• Home
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • 7 Best Table Saws in Australia (2024 Buying Guide)

7 Best Table Saws in Australia (2024 Buying Guide)

Before we start, it’s worth getting one myth out the way; table saws are not becoming obsolete. Table saws are an irreplaceable tool, which are key to many industries, precision manufacturing and passionate DIYers like us.

If you have limited space, then table saws might not be practical for you at home, but for anyone with workshop space available, a table saw is a great investment.

In this article, we’re going to run through how to use them, and how to choose the best table saw for your workshop. 

More...

Best Table Saws in Australia

Product


Our Rating

Price

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Table Saw

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Table Saw
Top Rated Best Table Saw in Australia

2. Woodworm WWPS10 Panel Saw with Sliding Table

Woodworm WWPS10 Panel Saw
Premium Choice Table Saw in Australia

3. Makita MLT100N/2 Corded Table Saw

Makita _MLT100N Table Saw
Best Value Table Saw in Australia

4. Metabo TS 254 M Portable Table Saw

Metabo TS 254 M Table Saw

5. Dewalt DWE7491-XE Corded Table Saw

Dewalt DWE7491-XE Table Saw

6. Makita 2704N Corded Table Saw

Makita 2704N Table Saw

7. Hikoki C10RJ(H1Z) Brushless Table Saw

Hikoki C10RJ(H1Z) Table Saw

Tool Buyer’s Guide to Table Saws

What is a Table Saw?

Best Table Saw Reviews Australia

A table saw is a circular saw blade mounted into a slotted table top. Table saws are typically capable of mitre cuttings, and larger models have sliding tables combined with jigs to guide cuts evenly and accurately.

There is no way to replace a table saw at home with the same degree of accuracy, but smaller models provide most of the capabilities for DIY users provided they are set up on flat ground.

When to Use a Table Saw

Table saws are only advised for woodworking. Their saw blades are not designed for cutting plastic, metal or brittle materials which are almost guaranteed to splinter under the downward pressure of the blade.

If you are cutting several identical pieces of timber then table saws provide exacting measurements over and over again, with guides which remain in place.

The blade, which rotates towards the materials, prevents timber from being thrust upwards too, making it much easier to cut sheet timber than with a circular saw or mitre saw.

For more on when and how to use circular saws, mitre saws and when to use a mitre saw stand, click on our in depth buying guides below: 

What to Look for When Buying a Table Saw

Table saws are all 1500W or upwards, and all are fully electric as they are designed for use in static positions in workshops. This means that there is very little in the way of power or capabilities that differs between models.

The only real differentiators are the safety features, size and the manufacturing quality of the guides (which can vary greatly).

How to Use a Table Saw

Battery Vs Corded Table Saws

While table saws are traditionally static tools, you can buy portable, or battery-powered table saws, which reduce the risk of wire trip hazards in the workshop, and allow carpenters the luxury of remote working – which is particularly useful for remote working on jobs like fitted wardrobes, or installing outdoor kitchens.

Table Saw Guides

All table saws come with guides in one way or another. It’s incredibly important to find a table saw with well-manufactured guides that feature accurate measurements, and have simple, easy-to-use, but sturdy locking mechanisms. 

Our old table saw was great, but had a really tough locking mechanism on the Rip Fence (guide bar) which meant that every time you locked it in place it moved a couple of millimetres.

Newer models tend to have simpler mechanisms, but it’s worth checking.

Table Saw Size

When it comes to table saws, size is everything. Obviously, for smaller spaces, there are limitations on size, but we definitely recommend getting the biggest table saw possible.

Not only do larger table saws offer more cutting options but they provide greater stability and are safer to use too. When working out your space, allow for at least 2m on each side of your table saw so you can feed timber in, and out, without obstruction.

Safety Features

Every table saw should come with a kick switch, but sadly, they don’t. Safety switches are absolutely essential and should be installed on the machine, as well as around the workshop so if accidents happen, you or a partner can shut off the power to the machine or the room instantly.

Other than safety switches, blade guards can be a useful feature but often get in the way, so are generally not installed on most table saws.

How to Use a Table Saw

Table saws are really quite simple to use, but take some getting used to. Every machine is different but in general, they all have a rip fence (the guide which gives an accurate and level cutting width) and some way of producing mitred cuts.

On some table saws, the mitred cuts are done using mitred slots, which requires entirely moving the blade. On others, it’s a simple case of shifting the angle and adjusting your rip fence.

One you’ve measured everything out, make sure the table is extended to the right width to accommodate your materials. Then, set the elevation of the blade (most table saws have a hand wheel which gently and smoothly adjusts the height).

When you’re all set up it's time to cut, so get your safety gear on, set the wheel in motion (literally) and push, using light downward and forward pressure.

If you have push blocks, use them every time to avoid the temptation of free-handing.

Table Saw Safety Guide

Table Saw Safety Guide

Most of the safety guidelines for using table saws are common sense, but there are a few tool-specific rules to stick to:

  • Keep your body and face to one side of the blades at all times. If an accidental kickback happens, it will have the most effect directly backwards.
  • Give even but gentle pressure both down and forwards while the blade is cutting. Do not push against the blade, or allow timber to jump forwards (narrow timber is particularly at risk of being pulled by the blade’s downward force).
  • Wear ear defenders.
  • Wear a visor.
  • Familiarise yourself with any shut-off switches before use.

Best Table Saw Reviews 

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Table Saw 

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

Milwaukee’s heavyweight portable table saw is designed for professional use, with precision and safety built into every component.

While it is significantly heavier (20kg) than most portable table saws, it’s the most durable and the most accurate we’ve seen in its price range and is specifically designed for professional carpenters.

You’ll be really hard pushed to find a portable table saw in this price range that’s even close to this quality.

Pros

  • One-Key tracking protects against theft
  • Professional standard portable table saw
  • Perfect for using onsite
  • M18 lithium-ion battery gives corded power on the move
  • 622mm cutting width (at rip)

Cons

  • Battery not included

2. Woodworm WWPS10 Panel Saw with Sliding Table

Woodworm WWPS10 Panel Saw with Sliding Table

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

When anyone thinks of a table saw, it should always be something like this. For one, Woodworm are brilliant manufacturers of timber saws and timber working tools, but they are also synonymous with quality.

Their sliding table saw would fit right into a commercial workshop or shared studio space where accuracy and safety are the most important factors. The built-in suction hose helps to reduce dust, while the rip fence, coupled with a fully sliding surface gives complete control to any user.

These are the table saws you learn on, but it can be hard to find the space at home, or in smaller workshops, so sadly, they might have to remain a dream for now.

Pros

  • Freely sliding table for simple, accurate, smooth cutting
  • Incredibly easy to adjust rip fence
  • Dust extractor
  • Obvious safety switch
  • Incredibly good value

Cons

  • Too big for most settings

3. Makita MLT100N/2 Corded Table Saw 

Makita MLT100N Corded Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

I was actually really pleasantly surprised with this table top table saw by Makita. Its base is chunky but not too heavy, and it’s simple to use  with a surprising amount of cutting space.

The safety switches are easy to locate, the guides are easy to set, and the blade resets for mitre cuts incredibly easily. For smaller workshops where huge table saws aren’t an option, this is a perfect little tool with very little to criticise.

Pros

  • Corded electric
  • Great value
  • Simple to adjust mitre angle
  • Smooth guides
  • Clear safety switch
  • 630mm cutting width (at rip)

Cons

  • N/A

4. Metabo TS 254 M Portable Table Saw

Metabo TS 254 M Portable Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

Metabo’s portable table saw is useful for carpenters on a budget but there are definitely slightly better-built models available for a similar price.

The fittings and clamps all seem a little bit flimsy, while the mitre guide is clunky and the rip guide is unhelpfully floated off to the side, rather than over an extended surface making it difficult to cut thin ply without it bending slightly.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Metabo portable table saw is good enough for most simple tasks, but I’m not sure I’d trust it for a detailed finish.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Lightweight
  • Easily portable

Cons

  • Just 520mm cutting width (at rip)
  • Fittings feel weak
  • Clunky mitre movements

5. Dewalt DWE7491-XE Corded Table Saw

Dewalt DWE7491-XE Corded Table Saw

Source: sydneytools.com.au

Portable table saws don’t come much better than this by DeWalt, with incredibly durable safety features, a well-considered safety switch, and sturdy, stable feet which help you find a safe level on most surfaces.

While its surface guides are less comprehensive than many similar brands’ portable models, its rip fence is very well manufactured, making up for limited guides in other places.

Pros

  • Good value
  • 558mm cutting width (at rip)
  • 24 tooth saw blade for gentler cutting
  • Push stick included for safety
  • Works with materials up to 79mm thick
  • Corded for quick use

Cons

  • N/A

6. Makita 2704N Corded Table Saw

Makita 2704N Corded Table Saw

Source: amazon.com.au

Any portable table saw over 30kg is a real commitment, but that weight is made up for necessary features that help set this Makita table saw out from some of its competitors.

The sturdy fixtures and gauges, and steady guides help to keep your work straight and level even when fully extended, while the flat base makes it quick to find a level on site.

Pros

  • 638mm cutting width (at rip)
  • Easy to use
  • Smooth, safe cutting
  • Simple mitre gauge
  • Extendable table

Cons

  • Expensive compared to similar products
  • Heavy (37kg)

7. Hikoki C10RJ(H1Z) Brushless Table Saw

Hikoki C10RJ(H1Z) Brushless Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

Hikoki aren’t exactly a household name for DIYers but they make clever solutions, particularly for professional carpenters. This table saw has super-sturdy folding legs, which means you can just fold out, lift, and set up your cutting space on-site without needing any tables or benches to find a safe working level.

And on top of that, it makes up for the added weight of the legs with rubber tires and a strong handle so it’s simple to roll in and out of the van.

But it’s not just about the stability and safety, the overall ability of this table saw is good too, and while the mitre gauge leaves a little to be desired, the rest of the guides are spot on.

Pros

  • 889mm cutting width (at rip)
  • Folding legs make a safe level to work at even in difficult locations
  • Built-in wheels for easy transportation
  • Great value

Cons

  • Clunky mitre gauge

Our Table Saw Top Picks for 2024

Best Table Saw - Our Top Pick 

Top Rated Best Table Saw in Australia
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

You just won’t find a stronger portable table saw than the Milwaukee M18FTS210-0. With its welded frame, steady gauges and easily adjustable rip fence it’s, without doubt, the best portable table saw you can buy right now.

Like all Milwaukee products, it’s reliably manufactured to the highest standards, and the guides are measured incredibly accurately, so even for onsite working, you’re guaranteed perfect cuts every time.

Premium Choice Table Saw

Premium Choice Table Saw in Australia
Woodworm WWPS10 Panel Saw with Sliding Table

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

Woodworm table saws come at a price, and I’m not going to sit here and tell you they don’t. But that price is the result of serving attention to detail in the manufacturing process, which leads to a smooth sliding table, easy-to-adjust measurements, and a super-safe saw blade that cuts accurately even at 45 degrees.

There are cheaper static table saws, and there are more expensive static table saws but, if you have the space, you won’t find a better table saw than the Woodworm WWPS10.

Best Value Table Saw

Best Value Table Saw in Australia
Makita MLT100N Corded Table Saw

Source: toolswarehouse.com.au

There’s a beautiful simplicity to this Makita table saw. It’s a fairly basic model in most respects, but that hasn’t stopped Makita from pulling out all the stops and building it to a really high standard.

If you can find a good bench to work from on-site, or just want something smaller to work from at home, you’d be hard pushed to find a better compact table saw than this on a budget.

We’re really quite confident in giving the Makita MLT100N our best budget table saw spot for 2024.

Table Saw Frequently Asked Questions

What cut can not be done on the table saw?

There are a few cuts that can not be done with a table saw, and the most common cause of injury is trying to force a table saw to perform these cuts.

Do not try to do any angled cuts without adjusting the bevel or removing the guard. Equally, plastic should not be cut with a table saw.

Why do table saws kick back?

Table saws kick back when the blade catches on materials at too fast a pace. Table saws should be used slowly, and carefully. Forcing the materials through any table saw is likely to cause kickback.

Any blunt teeth will also increase the chance of this potentially dangerous occurrence.

What type of blade is best for a table saw?

Full kerf blades are the best blades for table saws. 1/8-inch full kerf blades are sturdier than the standard blades that come with most table saws, so it’s well worth investing in a new blade before you get started.

Why won't my table saw cut straight?

The most common reason that table saws won’t cut straight is inexperience. Practice setting up the blade, and adjusting it a few times before use, and make sure it’s firmly set at the right angle.

If the blade has warped over time, it can also cause rough cuts. Another common cause of table saws not cutting straight is when the rip fence is misaligned. Always try to keep this perfectly parallel to the blade.

How do I stop my table saw from chipping?

On brittle timber like plywood, chipping is common when using table saws. The downward force of the blade helps to pin the material to the surface while cutting, but it also drags loose timber with it, creating jagged edges and chips.

Tape masking tape to the marked cutting line before cutting to reduce chipping.

What can I cut with a table saw?

Table saws can cut most materials, and some are designed specifically for metal. However, the best materials to cut with table saws are timber sheets and timber battens.

Once you’re more familiar with using your new table saw, it can cut anything from simple rip cuts to delicate bevels and grooves for jointing.

What are other names for a table saw?

Table saws are also known as bench saws or saw benches, particularly for the larger self-contained models which are designed as standalone machines for workshop settings.

Smaller table saws may be referred to as plunge saws, mitre saws or band saws depending on their function. 

Can you mitre with a table saw?

Most table saws are capable of cutting mitres just as well as handheld mitre saws, though some may require a jig to create the correct angle.

Are table saws really worth it?

Table saws are much more stable than mitre saws or handheld circular saws. Sliding table saws provide particularly good accuracy, but are a large expense for DIY use.

In woodworking workshops, table saws are an indispensable and irreplaceable tool.

Can you use a table saw freehand?

No. Never attempt to use a table saw freehand. Not only does using table saws freehand negate their primary appeal of accuracy, but it massively increases the risk of injury.

Use timber or purpose-built push blocks which apply even downward pressure and allow you to move away safely in case of an accident.

Get the Best Table Saw You Can Afford

As a rule, I don’t trust carpenters who don’t like table saws. It may well be an overgeneralisation, but the reality is that table saws are the most precise way to produce accurate, reliable cuts without having to rely on laser guides and DIY jigs for every measurement. 

For any chippie or enthusiastic home woodworker with the space, we absolutely recommend getting yourself the best table saw you can afford. We promise you won’t be disappointed with the results.

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

Related Posts

Best Aeroponic Tower Gardens in Australia

Best Aeroponic Tower Gardens in Australia for 2024

Aeroponics offers space-saving gardening solutions for anybody and everybody. Whether ...

Subpod In-Garden Compost System Review

Subpod In-Garden Compost System Review

Of all the worm farms you can build into your ...

Best Garden Sheds Australian Buying Guide

11 Best Garden Sheds | Australian Buying Guide 2024

Anyone familiar with unspoken allotment lore will know that anybody ...

Vegepod Raised Garden Bed Review

Vegepod Raised Garden Bed Review

Gardens are changing. They are becoming mixed spaces, where our ...

About the author 

Gary Clarke

Hi, I'm Gary Clarke, gardening enthusiast and former landscaper. I have had privilege of sharing my gardening knowledge at Aussie Green Thumb since early 2020.

I have a passion for using native Australian plants in Aussie gardens and I always try to promote growing fruit trees and vegetable gardens whenever possible.

Leave a Reply


Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Stay Up To Date With Aussie Gardening Tips


Join our newsletter to receive helpful gardening tips specific to Australian gardens.

Featuring:

  • Seasonal gardening tips
  • Monthly gardening tasks for each Australian climate
  • Native plant of the month
  • A curated selection of helpful gardening articles
  • Exclusive promotions for Australian gardeners

Stay in the loop for valuable insights for a flourishing garden.

We promise to only send you helpful gardening emails and nothing more.