It would seem that portable table saws have an infinite number of uses. It should be no surprise that so many people need to know how much portable table saws cost.
If you are in the market to purchase a portable table saw, then let’s help you narrow down your search. This article will give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Portable table saws can be found in just about any home and workshop, and their prices vary based on different factors like size, brand, quality and capacity.
The average portable table saw will cost around $200 and $600. However, more expensive models can be found for $1,500 and higher.
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Factors That Affect The Price of Portable Table Saws
Not all table saws are the same, and that’s why their prices vary. There are several key details that affect the cost of table saws, and we’d discuss a few.
Power
The more powerful the motor, the more expensive it will be. A motor with more power will allow you to cut thicker wood and other materials with ease.
An 8-amp motor is considered standard, but most recent models have at least 10 amps of power.
Blade Size
Portable table saws that come with large blades are usually more expensive, as they have a higher capacity power. However, the downside to this is that they are more susceptible to “breaking” due to their size.
Blades that are 15 inches long are considered standard, but you may find some models with 18-inch or even 24-inch blades available.
Table Size
Big table surfaces help reduce your “cut time” especially when you’re working on a large project like building cabinets in your home office.
A small portable table saw won’t have enough room for large projects like these, so make sure there’s enough space before buying one.
How Do I Choose the Right Portable Table Saw?
The best portable table saws are easy to transport, yet still provide enough power to get the job done. When making your choice, look out for the following
Power
The most powerful portable table saws have an 18-amp motor, but 15 amps is more than enough for most projects.
These saws can cut through 2x4s and 2x6s with ease, even at full speed, so you don’t have to worry about slowing down your work or buying specialised blades just because of their size.
Weight
Lighter saws are easier to move around, but they tend to be less powerful than heavier ones.
However, if you’re only going to use your saw at home occasionally, weight shouldn’t be an issue. The average weight of a portable table saw is between 40 and 50 pounds.
Blade Guard
Newer models of portable table saws come with easy detachable blade guards, making it easy to remove when dealing with large materials. However, if you can, ensure you leave the blade guards in place, as they are for your own security.
Before buying a portable table saw, check to know if the model you’re getting requires you to probably use an Allen wrench before you can detach the blade guard, or if it’s an easy process that requires the clamping and unclamping of clips.
Saw Stop
Although this is a feature you’ll most likely see in high-priced table saws, but it’s definitely worth the extra bucks, especially if you’ll be using your portable saw on a daily basis.
The “saw stop” works by sending a signal to the machine when the blade comes in contact with human skin. As soon as the blade touches your skin, it sends an electric current that forces the table saw to stop working.
Dado Blade Option
Just in case, you feel at some point you’ll want to ditch lightweight woodworking projects and focus on the heavier ones, you might want to look out for this feature. Some models of table saws have the dado blade option that allow you stack up different types of blades together. So, if this is something you’ll want later, make sure your portable table saw has the capacity
Which is Better: Buying a New or Used Portable Table Saws
Buying used portable table saws has a major advantage of quality, because you get a buy a high-quality table saw at an affordable price. However, things can get dicey when you don’t buy from a reputable dealer. So, if you intend on going for a used table saw, make sure you test out all its features to be certain it’s in perfect, working condition.
The good thing about buying a new table saw is because its obviously “new” and you are certain of its working capability. Plus, most manufacturers offer warranty for new products.
Regardless of what choice you make, you can enjoy your woodworking projects with either a new or used table saw.
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a portable table saw but don’t know how much they cost or what functions and features are essential for you, look for a table saw that is lightweight, easy to carry, and has a carrying case.
This can save you money because smaller saws aren’t so expensive. You might even be able to find a used portable table saw that is still in excellent condition if you want to get the best possible value for your money when buying this type of saw
