I've been doing woodworking for a while, and I learned using solid, old-school Makita tools. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of getting the Makita 2704 table saw, and it has been a complete disappointment. I've tried calibrating it, but the fence is a total mess, wobbling and often going more than ten degrees out of alignment with the blade. I remember working with a heavy, stable cast-iron table saw in the past, and I can't believe how flimsy this portable saw is.
I need suggestions for a decent 10" table saw that has a solid, sturdy fence that won't require constant recalibration. I'm hoping to do rabbet and dado cuts, which this Makita just can't handle. My workspace is tiny, and I want to build a sturdy cart to roll the saw into my small cabinet nook. I've seen some decent options at local stores, but I'm really looking for something that can self-square the fence. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
The Skill table saw is quite similar to the Dewalt in terms of features but has a beefier blade adjustment system and a more robust fence. I started with a Skill and never had any issues with squaring it; everything was on point when I first used it.
If your budget allows, look into the Sawstop jobsite saw. It’s designed for safety and has a fence that squares itself, which might save you a lot of hassle!
You should definitely check out the Dewalt 7491. It has a solid rack and pinion fence that's surprisingly accurate for a portable saw. Many people swear by it for job sites and smaller shops alike!
I second this! I've had mine for a while, and it's pretty reliable, although the rip capacity could be a bit bigger.
If you want a good jobsite option, I'd recommend Dewalt. They have a very dependable fence system. The Rigid saws also offer decent fences, but I've found them to feel more underpowered compared to Dewalt's options. You can even build a custom base for the Dewalt models if needed.
I've had a good experience with my Skill table saw, though I'm still a beginner mostly working with simpler materials like cedar. It’s been great for what I do so far!
Just a heads-up, the newer Sawstop models do have a rack and pinion setup but it might be a bit limited in size.