There was a time when a course in woodworking was a common rite of passage for any young man. That was in the 1880s. Then, several decades later, classes in “industrial arts” began to be removed from the secondary curriculum in the US, thanks to a decrease in funding. Soon, the sawdust-filled workshops were pushed to the way side, accessible only to those who wished to pursue the skill. Luckily, you don’t need to enroll in a vocational college nowadays, thanks to YouTube. Arguably, the most important tool in the shed for any woodworking man is the saw. Here, we are going to provide you with a list of the best table saws that are available in the market, so that you’re not ill-equipped the next time you need to tackle a woodworking project.

Top Table Saws

The following is our picks of the best table saws under $500.

DEWALT DW745

Features:

• Site-Pro Modular Guarding System allows for tool free adjustments of the guarding components appropriate for each application
• 20″ of rip easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• Rack and pinion fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate
• Telescoping fence rails retract to create a small, portable package
• On-board storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro guarding components and push stick when not in use
• Metal roll cage base offers greater durability than plastic bases
• Shoe bevels 0° to 45° for beveled cuts
• Weighing only 45 lbs, the DW745 can easily be moved on and off the job
• Adjustable rear feet designed to level the saw on uneven work surfaces
• Dust port allows for 2-1/2″ vacuum hook up and minimizes clean up
• 24T carbide blade enhances cut quality and prolongs blade life
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting

Overview

DeWalt is power tool manufacturer that began with its founder Raymond DeWalt back in 1923, with an intention to manufacture tools and develop woodworking machinery that will make a woodworking project easier. This philosophy behind the company is what drives DeWalt to produce some of the best and most efficient woodworking machinery. The DeWalt DW745 is a great addition to the already impressive lineup of powerful and efficient power tools and woodworking machinery that DeWalt has become famous for. This is also one of the reasons why unpacking the is such as wonderful experience.

Sturdy and Well Placed Push Stick

One of the first things you will notice with the all new DeWalt DW745 is the overall design of the DeWalt DW745 and the way that all of the features have been fitted nicely into the woodworking machine, keeping the user’s convenience in mind. This is one area that can be extremely frustrating for woodworking artisans is the accessibility of the buttons and other features in a woodworking machine.

One improvement in the DeWalt DW745 is the simple placement of the push stick. While this may seem simple, only a person who works with woodworking projects will now just how frustrating this simple feature can be, simply because the push stick is one feature of the table saw that is used most. Since it is an important part of the machine, having to search for it can be very annoying.

DeWalt seems to have read the minds of wood artisans and has built the new DEWALT DW745 with a push stick that’s easily accessible for added safety. The interior of the DEWALT DW745 has also been well thought of too. There are two spring clips located inside the fence that hold up the push stick, which is the smartest place to have, since that’s exactly where we will be using it. The sturdy clips are used hold the push stick firmly in place, and can be easily released with one hand.

Durable Protective Blade Guard

Another cool feature in the DEWALT DW745 is the efficient blade guard. This is another safety device that can cause trouble sometimes if not places in the right position. Keeping that in mind, the blade guard is one of the most important features of a table saw if you want to keep all of your fingers intact. Using the blade guard is also extremely easy in the DEWALT DW745.

One welcome addition to the blade guard in the DEWALT DW745 is that it’s completely transparent, and is in a shape that can be gripped firmly. What’s even more important is that it takes mere minutes for the blade guard to clip into position, and it’s easily removable as well. This takes away the hassle of having to use the blade guard.

Impressive Technical Specs

Now, it’s time to take a look at the impressive specs that come with the DEWALT DW745. This table saw is powered by a 15A direct-drive motor that runs at 3800 RPM. The durable 24-tooth 10” blade is made from carbide, with a bevel that can be adjusted. Adjusting the blade height is as easy as turning a knob, which is the same as the quick release clip. The fence rail can extend to 20” rip capacity and also features flip-over support which makes it easier to feed through the boards whenever the fence is in an extended position.

Rack and Pinion Fence Rails for Added Support

By far, one of the most impressive features in the DEWALT DW745 has got to be the excellent rack and the pinion adjustment wheel with boldly marked measurements on the table. This makes it easier for the wood worker to get the perfect setting before they start work. Once the setting has been set, all the parts remain firmly in place so you get the perfect cut. This not only ensures that you can get the job done faster, but that your work will be 100% accurate every time.

Robust Design

It is without a doubt that the DEWALT DW745 has been built with the highest level of quality. This is the perfect woodworking machine with a machined aluminum table and a lightweight fence that’s been built to last. The DEWALT DW745 weighs in at just 45 lbs., so it’s also relatively light weight when compared to other table saws of the same size. The DEWALT DW745 comes with a 3-year warranty, a 1-year free service plan and a 90-day money-back guarantee making this one of your best options for table saws under $500.

Rockwell BladeRunner X2

Features:

• Sets up in seconds
• Can cut wood, plastic, metal, tile, and aluminum
• Light weight less than 15 lbs., and is easy to carry
• Instant, tool-free blade changes, compatible with any 4″ t-shank jigsaw blades
• Dedicated steel rip fence with large scale for accurate rip cuts
• On-board storage for miter gauge, blades and rip fence

Overview

Those who find themselves working with wood will appreciate the Rockwell BladeRunner X2. If you’re looking for a versatile table saw, then the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 should be right up your alley. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is a table jigsaw which means it does not use the traditional circular motion blade that most people are used to. In the Rockwell BladeRunner X2, the circular blade has been replaced with a T-shank jigsaw blade of 4” or less, but don’t let the small size fool you, because the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 can easily cut through wood, steel, aluminum, ceramic and PVCs. This table saw comes with a 5-piece starter blade and start to cut any material.

Light Weight and Durable

The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 weighs just 17 lbs., and its compact size means that it does not take much space and can fit anywhere comfortably. The small size also means that the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 can only rip narrow shelves or floor boards. The Rockwell BladeRunner X2 also features a miter gauge with an accurate slot in the plastic table to make miter cuts.

One thing that you will notice with the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is its fantastic design, which provides accurate and easier cuts. Besides that, the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 can clamp down on the material that you’re cutting for a more accurate cut is just one of the features which sets the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 apart from the rest. While the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 may be compact and light weight, it is incredibly solid and features a robust steel base with convenient carrying handles that have been built into the design.

Comfortable and Easy to Use

The best thing about the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 is that it is extremely easy to use, making it an ideal choice for those who want to start off with their woodworking creativity. The blades of the Rockwell BladeRunner X2 clip in and out of place easily and you will not need any tools to assemble the Rockwell BladeRunner X2. There’s also a dust extraction port which is a standard in most professional table saws, but what sets this dust extraction port apart from the rest is its durable and excellent design and rubber feet which is able to stand and maintain its balance on any surface. Additionally, there’s a large steel rip fence that slots perfectly into place so that you always get perfect square or straight rip cuts.

Rockwell RK7241S

Features:

• Largest cutting depth of any saw in class
• Exclusive laser indicator adjusts to blade tilt for a precise cut
• Fold out fence for maximum rip capacity and extra wide cuts
• Fully assembled trolley stand for increased portability
• Quick-folding stand and wheels for easy transportation
• Integrated wheels and the ability to use an extended leg as a pull handle

Overview

Those who are in search for a high-quality table saw that comes for under $500 can go for the Rockwell RK741S. The Rockwell RK741S offers great value for money with its impressive design and sturdy premium build that is mostly found in the larger more expensive table saws. In other words, you are not going to find a table saw of this quality at the same price range.

Impressive Design

The Rockwell RK741S has quite a lot to offer with its smart design and sturdy build quality which makes tackling any number of cutting projects much easier. The truth is, we’ve not seen a better table saw than the Rockwell RK741S, especially for its price point. In fact, the amazing design and the impressive features found in the Rockwell RK741S can easily beat some of the more expensive table saws that are available in the market.

The Rockwell RK741S features a sturdy 10” blade and a powerful 15A motor that can produce an amazing 4800 RPM, which is in line with the more expensive table saws in the market, and makes the Rockwell RK741S perfect for cutting hard wood. Other features include a bevel adjustment of 45 degrees. The Rockwell RK741S has scrapped the old rack and pinion fence rail system and have brought in the latest slide and lock fence rail system.

Smart Features

The Rockwell RK741S features a sturdy fence rail for added protection and to get the perfectly straight cut. However, one drawback with the Rockwell RK741S is that you cannot adjust the alignment of the fence rail, but it’s something that will not be a serious problem, and certainly not a deal breaker.

There are a number of smart features that makes the Rockwell RK741S a good choice for those who want to practice woodworking. One of the unique features of the Rockwell RK741S has got to be the laser cut line indicator that you will not find in any other table saw of the same price bracket. Yes, the Rockwell RK741S uses laser technology to ensure that every cut is easy and accurate. The function of the laser cut line indicator is basically to show you where the blade will be cutting. This is a great feature to have especially when you’re lining your fence up. While other table saws have a dust extraction port that can be connected to a vacuum extractor, the Rockwell RK741S uses a dust collection bag to simplify the process. The dust collection bag comes as part of the purchase, so you do not need to buy it separately.

 

Ending Note

When you’re looking for a reliable table saw, any one of these can be ideal for your needs. When it comes to a table saw for under $500, the best way to choose is to find out that offers you the most features and a high level of accuracy when cutting materials you are more likely to work with most.