Cabinet Saws

Cabinet saws are most accurate, but are expensive

Cabinet saws are the heaviest, sturdiest and most precise type of table saw. They have powerful motors that require a 220-volt power outlet, but because of their guide rails and large tables (often with extension wings), they are the best choice for cutting sheet stock.

Quite a few cabinet saws now come with riving knives, the most effective device for preventing kickback. The newest version of the Powermatic PM2000 (*est. $2,500) now comes with a riving knife, as does the even more recommended SawStop Cabinet Saw CB31230 (*est. $3,470 with 52-inch fence and rails).

As noted earlier, reviews say riving knives are the best way to prevent kickback - much better than the ordinary splitters and pawls found on most table saws. However, since the CPSC reports that most table saw accidents aren't caused by kickback - and that most accidents happen to hobbyists and homeowners - reviewers recommend paying more to get the well-tested SawStop technology that prevents cuts and amputations. It's expensive - but less expensive than emergency treatment. So far, SawStop has received over 400 reports of fingers saved.

By the time you equip the basic 3-hp SawStop CB31230 (*est. $3,470) with a 52-inch fence and rails, it costs almost $1,000 more than the 3-hp Powermatic PM2000 (*est. $2,500) with 50-inch fence system. This sounds like a huge difference till you consider that CPSC says a table saw lasts an average of ten to 15 years; for part-time household use, a table saw should last even longer. So you may be able to justify spending more.

Based on comparison performance tests, the Powermatic PM2000 shares top ranking with the SawStop cabinet saw at Workbench magazine and at Fine Woodworking. In the 2007 survey of readers of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding, however, the SawStop ranks first - presumably because of its extra safety. The Workbench review finds the SawStop riving knife better than that of the Powermatic, and Fine Woodworking finds the SawStop fence has the least deflection under pressure of all 13 cabinet saws tested.

If your budget just won't stretch to cover the SawStop, however, reviews say the Powermatic PM2000 is the next best choice. For a small shop, it has the advantage of retractable castors, so it can be moved off to the side when not in use. Tests show that both cabinet saws perform extremely well, provide excellent dust control and have superb safety features including riving knives, switches that turn off easily with hip or knee, plus quick-release blade guards that are convenient to use. The Workbench review notes that both saws use concave gear teeth and Poly-V belting, features that make for the smoothest cutting with the least vibration.

For a budget cabinet saw, a remarkable consensus of reviews over the years favors the Grizzly G1023, now the Grizzly 1023SL Cabinet Saw (*est. $995). Several reviews recommend this saw plus a Biesemeyer or similar fence for improved accuracy. (Note that this boosts the price.) 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 1023SL doesn't have a riving knife, nor does it run as smoothly or have dust control comparable to the SawStop and Powermatic cabinet saws. The blade guard isn't as convenient to use either - a crucial drawback - but the switch can be shut off with the knee in an emergency. You can extend the ripping capacity from 25 to 52 inches with options (*est. $290) or just move up to the Grizzly G1023SLX (*est. $1,300) with seven-foot rails. Better still is the Grizzly G0651 (*est. $1,700), which not only adds 52-inch rails, but also a riving knife. The main problem with all these cabinet saws is the inconvenient blade guard - a crucial safety issue because it will be very tempting to just leave it off.