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The ability of a fence to be in parallel with the blade is directly related to whether it locks at the front and the back of the table. Make sure you select a model that doesn't just lock at the front of the table. Most good quality table saws come with adjustment grub screws to ensure the blade is calibrated to be in parallel with the fence.
Generally, table saws have a standard hand adjust and locking mechanism for fence adjustment. You can make or buy a micro-adjustment jig for a table saw fence, but I can't find a machine that comes with one.
Almost every table saw in the $1,000 range will come with a dust extraction port, you might need an adaptor to suit your shop vac’s hose size.
Many saws will be able to be retrofitted to have a dado blade installed. This is generally not recommended by manufacturers or specified on the feature lists as fitment normally requires removal of safety devices and table insert plates.
I've had a chance to check out the Hitachi 10-Inch Job Site Table Saw C-10RJ and it certainly seems like a great machine and it ticks all the boxes. Another saw worth considering would be the Bosch GTS 10 J Professional - MitchellMc
Sawstop if you value your fingers but it is expensive. I have a Bosch with the riser stand, nice but the standard blade is fairly ordinary for finishing and the sliding table gets stuck with dust that has to be regularly cleaned out.
Makita makes a similar saw and Bunnings sell the stand-less one which probably has similar issues with the blade and sliding table. Dewalt for a quality tool company this offering looks to be poor value. Ryobi is what it is, it would test your skills to adjust it to turn it into a semi decent saw. Ozito is a bit better than the next option.
Out of left field is Evolution 255mm 1500W Multi-Purpose Table Saw. It utilises patented Evolution multipurpose cutting technology, optimised to cut mild steel, non-ferrous metals, wood and plastic with one blade cutting mild steel leaves an instantly workable finish, producing no heat, no burr and virtually no sparks. - Brad
I have had a few 'cheap' table saws and have now decided it was time to spend a bit more than I wanted. I found most of the $1,000 table saws and below don't stay flat or square for long. They usually have a pressed steel top plus the fences are poorly designed in my view.
Saying that, the Hitachi is a good saw. I also looked at the Bosch GTS10J. The Dewalt has a good one but that's over $1,000 and their lower price one isn't that good. An option if you save a touch more is the SB-12 for $1,309. A touch more but it’s a cast iron top with dust extraction and the fence is a lot more sturdy, plus you can get wheels to move it around the garage. You will need to spend a minimum of $2,000 for one to suit a dado stack, which is annoying. But I use a router and a straight edge for that issue. The table saw I've got on order is the ST-254. It’s got everything I want and need, plus I have the room in my garage.
Also remember - get the right tool the first time. It may end up costing more in the long run when you keep upgrading or it doesn't have a good warranty. - Razzer
Inexpensive: Ozito $219 at Bunnings.
Safe: SawStop from $1,995 at specialist woodworking supply shops.
There is the Triton method of mounting a circular saw upside down in a table, it can be cheap and useful but with no riving knife I wouldn't call it safe, kickback is something to read up on.
I have a Bosch GTS 10 XC with Gravity saw with a sliding table, I think they are discontinued now. Dust does get in the slider fairly easily. Looking at Carbatec prices for add on to whatever base unit you get.
Laminate cutting blade $159
Dado stack 30mm bore $399
Rockler multi track 2.25 $68.90
Rockler flip stop 2.25 $40.90
- Brad
You can ask a thousand people the same question and all will give you their thoughts. There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself:
What is it that I am going to do? Is the table going to be transportable or left in a fixed place? Size - how big do I need/want? Flexibility - the range of task I can do with it? Dust extraction? And how much am I wanting to spend??
If you are looking at a fixed position table, having used one for many years I would not go past the SawStop. I would even consider the Sawstop Jobsite Saw Pro for mobility. The table is the only one that I know of that has a built-in safety cut-off. In both cases they are pricey, however I am a believer in buy once because in the end you finish up buying another costing the same. - r23on
