Best table saw? Here’s why carpenter Mark likes the SKIL table saw

Mark has reviewed most every professional table saw on the market over the past 20 years, and his current favorite is the SKIL.
He says: 'It does the most, the best."
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‪@SkilPowerTools‬
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[@myfixituplife]

Find this SKIL table saw on Amazon: amzn.to/3pDpN6w

[@jhondoe1483]

I have had 3 of the saws on this lineup and 100% the skil.

[@myfixituplife]

Skil all day!

[@sciencemansandera]

Thanks for this report. It looks good.

[@myfixituplife]

Thank you. Love this saw. Just ordered the zero clearance throat plate.

[@dcsdrive]

That Hitachi/Metabo is a beast. I love mine!!

[@myfixituplife]

Lots to like about that table saw. Get after it.

[@peterpalmer7014]

💯

[@MemelordSupreme]

If you get a good one. Sadly there are a bunch of lemons out there. So so many of them have come broken from the shipment process (broken knobs, fence brackets, switches, etc.) Metabo/Hitatchi refuses to fix the issue and RMA on them is a headache. It's a real bummer because otherwise the saw is pretty slick!

[@XxStratAttackxX]

I agree mark. My skil has been very faithful to me. Easy calibration as well. Just a wing nut for making the blade parallel to the miter slot and fence. Fence adjusts parallel to the miter slot with some hex screws. Add a blade dampener and a zero clearance insert and you're good to go. I even use it for cabinet building. Also I keep a hedgehog feather board on it most of the time. Great little table saw.

[@myfixituplife]

Dude, I need to take your class in table saw work. - I ripped a ton of shiplap this week and it rocked.

[@XxStratAttackxX]

@@myfixituplife I've thought about starting a KZbin channel for finish carpentry

[@myfixituplife]

@@XxStratAttackxX Give it a try. We’ll subscribe.

[@modernrustics5069]

Love my skil table saw

[@myfixituplife]

Yeah ya do! Me too!

[@bigrich6750]

Just bought the Skill a few weeks ago. Been using it to rip vinyl plank. I love the saw. I keep wanting to say, “It’s a great saw for the money,” but that’s just not true. It’s a great saw, period. The fact that it’s cheaper than any brand name saw on the market, is just one more benefit. I bought it for remodeling, but I’m sure with a few good jigs, you could do fine woodworking with this saw.

[@myfixituplife]

GREAT review. I agree. I've found the very same things about it. I like the angled dust chute a lot too. I shoot my sawdust into a bucket or box and it makes clean-up much easier. - As for really fine woodworking in hardwoods, my guess is that heavy iron woodworkers--there's a reason those tools are so heavy--I think this little 15-amper would move too much for their liking. That said, I'm sure you could make totally cool stuff on this thing. Thansk for chiming in.

[@krissk77]

Most tools just like other items... sell the brand name yet some are made by the same factories in China or Taiwan and Hong Kong

[@myfixituplife]

@@krissk77 Wow! Yes, that’s been true for 2+ decades. The once powerhouse brand Porter-Cable started “off-shoring”, as I understand it, following, as I understand it, the White Goods industry (washing machines, dishwashers, stoves). There is (or was) essentially a “tool city” in China. Yellow, blue, orange-all on their own assembly lines in the same building. - Some brands have brought what amounts to assembly-and I could be a little bit behind on this-back to the US. Others are “near-shoring”…so, Caribbean, Mexico…Same business model…insanely cheap labor, only closer to home. Tankers are expensive.

[@user-zh3mv7ln1i]

Just bought one today, along with the 10 inch miter saw!

[@myfixituplife]

OOOOOO, they have a 10-inch miter saw now?! Stand by while I blast over to the Skil Website. Where did you buy it?

[@user-zh3mv7ln1i]

@@myfixituplife Amazon!

[@trentfranks4507]

My dad used Skil everything when I was a kid. I’ve never had an issue with any skil tool I’ve purchased either.

[@myfixituplife]

This brand evolved greatly. It was junk drawer stuff for a long time. I also have a worm drive circ in my shop from the 19-50s.

[@jim2mckenna220]

Outfeed table for the win!

[@myfixituplife]

Love outfeed support.

[@j.u.c.o]

I bought the Skil to start my small workshop and have very few complaints. It's powerful, the fence is accurate, the blade adjustments are precise. The only thing I'd change is make the riving knife have an exterior adjustment like the DeWalt, instead of having to remove throat plate and raise the blade. It's loud like ppl say but I wear ear protection anyway.

[@myfixituplife]

Fantastic input. - A higher end blade may be a nice addition. - All tools are loud. Keep up the good work. Appreciate the insight.

[@j.u.c.o]

@@myfixituplife Oh yeah, I switched out to a Diablo 40T and it cuts plywood like butter. The blade is a little quieter than the stock blade, but it's more in the tone, idk about raw decibels.

[@diviningrod2671]

my 1989 makita with table that fits perfectly in my rig

[@myfixituplife]

So good. You probably have a 9-volt stick battery cordless drill-driver kicking around too. :)

[@jeffpower6473]

@@myfixituplifedon’t knock those old makitas in a Rousseau stand. I’m a full time finish carpenter that does high end homes. Im on a job anywhere from 1-4 months. My little 1992 makita 2708 does everything I ever ask it to, and it does it very accurately. I’ve also yet to find a better fence setup than the Rousseau table. Truly shop quality on the jobsite.

[@myfixituplife]

@@jeffpower6473I’d be a fool to knock those Rousseau set-ups. They’re awesome. They’re too ungainly for me where I am set-up in back yards for way less than a month. But I get it. Thank you for bringing that up. - Back when I was with Tools of the Trade mag, I remember lots of Rousseau set ups.

[@STEKiE]

Same here. I'm so glad I bought the Skil. There's only one minor issue. Operating the saw is like a Boeing 737 800 flying over your head at 10 meters altitude. Use ear protection!

[@myfixituplife]

I disagree. It doesn't have the soft start like the Bosch--an elegant saw--but the Skil works just fine.

[@Book-Gnome]

Almost had me turned away from the Dewalt which I plan on upgrading to from my Ryobi with miles of wear BUT your main focus/benefit is weight. Different use case for me, I will build a stand for it and the only way it will ever move is if I build a bigger shop. Seems like mor weight is a benefit for me. BTW, I know the ryobi is bottom shelf but I have cut a few thousand board feet with it mostly hardwood and the crappy fence is always square and always accurate.

[@myfixituplife]

Wow. I love this. And I really have to think about it. The Skil is a killer, a kind of Deon Sanders of table saws: Good on offense, defense, special teams. - But for you, stationary, man, that Bosch is so super plush. - What I'd recommend is trying to find a local pro tool store--one opened just near me and I'm dying to go--and at least explore other options. I've had Ryobi stuff work fine, but it's only just fine...as intended. The Bosch table saw fence alone is a gem. - Let us know what you figure out.

[@michaelhines1891]

I have had the hatachi for probably 3 or 4 years now and have a love hate relationship with the fence. I love the rack and pinion but I feel like the fence can go out of square easily. How do you think the fence on the skill saw is in comparison?

[@myfixituplife]

Hey Mike - I've had the Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) 3 different times: When it came out 3-4 years ago, and for two category reviews we did. What I can say for the Skil is that I've run gobs of wood through it and the fence is dead parallel to the blade. I just used it this weekend cutting rabbets (I think) in the back of some trim with the blade 1/64 from the fence. And, unlike the Metabo-tachi, I can move it around easily by myself. Hope that helps.

[@Wonbadude]

I have the Ridgid table saw. That sucker is beastly but it's heavy. I got it for the cut depth but I wish I would have gotten the SKIL table saw. I have heard a lot of good comments about it

[@myfixituplife]

I've had 4 Ridgid saws over the years that I have reviewed. All of them had issues with the fence. And they were all insanely heavy. The depth of cut is cool and I used it a few times, however, the Skil is a monster. Right-sized, light, great fence, awesome folding leg system. I could go on. Highly recommend.

[@brucehansen7949]

I can't name one good skil tool so I'd absolutely never waste my money on their table saw, rickety junk brand.

[@greatslambino]

@@brucehansen7949Pretty sure they paid a bunch of KZbinrs to gas up their table saw. There’s a bunch of variations of this same video all over KZbin lol.

[@krissk77]

Getting one soon. .. and it's much more affordable.. the others are expensive, some are just the brand name that is selling nolonger the performance. 😮 Skil it is for me.

[@myfixituplife]

I agree. The other tools have some elegant features and some of them have the mass that is nice for a long job site set-up or set-up in a home shop. But for the whole package--especially portability--Skil nailed it with this one.

[@tibbar1000]

Did you consider the portable Sawstop that will not cut your fingers off? That feature sort of trumps if everything else is close.

[@myfixituplife]

100%. For the orders of magnitude it costs, the switch sequences that need to work--and that everybody on site using the tool needs to know; and if they work--my preference is just keeping my hand 8-miles from the blade. - That said, I've spoken with the inventor. I've spoken with users. I've been a user. - Even if the safety thing isn't your thing, the inventor is a woodworker (and polymath) and it is an exquisite tool.

[@woodster66]

I have a Rutland, it's brilliant, there's a review on KZbin by a guy, it's a copy of the Dewalt but with a more powerful motor!

[@myfixituplife]

Rutland? As in Vermont? Or as in brand of table saw I need to know about? Talk to me, Goose.

[@ronniewatts9110]

I know that the Bosch is junk... I like the handle/stand design but all the adjustments and movement are plastic and strip out and break after a little use... Also it's hard to clean as the vacuum attachment has a dip where dust can settle and no shielding for any of the components underneath so it's a table saw that dust kills... That doesn't make sense

[@myfixituplife]

The Bosch is a million miles away from junk. We used them when I was presenting at multiple trade shows. They lived half their lives being beaten apart in crates on the backs of semi-tractors and half ripping miles of wood for tradeshow attendees. It's a pioneering tool with fantastic features. And the fresh model I got for this review was plush!

[@manningchiro]

Just curious-- how often do you do your work without riving knife attached??

[@myfixituplife]

Two answers:100% of the time before riving knives made it from commercial table saws to retail table saws. Also 100% of the time they've been on retail table saws. - They don't do much as far as I can tell, but whatever, I leave it on.

[@unityroad]

does it take dado blade set?

[@myfixituplife]

@@unityroad I think so. - Side Note: Get the zero clearance blade plate for every day activity. Couple bucks. All table saws should have them

[@naashawnwattley1796]

How can i recoat the top i find my paint rubbin off essy from ruff lumber

[@myfixituplife]

What?

[@New_Creation7]

Not for me. Light means garbage. They try to flip over when ripping 4x8 sheets. I have 1, my dewalt 8.25" with stand for small stuff. And my rockwell belt driven that weighs ad much as a small mini van. Which i absolutely love.

[@myfixituplife]

Come on, man. Not everybody is you. - I work alone. How am I supposed to manage a Rockwell (that's an old unit) between jobs? Not possible. When I do reviews, I try to think of all the users. By the way, this thing is a full 10-inch tool and has the stand built in.

[@billymurphy3]

Yeah, a contractor saw isn’t a jobsite saw. You’re not gonna haul that from site to site unless you’re a lunatic. You can but unless you have multiple guys good luck with your back moving that Rockwell around. I doubt you meant a Unisaw as well. That’s an even further off comparison. You use two blade sizes as well. He’s only using 10” capable there.

[@joshrandall7204]

Did you remove the splitter and pawls for this video? After posting if you cant for better….

[@myfixituplife]

Do you see the splitter and pawls?

[@scannon90]

No mention of the fence? Isn't that what makes or breaks a table saw?

[@myfixituplife]

It's got a great fence. Rack and pinion style. It's parallel to the blade, too. But lots of nice table saws have that. This one is light, portable, easy to store and plenty powerful too. Great dust chute. - kzbin.infoCN98dR1kY2w

[@NoName_213]

I broke the fence on this saw idk where to get a replacement

[@myfixituplife]

I do. Call Skil. They'll give you a number for their replacement parts partner. You'll have a new fence for just a few bucks in a couple days.

[@bloodgt3]

Dude you got the worm drive sitting there an you pick the little red guy. Here's my opinion I'm a real everyday carpenter , if you want the best storage in a truck bed the 10 inch DeWalt with the simple scissor folding stand, if you want power and dado capabilities and you want the skill saw

[@myfixituplife]

Oh, you're a "real" carpenter. - I'm not sure what you think I am, but here we are. - We've ripped miles on the 10-inch DeWalt. The x-stand for my work is trash compared to the Skil's built-in legs. When we were production building for TV, I designed an outfeed table for the DW. - As for worm drive v sidewinders I see little difference in the work I do. - I appreciate your strong opinion and experience.

[@albywinters]

Everybody seems to becoming Dewalt haters but I love mine

[@myfixituplife]

I don't hate any tool manufacturer. They have such an incredibly hard job, I respect all their efforts. We're all different and have different needs. I try to make my tool reviews both personal and with generalizing elements.

[@kdub11]

DeWalt makes the best portable table saw under $700. Plus they invented the rack n pinion fence. So theirs is better by far

[@azdeh1894]

for $300, the skill wins in value for most@@kdub11

[@brucehansen7949]

$700? I paid $300 like 4 years ago, it's probably $400+ now, maybe you got the stand with it, I made my own that's better. My only complaint about the dewalt portable saw is the aluminum fence, they get bent inward after 10,000 cuts

[@randytidmore8021]

I'll keep my dewalt thank you

[@myfixituplife]

Good saw. Ripped miles on one similar to the Skil, tested others. - The Skil is easily as good--same rack and pinion fence (DeWalt innovation)--and it has the most innovative built-in legs in the class. No stand to fart around with. The thin is grab and go.

[@randytidmore8021]

@@myfixituplife I built a table for mine

[@geraldsteam1056]

Dewalt

[@myfixituplife]

Nice saw. We've had several iterations of DeWalts. I like the smaller tool for my purposes, but the stand is separate and requires extra steps. The built in leg kit on the Skil is just as good as the DeWalt folding X and deploys in no time.

[@shanenagore2667]

Hmmmm………Skil makes a GREAT 10” saw with immense value but the Skilsaw & Dewalt both do everything the Skil does, just w/a little more power, accuracy and sturdiness. Imo

[@myfixituplife]

Also Hmmmm....I appreciate that you think about tools. I've used both worm drive Skilsaw table saws--8 1/4 and 10 1/4. - I don't disagree. It's been a while, but the Skilsaw units are top drawer. The worm gear start is awesome. But the saws are heavy. And there is a stand to consider. The Skil has a great one built in. Stands are coming for the new (same company) Flex corded/cordless table saws.

[@Benzknees]

Is it, by any chance, the one which pays the greatest fee for the Amazon link??

[@myfixituplife]

I can say this with 100% certainty: No.

[@kchernobyl9113]

I got to disagree with this video. I've tried all of those table saws and the skilsaw is by far the best with that 15 amp worm drive it has all the power and can rip a 4X and one pass like butter. I've had one since it was released I have never had to adjust it or clean it, the thing still cuts true.

[@myfixituplife]

I love this. Your perspective is awesome. - I've had both the 10 and the 8 1/4- saws. (Skilsaw and Skil..same ownership)

[@nathan1sixteen]

Buy the sawstop and save your fingers

[@myfixituplife]

I've used a couple of SawStops and I interviewed the designer/then-owner when they were comin to market (the guy is a patent attorney, doctor and woodworker...they built their own offices) and while they are beautiful saws with obvious safety features, they are finicky. A wet piece of treated will set it off. There is a bypass mode we couldn't get to work during our test and the portable unit isn't very portable. It's also expensive. I've used the "keep your hand away from the blade" technique for a minute now and will stay with it, thanks.

[@nathan1sixteen]

@@myfixituplife the “keep your hand away from the blade” only requires a momentary lapse of attention/judgement for you to touch the blade. It’s like saying “I won’t wear my seatbelt because sometimes they lock up. I’ll stick to just not being in accidents”. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.

[@jdub_fishing]

Where's the Delta?

[@myfixituplife]

I wasn't the Managing Editor on this. I tested what the brands sent. Also, Delta is primarily stationary shop tools. Not good for the truck or driveway.

[@steveho9884]

I choose Ridgid better than skil more power work electric brake

[@myfixituplife]

You've tried the ew Skil? Skil has an electric brake too. Works most of the time.

[@jerseyjim9092]

I wanted the 10 inch dewalt but after thinking it over, comparing weight and price, I went with the Skil. Half the weight and less than half the price and will likely handle whatever I throw at it as a diyer.

[@myfixituplife]

Good call. I've been using mine professionally for at least a year and it delivers. I *highly* recommend swapping out the included blade for a Spyder or similar. Well worth the price in improved performance. I'm using an Irwin--came in a 2-pack from Lowes--and I can't measure it, but I swear there is something different--better--about this blade. Good luck with the saw. Check out our video about how to rip a long board.

[@jerseyjim9092]

​@@myfixituplifeThanks, I've seen others comment about the included blade. I'll definitely swap that out. Good to know it's performed well for you.

[@myfixituplife]

10-4. @@jerseyjim9092

[@themechanic2938]

I think that hear that skilsaw crying on that peice of popular

[@myfixituplife]

I've ripped miles of lumber on that thing. It's a beast.

[@scotttheroux1538]

Hitachi by far

[@myfixituplife]

Tried the Hitachi several times.

[@spilleradam]

I have the Dewalt , I don’t think the skill is that good.

[@myfixituplife]

I've run two DeWalts in tool tests and both units--different than each other by a lot--are good and serve different needs. However, the smaller DeWalt still needs a stand. The bigger DeWalt has one built in and weighs a metric ton. Skil's saw operates commensurate to the smaller DW and has a built-in le system.

[@EmilyTienne]

No hearing protection is not cool.

[@myfixituplife]

It’s not about being cool or macho or whatever. It’s about practicality. - I could wear ear muffs all day. Fine in winter, for example, but it was 100 here today. - I can wear ear plugs with strings that get snagged on stuff and give me a headache that is super distracting. or, I could pick my battles. - This is a loud business. - That said, the very best ear protection I’ve found-that I can wear for hours-are these things called HearOz. I got them at Lowes.

[@EmilyTienne]

@@myfixituplife I know two retired guys who were “practical” their whole lives operating chain saws and pneumatic nailers and one suffers from suicidal depression because he’s 90 percent deaf. He can’t even answer the damn phone to talk to his kids. The other guy is not as bad, but you literally have to shout at him for him to hear you. He has maddening ringing in his ears that interferes with his sleep. I love my power tools, but I ALWAYS WEAR MY PPE. And I believe in setting a good example. I will check out HearOz, and maybe buy this product.

[@myfixituplife]

@@EmilyTienne My guess is that they weren’t “practical” and that they didn’t listen to their bodies and that they came up in a culture of tough guys-and BEFORE a culture and supply chain of PPE. - I knew a WW2 vet deaf as ballz who was a belly gunner on a flying fortress. PPE didn’t exist. - Nail guns aren’t that loud. And I’m not a psychologist, but there is more than a loud workplace happening here, in my opinion. I’m also sorry they are suffering. - For the record, I operate chainsaws and other equipment, too. The tractor is 100% ear protection.

[@kdub11]

Of course this dork would like the skil. The big DeWalt is the best out of what he had shown. Period

[@myfixituplife]

Hey, Conan -The DeWalt is a fine saw. Carry it 100 yards--alone--and then tell me how great it is. Truck storage, too. I'll wait.

[@brianwebb9121]

I concur. And the big dewalt is on a cart with wheels so it is portable. I have one. AND it is waaaay better quality. If a contractor shows up with any Skil tool I no he has no Skills. 😂😂😂😂

[@timheywood4813]

I've watched a few videos of this guy and he's definitely not a pro

[@myfixituplife]

I'm not? What's your criteria?

[@robertwohld850]

Wow worse table saw ever. I own this table saw and for one the rip fence is warped and not at perfect 90 degree angle don't even bother saying buy a new fence tried it dont work stay away from this saw its horrible

[@myfixituplife]

Yo. I get it. I review a lot of tools and I get a lot of first runs. And as I get into it, I find stuff that doesn't work and ask for a next run tool. - Generally speaking, though, my fence is dialed and his saw goes.

[@abubakar8487]

Don't trust him.

[@myfixituplife]

Why? I’ve been reviewing tools and building for some 25-years. Let’s hear it. Where you comin’ from?

[@mariust6769]

The skill is light because the motor is shit.

[@myfixituplife]

And how do you know this? Besides the mile of material I’ve run through it, I have to disagree.

[@jufro19]

I agreed..you can see in this video hoe slow the speed goes..I can hardly cut 3/4 inch straig disc goes zig zag..I'm gonna return it tomorrow

[@myfixituplife]

@@jufro19 I've ripped about a mile of lumber on mine. Just this week running a shiplap ceiling, I plowed through 5/8 and 1-by with no issues whatsoever. Easily as powerful as the other saws in the test.

[@brucehansen7949]

Skil makes junk, don't lie. I've got like 30 miles ripping thru my dewalt table saw, she's a champion not 1 component has broken on it in 4 years, only complaint is the light weight cheap fence which is still better than skils fence

[@jufro19]

Is pure garbage all plastic when I try to cut lenght the disc dance and does zig zag

[@myfixituplife]

Are we talking about the same saw? Mine has an aluminum deck, open metal body. The throat plate, which I like because it doesn't fall out in the truck, is plastic and mine definitely wore out.