Best table saw for woodworking

Best Table Saw for Woodworking – From My Personal Experience!

I have been lucky to use several table saws for my woodworking projects. However, when the bearing to my old table saw locked up on the motor, it caused it to overheat. Eventually, the motor burned up – this was about six months ago. 

The next big task that I was faced with was buying a new best table saw for woodworking. One month later, after looking at several table saws, I was able to replace it with the SawStop Jobsite Table Saw. Today, I’m marking exactly five months with this saw and it has been an amazing experience.

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SawStop JSS-Mca Table Saw Review (15 Amp 10 inch)

If we fall down on quality it means rework and unhappy clients. Injuries on the job mean downtime, pain, and the cost that goes with somebody getting hurt. So we have to be precise efficient and safe. Thankfully, there is no better way of doing that than the SawStop Jobsite Table Saw.

I bought the SawStop Jobsite table saw for two reasons. The first reason is safety and the second reason is performance.

So how has the experience been for me? Let’s take a look at my sawstop jss-mca review for a better understanding.

A table saw is one of the most dangerous tools on a jobsite. So I decided on SawStop Jobsite table saw. The blade stops immediately on contact with your skin and gets just a scratch instead of an amputation. This is the best portable table saw that can actually save my business and life.

Secondly, it has the best design and performance I have ever seen that I’m going to review below.

Features

  • Ergonomic Design

Most saws take multiple turns to raise or lower the blade. On this saw you only need a single turn to adjust the blade height. This is a huge time-saver.

The blade tilt is also super easy and precise. You just squeeze move and let go. It locks in at 1 degree increments and you can fine-tune the angle too. 
 
  • Portable Weight

The size and weight of the saw is also reasonable. I can handle it alone when I want to set it on a pickup trunk. However, it’s always nice to have a little help.

Other than that, it’s easy to install and comes almost completely assembled. So once you lift it and yank it out of the box it should be pretty much ready to use. The only thing that you will set up is the base.

  • Storage Space

When you unpack the saw, you will find adequate storage space. On the right side you’ve got the storage for the fence miter gauge and the push stick. The saw has a storage space on the left hand side for the blade and the wrenches.

The wrenches are calibrated for taking off the blade’s nut when changing the blade. Right below this storage space, you have the anti-kickback pause that prevents the blade from reversing when the saw stops.

  • Blade Guard

Then there’s the blade guard that will come in handy for additional safety. But because it just clips onto the saw, it makes it hard to remove frequently. Plus it gets so much in the way and slows my pace.

  • Cord Wrap

More importantly, on the back of this sliding table saw is a convenient cord wrap. The previous model that I owned didn’t have this. The cord wrap makes it easy to store the cord and it also prevents warping.

  • Cast Iron and Aluminum Build

The saw is of a fairly good quality too. According to the best sawstop jss-mca reviews, you’ll realize that most parts are made of aluminum and big cast iron. I like aluminum because it doesn’t rust. This means that you don’t have to worry about harsh weather, rain, or moisture. That’s why I find this tool quite convenient for outdoor uses.

  • Portable Base

Next, the saw is easy to move around with. It comes with a portable base. The base is foldable and has a little pedal attached to it that you will step on to release it. The same pedal is used to secure the portable base.

  • Rolling Wheels

Over time I have come to love the medium sized wheels too. They are made of solid rubber and are easy to roll. Well, I know that there are pneumatic tires which would probably roll better over rough surfaces too. But, I prefer these since they won’t get wheel bites or end up flat.

  • Miter Gauge

The other thing that I find fascinating about this saw is miter gauge. Unlike the regular miter gauge that I see, this one is a nice long bar with positive stops underneath.

I use these stops to get the best degree marks and cuts. This miter gauge is also turn-able and once you pull it back, you will be able to rotate it.

The miter gauge also has spots where you can insert some screws if you want to set up a longer backstop.  Getting a longer backstop will guarantee a little more precision.

  • Powerful Motor

Whenever I use this saw, it is clear that the saw has plenty of power. Thanks to its 15 amp motor that runs off of your regular 110V I can plug it into any 15 amp socket.

  • Large Switch

As far as the switch goes, it’s a nice large switch. It’s got a nice little safety key that’s good with kids. Once the safety lock is out, these top rated table saws won’t be able to power up at all.

But you must keep the key safely. Remember that if you lose the key, you won’t be able to start the table saw too. I would suggest that SawStop Jobsite Table Saw changes this key so it remains a lockable feature rather than a removable one.

  • Stable Fence

I have never seen a table saw fence as impressive as this one too. However, I find the lever that connects to the fence extremely lightweight. Even so, it is strong and feels like it’s made out of reinforced polymer.

When you lock on this table saw fence, it locks in three locations. It’s applies pressure on either side of the front of the fence and then on the back rail of the fence. Meaning you get a really good footprint.

This glide fence is by far the best fence I’ve ever used. It is lightweight for the jobsite plus it slides as smooth as a cabinet’s. Every time you lock it locks and unlocks with a push and supports your stock with its retractable shelf.

  • Beveling System

Whenever I use this saw, it is quite clear that the blade is easy to angle. Once it is angled you can lock it to your preferred degree too. I use to bevel a 45 degree for some construction and it turns smoothly.

It is super easy and precise. You just squeeze move and let go it locks in at 1 degree increments.

  • Gear Technology

The inside gear mechanism that controls the system helps to regulate the speed once the saw is beveled and you fine-tune your angle.  I find fine-tuning the blade also very easy. The blade is flexible.

  • Flexible Blade

Raising and lowering the saw’s blade into position is also fast. The blade turns pretty smooth. I have noticed a slight wobble to that knob but that’s perfectly fine and won’t cause a problem at all.

On our old saws it took over 25 turns to raise or lower the blade. On this saw it only takes a single turn to raise or lower the blade. This is a huge time-saver and the tilt is super easy and precise. You just squeeze move and let go then it locks in at 1 degree increments.

The blade depth lock is easy to find and works well with the lockable fence. There is the micro adjust that simplifies your adjustments. To me, it’s not like this super convenient thing since it bumps a lot.

  • Extended Table

Another thing that I like is the saw’s extendable table. Now the table extends to a full 25 and a-half inches of rip capacity. It makes your work easy when you’re cutting a long board. You can cut it through and it falls on that extended support in the back without you having to reach over the saw.

  • Super LED Indicators

Finally, there are LED indicators. Green means go. However, if you need to cut conductive materials like aluminum you can temporarily bypass the safety system. But I like to keep the safety key in my pocket so the guys have to ask me.

 

Features

  • Carbide tipped blade
  • Blade guard assembly
  • Anti-kickback pawls
  • Miter gauge
  • Push stick
  • Rip fence
  • Blade wrenches

Specification

  • Input: 120 V AC, 60 Hz
  • Motor: 120 V AC, 15 Amps
  • No Load Speed: 4,000 RPM
  • Blade Diameter: 10 inches
  • Depth of Cut at 90°: 3 1/2 inches
  • Depth of Cut at 45°: 2 1/2 inches
  • Rip Capacities: 25 inches right / 12 inches left
SawStop JSS-Mca Legacy Jobsite Saw with Mobile Cart
  • SawStop jobsite saw is the new standard in jobsite safety. Now you can have the precision, quality and safety of a SawStop saw wherever the job takes you.
  • The Jobsite Saw’s structural rigidity comes from the aluminum tabletop and cast iron trunnion | The saw housing is made of plastic | Only compatible with an 8″ dado stack | The saw can be used outside even with elevated moisture
  • Product dimensions | Saw without Cart (body only) – 28” D x 31” W x 15” H | Saw with open cart – 29” D x 48” W x 36” H | Saw with Closed Cart – 29” D x 26” W x 45” H | Table retracted – 24” D x 31” W | Table extended – 24” D x 43” W | Weight – 108 lbs.
  • Other specifications | Table in Front of Blade (Max Elev) – 7-7/8″ | Table Behind Blade (Max Elev) – 7-3/8″ | Motor Continuous HP – 1.5 HP | Motor Peak HP – 4 HP | Voltage – 120 VAC 60 Hz, Universal || Belt driven motor
  • Arbor diameter at blade – 5/8 inches | Max. rip right of blade (extended) – 25-1/2 inches | No Load RPM – 4,000

Benefits of the SawStop Jobsite Table Saw

Talking about the SawStop Jobsite Table Saw, I can go on and on with the benefits. However, I will only mention the top five benefits which make this saw the best portable table saw for fine woodworking. They are the following.

  • Safety – This professional table saw is superior when it comes to safety.  I know too many guys with life-changing saw accidents and you don’t want to be in their shoes. With an on-the-job amputation the insurance goes to the roof and your productivity through the floor. But with this table saw, you can use the safety mode on to avoid any accidental occurrence. 
  • Easy Setup – When I started this post, I mentioned that this table saw comes almost fully assembled. The only thing that you need to assemble is the flexible table saw stand. An easy set up saves time. It also saves energy too.
  • Efficiency – Looking at the blade, stable fence, beveling abilities, and the smooth adjustments, this saw is cool.  You will get a memorable experience once you fine-tune it. Then when you use it, it will be fast.
  • Portable – The portable base makes all the difference. It makes movement easy with is flexible wheels. However, it is the breakdown bass and pull out side table makes that gives it the compactness.  You can easily it roll it right against a wall.
  • Durable – It is good to put your money when you can see the value. The aluminum technology gives this best table saw for woodworking enough strength. It also helps the saw to withstand the harsh outdoor weather in case you have a larger project.

FAQs: SawStop Jobsite Table Saw

I also prepared a few simple FAQs to help you in understanding this best woodworkers’ table saw. You can check them out right here.

  • How Does the Stand Support Work?

The table saw stand support is the part that rests on the ground and keeps the saw from tipping over. It uses a retractable brake pedal to secure the system once you roll it out. This simple mechanism is easy to learn even for beginners.

  • Should I Worry about the Weight?

It’s pretty heavy I’d say. It weighs about a hundred pounds which is not too bad but which might require a helping hand when lifting. He weight just means it’s beefier, strong, and very durable too.

  • What Can I Store on the Storage Side?

The storage system of the Table Saw is very flexible. I often use it to store my miter gauge, push stick, blade guarding, extra blades, wrenches, and rip fence. Sometimes I also store in the power cord. However, this cord has a winding option too.

  • Where Can I Buy the SawStop Jobsite Woodworking Table Saw?

I recommend online buying. When you buy online you will get better prices. You will also get a direct warranty. Above all that, the delivery is often done right to your door step. It is very convenient.

Additional Info: SawStop Jobsite Table Saw

When setting up the base spread out a moving blanket and lay the parts on it. This keeps you from losing the small hardware pieces.  

Don’t rush into assembling the left out parts. Rather, study the user manual first. You can then assemble the parts after you grasp the instructions.

Don’t use the push stick when you set the blade too close. I can cut the push stick. You can substitute for a replaceable wooden push stick instead.

Final Word

I mean people really seem to like the rack-and-pinion setup of the DeWalt saw but I’m not too big of a fan. Thanks to the fiddling around.  When it comes to the Bosch saw I just don’t think it is anything special.  It is just an average design. But SawStop Jobsite Table Saw moves as well as some of the pretty expensive full-size cabinet saws.

My old best table saw for the money was two hundred and fifty dollars. This one is $1,400.00. So it’s no surprise that I have some life saving features to go with. I guess it’s true that the more you pay the better the deal too and that just makes this saw the best portable table saw for fine woodworking.

Even so, it is quite affordable. It is also easy to set up and you should be rearing to go in a very short time. 

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