Cabinet Saws

The most accurate type of table saw

Cabinet saws are the heaviest, sturdiest and most precise table saw variant. Their powerful motors require a 220-volt power outlet, but because of their guide rails and large tables (often with extension wings), they're the best choice for cutting sheet stock. For fine woodworking, even by amateurs, a cabinet saw usually takes center stage in the workshop.

Three cabinet saws made by Delta, Powermatic and SawStop vie for top ranking, while Grizzly retains its position as the best budget pick. All four companies make powerful cabinet saws (available with 3-horsepower or 5-horsepower motors) that come equipped with riving knives. All the safety systems work well, but when it comes to blade guard system convenience, Delta takes the lead, followed by SawStop and then Powermatic. Only SawStop, however, features a sensor and brake to stop the blade instantly if it touches human flesh.

Earlier, the main competition was between the Powermatic PM2000 (*Est. $2,700) and the more expensive SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw (*Est. $3,470). Now Delta has completely redesigned the Delta Unisaw (*Est. $3,300), adding a riving knife and host of conveniences, matched in price by the new SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw (*Est. $3,000). The SawStop cabinet saw maintains its advantage primarily due to its ability to prevent cuts and amputations; so far, SawStop says its saws have saved over 700 fingers.

Compared with the more expensive SawStop Industrial, the new SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw has a smaller table: 27 inches versus 30 inches on the Industrial. Comparing the two models, Popular Woodworking reviewer Glen Huey notes that the extra 200 pounds on the SawStop Industrial helps it minimize vibration for smoother cuts.

Dust collection is improved on the SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw because the new blade guard includes a port for collecting dust above the table. Its blade guard is also easier to use. (This blade guard will also be available as an upgrade option for the SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw.) A video review at Popular Woodworking shows the new dust collection in action.

Woodcraft magazine provides a head-to-head comparison of the SawStop Professional with the new Delta Unisaw, finding that both perform extremely well. For schools or anyone concerned with workshop safety, the SawStop Professional is clearly the better choice because of its blade brake. The SawStop's optional mobile base (*Est. $200) is another plus.

The Delta Unisaw falls behind the SawStop Professional in terms of safety because it lacks the flesh-sensing blade brake. Otherwise, it earns high marks from reviewers. Woodcraft magazine notes many small improvements in convenience that add up -- more convenient blade changing, for example -- and also rates the Unisaw's build quality a little higher than the SawStop Professional.

A review in Wood Magazine's September 2009 issue praises the Delta Unisaw's blade guard as the best available. (The Unisaw's riving knife and blade guard system also earn top ranking among eight cabinet saws in Taunton's 2010 Tool Guide.) It's worth noting, however, that the review compares it with the older system on the SawStop Industrial, rather than the newer blade guard used on the SawStop Professional.

As a budget choice, a consensus of reviews favors Grizzly cabinet saws, especially when equipped with a Biesemeyer or similar fence for improved accuracy. The well-reviewed Grizzly G1023SL has been upgraded -- through the addition of a riving knife -- to the new Grizzly G1023RL (*Est. $1,125). Wood Magazine praises the Grizzly's square flat extension table and its precise, adjustable-width miter gauge. Workbench magazine gives the cabinet saw high marks as a budget choice for fit, finish, power and smooth adjustments.

The Grizzly G1023RL doesn't run as smoothly or have dust control comparable to the SawStop, Delta and Powermatic cabinet saws discussed above. Its switch can be shut off with the operator's knee in an emergency -- a crucial safety factor -- but reviews say the blade guard isn't convenient to use. This drawback could tempt users to leave it off. If you can afford the SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw -- considering it an investment to last at least 15 years -- it's a lot safer.