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Best Portable Table Saw Review

Safest portable table saw review [Emergency break]

Posted on January 29, 2020August 30, 2020 by Aaron Barnett
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Last Updated on August 30, 2020 by builder Aaron Barnett

Author intro

The best portable table saw is also the safest bench saw to use. Both Bosch and Sawstop have an inbuilt flesh detecting emergency break, for the ultimate cutting experience, and the most advance saw on the market. Other table saws made by Dewalt and Makita have the essential safety features like a riving knife and a sturdy blade guard.

Safety features are sometimes lacking or missing on older Jobsite saws. This includes a square ripping fence, a blade guard, and an essential riving knife to prevent kickback.

A flesh detecting emergency break is designed to instantly stops the blade in case of accidental human touch, in some cases the blade is also downwardly retracted inside the tool if such an incident occurs. As time goes on this feature is becoming more and more affordable on what otherwise would be the most dangerous table saw.

The best budget table saws won’t have this feature but should definitely have all the other safety features that all new bench saws should come with.

Table Of Contents show
Safest portable table saws [Flesh detecting break]
Best portable table saws
Best cordless table saws
Introduction
Before buying a table saw…
What makes a good table saw?
Are bench saws dangerous?
Table saw safety features
Standard table saws vs. Stop saw technology
Portable table saws vs. Cabinet table saws
Cordless table saws vs. Corded
What is a good table saw for builders & DIYers?
What is a good budget table saw for beginners
What is the best flesh detecting stop saw
How stop saws work, flesh sensors explained;
Are stop saws worth the extra cost $
Other tools that can rip timber
Tips for using your portable table saw
Portable table saw comparison
Conclusion
Sawstop JSS-120a60 review
Dewalt DWE7491rs review

Safest portable table saws [Flesh detecting break]

#1 Best value flesh detecting Stopsaw

SawStop JSS-120A60 safe flesh detecting table saw with rolling stand

SawStop JSS 120A60 Safe Flesh Detecting Table Saw With Rolling Stand

        • Increased safety with an instant emergency brake if human flesh is sensed on the blade
        • Easy to adjust and accurate fence and blade adjustment: Watch the video at the bottom of the page;
      • Comes standard with an active dust collection blade guard
      • Has a T-style high/low fence that slides easily and locks firmly into place
      • One-turn elevation feature allows you to raise and lower the blade with a single turn
      • The new design adds two inches to the depth of the table
      • You will need to manually turn off the stop saw with a key if you are cutting conductive materials like aluminum
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#2 Best portable flesh detecting table saw

Bosch GTS1041A-09 safe flesh detecting portable table with stand

Bosch GTS1041A 09 Safe Flesh Detecting Portable Table With Stand

    • Active response technology prevents injury with flesh sensing technology, more on this below:
    • System reset doesn’t cause damage to the blade
    • Very sturdy stand
    • Dual-activation cartridge unit
    • Easy to set fence and rail
    • Dust extraction system could be better
    • A few complaints of the saw tripping with no knowen incident
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Best portable table saws

#1 Best value portable table saw

DEWALT DWE7491RS builders 10-inch portable table saw

DEWALT DWE7491RS Builders 10 Inch Portable Table Saw

  • Has a generous 32 ½” rip capacity that can cut through hard materials and large workpieces
  • Tool-free adjustment of guard component
  • The fence is quick accurate and easy to adjust
  • The stand can be set up and broken down easily
  • A quick-mount base design would have been better
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#2 Best  portable table saw

Makita 2705 10-inch table saw

Makita 2705 10 Inch Table Saw

  • More sturdy tool stand with wheels
  • The blade spins at a maximum speed of 4,800 RPM
  • Adjustable dual side guards for easy measurement
  • Modular blade guard system can be adjusted without tools
  • The fence can move  a bit if bumped too hard
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#3 Best Bosch portable table saw

Bosch 4100-10 10 inch portable table saw with folding table stand

Bosch 4100 10 10 Inch PortableTablesaw With Folding Table Stand

  • Space-saving design
  • Excellent portability and easy setup/takedown
  • Soft start circuitry prevents tripping of the circuit breaker
  • Has a smart guard system and anti-kickback pawls for maximum protection
  • The rolling stand could be more robust
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#4 Best Dewalt portable table saw

Dewalt DW745 10-inch table ripping saw

DEWALT DW745 10 Inch Table Ripping Saw

  • Lightweight and optimized footprint enhance the portability of this unit
  • Has a steel roll cage that provides drop and impact protection
  • Rack and pinion fence system ensure accuracy and ease of use
  • It can be difficult to find a dust collection attachment that fits, not hard to DIY tho
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#5 Best portable bench saw

Skilsaw SPT99-11 10-inch worm drive table saw with stand

SKILSAW SPT99 11 10 Inch Worm Drive Table Saw with Stand

  • Has a very precise rack and pinion fence system for quick fence adjustments and accurate cuts
  • Has a durable rolling stand
  • Dust port elbow allows for easy clean-up
  • Outfeed and left support design makes it easy to make larger cuts
  • Locking parts are a bit flimsy
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#6 Best portable bench saw

Dewalt DWE7480 10 inch compact table saw

DEWALT DWE7480 10 Inch Compact Table Saw


  • Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails simplifies fence adjustment
  • 24 ½” capacity allows for a wide variety of cuts
  • Comes with onboard storage compartments
  • The included blade isn’t the best quality
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#7 Best portable Jobsite table saw

Bosch GTS1031 10-inch portable table saw

Bosch GTS1031 10 Inch Portable Table Saw

  • Portable and easy to maneuver
  • Square lock rip fence self-aligns for accuracy and consistency
  • Has a rugged and durable all-steel base
  • The motor is pretty loud
  • Could use a soft start feature
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#8 Best Hitachi table saw

Hitachi C10RJ 10-inch 15-amp table saw with rolling stand

Hitachi C10RJ 10 Inch 15 Amp Table Saw With Rolling Stand

  • Has a powerful motor that spins at 4,500 RPM
  • Has a soft start function that reduces start-up recoil
  • Bevel ranges from 0° to 45°
  • The hex bolts used in the fence tend to strip easily
  • The fence needs to be adjusted periodically
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#9 Best portable DIY table saw

Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 10-inch portable timber ripping saw

SKILSAW SPT70WT 01 10 Inch Portable Timber Ripping Saw

  • Brass-gear worm drive design provides plenty of power and torque.
  • Dual-field motor allows for higher cutting speed and longer motor life
  • Has a self-aligning rip fence
  • Does not come with a stand
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#10 Best DIY table saw with stand

Skil 3410-02 10-inch portable table saw with folding stand

SKIL 3410 02 10 Inch Portable Table Saw With Folding Stand

  • The aluminum table extends to 32 inches allowing for longer pieces
  • The steel stand is rugged and easy to set up
  • Has a self-aligning rip fence for accuracy
  • Better suited for basic jobs
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#11 Best table saw for homeowner

Rockwell rk7241s DIY table saw with laser

Rockwell RK7241S DIY Table Saw with Laser

  • Lightweight but capable of some heavy-duty jobs
  • HHas a deep cutting depth
  • Has a folding fence that allows for wider cuts
  • Adjusting the blade bevel is a bit difficult
  • The vibration of the height-adjustment wheel causes the blade to move when making cuts
  • For more basic jobs
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#12 Best Ryobi table saw

Ryobi 10-inch DIY table saw with folding stand

Ryobi 10 Inch DIY Table Saw with Folding Stand

  • Has a powerful 15-amp motor that handles even heavy-duty tasks
  • Has a quick-folding stand for easy moving and transport
  • Can be too small for certain tasks
  • For the DIY market
  •  
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Best cordless table saws

#1 Best cordless table saw

Milwaukee 2736-20 cordless table saw, 8-1/4-inch

Milwaukee 2736 20 Cordless Table Saw 8 1 4 Inch

  • Has a maximum bevel adjustment of 47°
  • Guard and riving knife can be changed without tools
  • Compatible with high-capacity M18 batteries for cordless use
  • Has an onboard storage compartment
  • Does not come with a battery or charger
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#2 Best cordless Dewalt table saw

Dewalt DCS7485B flex volt 60v cordless table saw, 8-1/4-inch

DEWALT DCS7485B FLEXVOLT 60V Cordless Table Saw 8 1 4 Inch

  • Changes the voltage automatically when you change tools
  • Power-loss reset feature prevents accidental re-starting
  • Has a 24” rip capacity
  • Decent battery life but you will still need to change periodically
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Introduction

Table saws are power tools used to rip or cut timber into strips at your exact set dimension, both square cut and angled cuts are easily possible. Such work with a circular saw can be less accurate as wobble can occur doing this heavy-duty work by hand. Table saws are also known as, rip saws, and bench saws.

Table saws consist of circular blades mounted on an arbor or metal shaft. They are driven by an electric motor via a system of gears or a belt or directly by the motor. The workpiece being cut is supported by the top of the table from which the blade protrudes. 

With most current rip saws, the up and down position of the blade varies the depth of the cut. The higher the blade can stick out above the table, the deeper it will be able to cut into your timber. With older designs, the table can be adjusted up or down, which determines the depth of the cut. With such saws, the blade and arbor remain in the same position. 

Modern table saws have a fixed base and the blade moves up and down via an adjustable dial, also with an additional dial that will allow you to make different angled cuts by your set adjustment on the “blade angle”. In older designs, the cutting angle was determined by the angle of the table itself. 

Table saws were first developed in the United States, where the earliest versions appeared in 1777. The patent for the first circular saw was issued to Samuel Miller. Although Miller’s invention was a new design that paved the way for modern table saws, it was based on circular saws that were used in Holland as far back as the 16th and 17th centuries. 

By 1885, circular saws that look pretty much like modern table saws were widely used. They were even featured in a W.F. & John Barnes Co. Catalog from 1885, where they were referred to as a “Hand-Powered Circular Rip Saw”.

Features to consider

  • Dust extractors. These attachments clear out dust build-up and prevent them from being ignited by friction from the blade.
  • Blade elevation/tilt adjustment wheel. Blade elevation wheels let you specify the depth of the cut by allowing you to adjust the blade height. In portable table saws, this is usually combined with a tilt adjustment wheel that lets you control the angle of the cut.
  • Automatic brake. This can greatly reduce the chances of injury when using a table saw with flesh sensing capabilities. This feature has been built into most commercially-available table saws since 2005, but even some portable DIY and trades saws for those that are safety continuous for themselves and their team.

Before buying a table saw…

Check the durability.

A portable table saw should be durable enough to handle a wide variety of cuts, in thick slabs of timber as well as thinner pieces of wood. The best table saws can make cross cuts in even thick material without the blade coming off the saw or breaking.

Research the brand.

Unsurprisingly, the best table saws are made by some of the biggest and best-known brands in the power tool industry: Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita.

These brands generally offer the best performance and features, although companies such as Festools and Skilsaw also make portable table saws with exceptional value for money And with Stop Saw making the safest rip saw to use.

Decide your price.

The best table saws will always cost more than the entry-level or hobbyist models. In the case of stop saws, a good model could easily end up costing you double what you would pay for a standard model without the flesh-sensing features.

As always, I suggest that you get the best model you can afford in your budget, taking performance and safety into consideration.

Consider your saftey.

Features such as guards and quick shut off buttons come standard in the best table saws. They can be very useful for preventing injuries, which are common occurrences when using portable table saws.

Look into saw stop features as well, which detect when the blade comes into contact with your hand or fingers and shuts off the blade mechanism immediately.

Evaluate portability.

Portability isn’t always an important factor when shopping for a table saw. These tools are typically used in a fixed position, so you probably won’t have a need to move it around too much once it is in place. But if you are a tradie moving from job to job you wan to have a tool that is easily moved.

If you are going to do landscaping work or work in remote locations with no power source nearby, you could look at getting a cordless table saw.

Portable Makita Table Saw

What makes a good table saw?

When shopping for a portable table saw, always go for a sturdy model that can handle even heavy pieces of timber. Although many professional users would opt for an industrial saw designed for heavy-duty usage, the best budget table saws can provide similar performance in a more compact package. 

Popular brands such as Makita, Dewalt, and SawStop make high-quality portable table saws that suit tradespeople on the move from Jobsite to Jobsite, although if a trades’ person has a workshop they might opt to set up and industrial ripping saw in the workshop, with dedicated room and space for doing big and bulk ripping jobs, before getting to the renovation, or new build worksite.

Features such as easy and accurate angle adjustment and sturdy fence adjustment that doesn’t lose its “set” position during operation make a table saw easier and safer to use. If it’s a portable tool it should also be fairly small and lightweight, with a quality add-on tool stand available so you can move it to different jobs or areas of your workspace, or to bring with you to remote job locations. 

But perhaps the most important factor is ripping power. If your ripping saw can cut smoothly into 3-inch slabs of wood, it will probably be good enough to handle most home and DIY cutting jobs.

Are bench saws dangerous?

In a word: yes. Like all power tools, portable table saws can be dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced or careless user. In fact, portable table saws are some of the most dangerous power tools around, causing thousands of injuries every year, but so does ladders. 

This doesn’t mean that you should avoid using portable table saws entirely. With a bit of knowledge, extra precautions, and the use of safety features and equipment, it is possible to use these tools without injury, and for certain jobs and the correct PPE bench saws are arguably safer than doing big ripping jobs by hand with a circular saw. 

Look into portable table saws with a saw stop feature that retracts the blade and stops the spinning action when it comes into contact with your fingers.

I’m going to go into more detail about this feature later on in the article. But for now, suffice to say that this feature could save you from serious injury so you should definitely look into it.

Make sure not to have any loose items, it can be a good idea to have a sturdy leather shop apron on for a layer of torso protection. The apron will also help stop wood dust sticking to your clothes.

Table saw safety features

  • Riving knife. This is a flat piece of metal that is attached to the work table, just behind the blade. This prevents the cut sections of a workpiece from closing up and pinching the blade, which is a common cause of kickback.
  • Fence. These help you keep the workpiece in place and allow you to make accurate cuts. In all cases, fences should be positioned parallel to the blade to avoid your work jamming.
  • Guard. These help ensure safety when using a table saw. They typically have three components: a shroud that allows you to see the blade without coming into contact with it; a splitter, which prevents the cut pieces from closing up and pinching the blade; and pawls that prevent kickback.
  • Power switch position. These should be located for easy access and could ideally be large enough to be operated by your hand, elbow, or even knee if you need to shut off the saw quickly.
  • Power cut off switch. Get a switch that automatically turns off in case the power is disconnected or turned off else ware while in use. Let’s say for example the RCD blows, or someone disconnects a power lead by accident else ware on site, the power cut of feature would stop the tool from randomly turning on later, instead power needs to be fixed at the source, and manually turned on again directly on the tool, so no surprises with start-up, this is such an important safety feature, as with all safety features these tools can come with that all highly reputed power tool brands include a power cut of from a disconnection else ware.
  • Push sticks. Are a dummy piece of timber or plastic designed to hold and push your workpiece more safely into the saw cut. With a push stick, you don’t have to position your hand as close to the spinning blade. Using a push stick with a grooved V needs to be used instead of your hand at the end of each cut. This means it should always be present with the tool before use, to use at the end of your cuts. If you were to make an accidental slip while cutting the push stick will hopefully take the place of your fingers. (On a side note: making a timber push stick is a good DIY project)
  • Flesh-sensing system. These shut off the motor and stop the blade from spinning while also retracting the blade if it was to comes into contact with what’s sensed as flesh by the machine, this is done very quickly to help minimize major injuries using this type of tool.

Standard table saws vs. Stop saw technology

SawStop Safety System
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Standard table saws have some inherent risks, but many of them can be minimized with the use of safety features and equipment, safe practices, and plain old common sense. As I explain elsewhere in this review, you can safely use table saws with a bit of care and practice, and if you know what you are doing. 

But there is a way to reduce the risks of operating a table saw altogether and even eliminate them completely. As implemented in the revolutionary SawStop, stop saw technology can make operating a table saw even safer than any safety feature included in a standard tool.  

SawStop was invented by physicist Steve Gass. Introduced in 1999, SawStop enabled saws to tell when it was cutting into human flesh instead of wood.

The technology is based on the principle of electric conductivity. SawStop equipped saws have a sensor that detects the electricity that human produce. A brake is then applied to the blade, which causes it to retract and stop spinning, thereby preventing injury in the case of a slip. 

All this takes place in a matter of milliseconds. At worst, you will only get a tiny nick on your finger before the blade pulls back. Saws equipped with SawStop technology are more expensive than their standard counterparts, but they can prevent serious injury.

And for professional workshops, advertising the use of SawStop technology can improve the safety image and be good for business.

Portable table saws vs. Cabinet table saws

The main reason to go for a portable table saw instead of an industrial table saw is of course portability. Industrial table saws are just too big and bulky for the average home user, hobbyist, or DIYer. And if you need a table saw on a remote job site or out on the road, you can forget about bringing along your humongous industrial table saw. 

Of course, in terms of sheer power, commercial table saw beat most portable model. Even the best portable table saws would struggle to keep up with a good industrial model.

And if you were to subject your portable saw to the same rigorous demands as you would a heavy-duty table saw, it will probably not last as long as a dedicated workshop industrial saw under heavy prolonged use. 

That being said, most DIYers won’t ever need all the power that an industrial job site table saw puts out. For most home users and even most tradesmen doing heavy-duty building work, a good compact table saw is sufficient.

Besides, with portable models, you get the necessary power and performance without having to spend on a much more expensive industrial model with portable convenience.

If you do want the ultimate woodworking experience using the best table saw for woodworking a dedicated industrial quality saw have a read of my review.

Cordless table saws vs. Corded

Those who’ve been following the site for a while know that I’m a big fan of cordless power tools. They are usually simpler, cheaper, and more convenient to use than their corded counterparts. And in terms of power, the best cordless tools can hold their own against many corded models. 

When it comes to portable table saws though, my preferences lean slightly toward the corded versions. Why? Because unlike handheld power tools, table saws are designed to be used in a fixed position. Therefore, there really isn’t much benefit to having a cordless version unless you are working outdoors or in a remote area with no power source nearby. 

Furthermore, the jobs that you would use a table saw often require a lot of power. A cordless table saw would likely deplete the battery within minutes for heavy-duty work, so you would be constantly replacing and charging batteries.

I still love cordless power tools and will continue to use the ones I have. But when it comes to table saws, I strongly recommend that you go with a corded model, unless you only plan on using it to do trim related work and occasional work where portability is a top priority on a remote Jobsite.

Milwaukee 2736 20 Cordless Table Saw 8 1 4 Inch

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What is a good table saw for builders & DIYers?

Although table saws are typically used in a fixed position, the ability to move it from site to site can be useful. Some degree of portability will make a saw more useful for professional builders and more experienced DIYers. 

If you are going to be doing a lot of heavy-duty work, it might be better to go for an industrial rip saw that can handle pretty much any job. For all other uses, however, the DeWalt DWE7491RS provides stable and reliable performance, while the SawStop JSS-120A60 provides excellent value in a flesh-detecting model.

The DWE7491RS is a powerful table saw in a compact and easy to handle design. Powered by a 15-amp motor, it is capable of handling pretty much any cutting job, including large workpieces and dense hardwood. 

Like many DeWalt power tools, the DWE7491RS has been designed for ease of use. Features such as the tool-free guard adjustment and quick and easy fence adjustments make this ideally suited for woodworkers of all levels, even those with relatively little experience. Even so, the DWE7491RS provides the stability and performance needed to get the toughest jobs done.

DeWalt DWE7491RS Builders 10-Inch Portable Table Saw

DEWALT DWE7491RS Builders 10 Inch Portable Table Saw

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The SawStop JSS-120A60 adds a host of welcome features to the previous model, greatly adding to its versatility and capability. Among these are a T-style high/low fence and an active dust collection blade guard that is now a standard feature. The new model also comes with a deeper table that has been extended by two inches, giving you more room to handle bigger workpieces and deeper cuts. 

Other features include the one-turn elevation control, which lets you raise and lower the blade with a single turn of the handwheel. And like all SawStop models, the JSS-120A60 comes with the patented flesh-sensing technology that prevents injury.

SawStop JSS-120A60 Safe Flesh Detecting Table Saw With Rolling Stand

SawStop JSS 120A60 Safe Flesh Detecting Table Saw With Rolling Stand

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What is a good budget table saw for beginners

Most table saws are really designed for professional woodworkers, joiners, and builders. If all you will be doing are small and simple ripping jobs and are still learning how to rip timber, you don’t necessarily need a table saw. You can get away with using a Makita or Dewalt circular saw.

You could probably handle most of your cutting requirements with a circular saw and a straight edge. Of course, a rip saw will handle most tasks more quickly and more accurately. 

If you are intending on getting a table saw, the Skil 3410-02 10-Inch Portable Table Saw is one of the best table saws for the money for a beginner or DIYer. You could also opt for a SawStop model which will ensure safer operation.

Or you can click here for a Ryobi table saw review.

SKIL 3410 02 10 Inch Portable Table Saw With Folding Stand

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What is the best flesh detecting stop saw

For many years after it was introduced in 1999, SawStop was pretty much the only name in the flesh-detecting table saw technology.

The company’s innovative sensor-based system seemed to provide a solution to the age-old problem of injuries caused by table saws. 

A decade after SawStop hit the market Bosch came out with its own safety table saw, which caused quite a buzz among woodworkers. Called the Reaxx table saw, this also featured a flesh-sensing system intended to prevent injuries resulting from contact with the blade. 

Bosch’s new product caused quite an uproar in the industry, and SawStop saw fit to file a patent infringement claim with the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). But legal issues aside, both companies’ take on flesh-sensing technology was a giant leap forward in ensuring the safety of table saw users. 

SawStop’s table saw provides a rip capacity of 25.5 inches, which is just slightly higher than Bosch’s 25-inch capacity. Both models are easy to set up and operate. But Bosch’s Reaxx has the advantage of a movable outfeed that provides 18-inches of extra support at the rear of the saw. 

In tests conducted by third party users, it seemed that the SawStop has the edge in terms of retracting the blade below the table and stopping it from spinning completely.

With the Reaxx, the blade immediately slides down below the table when coming into contact with flesh before gradually spinning to a halt. 

Consider also that the Bosch also has a dual activation cartridge that lets you use the tool once more after it prevents an injury. Each cartridge costs about US$100 and you won’t have to replace the blade, although I have heard complaints of the tool engaging the brake when there was no flesh on the blade, this would be frustrating.

With the SawStop on the other hand, cartridges cost $69 and are good for only one incident. You will have to replace the blade as well.

Stop Saw Fence Rail Adustment

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How stop saws work, flesh sensors explained;

Stop saw sensors work via the principle of electric conduction. In basic terms, wood does not conduct electricity, but the human body does. Table saws with stop saw mechanisms have blades that carry an electrical signal.

The signal changes in response to the electricity produced by the human body. When your hand or finger comes into contact with the blade, the built-in sensor knows that it is no longer cutting wood. It then trips the safety system. 

Depending on how the system is implemented, the table saw may perform any of several safety actions. In many table saws, a brake system springs into action, stopping the blade within five milliseconds and preventing further injury. 

With other systems, the blade slows down and stops spinning gradually, which is often enough to prevent serious injury. The blade may also slide down beneath the work table out of the way. The power may also be shut off automatically.

Are stop saws worth the extra cost $

Stop saws typically cost a lot more than standard table saws. Some models cost double what you would expect to pay for a table saw without a flesh-sensing feature. But purchasing a stop saw is a good idea if you have relatively little experience with table saws and are planning on using the tool a lot. 

If you are an experienced woodworker and have the necessary safety equipment, a stop saw might not be necessary. Consider also that you will have to replace the cartridge and blade after an incident, although this is much better than dealing with a serious injury that could be prevented with an initial investment.

Considering that the alternative to replacing the cartage and possibly the blade is serious injury, a stop saw might just be worth the extra cost.

Other tools that can rip timber

There are other tools you can use to rip timber apart from a portable table saw. However, they may not be quite as effective as a simple table saw for various reasons.

You can use a circular saw paired with a straight edge, for example. But these aren’t quite as accurate as a good table saw and will take longer to set up and cut as well.   

You might also consider a track saw such as a Festool. Again these aren’t quite as quick to use as a good table saw, and they take a long time to set up each cut. Track saws also require a lot of space, so if your workshop is fairly small, you might just be better off with a table saw.

And remember never attempt to cut a curved or a circle using a table saw doing so is impossible and very dangerous. Instead when you need to cut curves or corners in wood use an electric jigsaw tool, or for serious woodworkers have a read of my cordless jigsaw review. 

Tips for using your portable table saw

One of the most important things to know about table saws is kickback. This refers to the action of the workpiece jerking back at high speed toward the operator.

When this happens, there is a high risk of injury, either from the workpiece hitting you in the face or head, or from having your hand come in contact with the blade. 

There are many reasons why kickbacks happen. There may be a knot in the wood that prevents the blade from cutting into it smoothly, or the two sides of the cut workpiece may close up and bind the blade. All new saws use a riving knife to prevent the cut pieces from coming together, thereby preventing kickback. 

But the riving knife will have to be positioned correctly in order for it to work. A poorly positioned riving knife is actually a common reason why kickback occurs. In order for it to work properly, make sure that the riving knife effectively prevents the workpiece from placing sideways pressure on the blade. 

As when working with all power tools, always wear the proper personal protective equipment when using a table saw. At the very least, you should have hearing protection, safety goggles, or a face shield paired with a dust mask.

With the combination of a quality table saw, and a benchtop planer you can really shape timber exactly how you want.

Stop Saw Blade Guard And Riving Knife

Portable table saw comparison

 SawStop JSS-120A60

SawStop JSS 120A60 Safe Flesh Detecting Table Saw With Rolling Stand

DeWalt DWE7491RS

DEWALT DWE7491RS Builders 10 Inch Portable Table Saw

CHECK CURRENT PRICECHECK CURRENT PRICE
Flesh Detecting Break:YesNo
Weight:113 lbs.90 lbs.
Amps:1515
Blade size:10”10”
Wheels:YesYes

Conclusion

The SawStop JSS-120A60 and the DeWalt DWE7491RS both provide excellent value for the money, and you pretty much can’t go wrong with either one.

If safety is your primary concern, definitely go for the JSS-120A60, which comes with the patented SawStop flesh-sensing technology. This particular model builds on the success of previous SawStop models, adding a welcome of new features such as a deeper table depth. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for a stable and reliable table saw that delivers consistent power and performance, the DeWalt DWE7491RS is ideally suited for you. Capable of handling a variety of cutting jobs, this could be the only table saw you will need.

SawStop Jobsite Saw

Sawstop JSS-120a60 review

Pros:

  • Best value stop saw to keep you or the user extra safer
  • The stable stand quickly retracts and folds out smoothly
  • Easy to adjust rail and blade for precise cuts
  • The blade can be fully retracted down with one turn of the depth adjustment crank

Cons:

  • none

 #1 Best value Stop saw

SawStop JSS 120A60 Safe Flesh Detecting Table Saw With Rolling Stand

CHECK CURRENT PRICE GET A SECOND PRICE

Dewalt DWE7491rs  review

 Pros:

  • Portable fold-out Stand
  • Easy adjustable fence and blade
  • Best value Standard table saw with great performance

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have saw stop technology

 #1 Best portable table saw

DEWALT DWE7491RS Builders 10 Inch Portable Table Saw

CHECK CURRENT PRICE GET A SECOND PRICE

References:

  1. The dangerous of using a bench saw and safety advise, retrieved from, https://www.chaffinluhana.com/table-saw/
  2. How a riving knife, reduces kickback retrieved from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riving_knife
  3. SawStop history and information, retrieved from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SawStop
  4. Estimated table saw injuries, retrieved from, https://www.npr.org/2017/08/10/542474093/despite-proven-technology-attempts-to-make-table-saws-safer-drag-on
  5. Bosch VS StopSaw and patent infringement info, retrieved from, https://www.finewoodworking.com/2016/09/14/bosch-vs-sawtop
  6. Riving Knives and the importance of proper installation discussed at,  https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?240196-Kickback-with-Riving-Knife
  7. Safe table saw use, retrieved from, https://www.tru.ca/safety/workinglearningsafely/work/tablesaw.html

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Aaron Barnett at BangingToolbox
Aaron Barnett

My name is Aaron, and welcome to Bangingtoolbox.

As a qualified builder and DIY’er, my goal with Banging Toolbox is to provide the #1 building and DIY resource on the internet for my readers.

I’m here to show people how to start DIY, and to help qualified professionals take building to the next level.

Feel free to have a look around, and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, you can find out more about me here.

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