Craftsman table saws are among the most popular table saws on the market. But everyone knows that popularity doesn’t always equate to superior quality. For this reason, many people wonder whether Craftsman table saws are any good. Well, you’re in the right place-I’ve done all of the research on this topic and will share my findings with you.
In general, Craftsman table saws are good quality saws. They are great for beginners due to their small frame, sturdy design, and affordable price tag. However, they lack features that professional contractors often need, like precise cuts, blade evenness, and a large workspace.
This article will cover some basic information about the Craftsman table, saws-specifically the 10-inch Carbide-Tipped Blade saw. We will look at reviews, pros and cons, alternative options, and more. Read on to learn if Sears’ iconic brand is the right choice for your project!
A good saw is usually the centerpiece of a workshop. We talk alot about saws during our live workshops on Cucamonga Woodworking. You can watch our past workshops on YouTube here(Link to Cucamonga Woodworking)
Is the Craftsman 10-inch Table Saw Any Good?
Boasting a 4 out of 5-star rating on Lowe’s, it may seem hard to go wrong with the Craftsman 10-inch. However, a contradicting 2.7 out of 5-star rating on Craftsman’s website begs us to dig a little deeper into whether the saw is worth the money.
Below is some information about the various features of the Craftsman along with the respective pricing, so you can see whether or not the saw is the right choice for you.
Features of the Craftsman 10-inch Table Saw
Though the Craftsman itself is fairly simple and accessible, the table material, blade size, and cutting depth can range between models. Below are some of the features the Craftsman boasts, according to their website.
- 15 Amp motor
- Aluminum-crafted table
- 10” blade
- Detachable stand
- Three ⅛ inch – 2 ¼ inch cutting depth
Additionally, the Craftsman 10-inch features a 3-year limited warranty, which is a great way to feel confident while buying. The manufacturer will replace any product or usage defects without an extra cost, so long as proof of purchase is present.
Be aware that this is only a summarized list, so be sure to visit the Craftsman website or speak with a hardware store associate about other features and specifications.
How Much Does the Craftsman 10-inch Cost?
Another big component of deciding whether this table saw is the right for you is the price tag. You may want to stay within a certain budget or save up to splurge on a power tool perfect for your project.
This specific Craftsman model can be found at Lowe’s for an affordable price of $199, but table saws themselves can range in pricing from $150 to well over $500. While the Craftsman 10-inch is more on the cheaper side, you can always check secondhand websites like eBay and Craigslist for an even better deal. Check out my link on purchasing tools online (Link Here)
The Pros and Cons of the Craftsman Table Saw
Now that we’ve taken a look at the various features and pricing of the table saw, we can turn towards customers to see what the rave is all about. Below is a comparison between the typical pros and cons of the Craftsman 10-inch, as found in online reviews.
While these serve as a guide, be sure to do your own research into the product’s quality and functionality before purchasing.
Pros
- Sturdy
The durable, aluminum-based table proves to be a solid and reliable place to rest large materials without collapsing.
- Portable
The detachable folding stand and compact size of this saw make it easy to move around and store without taking up too much space.
- Worth the money
At only $200, this table saw is a great choice to save money while still getting a quality product.
Cons
- Inaccurate Cuts
Customers reported wiggling that resulted in rough, inaccurate cuts along with a faulty blade lock.
- Table Too Small
A common complaint is the size of the table. Customers recommended a saw with a bigger workspace for cutting materials.
- Uneven Blade
Another common complaint was the blade’s evenness as some customers wrote that they had to get it replaced immediately. However, the 3-year warranty should cover this if you find yourself blade-less.
Alternatives to the Craftsman 10-inch
While the Craftsman may work for some, it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Luckily, there are plenty of other 10-inch saws on the market that offer different features than the Craftsman and boast pristine online reviews. Below are some alternative options for your workshop.
- DEWALT 10-inch Table Saw
Like Craftsman, DEWALT is a well-known brand found in hardware stores. This saw boasts a 5-star rating on Amazon and features a 22” blade, a 15 Amp motor, and a rolling stand. Quite on the pricier side(About $800), Dewalt also has other good table saws. This is probably my favorite brand for tools so far. (You can check the current price here on Amazon)
- Grizzly Industrial 10-inch Table Saw
Like the DEWALT, the Grizzly has a shining 5-star rating on Amazon with some table saws closer to $500. (Check the current price here on Amazon)
- Makita 10-inch Contractor Table Saw
Lastly is the Makita, a 4.5 star rated saw with a 15 Amp motor, extension table, and large cutting capacity. The Makita is much smaller and more portable than the Grizzly and is far less expensive at $480.(You can check its current price on Amazon here)
As you can see, the Craftsman’s low price tag is really what sets it apart from its competitors. However, if budgeting isn’t an issue, a higher-quality table saw might be the right choice for you.
Should You Use a Table Saw or a Miter Saw?
While table saws are a great option for DIY-ing and contract work, you might find a miter saw to be more your style. Knowing the key differences between the two will help in your decision making. Below are some of the main ways table saws and miter saws differ and which is better for what.
Cutting Wood
If your project mainly consists of cutting wood or other large materials, a table saw is likely your best choice. Having a tool that properly supports and controls your materials is much safer than manually lowering the blade, not to mention easier and more accurate.
Cutting Angles
When it comes to cutting precise, accurate angles, the miter saw is the better way to go. The miter saw can be swiveled around to find the perfect angle while the table saw is stationary. Table saws also have a history of making rougher cuts.
Cost
Table saws are typically more expensive than miter saws due to their larger size and varying accessories. Though the Craftsman 10-inch falls at $200, many other table saws are often more than $1000. A miter saw could be the way to go if you’re looking to save some extra money.
Portability
The table saw is not only expensive but also large and oftentimes difficult to store or move around. If you have a problem lugging around huge items, consider a miter saw- it is easier to port around with you to get the job done.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with features, pricing, and reviews of the Craftsman 10-inch, along with the differences between miter saws and table saws, you should be ready to get out there and get building.
Whether you decide the Craftsman is right for you (or not), be sure to spend time researching the different options available in order to get the right saw for your needs.