angle and cutting depth reduces vibrations while allowing for precision cuts. The Shop Fox table saw also has retractable casters that allow the user to roll it into position in the workshop. The rip fence extends along two tracks for a rip capacity of 30 inches.
Product Specs
- Motor: 2 horsepower
- Rip capacity: 30 inches
- Weight: 243 pounds
Pros
- Powerful 2 horsepower motor is suitable for commercial-grade use
- Durable metal and steel construction for long-term use and durability
- Integrated wheels for maneuvering around the workshop when necessary
Cons
- Open extension table may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
Get the Shop Fox table saw at Acme Tools or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Grizzly Industrial Hybrid Table Saw
The Grizzly Industrial Hybrid Table Saw is considered the best table saw for beginners. Made with durable cast-iron, this table provides long-term durability while the easy-glide, T-shaped fencing design allows accuracy while in use. There is also a blade guard and riving knife that are made with quick-release components for safety and ease of use.
As for power and capability, this model is made with a 16.75-inch maximum rip capacity for small- to medium-sized jobs while the 2 horsepower motor can take on tough jobs. For added convenience, this Grizzly model also has an extension wing for longer workpieces and a dust port for easy clean-up.
Product Specs
- Motor: 2 horsepower
- Rip capacity: 16.75 inches
- Weight: 286 pounds
Pros
- Durable cast-iron construction resists damage for long-term use
- Best beginner table saw option; easy-glide, T-shaped fencing design allows for excellent accuracy and ease of use
- Blade guard and riving knife are made with quick-release components for convenience; may be the safest table saw on our list
Cons
- Some components may be susceptible to rusting over time; may require some maintenance
- Less rip capacity than other comparable models; may not be suitable for larger tasks
Get the Grizzly hybrid table saw at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Powermatic PM1000 1-3/4 HP Table Saw
Other than the 1¾ horsepower motor that places it squarely in the hybrid table saw classification, Powermatic’s PM1000 is identical to professional cabinet table saws. It features a full cabinet design and a full-size cast-iron table top. At nearly 400 pounds there’s nary a wiggle out of the PM1000 when it’s in action, making it an ideal choice for furniture building and other carpentry that requires precise cuts.
Other features include a solid cast-iron extension table that gives it a 52-inch rip capacity, and solid metal chrome hand wheels that allow for pinpoint blade height and angle settings. A blade surround and a large dust hose port minimize sawdust while an oversize stop button adds safety.
Product Specs
- Motor: 1¾ horsepower
- Rip capacity: 52 inches
- Weight: 394 pounds
Pros
- Cabinet design and cast iron construction of a pro table saw; perfect for commercial use
- Solid cast-iron table extension provides the user with a 52-inch rip capacity
- Solid hand wheels allow for precise blade settings while in use
Cons
- Some assembly required before use; may be tricky for first-timers
Get the PowerMatic table saw at The Home Depot.
Best for Small Workshops
Delta Contractor 10-Inch 15-Amp Corded Table Saw
While this Delta hybrid table saw may look more like a contractor table saw than a true hybrid, don’t be fooled. Under the hood, this hybrid table saw is outfitted with a 15-amp motor capable of generating 3,600 rpm, which is the equivalent of a 1¾-horsepower motor.
It lacks the durable all-metal construction of higher-end and pricier table saws, but it does have metal hand wheels and a heavy-duty cast-iron table. A 30-inch rip capacity makes it suitable for cutting larger pieces. A tubular stand with wheels allows one to maneuver it around the workshop, which is ideal for those who need to store their table saw in a corner when not in use.
Product Specs
- Motor: 1¾ horsepower
- Rip capacity: 30 inches
- Weight: 220 pounds
Pros
- Excellent power for the money; provides 1¾ horsepower for professional and DIY use
- 30-inch rip capacity is ideal for small- to large-sized workpieces
- Built-in wheels allow one to move it around the workshop when required
Cons
- Cheaper build quality than other higher-end hybrid table saws
Get the Delta table saw at Lowe’s.
Best for Large Workshops
Shop Fox 10-Inch Hybrid Table Saw
Shop Fox’s hybrid table saw is ideal for serious woodworkers. With a large 2-horsepower motor that can produce up to 4,000 rpm, this hybrid mimics the look of a professional cabinet table saw with a fully enclosed base. Though it lacks a solid table extension, the heavy-duty cast-iron top and the solid metal chrome handwheels that are used to set blade depth and angle adjustment add to its durability and pro feel.
The Shop Fox table saw also comes equipped with a dust collection system that minimizes mess, making it perfect for workshops that see heavy use. Keep in mind that this saw demands a permanent spot in the workshop, thanks to its 400-pound total weight.
Product Specs
- Motor: 2 horsepower (4,000 rpm)
- Rip capacity: 31.5 inches
- Weight: 400 pounds
Pros
- Large 2-horsepower motor is ideal for commercial-grade or DIY tasks
- Heavy-duty cast-iron construction provides long-term use and durability
- Dust collection system integrated to prevent inhalation and messes
Cons
- Very heavy compared to similar hybrid table saws; may not be ideal for maneuvering
Get the Shop Fox hybrid table saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Also Consider
Laguna Tools Fusion 36-Inch Rip 110 V Table Saw
This table saw from Laguna Tools has the look of a table saw you might find in a professional shop with its cast-iron table top and enclosed cabinet design. It’s equipped with a 1¾-horsepower motor and a drive system that can produce up to 4,500 rpm, making it one of the more powerful hybrid table saws on the market. A metal cabinet and handwheels for blade angle and depth add to its pro feel.
The Laguna Tools Fusion also features a large stop button on the front of the cabinet for easy access while operating the saw. A 36-inch rip capacity makes it ideal for bigger jobs, and large casters under the cabinet allow the user to move it in and out of storage.
Product Specs
- Motor: 1¾ horsepower
- Rip capacity: 36 inches
- Weight: 240 pounds
Pros
- Professional-style cabinet design is ideal for commercial use
- Cast-iron top provides ample durability for long-term use
- 36-inch rip fence capacity is perfect for medium- to large-sized workpieces
Cons
- Open extension may not be ideal for some users’ needs; takes up a lot of space
Get the Laguna Tools table saw at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Hybrid Table Saw
While power is often what most consumers turn to first when assessing a power tool, other factors can be just as important when it comes to a hybrid table saw, including the quality of construction, blade adjustment, and dust collection. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of table saws.
Material
A hybrid table saw functions as a cross between a heavy-duty cabinet table saw one would find in a professional carpentry shop and a smaller and lighter contractor table saw commonly found in many home workshops or professional construction sites.
A hybrid table saw has a cabinet saw-style base or a shorter enclosed base with legs. Whereas the table extension on a contractor saw might be stamped metal or webbed cast iron, hybrid table saws have solid cast iron extension tables. Hybrid table saws also have sturdier trunnions (the part that holds the blade to the table) and arbors (the shaft that holds the blade) than contractor tables saws. Also, expect to find better belt systems and gearing on a hybrid table saw than on a contractor table saw. This sturdy construction means they have better blade alignment and vibrate much less than a contractor table saw, which allows for more precise cuts.
Power
While hybrid table saws may look like professional cabinet table saws, their internal components are more like those of a contractor table saw. Whereas a cabinet table saw motor produces 3 or more horsepower, a hybrid tables saw has a 1½ to 2 horsepower motor. This size motor is small enough to work with 120-volt power, eliminating the need for the hardwiring that a 220-volt cabinet table saw requires.
Drive
Table saws use either a direct drive or a belt drive. Direct drives are found mainly on portable contractor table saws and have a motor that directly drives the blade. Belt drives, which use a belt or series of belts to transfer power to the blade, are more powerful and are found in stationary table saws, including all hybrid table saws. With their more advanced drive systems, most hybrid table saws are capable of achieving blade speeds that are significantly higher than a contractor table saw.
Blade
All hybrid table saws use a 10-inch blade that’s attached to the table saw via an arbor and trunnions. Table saws have two hand wheels that allow the user to adjust the blade height as well as the blade angle or tilt. Higher quality saws will have hand wheels that are easier to turn with more sensitivity, making it easier to dial in precise blade angles and depths.
Safety Features
Since table saws are inherently dangerous, all are outfitted with certain standard safety features. All hybrid table saws have a translucent plastic cover that sits over the blade that helps to prevent the operator from falling onto or placing their hand on the blade.
All table saws are also equipped with a riving knife that sits behind the table saw blade. This thin piece of metal prevents the wood from binding around the blade after it is cut to reduce the risk of kickback. Most hybrid table saws also feature oversize stop buttons positioned just below the table that allow the operator to shut off the table saw without having to take their eyes off the workpiece or the blade.
Dust Collection and Rip Capacity
Since hybrid table saws are designed to see a lot of use, they produce a lot of sawdust. Most hybrid saws come equipped with a dust collection port designed to remove this sawdust as it comes off the blade. These collection ports fit most sawdust management systems.
When shopping for a hybrid table saw, it’s also important to consider rip capacity, which is the maximum space between the rip fence and the blade, hence the maximum width the table saw can rip a piece of wood. Hybrid table saws offer between 30 inches and 52 inches of rip capacity.
Tips for Using a Hybrid Table Saw
Although table saws are powerful woodworking tools, they are also very dangerous and should be operated with care. First and foremost, whenever making any kind of adjustment to the blade, whether squaring it or changing it, always unplug the table saw first. When using a table saw, keep your balance. Putting weight on the workpiece can be dangerous and can cause you to fall toward the blade if it slips. Always use the riving knife—the small thin piece of metal behind the blade—when cutting wood. The riving knife is crucial for preventing kickbacks that can cause the saw to throw a workpiece toward the operator. To get the best results when using a table saw, choose the right saw blade for the job. Some are designed to make quick rough cuts while others cut more slowly but make smoother cuts.
- Always unplug the table saw before changing the blade.
- Maintain your balance through the cut.
- Keep the riving knife in place to prevent kickbacks.
- Use the right blade for the job.
FAQs
Ahead, find out more about how a hybrid table saw differs from other types of table saws and how to determine what size saw you should buy.
Q. What is a hybrid table saw?
A hybrid table saw is a cross between a contractor table saw and a cabinet table saw and is designed for use in a home workshop. A hybrid table saw consists of a cast-iron table top that sits on a sturdy base. The saw is equipped with a motor that ranges in size from 1½ to 2 horsepower. Although a hybrid table saw may have wheels that allow one to maneuver it around the workshop, it is too heavy to be used as a portable saw.
Q. What does a riving knife do?
A riving knife prevents the two cut pieces of wood from closing around the blade after it passes through the saw, which can cause dangerous kickback.
Q. Is a 2 horsepower motor enough for a hybrid table saw?
Yes. In fact, 2 horsepower is the maximum amount of power a hybrid table saw will produce. Table saws with more horsepower are professional cabinet table saws.
Q. What size hybrid table saw should I buy?
Purchase the size table saw that meets your needs. If you use a table saw for making furniture, consider investing in a model with more horsepower and heavier metal construction, which will allow you to produce the precise cuts this type of woodworking requires. If you use a table saw less frequently or for rough carpentry, consider going with a lower-end hybrid table saw or even a contractor table saw.
Q. How much rip capacity do I need on a table saw?
Most table saws have a rip capacity of 30 inches, which suits most needs. If you plan on using the table saw to rip large pieces of wood, consider purchasing a table saw with 50 or more inches of rip capacity.
Q. Why does my table saw burn wood?
The most common cause of a table saw burning wood is a dirty blade, which creates more friction with the wood, hence the burning smell. Other possible sources could be a dull blade. You might also be feeding the wood through too slowly, giving the blade more time to heat up the wood which can create a burning smell.
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