The jigsaw is one of the most versatile power saws that you can have due to the variety of cuts that they can make. With one of the best jigsaws, you can make everything from long straight cuts to beveled and curved, from the wood of varying thickness and density to plastic, steel, fiberglass, ceramic tiles, drywall, and more; as long as you have the right blade on your saw.

When it comes to portable power tools, jigsaws are the only tool that can effectively cut curves. This makes them a must-have for any woodworker who wants to get the job done faster than with a hand-held coping saw. Plus, you might think you need a table saw or miter saw to make bevel cuts, but the fact that most today’s jigsaws can be angled up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts.

Simply put, with a jigsaw, you can basically cut anywhere, in any direction, and on almost any materials you have. If you’re looking to buy a jigsaw, here are our top picks of the best jigsaws on the market we think you should buy.

First Look – Our Picks

• Best Cordless Jigsaw Overall: DEWALT DCS331B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Jig Saw
• Best Compact Cordless: Bosch JS120BN 12-Volt Max Cordless Jig Saw
• Most Powerful Cordless: Makita XVJ02Z 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Jig Saw
• Best Cheap Cordless: Porter-Cable PCC650B 20-Volt Cordless Jigsaw
• Best Corded Jigsaw Overall: Bosch JS572EBK 7.2 Amp Barrel-Grip Jigsaw
• Best Professional: Festool 561593 Carvex PS 420EBQ Jigsaw
• Best under $100: DEWALT DW317K 5.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw
• Best Cheap: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5-Amp Jig Saw

Best Jig Saws – Reviews & Comparison

Best Cordless Jigsaws

Jigsaws are a powerful tool to have in your workshop or your tool bag on the job site. Especially when the jigsaw is cordless and you have the freedom to do what you wish and not be tied down with a cord.

Cordless jigsaws are a flexible tool that allows for quick cuts to break down material, coping cuts, circular, convex, and concave cuts, and much more! With a variety of brands, styles, and battery platforms, picking the right cordless jigsaw can be a tricky decision. These are our top picks and reviews of the best cordless jigsaws available on the market for people to buy.

1. Best Overall: DEWALT DCS331 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Jigsaw

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The DEWALT DCS331 20V Cordless Jigsaw is the best jigsaw on the market when it comes to the combination of performance, durability, ergonomics and comfort, and price. This jigsaw has been on the market since 2012 (and Dewalt has released an upgrade – the DCS334 cordless Jigsaw with brushless motor), but it’s still the gold standard for cordless jigsaws and is the tool of choice for contractors who require long run time, powerful applications and lightweight tools.

The DEWALT DCS331 offers a jigsaw with all the power you need on the toughest jobs with the 20V Max battery platform that lasts longer and charges quickly. We tested this cordless jigsaw cutting a variety of materials including plywood, poplar trim, birch stair parts and other various trim materials. In each situation, the DCS331 provided plenty of power and never showed signs of fatigue.

The most impressive thing about this cordless jigsaw is probably the runtime. This jigsaw comes equipped with a 3.0Ah/20-Volt Li-ion battery that has LED fuel gauge indicator lights. You can use the saw all day on just a single charge. With the LED fuel gauge indicator lights, you can quickly find out how much run time is left on the battery. Best of all, this jigsaw will work with all the 20V batteries from Dewalt.

The Dewalt DCS331 outperforms other best cordless jigsaws on the market not only because of its superior performance and extended runtime, but also because of its super handy design with features such as keyless blade change. The keyless blade change lever, which is all metal, works very well and allows you to change the blade very fast and simple.

Featuring 4-position orbital action for control of both cut quality and cut speed, this Dewalt jigsaw also has an adjustable blower to keep the line of cut clear of chips and debris for more accurate cuts. Engineered to accept T-shank blades, the saw features an all-metal keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 Degree, 15 Degree, 30 Degree and 45 Degree which are the most common angles used by professionals.

Although many parts are made of metal, the saw is very comfortable to use due to its fine balance and weight. Many jigsaws are too light in weight that makes them vibrate throughout the cut. This saw has very little vibration and walks smooth through both metal and wood.

Overall, the DEWALT DCS331 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Jigsaw is a heavy-duty, powerful cordless jigsaw. It’s one of the best jigsaws available that not only you but most professional woodworkers and contractors want to have in the toolbox.

Is the new DEWALT DCS334 XR Brushless Jigsaw worth an upgrade?

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For those of you wondering, the XR stands for “extended runtime,” and is designed to deliver advanced electronics, extended run-time and faster application speeds for extreme performance. Compared to the DCS331 model, the new DEWALT DCS334 XR Brushless Jigsaw is smaller, lighter, faster, has a lowered motor position, and improved the blade clamp. And with a brushless motor, it is also quieter, more powerful and much smoother to operate.

After using both saws it’s obvious to us, that the new DCS334 will provide even more power, more accuracy, more runtime, and less vibration. It also comes with a bight LED light that was missed in the DCS331 model for more precise cuts and better control. But the DEWALT DCS334 XR Brushless Jigsaw is more expensive, of course.

2. Best Compact: Bosch JS120BN 12-Volt Max Cordless Jigsaw

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Bosch makes some of the best jigsaws on the market, and the Bosch JS120BN 12-Volt Max Cordless Jigsaw is one of their most popular cordless jigsaws.

This saw has a barrel grip design that is very easy to handle and control through complex cuts. Like many jigsaws, this Bosch cordless jigsaw also has an adjustable orbital action to allow for precise or more aggressive cuts. With such a light tool, the JS120 has a great cut capacity at 2-3/4″ in Wood and 3/ 8 inches in Steel with solid power and very little vibration. Its counterbalanced plunge mechanism delivers smooth blade strokes.

Bosch equipped this cordless jigsaw with its industry-leading Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) and Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) technology to prevent motor overload and battery overheating. The JS120 also has T-shank blades allow tool-free swaps (does not accept U-shank blades), and a multi-directional clamp holds the blade securely while you work, as well as an LED light that lights the cutting surface.

The saw features a variable-speed motor that supplies 1,500 to 2,800 strokes per minute. It has three blade motion settings that handle a variety of cutting jobs, including making bevel cuts at angles of up to 45 degrees. The tool’s die-cast aluminum footplate and no-mar plastic overshoe slide smoothly and protect your materials.

With such handy features plus an ergonomic barrel grip design and a compact size (just 9.4 inches long and only 3.0 Lbs), the Bosch JS120BN Cordless Jigsaw is one of the best jigsaws to handle the cuts in tight spaces or for more finesse cuts. If you are a contractor or cabinet installer that is in tight spaces from time to time, a jigsaw with barrel grip design is extremely comfortable for those tasks.

But Bosch also offers the 18-Volt cordless jigsaw – the Bosch JSH180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw.

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The obvious difference between these two Bosch jigsaws is the difference in the battery platform. The larger JSH180B is 18-volt while the smaller JS120BN is 12-volt. This is a pretty significant difference.

The 18-volt jigsaw will have longer run-time, more power, but comes in a larger more heavy unit. While the 12-volt jigsaw will provide a shorter run-time, less power, it is being delivered in a smaller, more compact size. The 18-volt unit will be much more suited to heavy-duty applications such as thicker material, metal, larger cutting jobs, etc.

While the 12-volt unit will be perfect for the smaller applications that require more finesse such as cabinet cut-outs, getting in tight corners, etc.

The 12-volt jigsaw has the barrel style grip, which is great for the more finesse cuts and also being upside down. The 18-volt jigsaw has a traditional jigsaw style grip, which allows the user excellent control and allows him/her to apply downward and forward pressure to complete the cut with comfort.

In conclusion, these two Bosch cordless jigsaws are quality, compact jigsaws. Both are definitely the best jigsaws you can buy. The larger 18-volt unit is best for people that complete these heavier tasks more often. The smaller 12-volt unit is best for more precise work or working in a tight space, or for doing DIY projects around the house.

3. Most Powerful Cordless: Makita XVJ02Z 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Jig Saw

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One of the most powerful cordless jigsaws money can buy is the Makita XVJ02Z 18-Volt LXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw. Featuring a brushless motor with the variable 6-speed control dial (800-3,500 SPM), this saw delivers plenty of power for tough jobs. We can tell that this cordless jigsaw is as powerful as most corded jigsaws available on the market. Some corded units may have a little more power, but with this cordless unit you have enough power for the toughest jobs without having a cord in the way.

With a powerful brushless motor and 3 orbital settings plus straight cutting, the XVJ02Z has a great cut capacity at 5-5/16 in. for Wood and 3/8 in. for steel. The brushless motor is designed to remove carbon brushes from the motor, allowing the saw to run cooler and use less energy.

Makita 18-volt LXT Li-ion battery platform is engineered to deliver consistent power and run time in extreme temperatures, even in winter (-4°F/-20°C). It also features Makita’s advanced charging technology, and each battery has sixteen contact terminals to maintain a constant connection with the tool to help prevent power loss or fluctuation, even during high-vibration applications.

Other convenience features include a tool-less blade change system that allows for faster blade installation and removal, a large 2-finger variable speed trigger with lock-on button. The design is highly durable, with a machined aluminum base and dual-frontal LEDs to illuminate your work area.

Overall, the Makita XVJ02Z 18-Volt LXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw is the best jigsaw for those looking for a powerful jigsaw with the convenience of cordless power. Of all the cordless jigsaws we’ve reviewed, this is the most powerful unit.

4. Best Cheap: Porter-Cable PCC650B 20-Volt Cordless Jigsaw

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One of the cheapest cordless jigsaws you can buy is the Porter-Cable PCC650B 20-Volt Cordless Jigsaw. This saw features 3 orbital settings which can easily adjust the cut aggressiveness across a wide range of applications. It also features a variable speed trigger which provides control for clean and accurate cuts. The integrated dust blower clears debris for better viability. It also has a tool-free blade release that allows for quick and easy blade changes, along with a beveling shoe that provides the ability to cut 0 to 45-degree bevel cuts.

This Porter-Cable jigsaw has all the features that we expected from the best jigsaw, but at a half the price. The fact that this unit is the weakest cordless jigsaw in the list. With a maximum speed of 2,500 strokes per minute, it’s best suited for light-duty applications like remodeling your house or outdoor area.

If you’re a woodworking hobbyist, or weekend DIYer, this is a great tool. It is quite powerful for a battery powered jigsaw, and a charged battery lasts plenty long enough, assuming normal kinds of usage. It is also lightweight, well balanced and easy to control. And for the price under $100, this is the best cordless jigsaw you can buy.

Cordless Jigsaws Comparison Table

Best Corded Jigsaws

A huge plus to a cordless jig saw is there isn’t a cord to get in the way. But a negative is the run time and they tend to be heavier than a corded jig saw. A corded jig saw tend to have more power and a slimmer body than a cordless. If you’re looking for a corded jig saw, these are our top picks of the best corded jigsaws available that we think are worth your money.

1. Best Overall: Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jigsaw

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When it comes to corded jigsaws, Bosch jigsaws are the best on the market. The new Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jigsaw is an update of the popular JS470EB Jigsaw – which was rated as the best jigsaw on the market for many years. The new JS572EBK took all the great features of the JS470EB and added some additional great features and improved on others for a jigsaw that’s hard to compare to others.

The new Precision Control II Double-Roller System is at the heart of the redesign. Adding an additional roller and placing it as close to the workpiece as possible they’ve been able to add much more lateral stability to the blade. The result is the ability to cut tight curves while maintaining a perpendicular cut face. Sounds easy but this is one of the things that most jigsaws struggle with. Thanks to this innovative system, the Bosch JS572EBK has the highest cut accuracy in its class.

Video: How Bosch’s Precision Control System Works

Bosch didn’t skimp on power with the JS572EBK – its 7.2 amp motor makes it one of the most powerful barrel-grip style jigsaws. Yet despite its heavy-hitting motor, Bosch has trimmed and toned it in other areas to make it one of the lighter jigsaws in their lineup, weighing only 4.9 lbs. The aluminum gearbox and magnesium footplate are part of that lightweight formula, yet sacrifice nothing in terms of strength.

Having a LED light on a jigsaw isn’t new, but Bosch really ramped things up with a very simple, yet innovative feature. The Bosch JS572EBK jigsaw includes a switch that allows you to turn the LED on or off, regardless of whether the motor or trigger are engaged. While this may sound like a minor detail, we think it’s incredibly innovative and we’d love to see it used on other power tools!

Overall, we tested and reviewed many Bosch power tools and every time we appreciated their robust quality and durability. The Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jig Saw is a top quality power tool that offers precision and power for any task from residential to commercial construction. This is one of the best jigsaws on the market and it’s is well worth your consideration.

2. Best Professional: Festool 561593 Carvex PS 420EBQ Jigsaw

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When it comes to corded jigsaws, the only other jigsaw that is on a par with the Bosch jigsaw in terms of quality is the Festool 561593 Carvex PS 420 EBQ Jigsaw. This is the newest jigsaw in the Festool jigsaw lineup to date with a new blade guide system and more powerful motor than the older model. With max speed up to 3800 strokes per minute, the Carvex PS 420 EBQ is the most powerful unit of all the jigsaws we reviewed.

Everything on the Festool Carvex 420 EBQ Jigsaw seems to be designed specifically for professional woodworkers and cabinet makers. The low-profile of this unit is built with Festool’s advanced motor technology to provide control and comfortable use with very little vibration. The saw feels solid and is easy to maneuver around.

We’re so familiar to using a jigsaw with a variable speed trigger. With the Carvex jigsaw, you just push a button forward that is located on the front of the tool and it is on. Designed for the lefty or righty. There is a separate dial to control the speed. For those who hate dragging around an extension cord or fighting with a short cord, the Festool comes with a nice long cord to eliminate this problem. The cord can also be flipped up 90 degrees for greater clearance in tight spots.

As you would expect with Festool’s power tools, the Carvex PS 420 EBQ Jigsaw does have a dust collection port and works great with their vacuum or other popular shop vacuums. If you’re a woodworking shop owner and are seeking for a jigsaw with the most efficient dust collection system, this might be the best jigsaw you can buy.

Finally, the Festool Carvex PS 420 EBQ Jigsaw has a brushless motor. The motor produces a speed of 1500-3,800 SPM and uses a T-Shank blade. As being said, this is the most powerful jig saw we’ve reviewed. The blade guidance system let you insert and reject the blade very easy and fast.

The blade can be guided in three ways with a new lower guide that can be adjusted to ‘kiss’ the blade. A powerful hammer guide contained within the body of the machine ensures accuracy. Combined with a choice of four pendulum stroke actions and speed selection, and 4 high intensity LED lights to help light up your work area, you can be assured of smooth, precise cutting action, designed to work hard in a range of materials with the right choice of blade.

Overall, the Festool 561593 Carvex PS 420 EBQ Jigsaw is on the expensive side. But it’s a great tool to have in your tool box. It’s a top quality jigsaw with a powerful cutting stroke which is driven from the newest Festool brushless motor, it is also compact in design and one of the lightest on the market at only 4.2 pounds.

3. Best under $100: DEWALT DW317K 5.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw

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For the price under $100, the DEWALT DW317K 5.5 Amp Top Handle Jig Saw is the best jigsaw you can buy. Durable, user-friendly, compact, and quick saw is what we call this one. This is a great tool that offers enough power to cut through hard materials from thin-gauge metals to plastics to hardwoods. It is ideal for any task from DIY projects to construction sites. If you’re in the market for an affordable corded jigsaw this one should be on your short list!

The DEWALT DW317K comes with a 5.5 Amp motor. Its newer upgrade is the DW331K jigsaw with a 6.5 Amp motor which provides more power to cut through harder materials.

The DW317K has an all-metal gear housing stands up to abuse on the toughest job sites. An intuitive, keyless blade change means less downtime and more productivity. Four-position orbital action and variable speeds from 0 to 3,100 strokes per minute make it easy to adjust the tool’s speed and performance to a wide variety of sawing tasks.

Small but strong, this Dewalt jig saw is a workhorse with convenient features you will not be disappointed. This is one of the best jigsaws on the market that offers powerful power, great control, and easy blade replacement. And for its reasonable price, this saw offers an excellent value.

4. Best Cheap: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5-Amp Jig Saw

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One of the most economical corded jigsaws on the market is the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5-Amp Jig Saw. This saw features Curve Control technology, allowing you to adjust the saw’s Orbit in 1 of 4 customized settings to help complete your specific project.

The 5 Amp variable-speed motor generates up to 3,000 SPM of cutting power. The adjustment shoe is adjustable and can make bevel cuts of 22.5 to 45 degrees both left and right. You’ll see that the shoe is made from heavy gauge metal, which is nice. No tools are needed to install the blades. You can use either U or T shanks with the saw.

We’ve found this cheap jigsaw offers pretty accurate cuts and precise control, especially at low speeds for wood cutting. It’s very easy to make curved cuts as this saw features curve control. The overall quality is very good and we think it’s really great for the price. So if there is no reason for you to spend a bunch more money on a top quality jigsaw because you only do some simple DIY projects weekend or build things just for fun, this Black+Decker is the best jigsaw for you.

Corded Jigsaws Comparison Table

Best Jigsaw Buying Guide

Features to Look For When Buying A Jigsaw

Corded vs. Cordless Jigsaw

Most manufacturers now offer cordless jigsaws. Although historically these tools are not nearly as powerful as their corded counterparts, recent improvements in battery technology have reduced the gap. The best cordless jigsaws now are powerful enough to do most tough jobs, whether it’s on the jobsite or in the workshop.

However, if you are a professional woodworker and are buying a jigsaw for daily use, in your workshop, then the best jigsaw for you is still a corded unit, as it will handle all stock and all cutting duties with ease. As being said, a huge negative to a cordless jigsaw is runtime and they tend to be heavier than a corded jigsaw. A corded jigsaw also tends to have more power and a slimmer body than a cordless.

We prefer the cordless jigsaw for quick cuts and don’t have to worry about finding an extension cord to plug into. Cordless jigsaws are extremely versatile tools. There’s also a danger of the cord getting cut with this tool. When working on a profile on a long board, the cord of a corded jigsaw could be stretched to its limit, ruining the profile.

Variable Speeds

Most jigsaws will feature variable speeds. While this isn’t always necessary when woodworking, it is especially useful if the jigsaw is used to cut metals, where slower speeds make for better cutting. Slower speeds can also be helpful when making intricate curved cuts. Although it may not be used often, variable speed is a feature that is well worth the extra cost for most people.

Orbital Action

Orbital action refers to the blade action. A standard action jigsaw moves the blade up and down in a straight line. An orbital action jigsaw will allow the user to press a switch and the blade will not only move up and down, but front to back as well. This will cut through wood a lot faster and smoother than just the up and down motion.

Depth of Cut

Most jigsaws will cut up to 2 inches of depth in woodworking applications, and approximately 1/2 inch on metal. Some jigsaws may feature a slightly deeper cut, but this isn’t necessarily desirable on a jigsaw, as the deeper the action, the better the chance of the blade bending and breaking.

Jigsaw Blades

You can have the best jigsaw money can buy, but if you don’t have the right blade you might as well try cutting the material with a butter knife. The blade does all the cutting and therefore knowing what blade to use for what material you are cutting is very important.

• Wood: For cutting through thick woods, choose a jigsaw blade with large, sharp teeth that are widely spaced. To make finer cuts, look for a blade with smaller teeth that are closer together.
• Plastic: When cutting plastic, look for a multipurpose blade labeled for plastic cutting. This blade will allow you to cut through the material without melting or chipping the material.
• Metal: To cut through a tough material like metal, choose a bi-metal jigsaw blade labeled for metal cutting. This will provide the necessary strength. Also look for a blade with precision-ground teeth that are spaced tightly together.

We’d recommend Bosch blades. They are the best jigsaw blades in the industry. Dewalt’s jigsaw blades are also a good choice.

Blade Changing

Look for a jigsaw that has a tool-free blade changing system. Some models require the user to use a tool to change the blade, but this can become a hassle. Most jig saws have a tool-free blade changing system that will hold the blade in the arm no matter how much pressure you put on the tool when using it. Of all the jigsaws we’ve used, the DEWALT DCS331 20-Volt Cordless Jigsaw has the best blade changing system. It’s very quick, easy and secure.

Adjustable Shoe

Most jigsaws have adjustable shoes that allow you to angle the saw for bevel cuts, but the best jigsaws will have preset stops at the common angles, such as 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. Avoid a jigsaw with a stamped aluminum shoe; better jigsaws have cast steel bases.

Laser Guide Line

Some recent jigsaw models come with a laser guideline that casts a thin red cutting line out from the front of the saw, similar to the laser lines often found on modern circular saws. This can be a helpful feature for maintaining a straight cutting line with a jigsaw, which is naturally prone to twisting as you try to follow a straight line.

Additional Features

• Dual-bevel capability allows angled cuts in either direction without flipping the workpiece.
• Anti-vibration features reduce wear on your hands and enhance precision.
• Dust collection ports clean sawdust as you go, and dust blowers clear away sawdust so you can see the cut line more easily.
• Built-in lights enhance visibility without work lights.

Conclusion

Choosing the best jigsaw or cordless jigsaw is not difficult. Always take into consideration the above factors before buying a jig saw. You should aim to buy a product that meet your project or task requirement and most importantly is the safety aspect of the tool. We hope our jig saw reviews and buying guide will help you find the right jigsaw that you’ll love to work with.

The post The Best Jigsaws To Quickly Cut Wood & Metal appeared first on Green Living Blog.

In fact, a shop vac can be used for right about any cleaning task – it can pick up small to large amounts of debris, pick up nails and screws and other pieces of debris which would destroy conventional vacuum cleaners, clean up wet spills, vacuum up water in the basement, inflate mattresses and pool toys, retrieve items from a sink or even unclog a pipe, it can clean out your fireplace or wood stove and remove snow from pathways. Once you have a shop vac you can never live without one again.

When you go shopping for a shop vac you will find you have a wide selection both in size and power. Choosing the best wet-dry vacuum is no easy feat. Our list of the best shop vacs is designed to help you narrow down your choice and make choosing the perfect shop vac a breeze.

First Look – The Best Wet/Dry Shop Vacs To Buy

• Best Overall: Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum at Amazon – “The best combination of suction power, durability, portability, and price. For its reasonable price, this shop vac offers excellent value.”
• Best Small: Shop-Vac 2.5HP All Around EZ Wet/Dry Shop Vac at Amazon – “The power of a full-size shop vac with the convenience of a handheld model. This small shop vac is designed for household use with a quiet operating motor.”
• Best Portable: DEWALT DCV581H Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum at Amazon – “Lightweight and compact, and can operate on either a rechargeable battery or 120V AC power. It will give you the incredibly convenience that no one can.”
• Best for Car Cleaning: Shop-Vac 2021000 Micro Shop Vac at Amazon – “Just the right size and suction power for everyday car cleaning. Or you can use it for any quick clean up job in your home or workshop.”
• Best Quiet: DEWALT DXV10P 10 Gallon Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum at Amazon – “Featuring exclusive Dewalt’s quiet technology, this unit is much quieter than most full-size shop vacs, up to 50% quieter.”
• Best for Jobsite: Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon 6-Horsepower Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon – “Powerful enough to tackle the toughest cleanup projects at the jobsite, is able to pick up large pieces of mulch in one pass. This vacuum comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty.”
• Best for Woodworking: Craftsman 17595 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Heavy-Duty Shop Vac at Amazon – “The most powerful shop vac we’ve reviewed, sucks up wood chunks, sawdust, metal shards, big nails and more without a problem.”
• Best for Car Detailing: Ridgid WD4070 4 Gallon Portable Shop Vacuum at Amazon – “Car detailers love it. It is 3 times stronger than shop vacs its size. Its lightweight, small size and large carry handle provide comfortable portability.”
• Best Wall Mount: Bissell Garage Pro Wet Dry Shop Vacuum at Amazon – “This affordable wall mount shop vac will give you more floor space in your garage. It has a super long hose up to 32 foot.”
• Best Cordless: Milwaukee M18 2 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon – “This cordless shop vac is designed to be extremely portable with a long lasting battery. It provides optimal ergonomics and easy access to accessories.”

Best Overall Shop Vac

1. Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum – 12 Gal

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The Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is our pick as the best shop vac for most people. This is a large and versatile shop vac that can work as a stand-alone leaf blower. It’s designed for big jobs in your workshop or on the job site, but it can handle small messes around the house as well. This is also a quiet shop vac when compared to other shop vacs on the market.

All of these factors make this shop vac one of the best we’ve reviewed. But that’s not all, the best part of the Vacmaster VBV1210 is its price point. This shop vac is very sturdy and well-made and can deliver serious suction power for your most rugged vacuum job, but it has a very reasonable price for its awesome overall quality. It also has enough attachments to get just about any job done. That’s probably why this shop vac is not only one of the best-rated shop vacs on the market today, but also one of the most popular.

The Vacmaster VBV1210 wet-dry shop vac features a rugged 12 gallon polypropylene tank, onboard accessory storage, an extra large drain for fast emptying and 11 accessories that will be useful for most vacuum and blower applications (7 Ft. x 2-1/2 In. Hose, 2 Extension Wands, Cartridge Filter, Reusable Foam Sleeve Filter, Car Nozzle, Crevice tool, 8 In. Utility Nozzle, Blower Nozzle, Air/Noise Diffuser, Blower Adapter.)

The motor of this shop vac, at its peak, reaches 5 horsepower. For most vacuum jobs around the house or shop, 5 peak HP is more than enough. While it isn’t the largest or most powerful shop vac in the lineup, it is able to suck up 2 gallons of liquid in just 3.9 seconds – faster than many shop vacs its size. The motor can also convert to a 210 MPH blower by pushing a quick release button.

You can use this shop vac as an alternative to your basement sump pump to get water out of your basement if it’s flooded. But this shop vac is not designed to pump water out after sucking them in, if you need a shop vac with built-in water pump, consider the Shop-Vac 9604610 6.5 Peak HP Wet Dry Vacuum.

Overall, the Vacmaster VBV1210 Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is the best shop vac in our list because it offers the most well-balanced combination of suction power, durability, portability, and price. For its reasonable price, this shop vac offers excellent value. This is a versatile shop vac that can be used to clean up a variety of messes at home, the workshop and elsewhere. It’s big, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t portable. With four 360-degree casters, it offers convenient mobility so you can take it to clean wherever the mess is located.

Best Small Shop Vac

2. Shop-Vac All Around EZ Wet/Dry Shop Vac (2.5HP, 2.5 gallons)

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The Shop-Vac 2.5HP All Around EZ Wet/Dry Shop Vac has the power of a full-size shop vac with the convenience of a handheld model. This small shop vac is designed for household use with a quiet operating motor, making it a perfect choice for cleaning carpets, stairs, kitchens, blinds, ceiling fans, workshops, cars, or anywhere you have a wet or dry mess. It can also be used to clear clogs from sinks and tubs. Attach the hose to the rear blower port to blow leaves off the porch or dirt out from under appliances.

The Shop-Vac 2.5HP All Around EZ is our pick as the best small shop vac, and for good reasons. This shop vac is very lightweight and portable and comes with easy roll casters and top carry handle. You can lift it up easily by one hand and carry around for quick cleanup. When not in use, you can hang it on the wall to save space.

This small shop vac comes with eight attachments, including a crevice tool that makes it easier to clean out your car when it’s sitting in your garage. It also comes with a 1-1/4 inch diameter accessory assortment containing a 7-foot hose with long extension end, two extension wands, dual surface nozzle, gulper nozzle, round brush and floor nozzle with settings for bare or carpeted floors.

Overall, the Shop-Vac 2.5HP All Around EZ is one of the best shop vacs to buy if you’re looking for a small wet-dry vacuum to use around your home. Although it’s only 2.5 peak HP, it’s still able to handle most dirt, water, and heavy debris. It rolls around easily and has a very long 18-foot power cord so you don’t have to buy an extension cord to use it.

Best Portable Shop Vac

3. DEWALT DCV581H Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum

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While large, or full-size, shop vacs are extremely useful on the job site and in the woodworking shop, a portable shop vac is just the thing for a trim carpenter or homeowner. Being able to run off both a rechargeable battery and AC outlet, the DEWALT DCV581H Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum is the best portable shop vac available that will give you the convenience that no one can.

This corded/cordless shop vac comes with a 2-gallon tank. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact. This makes it be able to use just about anywhere, around the shop or garage or on the jobsite, no matter there is an AC outlet or not.

This portable shop vac will work with any 18V or 20V MAX battery from Dewalt. It lasts for about 30 minutes continuously on a standard 20V 5Ah battery. You can get up to 45 mins on a FlexVolt 6Ah battery. A typical work day will not require you to run 30 minutes of cleaning up.

The best part is this portable shop vac can run on the same 18V and 20V MAX batteries that you use with other DeWalt cordless tools, such as cordless drills, finish nailers, brad nailers, impact wrenches, or miter saws. The suction power is more on the 20V MAX system. We tested this shop vac using a 20/60v 9Ah Flexvolt battery and it worked just fine, though Dewalt didn’t verify this.

This Dewalt vacuum is the best shop vac to buy when it comes to portability. It produces 52-in of water lift and 140-CFM of suction power – enough to clean up typical debris such as wood shaving, sawdust, and drywall dust or water from toilet basins and pipes. It is also small enough to work around the table saw for cleaning up dust in, on, and around the saw.

The vacuum features HEPA-rated reusable wet/dry filter traps dust with 99.97% efficiency and can be easily cleaned by tapping or rinsing with water. The hose measures 5 feet in length and 1-1/4 inches in diameter, giving enough room for large debris. Built-in storage allows you to organize a variety of cleaning accessories, including crevice and wide nozzle tool attachments.

In brief, wet dry shop vacs come in a range of shapes and sizes. And there are many more powerful shop vacs to choose from. But no one offers usefulness and convenience like the DEWALT DCV581H Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum does. This is the best shop vac to purchase if portability is what you’re looking for.

Best Shop Vac for Car Cleaning

4. Shop-Vac 2021000 Micro Shop Vac

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The smallest shop vac in our list is the Shop-Vac 2021000 Micro Shop Vac. This unit features a 1 horsepower motor with a 1-gallon tank, making it lightweight and extremely portable. This is perfect for cleaning your car interior, or any quick clean up job in your home or workshop.

The Shop-Vac 2021000 Micro comes with a 6-foot power cord with convenient cord wrap. It has a 1-1/4 inch diameter accessory assortment containing a 4-foot hose, gulper nozzle, and crevice tool. The included foam sleeve and disposable filter bag provide the proper filtration for wet and dry pick up. You can use the wall mounting bracket and wall mount tool holder to store the vacuum out of the way when not in use.

Best Quiet Shop Vac

5. DEWALT DXV10P 10 Gallon Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum

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You want a quiet shop vac, this is the best shop vac for you. The DEWALT DXV10P 10 Gallon Quiet Poly Wet Dry Vacuum features Dewalt’s exclusive quiet technology with a dual-stage motor, making it one of the quietest shop vacs we’ve reviewed.

Compared to most wet-dry shop vacuums its size, this Dewalt shop vacuum is much quieter, with the decibel rating is approximately 73dB, while most produce more than 85dB. For example, our top pick the Vacmaster VBV1210 12-Gallon Shop Vac, is considered as a pretty quiet shop vac, has a decibel rating at 80 to 82 dB.

Having that said, you can not expect a wet dry shop vac is as quiet as a typical home vacuum cleaner, like a high-end Miele canister vacuum, but at under 73 decibels, the DEWALT DXV10P is up to 50% quieter than most shop vacuums we’ve reviewed. You’ll definitely be impressed with how quiet it is.

Not only quiet, the DEWALT DXV10P is also very powerful. Its 5.5 peak horsepower motor provides just the amount of suction needed to most cleanup jobs. It has a strong handle for easy carrying, large on/off switch with water-resistant design for safe and quick access, convenient, built-in 20 ft. power cord and accessory bag to get all your accessories/tools organized. Swiveling casters provide ease of movement in any direction while a built-in tank drain makes draining easy.

Best Shop Vac for Jobsite

6. Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon 6-Horsepower Wet/Dry Vacuum

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This Ridgid WD1450 14-Gallon 6-Horsepower Wet/Dry Vacuum is a powerful shop vac designed to tackle the toughest cleanup projects at the jobsite. Of the shop vacs we reviewed, the Ridgid WD1450 offers the most well-balanced combination of the rugged construction, powerful suction power, and large capacity tank. Its 6 HP can pick up large pieces of mulch in one pass, and the vacuum is able to suck up 2 gallons of water in 3.8 seconds – quicker than most shop vacs of its size.

But these factors are not enough to make this unit the best jobsite shop vac in our lineup. Everything in this shop vac seems to be designed specifically to serve you on the jobsite.

A compact design makes it easy to move around. The 360-degree wheels allow you to walk it around by the hose, though the hose did come unattached once or twice. The hose is dual-flex, meaning it can move in any direction without collapsing. With the flip of a switch, the hose can also switch over to a leaf blower. The power cord reaches 20 feet, and the 7-foot hose is long enough to reach your ceiling.

The Ridgid WD1450 has separate filters for wet and dry operation. For dry materials, the vacuum comes with a cartridge filter that you can remove and clean. It’s also not hard to replace. The dual tank flips over, revealing the cartridge without you having to deal with screws or clamps. It’s a three-layer dust filter that captures fine dust particles such as drywall or ashes, dangerous materials that can corrupt your motor.

Overall, this is by far the best shop vac for job site we’ve reviewed. It has a big tank, powerful 6HP liquid suction, and a rugged portable design. And the best part is the Ridgid WD1450 wet-dry shop vac comes with an industry-leading lifetime warranty against material defects and workmanship – what you can’t get from any other shop vac brands.

Best Shop Vac for Woodworking

7. Craftsman 17595 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Heavy-Duty Shop Vac

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The Craftsman 17595 16 Gallon 6.5 HP Heavy-Duty Shop Vac is the most powerful shop vac in the list. With a super strong 6.5 peak HP motor, you’ll be able to safely vacuum wood chunks, saw dust, metal shards, big nails and more without a problem.

A large 16 gal. tank helps you vacuum more with less refilling, and with the help of a long 27′ reach hose you can clean up you whole space without having to move the tank around; although this vacuum features heavy-duty 360° swivel casters make it easy to move around on most surfaces. All of these features make this Craftsman vacuum one of the best shop vacs for woodworking shop.

Another handy feature of this large shop vac, is its large 2-1/2-inch diameter hose with Dual-Flex technology for 180-degree mobility at each end to resist kinking. A 2-1/2-inch diameter hose will fit perfectly with the Oneida Molded DIY Dust Deputy Cyclone – the best dust control system that every woodworking shop should have.

The Craftsman 17595 wet/dry vac also features blowing port allows for quick cleaning of leaves and grass clippings in your garage and outdoors, built-in oversized drain on the wet/dry vac allows for convenient emptying of liquids.

Best Shop Vac for Car Detailing

8. Ridgid WD4070 4 Gallon Portable Shop Vacuum

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What’s the best shop vac for car detailing? Of course that question may never have one true answer, but the Ridgid WD4070 4 Gallon Portable Shop Vacuum will never disappoints.

This shop vac is designed to deliver powerful performance in a compact size. Its lightweight, small size and large carry handle provide comfortable portability. With a 5 peak HP motor, which is 3 times stronger than shop vacs in its size, this Ridgid vacuum offers the powerful performance necessary for car detailing.

The 20 ft. cord provides an extensive reach and the 18 lbs. design is lightweight and easily portable. The wet/dry vacuum’s large rear wheels and casters provide great mobility over carpeted floors, thresholds and rough floors. The accessory storage caddy keeps accessories organized and close by for easy access. The vacuum also features the Tug-A-Long locking hose that won’t pull loose during use, and a 3-layer fine dust filter allows to capture fine dust particles such as dry drywall.

Overall the vac, capacity and power, accessories and the whole associated set-up are specifically designed for car detailing. This Ridgid small shop vac is widely used by many car detailers. And like most other wet/dry shop vacuums from Ridgid, the WD4070 comes with a lifetime warranty, you can’t go wrong.

Best Wall Mount Shop Vac for Garage

9. Bissell Garage Pro Wet Dry Shop Vacuum

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Being able to mount your shop vac on the wall gives you more floor space in your garage, and means you won’t have to maneuver around it all the time. The Bissell Garage Pro Wet Dry Shop Vacuum is an especially convenient shop vac with a wall-mountable design and a long hose up to 32-foot, making it one of the best shop vacuums for use in the garage, car, workshop and more.

The Bissell Garage Pro features 12-amp motor provides powerful suction for garage cleaning needs, whether you’re vacuuming your car or tidying up the shop. This unit comes with a 4-gallon dirt tank and has an LED Full Water Tank to notify you when it needs to be emptied. It also comes with an array of tools for home and car detailing and can even be used as a blower to tidy up your garage and your grounds.

Compared to some of the top wall-mounted garage vacuums on the market such as the VacuMaid GV30 Wall Mounted Garage Vacuum or the Prolux Professional Shop Wall Mounted Garage Vac, the Bissell Garage Pro is nearly as powerful but has a longer hose and at a much lower price.

So if you’re looking for a wall mounted wet/dry shop vac that will save your floor space, this is the best shop vac to buy.

Best Cordless Shop Vac

10. Milwaukee M18 2 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum

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We love the portability of the DEWALT DCV581H and the fact that it can run on both a rechargeable battery and AC power. But if there is no reason to buy a cordless shop vac with a 120V power cord, the Milwaukee M18 2 Gal. Cordless Wet/Dry Vacuum is really the best cordless shop vac you can buy, with a better price.

This Milwaukee cordless shop vac operates off either an M18 (18V) lithium-ion battery or the company’s older 18V Ni-Cad batteries. Both will provide enough power to suck up wet or dry material into the onboard 2 gallon storage tank. Since the suction is run through its narrow 1-1/4″ hose, it works efficiently and provides more than enough suction for light duty work. This tool will run for about 30+ minutes on a Milwaukee M18 Red-Lithium 9A battery.

This shop vac is designed to be extremely portable. It’s actually a good look, and very little of the structure is wasted, with every nook and cranny well-crafted to provide optimal ergonomics and easy access to accessories and the battery compartment. The vacuum is lightweight (less than 10 lbs), but strong enough that it doesn’t come across as flimsy or delicate. The general feel is that you can toss this vacuum around and not worry about it breaking easily.

This an ideal all-in-one cleaning machine, no matter how far from a power source you have to go.

Shop Vacuums Comparison Table

Choosing The Best Shop Vac – Shop Vac Buying Guide

When looking to buy a shop vac, there are a few things you should take into consideration. There are many different style of shop vacs available, one for your woodworking shop, one for use in the jobsite, one for your home, one for cleaning up your car, and even one for quick clean water, but which is the best shop vac for you?

Tank Size / Capacity

The most important attribute you’ll want to think about is the tank capacity and size. If you have a large mess to pick up, and you have space to store it, you’ll want to purchase a shop vac with a large capacity tank. You won’t have to empty the tank as often and cleanup is a heck of a lot easier. If you are limited on space, living in an apartment for example, look into a smaller, portable shop vac that will be convenient to store.

• Small Shop Vacs (2 to 6 gallons): If the main purpose of your shop vac is to clean up small messes, such as pet hair or everyday debris in your home or vehicle, a smaller shop vac will be more than enough.
• Medium-Sized Shop Vacs (8 to 12 gallons): If you plan on using your shop vac for cleaning up around the home or workshop, you’ll want a shop vac this size. A shop vac this size is great to have in the home if your basement is prone to flooding, as an alternative to your basement sump pump. This is also an ideal choice for professional contractors working on the jobsite who need a shop vac that is a combination of large capacity, powerful suction, and portability.
• Large Shop Vacs (14 to 16 gallons): These are the best shop vacs for heavy-duty jobs, such as cleaning large commercial warehouses. They can also be used in large workshops for easy cleanup. Just beware of how heavy the tank will be when it is full. Make sure you don’t purchase one that’s too big to lift and dump when it gets full.

Shop-Vac Performance

When we say performance, we’re talking specifically about the suction power. The first thing that comes to mind when selecting a wet/dry shop vac is probably peak horsepower.

Peak Horsepower (HP) is a term used in the wet-dry vac industry for consumer comparison purposes. It does not denote the operational horsepower output of a wet-dry vac, but rather the horsepower output of a motor, including the motor’s inertial contribution, achieved in laboratory testing.

Basically, the more peak horsepower a shop vac has, the stronger its suction will be. But in actual use, many shop vacs do not operate at the peak horsepower shown. So, the best way to know which is the more powerful shop vac is using Water Lift and Cubic Feet per Minute to compare them.

Water Lift (or Sealed Pressure): is best described as suction pressure, measured in inches of water, meaning how many inches the vacuum will lift a column of water up a glass tube. More water lift, More powerful. Many shop vac manufacturers don’t show this number. In that case, you can use peak HP to compare two units.

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM): Picking up fine debris, such as wood chips or dust? You want a higher CFM rating, which measures the maximum airflow the shop vacuum can achieve at its largest opening.

Tank Material

Most shop vacs are made from durable plastic. Plastic is a lighter weight material and makes it easy to carry from room to room in your home. Today’s plastic shop vacs are very durable and last long.

Stainless steel shop vacs are also available. This is is great for heavy duty work areas, such as body shops and construction sites. But most today’s best shop vacs are still made of plastic.

Shop-Vac Filter

The filter you need is often based on the type of debris you are picking up. For wet debris, we recommend purchasing a foam sleeve for your filter. For fine debris, purchase a filter with a fine filtration level. For medium debris, purchase a filter with a medium filtration level or better. For large debris, purchase a filter with a general household filtration level or better.

If you or someone you live with has allergies, we suggest using a HEPA cartridge filter or HEPA collection bag. HEPA filter is also the best choice for cleanup lead-based paint, whenever you use lead paint for your painting project.

Accessories and Hose Size

Don’t forget to consider included accessories and hose length. Make sure you are able to reach all the places you want to clean, but also remember a longer hose reduces suction. Think about the jobs you need your shop vac to perform and select a model that comes with the accessories you need.

Blower Port / Detachable Blower

If you have a lot of fall yard clean up to do, or have hard-to-reach areas to clean, your best shop vac should have a blower port and/or a detachable blower. Detachable blower makes a great leaf blower, so purchasing a shop vac with a detachable blower is like buying two tools in one! If you have hard-to-reach areas to clean, purchasing a shop vac with a blower port would be helpful, as you can blow the dust to a place that is easier to clean up.

• Read more: The best jigsaws to make perfect cuts

The post The 10 Best Shop Vacuums To Buy in 2019 appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Buying a table saw is likely one of the most important investments you ever make. Unfortunately, looking for a new table saw today is overwhelming, there are so many options available to consider. You can find dozens of models from a single manufacturer or hundreds of options if you search online.

Buying the wrong table saw can be a costly mistake, not only in terms of finances but also in terms of productivity and safety. To help you choose, we’ve completed a detailed review of the best table saws on the market today and picked up 10 models that we think will fit your needs and budget the most.

After you have chosen the perfect table saw, the next major purchase one should consider would be a miter saw. Click here if you want to see the best sliding compound miter saw that you can buy.

Images	Product	Rip Capacity	Ranked for	Price
	DEWALT DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw	32.5 in.	Best Portable Table Saw	Check Price
	SawStop JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw	25.5 in.	Best Safety Jobsite Table Saw	Check Price
	SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw	25 in.	Best Value Portable Table Saw	Check Price
	DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw	20 in.	Best Compact Table Saw	Check Price
	SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw	30 - 36 in.	Best Cabinet Table Saw	Check Price
	Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw	25 in.	Best Contractor Table Saw	Check Price
	Bosch 4100-10 Worksite Table Saw	25 in.	Best Table Saw for Small Shop	Check Price
	Dewalt DCS7485T1 8-1/4″ Flexvolt Cordless Table Saw	24 in.	Best Cordless Table Saw	Check Price
	Craftsman Evolv 10 In. Table Saw	-	Best Budget Table Saw	Check Price
	Shop Fox W1819 3 Hybrid Table Saw	29.5 in.	Best Hybrid Table Saw	Check Price

#1. Best Portable Table Saw Overall:

DEWALT DWE7491RS 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw

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The best portable table saw for most people is the DEWALT DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw, a decision we reached after spending many hours researching, reading customer’s reviews, and asking pro woodworkers with at least 10 years’ experience using many different types of table saws.

This table saw is extremely well designed, highly portable, with quality parts throughout. Everything fits perfectly and all the controls and switches are of high quality. The Rack and Pinion fence is awesome, it is very smooth and accurate and can be adjusted extremely fast.

The soft-start motor is robust which can quickly rip through hardwoods such as oak with ease, even with a less than ideally sharp blade. The work surface is extra large for a jobsite table saw that allows you to cut through a large board such as a full sheet of plywood.

At 32 1/2″, Dewalt DWE7491RS offers the largest rip capacity among all jobsite table saws that we’ve reviewed. Plus, the telescoping fence rails easily extend and retract to create a small portable package and the flip-over ripping fence allows for narrow rip cuts.

The stand is easy to set up and breakdown with excellent stability, and features large heavy duty wheels that easily roll over steps, curbs, and job site debris. Stability of the stand makes the cutting process so much easier and safer. The dust collection is very good as well, a 2 1/2″ dust collection port for easy shop vac attachment makes clean up a breeze. Everything on this saw seems to be designed specifically for job site applications.

DEWALT DWE7491RS Jobsite Table Saw Set Up | Video by Dewalt

Dewalt DWE7491RS is the best job site table saw based on our experience. This table saw is built with the professional contractor in mind and it’s the perfect combination of portability, stability, safety, and ergonomics.

Ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools that improve a worker’s efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue, and risk of injury. In this category, we found the Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw is superior to any other jobsite table saw on the market. This saw is an ergonomically enhanced portable table saw with features such as angled handles, riving knife, blade guard, onboard storage, safety on-off switch, and non-slip coatings.

One of the features on this saw we really like is the “knee bump shut off switch”. This switch is very well positioned that allows you to shut off the table saw by your knee easily while keeping your eyes on your fingers. This is a very nice feature that will save your time, effort, and … your fingers!

All in all, the Dewalt DWE7491RS table saw is our top pick as the best portable jobsite table saw on the market today. Whether you’re a cabinet maker, trim carpenter, remodeler or serious woodworker, this saw will never let you down. This Dewalt table saw is also among the most widely used portable table saws in the USA. The huge numbers of positive reviews this saw gets from buyers on Amazon can partly explain why it’s such popular.

Pros:

• This table saw is very portable. Rolling stand designed for easy setup and breakdown with excellent stability.
• 15 amp Motor quickly rips through hardwoods with ease
• Soft startup for a saw that runs cooler and lasts longer
• A dado blade can be used
• The fence is extremely accurate and smooth
• Onboard storage system provides easy access to the Blade Guard Assembly, fence, riving knife, miter gauge, wrenches, push stick, and cord wrap when not in use.
• Very good dust collection.
• 32-1/2 inch rip capacity easily cuts a variety of larger shelving and trim materials
• 3-1/8 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inch at 45 degrees.
• Off switch that can be easily hit with a knee
• One of the most durable portable table saws on the market, covered by a 3-year warranty.

Cons:

• No blade brake system
• No storage for spare blades
• The stand is not particularly useful if you are moving it frequently

#2. Best Safety Portable Table Saw:

SawStop JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw

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In terms of safety, the SawStop JSS-MCA is the best portable table saw on the planet. This saw and other Sawstop’s table saw models are famous for their flesh-sensing blade braking technology that stops the saw within 5/1000ths of a second after contact with skin. The saw will nearly instantly stop the blade in the event that your finger comes in contact with it, preventing injury.

This technology is exclusive to SawStop and it’s, in our opinion, the best safety feature ever made for a table saw. No other table saw on the market can offer a safety system like this or even come close.

You can see the system in action in the following GIF, which shows a hotdog being moved into the path of the blade. Then let’s imagine that this hotdog was your finger. Without the SawStop safety system, the finger would undoubtedly experience devastating injury, and may even get cut off completely. There are thousands of injuries like this each year, which can completely change the life of the victim.

How Does SawStop Table Saw Safety System Work?

The SawStop safety system is the key feature that makes SawStop one of the best table saws on the market. Here is the way this safety system works:

How does SawStop Safety System work | Video by SawStop

The SawStop safety system includes two components, an electronic detection unit and a fast-acting brake.

The electronic detection unit detects when a person contacts the blade. A small electrical signal is induced onto the blade by electrodes placed around the arbor. Although this low voltage, high-frequency signal is too small to feel, it can be measured by the detection system.

When human skin comes into contact with the blade (or arbor), a portion of the signal is absorbed by the body due to the inherent electrical capacitance of the human body. As a result, the signal on the blade gets smaller and the detection unit recognizes this as contact.

The below drawing shows the changes in the electrical signal when a finger touched the teeth of a spinning saw blade during an actual test. The line represents the electrical signal which dropped quickly when the blade touched the finger. The dips in the signal line illustrate the changes in the electrical signal that were detected as two successive teeth touched the finger. When the detection system sees dips like these, it knows a person has touched the blade.

Wood and other non-conductive materials such as plastic, foam, cardboard, Corian, melamine, etc., do not cause a drop in the signal because those materials do not absorb the signal on the blade. Conductive materials such as aluminum and other metals, carbon fiber materials, mirrored acrylic, carbon-filled materials, etc., will typically cause the brake to activate.

The fast-acting brake stops the blade when contact is detected. The brake includes a heavy-duty spring to push a block of aluminum, called a brake pawl, into the teeth of the blade to stop the blade from spinning. The spring is held in compression by a fuse wire until contact is detected.

When contact is detected, the system sends a surge of electricity through the fuse wire to burn the wire and release the spring. The spring pushes the brake pawl into the teeth of the spinning blade, and the teeth cut into the aluminum and bind, thereby stopping the blade.

The total time between the detection of contact and stopping the blade is just a few milliseconds. If the brake is activated while the blade is at or near full speed, the blade will also quickly retract below the table.

The electronic detection unit and fast-acting brake are contained in the “brake cartridge,” which is positioned under the table and just behind the blade, as shown above.

The brake cartridge must be correctly installed before the motor can be started. In the event that the brake is activated, a new brake cartridge must be installed before the saw can be used again. Changing a brake cartridge is fast and easy, the process takes approximately five minutes.

Other Great Features

The fact that the SawStop JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw is our pick as one of the best portable table saws for you not only because of its advanced safety system. Without this safety system, this table saw also offers premium features and performance.

It has a T-Style Fence, which self-squares when locked into position. The “ErgoLock” rocker paddle switch lever is located on the top of the fence and locks and unlocks the fence.

We love the ease of adjustment of the fence. We found it is faster and more simple to use than most other portable table saws. The fence is also very stable and accurate. It is not as tight as on a professional saw but is really adequate for most things. The fence on this jobsite table saw is easily the best on the market!

One of our favorite features on this table saw is the blade height knob. It’s very smooth and requires only one single clockwise turn to fully raise or fully lower the blade.  While other jobsite table saws require multiple turns to raise or lower the blade.

Changing the blade bevel is equally simple. A quick-tilt squeeze handle, located behind the hand wheel quickly and easily achieves your desired angle in 1° increment. The bevel stops and locks in place, as soon as you release the lever. A micro-adjust knob then allows you to fine tune your tilt plus or minus a degree.

In terms of size, the SawStop lands somewhere between a benchtop saw and a contractor’s saw. It includes a pedal-actuated folding stand—one press and it unfolds from a compact vertical storage position to cutting mode.

In transport mode, the stand acts as a dolly with 8” wheels that allow you to easily move it over rough terrain and up ramps and stairs. The cleverly-designed table extension rides on rails that slide out for a maximum rip cut of 25-1/2” right of the blade.

There is no doubt that the SawStop JSS-MCA Jobsite Table Saw represents an amazing jump in the way individuals and companies look at the table saw safety. This is definitely the best portable jobsite table saw for you if safety is your priority when selecting a new table saw. You’ll also be surprised to learn that this table saw is professional grade and produce very clean, accurate cuts.

The problem here is this portable table saw is very expensive. As of this writing, it costs more than $1000. So if safety is the most important factor that drives your purchasing your decision, look no further than the SawStop. If not, it’s better to go with the Dewalt DWE7491RS jobsite table saw.

Pros:

• Best table saw safety braking system
• One Turn Elevation: Raise and lower the blade in just one turn on the handwheel.
• Significant power for hardwoods
• Off switch that can be easily hit with a knee
• The fence is great. It slides smoothly and locks firm with the innovative ErgoLock. T-style design minimizes deflection to increase accuracy.
• Accessory on-board storage
• 8” wheels are ideal for the varied terrain of most job sites
• The Micro-Guard increases visibility and protects against kickback with less interference than other guards. Quickly switch between the Micro-Guard and the provided riving knife with the flip of a lever
• Tilt the blade quickly and easily to your desired angle in 1° increment
• Simply push the pedal to release and fold the cart for travel
• Locks and unlocks easily, allowing you to quickly extend the table to a full 25-1/2” rip capacity!

Cons:

• Expensive
• No soft start
• The saw stand is at a fixed height

#3. Best Value Portable Table Saw:

SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw

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SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is the world’s first table saw with a Worm Drive motor that is specifically designed for ripping. What does that mean?

It means more torque and more power to get through longer pieces of material when ripping. You can typically work very quickly. It also means the motor is stronger and less likely to break down when cutting thick wood.

Many professional woodworkers prefer a worm drive table saw because of its unstoppable ability for difficult cuts. A worm drive table saw also allows users to do a deeper cut than normal. With this Skilsaw, you get an impressive 3-1/2 in. depth of cut and 25 in. rip capacity is big enough to rip plywood sheets in half.

This Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 jobsite table saw is our pick as the best value portable table saw not only because of its powerful worm drive motor and the ability to tackle difficult cuts, it has a very competitive price but offers many great features to tackle even the most difficult jobs.

This table saw uses front and back rack and pinion fence system that virtually eliminates any guard deflection, delivering consistent rip cuts. The fence has a nice offset for when you need to get closer to the blade as well as a platform to use when you make cuts off the edge of the table saw’s deck.

There is absolutely no vibration when cutting on this Skilsaw portable table saw. It’s built sturdily, and you can definitely feel the quality. All accessories also store neatly within the frame of the table saw. We found the accessories easy to store and access when needed. Once the accessories are put back in the storage position, they will remain there even if you’re transporting the saw over rough terrain.

We also like the smooth bevel adjust and the self-tensioning blade lock. It allows you to move your left hand away and release and replace the blade with just a single blade wrench.

Overall, the Skilsaw SPT70WT-01 Worm Drive Saw is one of the best and most powerful jobsite table saws on the market. This machine with a worm drive motor delivers ultimate ripping capability. Skilsaw offers this table saw to customers for a very affordable price without sacrificing its legendary durability. So if you’re a DIYer or a professional that looking for a powerful, sturdy and affordable portable table saw, this is the one for you.

Pros:

• High build quality, competitive price
• Powerful Worm drive motor specifically designed for ripping, 15-amp motor and a no-load RPM of 5,300 – One of the most powerful portable table saws on the market
• Soft start
• 3-1/2 in. depth of cut and 25 in. rip capacity
• Dado blade capability
• Lightweight and compact design with 16-inch wheels, fits nicely in the bed of a truck
• Accessory on-board storage

Cons:

• The fence is easy to adjust but it’s a bit tight and not as smooth as the fence of the Dewalt or Sawstop
• The stand is stable but hard to move around
• The motor is powerful so it’s relatively loud

#4. Best Compact Table Saw:

DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Job-Site Table Saw

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If you’re looking for a compact table saw, the DEWALT DW745 10-Inch is your best bet. This compact table saw, despite its small footprint and ultra light weight of 45-pounds, is armed with a 15-amp motor produces up to 3850 RPM  to melt through hardwood and pressure treated lumber.

The saw is protected by its roll cage base and the rear feet on the saw were designed to be able to adjust to accommodate uneven workstations. The sturdy all-metal roll cage gives the saw the feeling of weight and quality that other products do not have. This is definitely a table saw you want to toss in the truck bed for site visits.

There is also an available rolling stand that folds up for easy transport and move around. If you’re an on-the-go contractor, the DEWALT DW745 is definitely one of the best table saws to buy.

Additionally, the fence system provides 20 in. of rip capacity for cutting large sheets of materials. Rip fence with 12 in. left and 16 in. right rip capacity allows ripping wider materials. This fence is on a rack and pinion for simple, fast and easy adjustment. It also means there is no shifts or movement so accuracy is guaranteed. The saw features a maximum cut depth of 3-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees.

We also really like the large 2-1/2 inch dust collection port of this small table saw. It allows you to connect the saw to a shop vac to control dust when using this saw indoor. For added convenience, on-board storage provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guarding components and the push stick when they’re not in use.

Bottom line, the DEWALT DW745 10-Inch Compact Jobsite Table Saw is our choice for the best compact table saw. This saw is light and fast, but still has the power you need to quickly get your work done. It’s a workhorse in a small package.

We would recommend this lightweight table saw for on-the-go contractors or for trim carpenters who work in tall residential buildings where climbing 2 or 3 floors, don’t need large rip capabilities, and need to move their saw frequently during work.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Very lightweight (45 lbs) and compact but powerful enough for most jobs
• The rack-and-pinion fence stays parallel to the blade for accuracy
• Smooth, accurate, and extremely stable
• Good safety and ease of use features
• Can be powered by a portable generator

Cons:

• No soft start
• A dado blade is not compatible

#5. Best Cabinet Table Saw:

SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw

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You want the best cabinet table saw? There is no better choice than the SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw.

This saw is a somewhat smaller and less-expensive version of the original Industrial Cabinet Saw, but no less serious. While the first SawStop cabinet table saw was built to withstand decades of all-day use in a commercial shop, this one is lightened a bit for the high-end amateur and small shop professional.

The SawStop professional cabinet table saw comes with all feature SawStop’s safety system that shuts down the saw automatically when your skin comes in contact with the blade.

This is the best safety system for a table saw, of course. But if you look at the saw itself and take away this legendary safety system, you will see an extremely well-constructed cabinet table saw that would easily be at the top of the charts. It very well built, the tolerances are extremely tight, and the overall experience with the saw is wonderful.

Everything about the SawStop professional cabinet table saw is first class to include not only the saw, but the packaging, instructions, and assembly as well. Setup was straightforward, albeit a little challenging for one person with no help, but manageable for sure, and fun. With SawStop’s diagnostic system, you will know when the saw is ready to use.

The T-Glide Fence System on this saw is easily one of the best on the market. It is constructed of the highest quality thick gauge steel that gives added strength and increased precision to the saw. It also provides smooth operation, an expansive work surface, precision measurement and sure lockdown without deflection. This fence system is resilient enough to handle day to day use in any woodworking shop.

The riving-knife system on this saw works very well. It includes two knives: a high-profile knife with attached blade cover and anti-kickback pawls, and a low-profile knife for non-through-cuts like grooves or slots. Switching out the knives is relatively easy. Just remove the throat plate and flip a lever to release the knife.

The most hazardous table saw threat is blade contact. And the second most hazardous threat is dust. SawStop addresses this hazard with the most complete solution available. Combined on this SawStop cabinet saw, the shroud and dust collection guard capture an industry-leading 99% of created dust.

The dust collection of this SawStop saw is one of the best table saw dust collections we’ve ever seen. For added convenience, the optional Overarm Dust Collection accessory helps carry the DC blade guard’s collected dust away and unites it with the 4-inch port on the back of the saw.

In conclusion, the SawStop Professional is the best cabinet table saw money can buy. It delivers the performance you need with the peace of mind only SawStop’s patented safety system can provide.

With its diagnostic system that ensures the saw is ready to respond, T-Glide Fence System provides smooth operation and accurate cuts, ground-breaking 99 percent dust collection and peerless fit and finish, this cabinet saw is built to satisfy the toughest expert users, and ready to help you get the job done.

Note: For the home shop, the best table saw is the 1.75 HP SawStop Professional saw with a 36 in. fence that runs on 110-volt power. For more serious small shops, the 3 HP Professional SawStop with a 52 in. fence requires 220-volt power.

Video: More about SawStop Professional Cabinet Table Saw

SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw Features | Video by SawStop

Pros:

• Premium craftsmanship and rigorous engineering combine to create a saw you’ll love to use
• Sawstop flesh sensing brake technology
• Precision alignment system lets you adjust the blade and table alignment with precision not found on other saws
• Make fast and easy transitions between blade guard and riving knife with no tools required
• Zero-clearance insert has a quick-release mechanism for tool-free access to the saw cavity
• Fully enclosed cabinet, industry-leading dust collection
• On-Off switch that can be easily hit with a knee
• Compatible with 10-inch standard blades and 8-inch dado sets
• Left tilting blade helps prevent wood from binding against the fence
• Optional Overarm Dust Collection
• Relatively quiet compared to others in its class

Cons:

• Quite expensive

#6. Best Contractor Table Saw:

Makita 2705X1 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw

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The Makita 2705X1 10-Inch contractor table saw has been around for a long time and has delivered proven performance for years. This saw offers just-right versatility and power for a variety of professional applications.

It has a powerful 15-Amp motor delivers 4,800 RPM that is enough for cutting hardwoods and ripping large sheets of materials. The large cutting capacity (3-5/8 inches at 90° and 2-1/2 inches at 45°) can rip 4X material in one pass, and can use up to a 13/16-inch dado blade.

The Makita 2705X1 incorporates well-designed and includes an electric brake on the blade for maximum productivity. Like the Dewalt portable jobsite table saw, this Makita features an external riving knife release so you don’t have to reach into the throat to loosen it.

This is a very convenient feature since the saw screws down the throat plate in place; you should only need to get in there for blade changes if everything functions properly. Plus, the saw also features a tool-less modular blade guard system with adjustable dual side guards to allow for ease of measurement from the blade to the rip fence for cutting setups.

However, there were some limitations. The rip fence build, with a thin metal body, is light-duty. The operation of the fence, albeit accurate, is not as smooth as one would expect from a tool in this price range. The Dewalt DWE7491RS jobsite table saw has a much better fence. The dust collection was not as good as we expected. The stand is good, but it should be improved because we can tell the saw is a bit heavy for the stand.

Overall, while the Makita 2705X1 has some drawbacks, but it is still one of the best contractor table saws out there. This is a great table saw with excellent power and high-quality construction, except the fence. And if you’re working on the job site, you need a portable table saw that provides the most powerful feel to the cuts, this is the one that works.

Pros:

• Extremely powerful, 15.0 AMP motor delivers 4,800 RPM
• Quiet motor – one of the quietest table saws
• Large 25 in. ripping capacity for cutting plywood/sheet material
• Large cutting capacity (3-9/16 in. at 90 Degree and 2-1/2 in. at 45 Degree); rips 4x material in one pass
• Electric brake
• Tool-less modular blade guard system with an adjustable riving knife/spreader
• Release lever for easy riving knife/spreader height adjustments into 3 different positions for through, non-through and dado cuts
• Onboard accessory storage
• Can be used with a dado blade

Cons:

• The fence and stand is light-duty
• High price
• No soft start

#7. Best Table Saw for Small Shop:

Bosch 4100 10 In. Gravity-Rise Worksite Table Saw

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Bosch engineers deserve kudos for the Gravity-Rise stand, and it’s a design some other manufacturers should emulate. What is especially convenient about this stand is the unique ‘Gravity Rise‘ design, that enables you to collapse or open up the stand with the twist of a single lever, from a work mode to a portable/storage mode.

This is a great feature for a small shop, as you can store the saw when you won’t be needing it for some time. Plus, the eight-inch wheels and lugged rubber tires make this base easy to steer overland or pull up steps.

This Gravity-Rise stand is stable, sets up easily and is built to handle rugged terrain. We can tell it is superior to any other table saw stand on the market. But this is not the only thing that makes we choose the Bosch 4100-10 Worksite table saw for the best table saw for small shop.

Bosch 4100-10 is a portable table saw with outstanding capacity and capability. The powerful 15-Amp motor delivers 4.0 max HP, with a large machined aluminum table top.

The table top measures approximately 21″ x 28″ in the closed position. However, you can extend the right side of the table by means of a locking lever under the front edge of the table; simply flip the locking lever and pull the right side of the table outward. The width of the table top is increased to roughly 40″. This gives you a maximum 25″ rip capacity on the right side of the blade. There is 8″ of rip capacity on the left side of the blade.

The motor features both soft start – the motor uses less current on start-up for a smoother and quieter start, and Bosch’s Constant Response Circuitry – an electronic system that monitors motor power under load, adjusting torque as needed while maintaining an even delivery of blade speed.

The Square lock Rip fence of the Bosch 4100-10 is one of the better fence systems you’ll find on a portable saw. This fence is extremely accurate. It slides smoothly across the rails, and at the press of a lever, locks securely on both rails. At the front of the fence is a magnifier that makes it a bit easier to see the scale markings on the front rail. Aligning the fence is quite easy.

The 4100 has a very effective safety system – the Bosch Smart Guard. the Bosch Smart Guard system is not inconvenient to use, and quick to attach or remove. The system consists of an adjustable riving knife, a pair of articulating safety guards, and anti-kickback pawls. The riving knife can be locked into one of two heights depending on whether you’re using the safety guards or the riving knife alone.

Overall, the Bosch 4100 Worksite table saw is one of the best portable table saws on the market. The Bosch Gravity stand is genius that makes moving the saw around super easy and storing it in just a minute. If you have a small shop and want to be able to easily move and store a table saw, then we don’t think you can go wrong with the Bosch 4100-10 worksite table saw.

Pros:

• The Gravity-Rise stand is awesome, takes up little space when folded up. This is the number #1 selling point.
• Goes up and down stairs easily
• Very powerful, 15-Amp motor delivers 4.0 max HP and 3,650 rpm
• Soft start
• Constant response circuitry – helps maintain speed under load
• Fence is solid and very accurate. It even allows for attachment of an auxiliary/sacrificial fence
• Onboard storage
• Can be used with a dado blade

Cons:

• The dust collection system should be improved.
• The On-Off switch can’t be hit with a knee

#8. Best Cordless Table Saw:

Dewalt DCS7485T1 8-1/4″ Flexvolt Cordless Brushless Table Saw

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Dewalt makes some of the best cordless power tools on the planet. Dewalt’s cordless power tools are the best choices for all professionals, builders, contractors and those who take their DIY in a serious way. And Dewalt’s cordless table saws are no exception.

The Dewalt DCS7485T1 Flexvolt is the first and only, as of now, cordless jobsite table saw on the market. This is the best table saw for renovators, cabinet and flooring installers, carpenters, and the like, who don’t want to be tied to a power cord, yet want ample battery run-time. However, hobbyist woodworkers and avid DIYers who have access to small shop space, with limited power supply, may also want to consider this saw.

The DCS7485 is part of DeWALT’s new line of FLEXVOLT power tools – currently there are 10 or 11 cordless power tools in the lineup, including cordless impact wrenches, drills, finish nailers, air compressors, grinders, dust extractors, reciprocating saw, miter saws, track saws, leaf blowers, and circular saws. These tools are powered by the FLEXVOLT 20/60-Volt battery platform.

FLEXVOLT batteries produce between 20V and 60V of power. The battery automatically adjusts voltage depending on how much power the tool requires. FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible, which means they can be used with the existing line of 20V MAX tools.

The Dewalt DCS7485T1 Flexvolt jobsite saw comes with a 60V/6.0Ah battery. This battery has a 60 minute recharge time. For a tradesperson who uses a saw on an intermittent basis, you might be able to get through your workday on a single battery charge. However, if you’re a heavy-duty saw user, then you’ll likely want to pick up a second battery.

One of the nice features of this battery-powered table saw is that it will deliver full power throughout the battery charge. An Electronic Protection System will cut in when the battery charge drops below a minimum threshold to turn the saw off. There is also a Power Loss Feature that prevents the saw from inadvertently re-starting after a power disruption, and an Electric brake that has a 2-second shutdown.

There is nothing more dangerous than the table saw turning back on when you are not around, or something was accidentally placed on top of it, and the power is restored to the house or job-site.

In terms of performance, the Dewalt DCS7485T1 Flexvolt features a brushless motor. A major advantage of the brushless motor is the reduction of friction inside the motor, which means less wear on internal components and less heat build-up, resulting in a longer motor lifespan. Like the brushed motor, brushless motor can heat up, particularly under a heavy load – however, it can be more efficiently cooled. The brushless motor also runs more efficiently and transfers more power to the cuts.

Overall, the Dewalt DCS7485T1 Flexvolt jobsite saw is the best cordless table saw you can buy. This battery-powered table saw is a fantastic tool with some nice unique features, it is powerful and you can’t beat the Flexvolt battery system. It is a prime example of the hard work DeWalt put into making their tools, and their commitment to making a cordless job site.

Pros:

• Run off of 20V/60V FLEXVOLT battery system for maximum portability
• Brushless motor, 8 ¼” blade
• Rack and pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments smooth and accurate
• 24 in. of rip capacity for ripping 4×8 plywood or OSB sheets
• Power-loss reset prevents accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the switch is left in the “on” position
• Onboard storage
• Table coating reduces friction for smoother cutting
• Good dust collection

Cons:

• No optional corded option (coming soon)
• Dado blades cannot be used with this saw

#9. Best Budget Table Saw:

Craftsman Evolv 10 In. Table Saw

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The Craftsman Evolv 10 In. Table Saw is the best table saw for a homeowner who has a tight budget. Why the tool is inexpensive, it packs a decent punch and has some great attributes to it.

This Craftsman table saw is powered by a 15 amp motor. This motor is not as powerful as other more expensive models but is enough to handle most cuts on home improvement or DIY projects. It delivers good rip cuts and keeps its bevel setting for angled ripping. This saw comes equipped with an adjustable miter gauge and anti-kickback pawl to make sure every pass stays stable and safe.

The blade guard and anti-kickback pawls work well. Having both the blade guard and anti-kickback pawls are pretty much standard on all table saws, but reassures you that there are safety measures in place.

However, this Craftsman table saw has some limitations. The rip fence build, with a thin metal body, is light-duty. The fence is also not very accurate. The miter gauge doesn’t move smoothly and moves laterally too much making it impossible to make precise cuts. The bevel lock lever is too short, and you should be careful when bearing down on the plastic handle to tighten it.

In the end, we think this little machine is what it is: a cheap, lightweight, light-duty portable table saw for occasional work. It’s not designed for long-term use or job site, but if you’re the guy who likes to do some DIY projects on the weekend, then the Craftsman Evolv 10 In. Table Saw is the best budget table saw for you.

#10. Best Hybrid Table Saw:

Shop Fox W1819 3 HP 10-Inch Hybrid Table Saw

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The Shop Fox W1819 3 HP 10-Inch Hybrid Table Saw is an impressive saw for the money, with features rivaling those on some high-end cabinet saws.

This hybrid table saw is a selective blend of the best features of the traditional contractor table saw and cabinet table saw. Like the cabinet table saw, it has an enclosed cabinet with 4 in. dust port, heavy-duty cast-iron trunnions that mount to the cabinet, and plenty of power (with its 3 HP motor) to easily rip through hardwoods or cut dadoes. Like the traditional contractor table saw, it’s still light enough to move around (it weighs approximately 457 lbs. when fully assembled) and it’s easy on the budget.

The fence on this hybrid table saw is well designed. It has slick nylon faces, slides very easily, and locks down securely. The cast-iron top and wings are nicely ground and very flat. The extension table is a flat laminate-covered board that could easily support an under mounted router. Both blade height and angle adjustments are very smooth and easy. The riving knife and blade guard are both easy to remove and adjust. The dust collection works well.

The Shop Fox W1819 is one of the best hybrid table saw with plenty of power for most home shops. It’s sturdy and well constructed, and offer many advantages for the serious hobbyist. If you’re looking for a serious table saw, this one packs in the value.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty cast-iron trunnions, massive cast-iron table, and wings – this table saw is built to last a lifetime
• Plenty of power for most home shops (3 HP, 230V, single phase)
• An innovative quick-release blade guard and riving knife system that can be changed in seconds
• The fence is very sturdy, extremely accurate, and easy to adjust
• Large rip capacity – 29 1/2″
• 4-inch dust collection port
• This saw allows the operator to tilt the blade to the left anywhere between 0 and 45-degrees. Great for cutting bevels, compound miters or chamfers.
• Can use a dado blade

Cons:

• Haven’t found any cons yet

Things to Consider When Buying a Table Saw

Types of Table Saws

The table saws available on the market today almost all fall under one of the following classifications: portable or jobsite table saws, contractor table saws, hybrid table saws, and cabinet table saws. If you want to buy the best table saw, the first and foremost thing you’ll need to know is which type of table saw will best fit your needs.

1) Portable & Jobsite Table Saws

Portable table saws are designed to be easy to lift and move around, making them great for carpenters and others who spend most of their time on the job site. They are also the perfect choices for small shop owners who want a table saw that is not only easy to move around but takes up as little space as possible when stored.

Portable table saws perform the same basic function as larger table saws, but on a smaller scale. Instead of the hefty induction motor that you’ll find on saws in the other classes, they use a lightweight universal motor, and because of that, tend to be a little short on muscle and also fairly loud.

In the past, most portable table saws lack the power to rip thick hardwoods and aren’t really designed to provide the accuracy that fine woodworking demands. But today’s best portable table saws have been improved a lot and designed for heavy use, with very few problems. Many come with superb fences as a standard feature that make these saws smooth in operation, so that cuts are more accurate and smoother.

2) Contractor Table Saws

Contractor table saws are heavier than portable and jobsite table saws by many pounds, usually a lot heavier duty as well, and generally have larger tables. This large size and greater power allows them to be used for larger projects and allows them to be more durable and longer-lasting then a portable jobsite table saw.

The contractor table saw is also preferred by hobbyists and homeowners because standard electrical circuits provide adequate power to run it, and due to its low cost. Their motors typically produce 1-1/2 to 2HP, with a 115 volt and draw ranging from about 11 to 18 amperage. Many contractor table saws have motors that can be converted to 220-volt use with reasonable ease, in situations where that might be helpful.

3) Cabinet Table Saws

The cabinet table saw is the largest and most versatile type of table saw. It has a large cast-iron table with a blade in the middle and a hole cut out to fit a router on one side of the blade. It also has a large outfeed table for catching large pieces of wood as they pass through the blade.

The cabinet table saw is the best table saw for professional woodworkers because of its superior performance. It is able to cut through even the thickest hardwood stock easily, all day long, with very little vibration. Most cabinet table saws available are heavily built, with very few problems, and designed to last for decades.

The motor of the cabinet table saw is enclosed inside the cabinet base, making it a quieter saw, and the fully enclosed base has the advantage of making dust collection easier. The motor and arbor assembly are held in place with heavy-duty trunnions that attach to the cabinet base (instead of the table) which makes bringing the saw blade into alignment with the miter slot and fence much easier.

4) Hybrid Table Saws

These days many manufacturers are making what they call “hybrid table saws”. This type of table saw fits somewhere in between the affordable contractor table saw and the professional cabinet table saw.

Typically, hybrid table saws offer an enclosed base to help improve dust collection. This can be a full enclosure as found on a cabinet saw or a shorter cabinet on legs. The extra weight of hybrid table saws lowers vibration, and offers more choice in drive mechanisms, including single and multiple v-belts and serpentine belts.

You’ll find that some hybrid table saws have cabinet-mounted trunnions while others offer table-mounted trunnions. Some even offer sliding tables as an option to improve cross-cutting capability. We can expect to see more of these kinds of table saws on the market with an ever-increasing array of options.

How to Choose the Best Table Saw

1) Safety First

Every year in the United States there are tens of thousands of serious injuries on table saws. These injuries change people’s lives and they cost society billions of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, worker’s compensation, increased insurance rates, lost productivity, etc.

So whichever table saw you decide to buy in the end, just remember one thing “Safety always comes first”. Look for the best table saw you can afford and focus your attention on safety features first. Then look at other factors.

SawStop with no surprise is the winner in the safety category and not just for its patent flesh-sensing brake technology, all other aspects of their guard usage and storage are superior.

Dewalt has some amazing safety features. We really appreciate the safety switch, push stick, riving knife and the blade guard.

2) Fence System

Make sure to check the fencing system. You need one that gives you reliable parallel alignment with the blade when you lock the rip fence in position. This is the best way to get accurate ripping, clean cuts.

Fence systems have gotten so much better over the past decade. It surprises us to see the effective after-market fence systems now available at relatively reasonable prices. Still, if you choose the right table saw you should receive a very good fence system as part of the package.

Look for a single rail system that runs smoothly, locks down tightly and has a needle-thin cursor and easy-to-read scale. In my opinion, simpler is better when it comes to a user-friendly fence.

3) Dust Collection

Dust collection possibilities must be considered when purchasing a table saw. Look for a good dust collection feature that helps keep your workspace clean and safe. Some models can be attached to a wet/dry shop vac. Dust collection reduces the amount of dust and particles that accumulate inside the machine, helping to prolong the machine life.

4) Rip Capacity

Look at the rip or cutting capacity that the saw offers to both the left and the right of the blade. If you’re doing basic work, such as trimming deck and fence boards, a rip capacity of 20 inches or lower is sufficient. However, if you’re venturing into more varied work, such as custom cabinetry, you will need more options. Look for a saw with a minimum of 24 inches to the right of the blade.

5) Bevel Angle Range

Check the bevel angle range on the table saw. Generally, you’ll see a range of about -2 degrees to 45 degrees, which is sufficient for most jobs. If you want added versatility, look for a table saw with a bevel range that extends past 45 degrees.

6) Soft Start

A soft start feature will manage the intensity of motor start-up, offering you more refined performance and minimizing the chance of tripping a circuit breaker.

• Read more: The best jigsaws to make perfect cuts

The post The Best Table Saw On The Market appeared first on Green Living Blog.

For leaves on walkways, porches, deck and small lawns, a handheld blower with an affordable price would be the right for you. Lightweight, easy to maneuver, and a maximum time of 1 hour. For large amounts of leaves, large properties that will require driving leaves into large piles, you will need a very strong leaf blower to do the job. This is where time comes into play. The more powerful the blower, the faster you’ll get the job done. We looked at some of the most powerful leaf blowers available, all of these units produce massive amounts of CFM and MPH that will help you to clear a lawn full of leaves very much faster and easier.

• What’s the best Gas-Powered pressure washer?

Image	Leaf Blower	CFM	MPH	Weight	Price
	Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack Blower	908	206.2	25.8 lbs	Check Price
	RedMax EBZ8500 BackPack Leaf Blower	908	206	24.7 lbs	Check Price
	ECHO PB-770T Backpack Blower	765	234	24.5 lbs	Check Price
	Makita EB7650TH Backpack Blower	670	200	24.1 lbs	Check Price
	EGO Power+ 580 Cordless Blower	580	168	9.6 lbs	Check Price
	Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Jet Blower	580	145	10 lbs	Check Price
	Worx WG591 TURBINE Cordless Blower	465	125	8.1 lbs	Check Price
	Makita XBU02PT LXT Cordless Blower	473	120	9 lbs	Check Price
	Echo PB-2520 Gas Handheld Blower	453	170	8.6 lbs	Check Price
	Worx WG520 Turbine Corded Leaf Blower	600	110	6.4 lbs	Check Price

CFM vs. MPH – Which One Is More Important?

When it comes to leaf blowers, measuring the bang can be a little tricky. You will often times see two numbers describing the power or air flow of a certain blower, the CFM or Cubic Feet per Minute and MPH or Miles Per Hour. Which one should you be looking at and which one is more important?

CFM (or Cubic feet per minute): is probably the first number you will want to look at. It measures the air volume velocity moved through the blower in one minute independent of its density. The engine of the leaf blower powers an impeller, or set of spinning blades in the housing that draws air in one end and forces it out through the tube. The volume of air that exits the tube of the specific model determines the CFM. Leaf blowers with a higher CFM rating will blow more air and are more capable of moving heavier debris. However, the volume of air is meaningless if it is not moving fast enough, which is why MPH is also an important number to determine the most powerful leaf blower.

CFM Comparison Chart

MPH (or Miles Per Hour): could be looked at similarly to horsepower, indicates the speed by which air escapes from the tube in an hour. A lot of manufacturers will boast the MPH of one of their models as the benchmark for power. It makes sense as we are more familiar with this unit of measurement and it tends to hit home with us. When we hear a leaf blower has an airspeed of 200 mph we can relate that to a NASCAR driver flying around the track. But measuring the power in terms of MPH does little to describe how well a leaf blower will perform. Try to imagine blowing a little amount of air through a small tube at 200 mph… You’re not going to get much accomplished.

MPH Comparison Chart

So, if you want to buy a powerful leaf blower, you’ll have to look at both CFM and MPH ratings of the model. The higher each of the numbers, the more work will get done in less amount of time. But, what would happen if you have to decide between two different models, in which one has a lot of CFM but little MPH and one has a lot of MPH but lower CFM? You can create a blowing performance index by multiplying the two together (CFM x MPH) then dividing by 1000. For example:

The Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack Leaf Blower moves 908 CFM @ 206.2 MPH. If you multiply 908×206.2 and divide by 1000, you get an index of 187.2. The EchoPB-770T backpack leaf blower moves 765 CFM @ 234 MPH. If you multiply 765×234 and divide by 1000, you get an index of 179. Now you know the Husqvarna 580BTS is the more powerful unit. This index may not be the perfect measure, but it is a quick way to closely estimate one leaf blower’s performance against another.

Another important thing you should keep in mind is that manufacturers can easily increase MPH by making the pipe smaller but this will decrease CFM. And they can easily increase CFM by making the pipe bigger but this will decrease MPH. It’s not unusual to see manufacturers list CFM at the housing or MPH at the end of the pipe with some tip that reduces the outlet. These are cheats to artificially inflate the specs to look better than they really are. Beware when you see words like “housing” or “Max” or “with attachment”. What matters and what you are looking for is CFM and MPH measured at the same point at end of the pipe.

Now let’s look at some of the most powerful leaf blowers that we’ve found.

The Most Powerful Leaf Blowers For You

1. Husqvarna 580BTS Backpack Blower Review – Most Powerful Backpack Blower

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• Maximum Air Volume: 908 CFM
• Max Air Speed: 206.2 MPH
• Weight: 25.8 lbs

When your landscape calls for professional-grade tools, turn to the Husqvarna 580BTS backpack leaf blower. This is the most powerful commercial backpack blower we’ve ever seen. Its powerful and fuel-efficient gasoline-powered engine provides enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris, while delivering exceptional fuel economy and lower emissions than most other backpack blower models on the market.

The 580BTS pumps out a maximum air speed of 206.2 MPH with tube air flow approaching 908 CFM. It is powered by a 2-cycle 75.6 cc X-Torq engine that reduces harmful exhaust emissions by up to 60% and increases fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Because the tank is so big (87.9 oz) on this blower, it can run for well over an hour before it sputters out. You might spend more on the gas to fuel this beast, but at least you won’t have to refill it constantly.

Also, the 580BTS is well engineered and almost vibration free. This is largely in part due to the energy absorbing motor mounts that go between the motor and the backpack frame. There is a handle on the top for easy transport. The harness looks more like something from a race car than a blower. It has ergonomic ventilated padding and is designed to reduce user fatigue when operating the 25.8 lbs blower. This unit also has a choke and air purge for an easy start.

With all things considered, we really dig the Husqvarna 580BTS backpack blower. There are good reasons why the brand has remained so popular over the years. So, if you’re looking for a commercial grade blower that cranks out more power than you’ll probably ever realistically need, and also crams it all into a comfortable package, you won’t be disappointed with the Husqvarna 580BTS.

If you don’t need that much power, consider the Husqvarna 570BTS backpack blower (768 CFM / 236 MPH).

2. RedMax EBZ8500 Backpack Leaf Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 908 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 206 MPH
• Weight: 24.7 lbs

With a 75.6 cc displacement and 4.4 horsepower, the RedMax EBZ8500 Backpack Leaf Blower produces a maximum air speed of 206 MPH with tube air flow approaching 908 CFM. This unit uses the same machine as the Husqvarna 580BTS (2-cycle 75.6 cc X-Torq engine ) so there is simply not very much difference between them in terms of power output – both are two of the most powerful leaf blowers on the market. The fact that Husqvarna owns the RedMax brand, and basically modeled the EBZ8500 after the Husqvarna specs. The biggest difference between two models is that the RedMax EBZ8500 has a smaller gas tank (77.77 oz) and is about 1 lb lighter than the Husqvarna 580BTS.

3. ECHO PB-770T Gas Backpack Leaf Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 765 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 234 MPH
• Weight: 24.5 lbs

The ECHO PB-770T is a monster, simply one of the most powerful backpack blowers on the market today. This blower can generate a maximum air speed up to 234 MPH at 765 CFM air flow in pipe. That’s a lot of power. You can use it to blow grass, sticks, rocks…small children*…nothing stopped this thing. With the PB-770T you will never have to worry about bending down to dislodge something that’s sticking a bit, or getting enough air power to handle damp or wet grass.

The ECHO PB-770T has some nice straps. Of course, all of these manufacturers include padded straps with their blowers, but some are definitely more comfortable than others. The PB-770T has a good amount of padding, both in the wide straps and across the back pad. The end result is a blower that felt relatively comfortable to wear around on longer jobs. It also has a large 68.3 ounce tank, that’s nearly 50% more fuel that can be carried around than what is offered by the competition. When the tank is full of fuel, the blower can run for over 1 hour.

Overall, this is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, powerful, reliable, and easy to start leaf blower. Plus, the ECHO PB-770T a bit cheaper than other comparable products on the market.

4. Makita EB7650TH Backpack Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 670 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 200 MPH
• Weight: 24.1 lbs

The Makita EB7650TH Blower is the most powerful backpack blower that Makita offers. It is powered by a 75.6 cc commercial-duty 4-stroke engine that requires no fuel mix and will deliver commercial-duty performance with a maximum air speed of 200 mph and a maximum air volume of 670 cubic feet per minute. The mechanical automatic engine decompression is engineered for quick and easy starts, with heavy-duty anti-vibration mounts between the frame and engine for improved operator comfort. An anti-icing system is included in this model in which a dial valve bleeds warm air from around the exhaust towards the carburetor to stop icing in cold working conditions, improving fuel consumption during the winter months.

The Makita EB7650TH has a great active cooling system that makes up for the slight awkwardness of its weight displacement. Makita designed the fan intake directly behind the user. As the blower runs, it pulls air through the intake, across the users back. The result is a much cooler blowing experience. Other blowers included this feature as well, but Makita’s design worked much, much better than everyone else’s.

This powerful backpack blower includes very comfortable straps and a back pad. The straps were easy to cinch up, and the vibration was such that neither of those things should cause too much discomfort on longer jobs. The design of machine frame includes an improved style of a carry handle and a footplate on the base of the frame that enhances stability when the start cord is pulled. The air tube has an adjustable long reach extension and the application and is supplied with three alternative nozzle shapes.

The Makita EB7650TH is one of the best and most powerful leaf blowers that comes with a great price. The fuel efficiency on this backpack blower is one of the best-in-class that we found, and we love the 4-stroke engine. Not having to mix fuel feels like a huge perk for us, believe it or not.

5. EGO Power+ 580 CFM 56-Volt Cordless Blower Review – Most Powerful Cordless Leaf Blower

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• Maximum Air Volume: 580 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 168 MPH
• Weight (with battery): 9.6 lbs

When it comes to leaf blowers, most pros will tell you gas-powered backpack blowers are the way to go. But EGO has made it their company mission to replace gas-powered lawn tools with battery-powered machines that are equal to or better than many gas-powered tools. Their latest blower – the EGO Power+ 580 CFM Blower – is no exception and is, in fact, more powerful than a good number of gas-powered backpack blowers on the market. It is also the most powerful cordless leaf blower in the industry.

This cordless leaf blower is powered by a high-efficiency brushless turbine fan motor and the same patented 56V Arc-Lithium battery platform that powers all EGO products. That means you can use all of EGO’s 56V batteries for this cordless leaf blower. The batteries that included when you buy and they are very solid and well-sealed.

The Power+ 580 gives you a whopping 580 CFM of air in a lightweight design. It has a variable speed control which allows users to modulate between 260 and 580 CFM. You can turn the speed down to clean out corners or mulch from flower beds or crank it up to pile up leaves and sweep out the garage.

6. Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Jet Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 580 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 145 MPH
• Weight (with battery): 10 lbs

Delivers up to 580 CFM and 145 MPH of wind speed and air flow, the Greenworks PRO 80V Cordless Jet Blower is simply one of the most powerful cordless leaf blowers available. This cordless blower is equipped with jet turbine technology, which lets you clean up your yard faster without the hassle of gas exhaust. It’s powered by a powerful brushless motor and an 80V, 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that delivers fade-free power and charges in less than 30 minutes, with no memory effect capacity loss. Also, the PRO 80V Cordless Jet Blower comes as a part of the GreenWorks Pro 80V Li-Ion MAX system – so if you acquire the chainsaw, lawn mower or other tools from this lineup, the battery is compatible with all of them.

7. Worx WG591 TURBINE 56V Cordless Battery-Powered Leaf Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 465 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 125 MPH
• Weight (with battery): 8.1 lbs

The Worx WG591 TURBINE 56V is one of the most popular cordless leaf blowers in the world. It features a multi-speed fan control with TURBO boost that allows you to gently clean out corners of the garage and then crank up the power to pile up leaves in the yard. A high-capacity 56V MaxLithium battery powers this cordless leaf blower, which also features an efficient brushless motor for long-lasting performance.

The Worx WG591 blower is a 56V air Turbine blower with a whopping 465 CFM and 125 MPH, plenty of power to push those leaves across the street and into your neighbor’s yard. The blower harnesses a brushless motor which gives a longer runtime and longer motor life. Besides the power, the great thing about this blower is you can use the battery with all your other Worx products such as the lawnmower, chainsaw, and other OPE stuff. The unit weighs 8.1 lbs and comes with a three-year warranty.

Video: WORX WG591 56V Cordless Turbine Leaf Blower Comparison

8. Makita XBU02PT LXT Brushless Cordless Blower Review

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• Maximum Air Volume: 473 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 120 MPH
• Weight (with battery): 9 lbs

The first thing we really like about Makita, other than their incredible tool lineup and reputation for quality, is they use a compatible set of batteries across virtually ALL of their tools. Some companies will make a really big battery, for a bigger application, but unless you buy other tools that need that particular battery (which may be a few tools), then you are very limited for using that expensive battery…

If you’re a loyal fan of Makita cordless power tools, you have all of their products from the table saw to wet/dry shop vac, the same batteries work for all of them. If you need more power for an application, you just use 2 batteries is how they engineer their stuff. This makes a lot of sense for efficiencies and costs and organization.

The XBU02PT LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Blower is one of the most powerful leaf blowers from Makita. It’s powered by two 18-Volt LXT batteries for 36-Volt power and runtime, but without leaving the strongly-preferred 18-Volt battery platform. And with the efficient Makita BL brushless motor, the blower produces a maximum air velocity of up to 120 MPH at 473 CFM. When powered by two 18-Volt 5.0Ah batteries, the brushless motor can run for up to 29 minutes. The XBU02PT blower is also fully compatible with all Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries, meaning you can switch these batteries to another tool after you’ve finished.

9. Echo PB-2520 Heavy-Duty Handheld Blower Review – Most Powerful Gas Handheld Blower

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• Maximum Air Volume: 453 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 170 MPH
• Weight: 8.6 lbs

The Echo PB-2520 Heavy-Duty Handheld Blower is a compact gas-powered leaf blower that can do the job nicely and is backed by an impressive five-year consumer warranty. Like most warranties, any negligence, improper use of or incorrectly mixing the gas and oil voids the agreement, but otherwise, you’re covered for an extended time so you can get years of service out of your leaf blower. The length of a warranty period reflects how well a company stands behind the products it sells. The average warranty period among the gas leaf blowers we reviewed is about 3 years.

In addition, this Echo handheld blower can blow debris 18 feet in 15 seconds; this was the farthest distance of any of the gas handheld leaf blowers we’ve found. Interestingly, it is very lightweight, only 8.6 pounds, but it pushes up to 453 CFM at 170 MPH. This makes the PB-2520 one of the lightest yet most powerful gas-powered handheld leaf blowers and can help you clean your large yard faster and easier. It’s also simpler to operate than other blowers, due in part to a variable speed dial that you can control with one hand.

However, the Echo PB-2520 gas handheld leaf blower lacks some of the convenience features we look for in this category. For example, you can’t use this leaf blower as a vacuum, and it doesn’t feature any anti-vibration technology or handle cushioning. None of these things are deal-killers, but the addition of any of these extras would make it a more versatile tool.

10. Worx WG520 Turbine Review – Most Powerful Electric Leaf Blower

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• Maximum Air Volume: 600 CFM
• Maximum Air Speed: 110 MPH
• Weight: 6.4 lbs

The final model and also one of the best corded electric leaf blowers available is the Worx WG520 Turbine Leaf Blower. This unit with patented jet engine technology and a hyper-stream air nozzle delivers extreme blowing force, up to 110 mph with a CFM of 600. The strong air stream is able to easily get under dense, damp, matted leaves, lift them, and move them forward. There are some gas-powered leaf blowers that can’t even boast about this kind of performance and this is from an electric leaf blower that weighs only 6.4 pounds.

Because this corded leaf blower is lightweight and ergonomic, you can easily control it with one hand without getting fatigued. It has a superb handle design and, being electric, has very little vibration. You can clean for hours with the Worx WG520 and feel absolutely no strain on your hands, arms, or shoulders. To make it easier to work with an electric cord trailing behind you, they’ve included a cord retainer that will prevent it from becoming unplugged or damage the cord when you have to give it a pull.

In addition to a lightweight design and high-capacity air volume, the Worx WG520 electric leaf blower runs very quietly, even when it’s running on the highest speed. It’s also affordable, in fact, the WG520 is one of the cheapest leaf blowers on the market.

The post The Most Powerful Leaf Blowers On The Market appeared first on Green Living Blog.

A sliding compound miter saw is one of the MUST-HAVE tools for professional woodworkers and do-it-yourself project enthusiasts alike. However, most people do not really understand the benefits of a sliding compound miter saw, why they need one? and what do they need in a sliding compound miter saw? Power? Precision? or Portability?

This article covers everything you need to know about buying a new sliding compound miter saw. We also review some of the best and top-rated sliding compound miter saws on the market that we think you should buy.

Read more:

• What’s the best 12-inch miter saw on the market?
• The best jig saws you can buy

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws

Image	Product	Blade Diameter (in.)	Light/Laser Guide?
	DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw	12
	DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw	12
	Makita XSL06PT Cordless Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw	10
	Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw	10.25
	Bosch CM10GD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw	10
	Craftsman 10″ Single-Bevel Slide Miter Saw	10
	DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT Cordless Miter Saw	12
	Evolution RAGE3 10in Miter Saw	10

Our Picks

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After putting in 40 hours researching 40 sliding compound miter saws and talking to woodworkers, we think the DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the best sliding compound for most people. This is one of the most durable and compact miter saws on the market. In fact, this is one of the best-selling miter saws in the USA so far. For the price, it’s hard to beat.

The Dewalt DWS779 do have everything you need from the best miter saw, except one thing: the laser (or light) system, which helps you make more precise cuts. That’s probably why this high-quality miter saw has such a low price. For better accuracy, trying the DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. The DWS780 is exactly like the DWS779 but added the integrated XPS cross cut positioning system, which performed far better than any miter saw laser system we’ve ever seen. The XPS system makes the Dewalt DWS780 the most accurate miter saw ever but the fact is you might have to pay up to about 200$ for this system depending on where you are purchasing from.

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Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is one of the absolute best sliding compound miter saws on the market and also is the most desirable miter saw that most professional carpenters want to own. But because of its “awful” price, this sliding compound miter saw is not for everyone. We love all the Dewalt miter saws but we must confess the Festool Kapex is far better. All the features are awesome, especially the dust collector. They are designed to make the finest cuts possible and help you do more work in less time too.

What’s A Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

Miter saws are a type of bench and stationary machinery that improve on the basic chop saw design and let you make precise cuts at various angles. They’re ideal for creating angle joints or decorative pieces. There are two main types of miter saws to choose from: Compound miter saws and Sliding compound miter saws (Single-Bevel or Dual Bevel).

Compound Miter Saws feature blades that pivot left and right for angled cuts and tilt in a single direction for beveled cuts. Manipulating the saw on both of its axes at once yields a compound miter cut. Compound miter saws are useful for picture frames, crown molding or any project that requires angled cuts in two planes. They offer the advantage of making compound cuts in one pass.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws have all the versatility of compound miter saws and a sliding feature, similar to a radial arm saw, allowing you to move the blade forward and backward. The major advantage of a sliding compound miter saw is it can cut significantly wider stock than a compound miter saw. The best sliding compound miter saws, such as the DEWALT DWS780 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw, can cut up to 16 inches at 90 degrees.

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Dual-Bevel vs. Single-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saws

A single-bevel sliding compound miter saw only tilts in one direction (left) to cut a bevel while a dual-bevel model tilts both left and right to cut a bevel without having to flip your work piece.

Most of the best sliding compound miter saws on the market today are dual-bevel. They generally more refined and precise. Of course, they’re also much more expensive. Is it worth the extra money to get a saw with dual-bevel?

We think if you’re planning to install lots of crown molding requiring compound miter cuts, a dual-bevel sliding miter saw is better as it will give you the full range of compound angles, both right and left, without having to rearrange your moldings on the saw to cut them. But, for general woodworking, a single-bevel sliding miter saw might be all you need.

Who Needs A Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

The sliding compound miter saw is the perfect tool for carpenters, craftsmen, contractors, woodworkers and DIY-ers. In other words, if you take your work seriously and want to get the best possible results from your tools while opening yourself up to a wide range of cuts, then a sliding compound miter saw is a perfect option for you.

On the other hand, it is also an expensive tool that the beginner woodworker might shy away from. However, if you can definitively say that you are devoted to your craft, the sliding compound miter saw is a great way to bring your woodwork to the next level.

How to Choose the Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

Now, let’s take a look at a few of the things you should consider to make sure you’re getting the best sliding compound miter saw for your cash.

What Size Do You Need?

Sliding compound miter saws come in three different sizes: 7 ¼ inch, 10 inch, and 12 inch. The size refers to the diameter of the blade the saw uses which dictates the depth of the cuts the saw can perform.

The smallest saws are the 7 ¼ inch sliding compound miter saws, such as the DEWALT DCS361B 7 1/4in Sliding Miter Saw. These lightweight models are very portable and handy and are designed for small projects. The most common sliding compound miter saws are 10-inch and 12-inch miter saws. The best sliding compound miter saws for most people are 10-inch and 12-inch miter saws. These are also the most common sizes are being used.

Next are the 10-inch sliding compound miter saws, such as the Bosch CM10GD 10in Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. This is the most common size for DIYers and homeowners because this miter saw can handle common projects such as decks, fences, and renovations. Table saws also use the same size blade so you can use your blades on both tools.

A 12-inch sliding compound miter saw gives you the most versatility since it cuts larger size boards. It’s ideal for finishing works such as crown moldings or baseboards. But it’s the heaviest saw and requires the most space for the store. For a permanently mounted workshop saw, it’s is hard to beat a 12 inch sliding compound miter saw.

If you have a small workshop and want a miter saw that take up less space, this Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide Miter Saw is probably the best choice. This is one of the best sliding compound miter saws on the market and is also the most versatile miter saw we’ve ever seen. With the innovative Compact Axial-Glide System, this saw takes up to 12 inches less workspace than a sliding miter saw that uses traditional sliding rails.

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What Kind Of Features Do You Need?

Dust Collection System

You’re probably going to find that most sliding compound miter saws have a dust bag for their dust collection system. While this is an alright method of dust collection, the quality of this feature can vary pretty significantly from model to model. Don’t expect a good dust collection system from cheap miter saws. Remember that the dust collection system is for more than just keeping your work area clean. It also expands the life of your tool to a significant extent, and it is good for your health. Dust is known a cancer-causing agent, so there is no reason to risk exposing yourself to it.

• Read More: The best shop vacs on the market

The Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw offers the best dust collection system. It’s hard to believe this system can capture more than 90% of dust that the saw generated when operating, but it’s true. Other best sliding compound miter saws usually claim to collect 75%, but the reality is that many of them fail to achieve anywhere near that figure.

Positive Stops

When doing woodworking, you will find that there are some angles you will repeatedly. 45-degree angles are an excellent example of this. When a miter saw has positive stops for the most common angles, which many of them do, it means you won’t have to spend as much time setting up your cuts. A miter saw may have the positive bevel and/or miter stops, and the best sliding compound miter saws will also have a detent override that will let you lock in custom settings.

On most saws, you lock in the miter by tightening the knob on the front. On the DeWalt, Festool, and Makita saws you lock the miter by simply pressing down on the handle. It’s quick and easy. For this feature, we prefer the DeWalt’s sliding compound miter saws. These miter saws required the least effort to lock the miter.

Laser Guides

An effective laser guide system will project a beam of light onto your workpiece, showing you exactly where your cut is going to be made. This helps you make more accurate cuts, and some laser guides are really great.

This can be a very useful feature, but it is definitely not a necessity. Beginning woodworkers may find it helpful to use a sliding compound miter saw with a laser while they hone their woodcutting skills, but most craftsmen with enough experience and a good miter saw will be able to make accurate cuts even without a laser to guide them.

Best Sliding Compound Miter Saws Reviews

1. DEWALT DWS779 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw (No Laser) – Best Miter Saw for Homeowners

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The DEWALT DWS779 is our top pick for the best sliding compound miter saw. This 12-inch miter saw is a perfect choice for homeowners and professional alive. While the homeowners love its ease of use, professionals appreciate the high precision and smooth operation. And for the price, it’s hard to beat this miter saw.

This impressive machine combines smooth operation with top speed to help you work faster, safer and more productively. It gives you unparalleled power with a 15-amp motor capable of reaching a 3,800 rpm speed. A high-grade carbide blade is added to the design to provide a cutting edge that goes through your material with no effort. A miter detent plate of tough stainless steel has 10 positive stops to make sure you work productively and with the highest accuracy.

2. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Most Accurate Miter Saw

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The DEWALT DWS780 is the most accurate miter saw available. It features an integrated XPS crosscut positioning system which we think the best work light module ever equipped in a miter saw. We’d the opportunity to try out this saw and the XPS system was amazed us. It performed far better than any miter saw laser system we have ever seen.

3. Makita XSL06PT Cordless 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Best Cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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If you’re shopping for a cordless sliding compound miter saw, it’s time to stop searching. The Makita XSL06PT is the best one you can buy that delivers a great accuracy and more run time without the hassles of a cord. Its dual-dust collection system is better than most competitors.

The Makita XSL06PT is powered by (2) 18V-5A Li-ion battery packs in series, effectively making it a 36V saw. The 4400 RPM brushless motor is engineered for up to 50% longer run time, increased power and speed, and longer tool life with up to 334 cuts per charge in 2×4 and up to 192 cuts per charge in 2×12 lumber. With Automatic Speed Change technology to adjust cutting speed and torque under load for optimum performance.

The XSL06 has a unique 2-steel rail sliding system design that offers single slide-glide operation for smooth and dead-on accurate cutting right out of the box, as well as a reduced overall footprint that allows the saw to be positioned flush against a wall.

Makita XSL06PT Cordless Sliding Compound Miter Saw | Video by Makita

4. Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw 10 ¼ in – Best Miter Saw for Professional Carpenters

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Effective dust extraction, precise cuts, easy adjustments, and quality components are some of the features that make Festool Kapex KS 120 the best sliding compound miter saw for professional carpenters. It’s the most advanced sliding compound miter saw on the market today. There’s no doubt if say there is no real competitor to this miter saw, even the best Dewalt or Bosch models.

The Festool Kapex KS 120 is also compact and lightweight. It might not be the lightest miter saw for its class at 47 pounds, however, it is easy to move around and doesn’t take up a lot of space. We were quite impressed with how it is designed for easy carrying and how nicely it works with miter saw stands.

This Festool sliding compound miter saw comes with two lasers, which allows for cutting to be even more precise. The dual lasers enable you to align cuts from both sides of the saw’s blade. It is easy to fine-tune the lasers by using the three-axl adjustment controls. There is also a button that can be used for turning them off and on without needing to turn the saw off or on, which is a nice safety feature.

There are many other great features that you can see on Amazon but after all, we think you can’t find any sliding compound miter saw that better than the Festool Kapex KS 120. But since the price is too high, you should think twice before getting this miter saw. At that price, you can buy many other things.

5. Bosch CM10GD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw – Best 10 in Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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When we first brought the Bosch CM10GD 10 Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw into our woodworking shop, we were a bit surprised. The axial glide technology was impressively smooth. We had to increase the resistance to make it more like what we are used to. But the smoothness still exceeded what we expected.

The axial glide system also eliminates a key challenge miter saw users have endured since the first slide systems debuted many years ago. While the traditional sliding compound miter saw approach enables users to make wider cross cuts that the system takes up more space and is prone to misalignment and stickiness over time. By replacing the sliding rail system with a hinged or articulating glide arm system similar to the linkage used in a four-bar suspension design Bosch created a more compact miter saw that delivers durable precision, remaining true and smooth over time.

6. Craftsman 10″ Single-Bevel Slide Miter Saw with Laser – Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw for Beginners

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If you’re a beginner, this Craftsman 10″ miter saw is the best sliding compound miter saw for you. It’s cheap, lightweight, easy to use and a laser cut-line indicator makes this saw quick and precise. Spinning at 4,800 revolutions per minute, no matter which blade you slip onto the collar of this compound, you’ll cut through wood both hard and soft, leaving sharp edges and tight corners with every cut.

This sliding compound miter saw uses smaller, easy-to-maintain blades than larger models, but it still delivers the reach to spin through boards up to 12 inches wide. Perfect for quick work, it features a Laser Trac that clearly lines up with your pencil marks for fast work and when you’re looking to cut precision miters, the built-in clamping system gives you that exact angle every time.

7. DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT 12” Miter Saw – Best Portable Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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When portability is in question, the DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT takes the number one place in this particular category. The first thing you’ll notice is its hybrid power source. In simpler words, it can work both on batteries and electricity. Therefore, even if you run out of battery, all you have to do is plug in the adapter and continue working. With a tool weight of only 56 lbs, lighter than most other 12 inch models, this is the best portable sliding compound miter saw available.

DEWALT DHS790AT2 FLEXVOLT Miter Saw | Video by Dewalt

A brushless motor provides long runtime compared to brushed motors. When fully charged, the saw can cut up to 310 crosscuts with only one charge. The best thing about this is that you get an additional battery included to help decrease the downtime. In other words, the DHS790AT2 won’t let you down, even when the batteries die. The brushless motor is a great advantage in comparison to brushed ones because it offers longer runtimes.

8. Evolution RAGE3 10in Miter Saw – Best Budget Sliding Compound Miter Saw

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The Evolution RAGE3 is a great sliding compound miter saw for those who don’t have much money to spend. It’s a quality miter saw but has a very reasonable price. The saw offers all the functionality of a typical miter saw, along with patented multipurpose cutting technology. A 1800W motor isn’t as powerful as models above but the saw is still capable of cutting steel, aluminum, wood, wood with embedded nails, and plastics with just the one included blade.

The Evolution RAGE3 features an ultra-secure top clamp and chip deflector. Plus a laser guidance for optimum accuracy. Because this saw is designed for cutting both woods and metals, it’s very durable. In fact, this is one of the most durable miter saws on the market. You should expect it to last at least 10 years.

The post The Best Sliding Compound Miter Saw appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Random orbital polishers, also called dual-action polishers, are the EASIEST and SAFEST electric polishers. They don’t apply torque to the surface, and assures the buffer never concentrates its energy in one spot, unlike regular rotary polishers which can easily apply too much pressure to the paint and burn right through it if you are not skilled, requiring a new paint job.

Random orbital polishers are lightweight and easy to control on both horizontal panels and vertical panels. You can use them to remove swirls, polish paint to a high gloss, apply a wax or paint sealant and even use them to remove the wax or paint sealant after it has dried. The free rotating spindle assemblies make these polishers very safe for regular polishing and waxing.

Because of these advantages, random orbital polishers are the best choice for both beginners and professionals. They are also the best choice for you if you don’t want to seriously kill your car paint by using a rotary polisher improperly. To help you buy the best random orbital polishers, we’ve teamed up with some auto detail experts to put together this list of the best random orbital polishers you can buy right now:

1. Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher Reviews – Best Random Orbital Polisher Overall

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Among all the best random orbital polishers that we suggest to you, the Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher is the one that we love most. This polisher is very easy to use, has an ergonomic and great balanced design, a smooth operation, and on top of that, it comes with a great price compared to other high-quality polishers on the market. Even you’re a beginner, with the MT300 you can polish your car like a professional detailer and keep your car looking fantastic every day.

Meguiar’s MT300 Professional Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher | Video by Meguiar’s

The Meguiars MT300 removes imperfections that were formerly only removable by a rotary polisher, but it maintains the user-friendly features of a random orbital polisher. It features a 500-watt polishing power which delivers the power and torque needed and demanded by enthusiasts and professionals alike. It uses the same gentle dual action motion and 8mm throw that enthusiasts and professional detailers know and trust even on the most sensitive or durable paint finishes.

The best part of this dual-action random orbital polisher is its compact and ergonomic design. The design that makes even a young girl can polish a car easily and get incredible results. At 5.4 pounds, the MT300 is heavy enough to be effective but light enough to be comfortable, your arms won’t get tired after a couple hours of buff work.

How to Polish like a Pro with Meguiar’s MT300 | Video by Meguiar’s

Overall, we believe the Meguiars MT300 is one of the best random orbital polishers you can buy. You can use it for any type of paint in any condition and your car will regain its like-new shine.

2. TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher Kit – Best Kit to Buy

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TORQ Tool Company makes some of the best car polishers that everyone enjoys and affords. The TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher Kit has an affordable price but very high quality, it includes everything you need to polish paint, remove swirls and scratches, spread wax and sealant, and much more. If you don’t have much time for shopping and researching, this kit is probably the best option to buy.

The TORQ 10FX Random Orbital Polisher is a professional-grade dual-action car polisher that enables users of all skill levels to achieve a flawless finish in their garage. It features a 700-watt motor which is more powerful than the Meguiar’s MT300. Its digital speed controls transmit every bit of power from the motor at 6 distinct speed settings for precise control on sensitive or intense detailing jobs. Smooth startup and power engagement ensures better control and reduces product sling and accidents.

One of the best parts of the TORQ 10FX, like some other best random orbital polishers, is the user-friendly design. Onboard digital controls and display deliver ideal comfort, ease of use, precision, accuracy, and improved safety. The streamlined digital display and power controls are ergonomically integrated directly above the hand grip, all within thumb’s reach.

Plus, unlike many cheap random orbital polishers on the market, the power controls of the TORQ 10FX are extremely intuitive, making it comfortable and easy to control speeds without ever taking your hands off the machine or eyes off the paint. The intuitive design keeps your eyes and attention on the job for improved safety and faster results. The streamlined and ergonomic design of the TORQ 10FX deliver the most comfortable polishing experience possible to the user.

There are a lot of things going for the TORQ BUF501X 10FX Random Orbital Polisher. It’s one of the best-detailing tools designed for you and will cut your polishing time in half.

3. Rupes LHR15 Mark II BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher – Best for PROs

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We’ll tell you why the Rupes LHR15 Mark II BigFoot Random Orbital Polisher is rated as one of the best random orbital polishers for professional detailers. Because it offers the smoothest and most efficient operation we’ve ever seen. The amazing Italian design of the Rupes LHR15 Mark II delivers the most comfortable polishing experience possible to the user. That’s probably why it’s one of the most expensive random orbital polishers on the market.

The Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot is built with everything that made the original Rupes LHR 15ES. With improvements made to both the body, chassis, and motor, the Rupes LHR15 Mark II provides 30% more efficient than the original machines, making correcting your paint smoother than ever before. With a unique 15mm throw, it covers more surface area than most typical orbital polishers which have a throw between 4 and 8mm. A bigger throw also gives this polisher the ability to run smoother and correct defects faster than a conventional dual action polisher.

Also new on the LHR15 Mark II are rubber inserts inside the tool that improves the handling and provide a better level of comfortability while in use. The new rubber tool rest on top of the machine allows you to set the polisher down pad-up and not contaminate either your pad or the paint you’re working on.

Overall, if you���re looking for not only the best random orbital polisher on the market but a professional-grade polishing tool that is built to last, then you can’t go wrong with the Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot.

4. PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-In Variable-Speed Orbit Polisher – Best for Beginners

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The PORTER-CABLE 7424XP 6-In Variable-Speed Random Orbit Polisher is one of the best random orbital polishers for beginners. More than half of the people that we know are using it to polish their cars. That because this polisher is very safe and easy to use, it’s also much less expensive than most other models of the same quality.

The PORTER-CABLE 7424XP features a 4.5 Amp motor and electronic variable-speed dial that operates at 2500-6800 OPM. It’s capable of working at faster speeds than the original 7424, which enables to remove more paint imperfections. In addition, it has an improved switch design for greater durability. The body of the polisher has been redesigned with improved ergonomics to give the operator more comfort and control than the original model.

However, even though the body has been improved to be easier to use, the PORTER-CABLE 7424XP still requires two hands (one positioned on the body, the other on the auxiliary handle) to guide and hold the tool to the surface. It is lightweight (only 6 pounds) but doesn’t perfectly fit in the palm of the hand like the Rupes LHR15 Mark II Big Foot.

5. Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher

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By far, the Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher is the best random orbital polisher from Griots Garage. It has established a reputation among detailers and enthusiasts for having the ability to remove just about any paint imperfection imaginable including water spots, swirls, oxidation and even light scratches!

The Griot’s Garage 6″ is engineered with the same powerful 7-amp, 850-watt motor that eliminates paint defects with ease. It features a strong 5/16’ stroke and six variable speeds, from 2800 to 6800 OPM (oscillations per minute). Any standard dual-action backing plate will fit so you can use your favorite polishing pad selections and sizes.

Griot’s Garage 6″ Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher | Video by Griot’s Garage

This is the 3rd generation Griot’s Garage polisher which is redesigned for more comfort. A new rubberized adjustable hand grip increases user comfort and helps isolate polishing vibration. The new ergonomically designed exterior features molded hand and finger grips for improved comfort. A domed and rubberized palm grip allows for precise control during aggressive polishing. The speed selector dial and power switch have been moved to more convenient locations allow you to focus more on the task at hand – polishing paint!

Overall, we would recommend you buy this random orbital polisher, and also recommend the extra-long 25 ft cord. The longer cord is more convenient than an extension cord and it is gauged to deliver maximum power to the polisher for safe, efficient operation.

6. Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual-Action Orbital Polisher

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The Flex XC 3401 VRG Dual-Action Orbital Polisher is one of the best random orbital polishers of Flex Power Tools – a German company which was founded in 1922. The company offers some of the top-of-the-line polishers for customers around the world.

The Flex XC3401VRG delivers serious power with the convenient variable speed trigger. Meaning at full squeeze you are running at the maximum speed setting you choose. However, unlike other random orbital polishers, if you let off the trigger, the polisher slows down. There is also a convenient lock feature that you can lock in your maximum speed setting without using the trigger. Your speed setting is set by a dial that reads 1 – 6. The control you have doesn’t stop with the speed, but the ergonomics as well.

The Flex XC3401VRG also comes with many other technological advancements that make it one of the premier buffers on the market. It uses seven-fold microprocessor electronics: with consistent speed control by tachometer generator, soft start, accelerator trigger switch, restart protection after power interruption, overload protection, temperature monitoring, and speed selection. The oscillating motion moves the buffer precisely 8mm during one orbit. The handle is removable and easy to hold so you can detail for hours with no problems.

When you use the Flex XC3401VRG to polish your car you will find that this polisher is very simple to use and gets the job done fast. It’s by far one of the best random orbital polishers for professional detailers and beginners as well. But like the Rupes Mark II BigFoot, this is one of the most expensive random orbital/dual action polishers on the market.

7. Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS Long-Throw Orbital Polisher

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The Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS Long-Throw Orbital Polisher is a high-powered dual action orbital polisher designed to make quick work of paint defect removal. It has a 21mm orbit, which represents a 162% increase in orbit throw compared to a conventional orbital’s 8mm throw. A pad that rotates in a larger orbit does more work per pass, your liquids are more effective, and you get results that surpass expectation.

Manufactured with a 900-watt motor, 7.5 amp motor, THE BOSS G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher has no trouble removing different types of swirls and paint defects. It’s also included an anti-fatigue feature in the form of a Trigger Lock Button. This feature allows the power trigger to be held in place while polishing the paint. You will find this is a great feature particularly when you have to work for an extended amount of time!

Overall, the Griot’s Garage BG21 THE BOSS is certainly one of the best random orbital polishers available. But the difference between it and the #1 Meguiar’s MT300 Pro Power DA Polisher may not seem significant, we think the Meguiar’s is the better choice for the price.

The post Best Random Orbital Polishers of 2019 Reviews appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Our favorite jobsite radio is the Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged Digital Job Site Radio. It sounds better and plays louder than most of the competition, plus its portable and rugged design means you can take it with you anywhere you want – and it can survive almost any tough environment.

How We Pick

One of the biggest questions we get asked when talking to folks about jobsite radio is: How do I pick out the loudest one? There are many factors that come into play here, including the output wattage of the radio, volume capacity and sound insulation. Generally, we look for jobsite radio with the best combination of output wattage, volume level and design to create the loudest sound.

Our experts have tested each jobsite radio to ensure that they not only deliver the loudest sound, they have to provide really outstanding sound quality, too. Because without high-quality sound, high volume output doesn’t make any sense. These radios will be used on the jobsites, a portable/weather-resistant/dust-resistant/shock-resistant design is also a factor that comes into play. Another important factor that we looked at is the ability to stream music from smartphone and other Bluetooth devices. The best jobsite radios should be able to stream your favorite music from away, at least 20 feet.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best sounding jobsite radios on the market, they will blow your mind:

Best Loudest Jobsite Radios and Reviews

1. Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged Digital Job Site Radio – Best Loudest Jobsite Radio Overall

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The Sangean U4 Ultra Rugged Digital Job Site Radio is the best sounding and loudest portable jobsite radio you can buy. It is the latest in a long-line of well-received jobsite radios from Sangean and seems to incorporate all of the latest technological advances and features available in a cool-looking, functional package.

The Sangean U4 is a very compact unit. It’s small but provides all the features one would expect of such radios and even more, such as built-in AC power along with the ability to run on external 12 volts via a commonly available car power adapter, the ability to run on 6 standard or rechargeable D cells with a built-in charger. Other features include a large backlit LCD display, a protective roll cage, certified for Dustproof and Waterproof, a high-performance radio with FM, AM, and NOAA Weather bands.

This jobsite radio is integrated with the latest Bluetooth technology allowing you to stream your favorite music from your phone up to 40 feets away. It’s powered by Qualcomm aptX audio – which enhances the wireless sound quality of the speakers. Previously, the speakers often had a reputation for providing average quality sound via Bluetooth, but with aptX, they can overcome that barrier and consistently deliver higher quality audio wirelessly. aptX is a key product differentiator in over 320 leading audio brands for headphones, headsets, automotive audio, speakers, mobile devices and gaming products—where the ability to have a true audiophile experience is paramount.

2. ION Audio Job Rocker Plus

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The ION Audio Job Rocker Plus is specially designed to deliver vibrant, lifelike sound, so music sounds great and you hear every play of the big game clearly. With powerful 50-watt speaker system, it can produce really big sound and will literally shake the floor when blasting music. What’s more? This is not only one of the loudest jobsite radios available, it also has the longest battery life with a built-in battery that provides up to 50 hours of continuous use on a single charge. What’s a huge number!

While the ION Audio Job Rocker Plus is bigger and heavier than the Sangean U4, it offers a Bluetooth connectivity range of up to 100 feet which is ideal for large construction sites. If you stand next to the radio, you can always use the 1/8-inch input to plug your phone in for wired audio playback. Other key features include:

• A built-in AM/FM radio with six presets and rubber antenna makes sure you never have to miss a game on the job.
• heavy-duty steel handles and protective corner bumpers mean you can stay focused on the job and not worry about damaging the radio.
• USB port for charging smartphones, tablets

The ION Audio Job Rocker Plus certainly has a lot going for it. It is ideal for large job sites and outdoor areas where ruggedness and loud output are the most important criteria, and it is exceptionally flexible in terms of power sources and general convenience features.

3. DEWALT DCR025 Bluetooth Radio Charger

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Dewalt has introduced many excellent rugged radios, and the DEWALT DCR025 Bluetooth Radio Charger is the loudest jobsite radio the company has ever made so far. The unit is able to run off and charge DEWALT slide pack battery packs including 20V and FLEXVOLT packs at 3 AMPs when plugged into an AC outlet. So if you’re using Dewalt’s FlexVolt power tools, this radio is the one that you’ll never want to miss out.

We were extremely impressed not only with the sound but by the design of this jobsite radio. The yellow-black design not only makes the speaker easier recognizable but also motivates workers to get the job done.

The DCR025 runs on any DEWALT 20V MAX or 20/60V MAX Flexvolt battery or on AC power. Consistent with any battery powered radio/charger, play time depends on the amp-hour of the battery you use and the volume at which you listen. With the sound level set at 10 of 30 on the volume scale, we were able to get over 36 hours of play time on a single 4.0 Ah battery charge. It takes just over an hour to recharge a 4.0Ah battery.

The DCR025 claims “stream music from any Bluetooth devices up to 100 feet away”. We tested and able to get line-of-sight connectivity between the radio and our phone at over 150 feet. As long as we held the phone still, the radio seemed to perform just like the phone was sitting right next to it.

Overall, the Dewalt DCR025 provides good value in a Bluetooth charger radio – the roll cage design offers a fair degree of protection, battery recharge time is good, play time is excellent (with a 4Ah battery), and sound output is great. It’s definitely one of the best loudest jobsite radios for most people.

4. Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio

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This is the best-looking jobsite radio we’ve ever seen. The Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio is not only one of the leading products from Bosch, it’s also one of the loudest jobsite radios that has the farthest Bluetooth range, up to 150 to 200 feet.

The bass response that we got out of this jobsite radio is powerful enough to shake an entire room when cranked up to maximum volume. With 4-way speakers and a subwoofer, it delivers 360-degree enriched stereo sound. We must say the Bosch PB360C is the best speaker for Rock music. You can control your music through a specific app. With this app, you can play music, set an alarm, record a message on your phone and play it through your speakers.

Bosch PB360C Power Box Jobsite Radio | Video by Bosch Tools

Like the Dewalt, besides this Power Box being a radio and media player, it is also a charger. When you have the unit plugged in, you can not only charge your Bosch batteries, but also your cell phone or other electronic devices such as an iPad. On the back of the radio is where you can insert your Bosch battery (18V or 14.4V slide packs). When you plug in the unit, it will automatically start to charge your battery or whatever is on the USB port. As soon as you unplug the box, it will kick right over to using the battery as a power source without any interruption.

Overall, with such a lot of great features, the Bosch PB360C is one of the best jobsite radios you can buy and we highly recommend them.

5. Rockville Rjs8 8″ Jobsite/Portable Rechargeable Powered Bluetooth Pro Speaker

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The Rockville Rjs8 is engineered to be the loudest portable jobsite radio on the market. With 200 watts peak power and 100 watts RMS power, this is actually one of the most powerful speakers at this price point. If you are on the jobsite or tailgating and turn this speaker up you will be able to hear it from 300 feet away. And the built-in Bluetooth will allow you to playback music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth devices from 65 feet away.

The unit itself is built like a tank and is dust and water-resistant. It has 2 solid metal handles, one at the top for ease of carrying and one in the front that prevents the speaker from being damaged if the unit tips over. It also features USB ports, built-in SD card, AM/FM PLL Radio Tuner with auto scan and AM/FM loop antenna, and 10 Memory preset radio stations.

The sound quality isn’t as good as 4 models above but at this price point, the Rockville Rjs8 exceeds all our expectations.

6. Milwaukee 2792-20 M18 Jobsite Radio/Charger

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The Milwaukee 2792-20 M18 Jobsite Radio is a heavy-duty jobsite radio and is a big improvement from the previous model – the Milwaukee 2790-20. It’s not only one of the loudest jobsite radios to buy, it’s also one of the best battery chargers for M18 batteries and most electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets. We love the fact that the 2792-20 has a unique charging technology that is able to charge batteries 50% faster than most competitors.

Milwaukee 2792-20 M18 Jobsite Radio | Video by Milwaukee

With the Bluetooth receiver, you can stream rich, full sound wirelessly from over 100 ft. Milwaukee used an older Bluetooth profile, so the connectivity uses a 4-digit pin, but since you only have to enter it once to pair a device, it wasn’t much of a hassle. The speaker sounds extremely good and clear. It’s a great radio that doesn’t color the sound too much and distortion is only an issue if you’re determined to run it at absolute full volume. Keep it just under the max and it will put out lots of loud, clean music that sounds good and fills up even the largest of job sites.

The Milwaukee 2792-20 has a lightweight, portable and rugged design. It has a reinforced roll cage to protect against weather and harsh conditions, while the large, onboard weather-sealed storage compartment protects small belongings and smartphones.

7. Makita XRM04B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Bluetooth Job Site Radio

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The Makita XRM04B Jobsite Radio is one of the loudest jobsite radios from Makita. We were very impressed by its compact design. It weighs only 10.4 pounds with battery and looks pretty small. It features an auxiliary port that’s compatible with most MP3 players so you can hook them up or use Bluetooth technology to listen to your own music wirelessly. A built-in USB port allows you to easily charge your mobile devices. You’ll enjoy high-quality stereo sound with the two 3.5-inch side-firing speakers.

This jobsite radio has menu options to choose FM stations, time and clock settings, volume and snooze. It’s also water resistant and has protective bumpers to stand up to tough conditions. When powered by Makita 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries, it gives you up to 20 hours of run time, up to 6 hours when using a compact Lithium-ion battery.

Overall, we think the Makita XRM04B is a great choice for anyone looking for a small jobsite radio but delivers outstanding sounding output. Even though the Bluetooth range isn’t very far (approx. 30 feet), it’s still a very good radio for use on the jobsite.

8. DEWALT DWST08810 ToughSystem Music Player with Charger

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If you are looking for a job-site radio that has premium sound quality, possibly the best out there at this time, look no further. The Dewalt DWST08810 ToughSystem Music Player with Charger has the sound quality that will satisfy almost any user. With 4 Full Range Tweeters on top for all around sound, an active and passive subwoofer on the bottom for good base, and an Assisted Bass Resonator, this unit will be a great travel partner kicking out excellent sound.

With “ToughSystem” in the name, it’s a dead giveaway that the DeWalt ToughSystem Music + Charger is part of the DeWalt ToughSystem storage solutions family. It is fully capable of locking in as the top portion of any ToughSystem storage box or group. Combined with the rolling cart, you can keep your gear organized and get it to where you need to work with just one trip from the truck.

The Dewalt DWST08810 is not only designed to be one of the best loudest jobsite radios in the industry, it’s also engineered to charge any Dewalt’s 12V and 20V battery. The battery charger is rated as a 1A output and will take 90 to 300 minutes to charge your battery. When using a 20 volt, 2 Ah battery to power the radio, you can run it all day (8 hours).

The post Loudest Jobsite Radio: Best Sounding Jobsite Radios 2019 Reviews appeared first on Green Living Blog.

Cordless brad nailers now not only offer greater flexibility and portability, they are also integrated new advanced technologies in battery and the brushless motor that allow the tools to hold a lot of power and pack a serious punch when called into action. I was very impressed with the new line of lithium-ion batteries which are smaller and lighter than their nickel cadmium (NiCad) predecessors, and won’t run out of juice before my work done.

The best part of owning a cordless brad nailer is that I can always use it in tight spaces, where a corded one can’t reach. I can also place it in my toolbox and take it with me anywhere I go. The convenience makes me feel I can do everything better with less effort. I know a cordless brad nailer always costs much more than a pneumatic model, but that is what we have to pay for the convenience.

If you’re willing to pay to make your life easier, read my reviews on some of the best cordless brad nailers on the market and you’ll find the one that suited to your needs:

• Click this if you want the best cordless finish nailer

1. DEWALT DCN680D1 20V Max 18 Gauge Angled Brad Nailer Reviews- Best Overall

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When it comes to choosing a battery-powered brad nailer that is versatile and tough enough for most major woodworking projects, there is no one better than the DEWALT DCN680D1 20V Max 18 Gauge Angled Brad Nailer. This is an upgrade version of the DEWALT DC608 18V 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer – which came out in 2007 and has quickly become one of the most popular cordless brad nailers so far. I think Dewalt listened to their customers and tried to add more advanced features to this model. Making it the best cordless brad nailer for most homeowners and contractors.

If you’re having doubts about its ability, let’s see this video:

The DEWALT DCN680D1 comes as a kit, including the Dewalt DCN680B Brad Nailer, one 20V-2A Lithium-ion battery and charger, and one kit bag. The gun is slightly bigger and heavier than a pneumatic one (6 pounds with battery) but I do not find any inconvenience when I have to work with it all day long.  It is compatible with all Dewalt 20V MAX batteries. So if you already own a bevy of cordless DeWALT tools and have ample batteries, you may want to purchase the bare model.

The key feature of the DEWALT DCN680D1, as most Dewalt cordless power tools, is the Dewalt’s most advanced brushless motor. This feature helps reduce significantly overall tool weight and gives better battery mileage, and should provide a longer tool life. According to Dewalt, their brushless motors can deliver up to 57% more runtime over other brushed motors. Compared to Dewalt DC608, the new brushless motor is much stronger and faster. It can drive nails with the speed and consistent power of the best air-powered nailers.

How good is the battery life? This is one of the most common questions when it comes to cordless power tools. I think a Dewalt 20V 2A battery would be fine for most occasional projects at home (600-800 nails per charge), but for projects that require more than two hours using your brad nailer, you’ll need a 20V/4A battery for a longer runtime.

Overall, the DEWALT DCN680D1 exceeded all my expectations. You can’t go wrong with it.

2. Paslode 918000 18-Gauge Cordless Li-ion Brad Nailer Reviews

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The second best cordless brad nailer in my comparison is the Paslode 918000 Cordless Li-ion Brad Nailer. Do you know that this nailer can drive up to 12,000 nails per charge? What a huge number! I found that it’s more robust and much lighter (only 4.6 lbs with battery) than the Dewalt. But there is one thing that makes me prefer the DEWALT DCN680D1 to this one. It’s the fact that the Paslode 918000 is still using gas and gas freezes in cold climate.

The small size and cordless free design allow this nailer to fit into any tight spot you might find. Not to mention it’s easy to transport, allowing you to work wherever you need to. A reversible belt hook can be adjusted for use with either your left or right hand, giving you the convenience of free hands when you need them.

The feature that I love most is its battery. A 4V Li-on battery lessens your downtime with 12,000 nails per charge, compared to 800 nails per charge of the Dewalt. So you won’t need the second battery, even during all-day jobs. Overall, I think if you don’t mind the hassle of using gas, the Paslode 918000 Cordless Li-ion Brad Nailer is the best choice.

3. Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18-Volt Cordless Brad Nailer Reviews

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The Ryobi P320 Airstrike 18-Volt Cordless Brad Nailer is the best cordless brad nailer for those looking for an inexpensive model to work around the house. I recently had a chance to try it and I have to admit I was surprised at how well it performs. And I was also very impressed by the way Ryobi did their marketing campaigns. The Ryobi P320 Airstrike is everywhere.

According to the Ryobi, the best feature of the P320 Airstrike is its AirStrike System. Here is how the system works: a single piston inside pressurizes ambient air with each trigger squeeze, and that’s what drives the brad. The motor is quiet and the ramp-up time is brief. This nailer sinks even long brads into thick hardwood without unpleasant recoil. You can fine tune how deeply to countersink those nails with a large air pressure dial on top — it’s unique to RYOBI. Plus, there’s a second contact element adjuster wheel in front to set countersink depths.

The Ryobi P320 Airstrike cordless brad nailer is sold as a bare tool. With a 4A 18-volt battery, you can expect to sink about 700 nails per charge. The gun can handle 18 gauge brad nails ranging in size from 5/5″ to 2″ in length. That’s a nice range of brads and is perfect for just about any application. Overall, I think this battery-powered brad nailer is a great option for anyone looking for a good upgrade from the pneumatic brad nailer. But honestly, I won’t buy it if I can afford the Dewalt or Paslode.

The post The Best Cordless Brad Nailer appeared first on Green Living Blog.

We understand the benefits of owning a cordless finish nailer and we also understand it’s not easy for you to choose the right one that best suited to your needs and your budget. There are so many choices out there, most look similar. Because of that, we decided to spend over 20 hours reviewing several excellent models that we feel are worth your money.

• Click this if you want the best cordless brad nailer

1. DEWALT DCN660D1 20V 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer Kit – Editor’s Pick

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What do you expect from your new cordless finish nailer? A power of corded, ergonomic design, or the longest battery life? This DEWALT DCN660D1 20V 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer will provide you all of those things and even more without breaking the bank. We’ve found that this finish nailer is more robust and more versatile than most other cordless models. It works very well on hardwood, too. We believe that this is the best cordless finish nailer you can buy at this time.

The DeWALT DCN660D1 comes as a kit, consisting of a durable case, diagnostic battery charger, and one 20V MAX 2.0 Ah battery. An adjustable belt hook is integrated onto the base. You can, of course, use it with any of the standard flat bottom mount batteries. If you already own a bevy of cordless DeWALT tools and have ample batteries, you may want to purchase the bare tool, the Dewalt DCN660B.

The key feature of this cordless finish nailer is its brushless motor. This feature helps reduce significantly overall tool weight and gives better battery mileage, and should provide a longer tool life. Dewalt’s brushless motors require less energy to run the motor and also less friction, heat and amp draw. All of those mean a longer run time. According to Dewalt, their brushless motors can deliver up to 57% more runtime over other brushed motors. We think that this is probably the thing that makes many Dewalt’s cordless tools, such as cordless impact wrenches or cordless air compressors, the top-of-the-line products on the market.

At just 6 pounds (with a battery installed), the DCN660 is lighter than most other models that we’ve reviewed. But it’s still about 2 pounds heavier than a typical 16-gauge pneumatic nailer. Most of the weight is in the head – where its brushless motor is located. Fortunately, it’s quite well balanced and doesn’t feel overly hefty or cumbersome in use, an important consideration if you’re using the nailer for any length of time or doing a lot of overhead work.

One of the best parts of this best cordless finish nailer, as most Dewalt’s cordless power tools, is the DEWALT 20-Volt MAX batteries. Dewalt MAX batteries are always the best on the market, you can’t go wrong with them. According to DeWALT, with one 20V MAX 2.0 Ah battery, you can expect to sink about 800 nails per charge, though the actual number will depend on the type of material you’re nailing into. That is a decent number, but if you want more runtime from the nailer, you can get a 4.0 Ah battery.

All in all, we can’t find any problem with this cordless finish nailer, it’s well thought, well designed, and performs like a pro. We love it and highly recommend it.

2. PORTER-CABLE PCC792LA 20V MAX Cordless Lithium 16GA Straight Finish Nailer Kit – Best Price

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We saw the PORTER-CABLE PCC792LA cordless finish nailer many times on the job sites, it is a preferred nailer of the contractors. We think that this because the PCC792LA is very light and has a much lower price compared to most other cordless models on the market. Unfortunately, we found that this nailer doesn’t work really well on hardwood, but it’s still a great cordless finish nailer for the price.

The PORTER-CABLE PCC792LA weighs 6.5 pounds with the battery on it. It has the class’ typical top-heavy, slightly forward-leaning balance. This is a little better with a 4.0 amp hour battery, but don’t expect miracles. We found the handle to be an excellent size and the rubber over mold helped ensure a secure grip.

This 16GA Straight Finish Nailer has a fastener length capacity of 1″ to 2-1/2″ and a magazine capacity of 100 nails. When the 20V 4A lithium battery is fully charged, you can expect to sink about 1000 nails – which is a bit higher than what Dewalt’s 20V 2A battery can do. If you use a 4A battery for the Dewalt DCN660, you can sink up to 1500 nails per charge. However, we think 1000 nails per charge is a great number for a cheap cordless finish nailer.

Overall, we think this battery-powered finish nailer is a great tool for anyone looking for a good upgrade from the air-powered finish nailer. You can’t find any other cheap model that is better than this one. It’s the best cordless finish nailer for the price.

3. BOSTITCH BCN650D1 20V Max 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer Kit

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The BOSTITCH BCN650D1 Finish Nailer took a while to come out compared to some of their closest competition and it’s competing for the top spot. For the first time we saw this finish nailer, we were surprised because it looks exactly like the Dewalt. But after we explored it, we found it has been improved a bit and performs better than the Dewalt. That’s probably why it’s more expensive.

BOSTITCH Cordless Finish Nailer | Video by Bostitch

The BCN650D1 has an extremely lightweight and ergonomic design, it weighed in at 5.8 pounds with the battery installed on our scales. And the nailer seems to be a well-balanced tool that isn’t overly tiring to use, has a good line-of-sight for precise nail placement, offers easy nail loading and quick depth drive adjustment, with the advantage of both single and bump mode firing.

Like the Dewalt, this cordless finish nailer comes with a 2A 20V battery. With this battery you can expect to shoot 800 nails per charge. Overall, we can confidently say this is one of the best cordless finish nailers available. But the difference between it and the Dewalt may not seem significant, we think the Dewalt is the better choice for the price.

4. Hitachi NT1865DMA Cordless 18-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

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Lifetime warranty and a 3A Lithium-ion battery which is capable of driving up to 1,100 nails per charge, are some of the best features that you’ll get from the Hitachi NT1865DMA Cordless 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer.

This cordless finish nailer features Hitachi brushless motors that provide longer run time, less maintenance and increased durability. The driving system they employ is similar to Hitachi’s pneumatic line that uses compressed air to drive each nail resulting in zero ramp-up time, increased shooting speed, recoil that feels like a pneumatic nailer, quicker response time between drives, better flush driving-even at an angle, and easy maintenance if the need should arise due to fewer parts to manage.

In addition to the advanced brushless motor, like many Hitachi’s cordless power tools, this nailer features a compact 3.0Ah Lithium Ion battery. The battery is equipped with Hitachi’s Multiplex Protection Circuit to prevent overload, over-charge and over-discharge that further extends the lifetime of the battery. You can use this battery for all Hitachi 18-volt lithium-ion slide type tools and conversely.

Unfortunately, the Hitachi NT1865DMA cordless finish nailer is relatively heavy compared to other models we reviewed. It weighs up to 7.5 pounds with the battery installed. It’s well-balanced, but it’s not the best cordless finish nailer you want to use day-in and day-out.

5. Senco 5N0001N Fusion Finish Nailer Reviews

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5 years ago before Dewalt came out with their own cordless finish nailers, the Senco 5N0001N Fusion Finish Nailer used to be one of the most desirable tools. It was one of the most robust and well-built power tools that we’d ever seen. Nowadays, there are so many great choices for you, we believe this is still a decent option that is worth being considered.

The Senco 5N0001N uses 15 gauge finish nails, which allows it to perform heavy trim work – including setting doors. We found that this nailer works well on hard materials. In our test, it can easily drive 2-1/2″ nails into hardwood, and we got about 450 nails per charge. The battery life was shorter than average but is still a respectable amount. Thankfully, the charger is quick working and got us back on track after only a 20 minute charge time.

The post Best Cordless Finish Nailers Reviews appeared first on Green Living Blog.

When I was searching for “best woodworking power tools”, I was curious why not many people mentioned about the miter saw. For me, a miter saw is one of the best tools that I have in my woodworking shop, it’s extremely helpful and has been saving me a ton of time.

Some folks said that they have had a table saw, so they don’t need a miter saw. I have both of them in my shop, and the fact is I only use my table saw once for every 100 times I use my miter saw. I have found that the table saw is one of the most dangerous tools that I have and using it is the best way to lose my fingers. By contrast, I feel safe every time I use my miter saw.

I believe that a miter saw is a machine that any workshop MUST-HAVE, it will really help you work on your carpentry projects more quickly and easily. Though, you may have to spend lots of time to find the one that best suited to your needs and your budget. That’s why I did this guide and review to help you narrow your choice, save your time and your money.

I have looked at a lot of miter saws and found that the vast majority of them either have a 10-inch or a 12-inch miter saw. I used both and I think that a 12-inch miter saw is the best choice for most people. So in this guide I want to focus on the 12-inch miter saws and I will also review some of the best 12-inch miter saws on the market, I hope you will find it useful.

• Best sliding compound miter saw reviews

Best 12-Inch Miter Saws: Editor’s Pick

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Once you use the DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, you’ll never want to use any other 12-inch miter saw. This is one of the best 12 inch sliding compound miter saw available. It comes with many great features that will help you get your job done super fast. That’s probably why it gets such great reviews from buyers on Amazon.

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The second best 12-inch miter saw that I think you should consider is the Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. You will find this is one of the most amazing miter saws you’ve ever used. Some professionals called it “a game changer” and I really love it. But this saw doesn’t come with a light or laser, I believe this feature is the only thing keeping it from being the first.

A 12-Inch Miter Saw

I found that the 12-inch miter saw is more powerful than most other sizes of the miter saw. I think this due to the fact that 12-inch miter saws have a bigger blade and a higher tooth-speed. What that means is more blade teeth impact the material in a given time. A more powerful motor allows you to work quicker, which increases efficiency. Most 12-inch miter saws have a 15-amp motor, which is powerful enough to cut larger and thicker pieces of wood. A miter saw with the ability to cut thicker materials will allow you to complete larger cutting saws.

Most 12-inch miter saws offer enough cutting capacity to cut thick framing material, as well as wide trim stock. To my mind, the best 12-inch miter saw is a sliding compound miter saw that allows you to cut through significantly larger materials. It is a great feeling when you can perform a miter cut in a 2×12 or 2×16 (Dewalt DWS780) without cutting partially through the board and then trying to match the cut on the opposite side or switching to the circular saw to finish the cut.

Although the choices may seem bewildering, today’s 12-inch miter saws are available in 3 basic styles: standard, compound, sliding compound, dual-bevel sliding compound.

Compound Miter Saw

Compound Miter Saws feature blades that pivot left and right for angled cuts and tilt in a single direction for beveled cuts. Manipulating the saw on both of its axes at once yields a compound miter cut. Compound miter saws are useful for picture frames, crown molding or any project that requires angled cuts in two planes. They offer the advantage of making compound cuts in one pass.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Sliding compound miter saws can cut miters, bevels and compound miters like a compound miter saw. Instead of a fixed pivot point, however, the blade and motor assembly can slide forward and back on a rail. A sliding compound miter saw adds the ability to crosscut wide boards, which is handy for mitering wide baseboards, cutting up to 12-in.-wide shelves to length, or cutting extra-wide crown moldings. It’s the perfect choice for delicate woodworking to heavy-duty framing and deck building.

Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

This is the most popular type of miter saw in use today, and I think the best 12-inch miter saw for most people is a dual sliding compound miter saw. This saw functions exactly like a sliding compound-miter saw, except the blade and motor assembly can flop either to the left or to the right, allowing you to cut bevels and compound miters in either direction. The key advantage here is that you can cut a board with the miter and bevel oriented the same way it will be installed, which can save a lot of head scratching.

Single Bevel vs. Dual Bevel? Which is the Best?

A dual-bevel miter saw is always better than a single-bevel miter saw. Dual-bevel miter saws allow you to make opposite bevels without having to reorient the piece you’re cutting. This saves time and eliminates confusion. In addition, the dual-bevel saws up the ante on quality. Everything about them is more refined and precise. Of course, you pay for the better quality in both cost and weight.

BEST 12-INCH MITER SAWS & REVIEWS

1. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Reviews – Most Accurate Miter Saw

The DWS780 12-inch double bevel sliding compound miter saw is not only the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saw available, it’s also one of the best-selling miter saws in the USA so far. I love this saw because of its capacity, compact and lightweight design, all the advanced features, and on top of that, a great accuracy. This is the most accurate miter saw on the market thanks to the Dewalt’s innovative XPS technology.

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw | Video by Dewalt

This DEWALT 12 in. sliding compound miter saw is built for heavy-duty use at home or on the job site. It is driven by a powerful 15 amp motor for advanced cutting power in a compact, lightweight design. With extended bevel and miter capacities, this saw powers through dimensional lumber and molding at angles up to 50 Degree left and 60 Degree right for versatility. Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2 in. nested, base molding up to 6-1/2 in. vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts.

For me, the best feature of this 12-inch sliding compound miter saw is its integrated XPS (crosscut positioning system) for adjustment-free accurate cut line indication. This system has performed far better than any miter saw laser system I have ever seen.

The XPS module projects LED light along both sides of the blade, forming a shadow of the blade on the workpiece. As the saw blade is lowered towards the workpiece, the width of the shadow sharpens, darkens, and closely matches the thickness of the saw blade’s kerf. Position your cut-line to the laser-like shadow, and you will have perfect alignment every time. Changing to or from a thin-kerf blade? No problem, the width of the shadow is created by the saw blade, so the shadow will thin or thicken accordingly.

There’re many other great features that come with the Dewalt DWS780 sliding compound miter saw but I think if you read the buyer’s reviews on Amazon before buying this item, you’ll understand why it is the best 12 inch miter saws out there for you. The only drawback is its price, this miter saw will cost you a bit more than others so it may not be the best choice if you occasionally do some wood project for fun. But if your budget allows you to buy, then you’ll be very happy with it.

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2. Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw Reviews

The second best 12-inch miter saw is the Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. I had the opportunity to try out this miter saw for a month and I must confess to you that this is the most amazing 12-inch miter saw I’ve ever seen.

What really stood out and amazed me was its innovative glide mechanism versus the slide rails used by most competitors. This feature allows the miter saw to provide an unbeatable smooth cutting motion and an extremely space-saving design. One thing I was very surprised at is how well the dust collection is when hooked up. It’s difficult to try to make a miter saw have zero dust but if you build a shroud around this and keep the dust collection hooked up, it’s actually not too bad.

• Read more: The best shop vacs you can buy

Most 12 inch sliding compound miter saws achieve their crosscut capacity by using one or more sliding tubes that provide the travel for the blade, transmission, and motor assembly. It’s a time-tested design, but there are a couple of problems. One is that the tubes stick out about 12 in. beyond the rear of the saw, requiring that the saw be positioned that distance from the wall. As a result, you end up with 2 or 3 sq. ft. of wasted space behind the saw—and most woodworkers would rather put that space to better use.

Bosch has solved these problems by using its patented Axial-Glide System in this Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. The saw uses a pair of hinged or articulating arms to provide the travel for its 13-1/2-in. crosscut capacity. And since there aren’t any rails to protrude from the back of the saw, the footprint has been reduced. In addition, it’s very accurate because of the tight tolerances in the hinged arms. And you can adjust the tightness of the mechanism to your personal preference.

The saw features a 15 amp motor which delivers no-load speeds of 3,800 RPM for quick, accurate cuts in many materials. It very convenient since the saw is compatible with a variety of 12 In. blades and it has a clear lower guard to provide unobstructed cut-line visibility. There are nine detents for common miter settings. Although we’ve seen it on past Bosch miter saws, I really like the up-front bevel control that eliminates reaching around the back of the saw for bevel adjustments.

I haven’t yet found out anything of the Bosch GCM12SD that is inferior to the DEWALT DWS780 Sliding Compound Miter Saw, except the fact that this saw has no light and no laser. I believe that this feature is the only thing keeping this saw from being the best 12-inch miter saw in my comparison. Bosch tried to solve this issue by offering an accessory laser washer which is very easy to install. But you’ll have to buy it separately when purchasing the saw.

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3. Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Reviews

The Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the best 12-inch miter saw for the price. It’s the perfect choice if you don’t have budget for 2 options above. I really like this miter saw because of its compact slide system with large cutting capacity. This saw features a fixed rail slide design that eliminates the need for rear clearance to accommodate the extension of the sliding rails. This system allows the saw to sit up against a wall or to be placed in tight work areas without compromising cutting capacity.

The Hitachi C12RSH2 is an upgrade version of the Hitachi C12RSH – which used to be one of the best miter saws on the market before being discontinued by Hitachi. Hitachi listened to the feedback and added more advanced features into this new sliding compound miter saw.

The Hitachi C12RSH2 has improved work efficiency with the compact slide system and wide base which is 630mm, 54mm wider than the C12RSH. It features all new tall sliding fences that allow you to cut much larger material, while easily sliding out of the way when making bevel cuts. The easily adjustable tool-less laser marker allows even the most novice users to make perfectly accurate cuts.

There are many other great features of this 12-in miter saw that you’ll find on Amazon.com. But after all, I think you’ll find almost everything you need from this miter saw. This is the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saw for the price that I’ve ever seen.

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4. DEWALT DW716XPS Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw with XPS Reviews

While 12-inch sliding compound miter saws can greatly increase the cutting capacity, they greatly increase the cost too. A 12-inch sliding compound miter saw can cost twice as much as a non-sliding compound miter saw. If you only have a few hundred dollars to spend and can sacrifice the wide cutting capacity of a sliding saw, I recommend buying a non-sliding compound miter saw. And I think the DEWALT DW716XPS Compound Miter Saw with XPS is the best 12-inch compound miter saw you can buy at this time.

The DEWALT DW716XPS is all you’ll need for 90 percent of interior trim work. It has everything that the Dewalt DWS780 Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw has except the ability to crosscut wide boards. A lightweight and compact design, a powerful motor for advanced cutting power, and one of the most accurate miter system – the Dewalt XPS.

I love the fact that this miter saw comes with tall sliding fences that support crown molding up to 6-5/8 in. nested and base molding up to 6-1/2 in. vertically against the fence while easily sliding out of the way for bevel cuts. Even though I can always screw a board to the fence to increase the height, I prefer to have a tall fence available when I need it.

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5. Makita LS1216L 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw Reviews

Makita makes some of the best and most accurate miter saws, and the Makita LS1216L 12-Inch Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw is one of the best 12-inch miter saws you can buy. It has several unique features that contribute to an overall impression of superb quality and thoughtful engineering.

First, I especially like its clean design, a design that looks very simple but provides just everything you need to get the jobs done. Second, the Makita is the only dual-tilt saw with an angled, geared motor rather than a belt drive. I would expect this design to be trouble free over the life of the tool.

Also, it’s the only saw to incorporate two pairs of rails for a smaller footprint and greater rigidity for better quality cuts. Plus, one small feature that’s easy to overlook but very thoughtful is a latch that drops down to best position the saw for ‘fixed’ operation. Just hook the lever and tighten the slide and the saw functions like a non-slider. The Dewalt miter saw has a similar feature.

Overall, the Makita LS1216L is an excellent saw and my top pick. If the saw is about $100 cheaper, I could recommend it as a good upgrade from the single-bevel saws, but at the listed price I feel you can do better.

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6. DEWALT DHS790 FlexVolt 12″ Sliding Compound Miter Saw Review – Best Corded/Cordless Miter Saw

The last one in my comparison of the best 12-inch miter saws is the DEWALT DHS790 FlexVolt Sliding Compound Miter Saw. If you ask me who makes the best cordless power tools on the planet, I would say it’s the Dewalt. Dewalt cordless power tools have come a long way since their beginnings. No longer can they be considered puny and inferior to their corded cousins, these tools will charge quickly, stay powered up for a significant length of time and pack a serious punch when called into action.

The DEWALT DHS790 FlexVolt is the best cordless miter saw I’ve ever seen. It is powerful, lightweight, and more accurate than most other miter saws on the market. I found that this saw is pretty much identical to the DEWALT DWS780, except you can use it as a cordless miter saw. So if you’re looking for the best miter saw and you already have some Dewalt FlexVolt batteries, the DEWALT DHS790 miter saw is the way to go.

DEWALT DHS790 FlexVolt 12 Sliding Compound Miter Saw | Video by Dewalt

For cordless miter saws, power is measured in battery voltage. Higher voltage means more torque-spinning strength to overcome resistance. Most cordless miter saws use 18V batteries which is not enough power for heavy-duty projects. DeWalt’s FlexVolt system changed the game with a battery that can deliver up to 60V so the saw can get 120 volts with only two FlexVolt batteries.

How DEWALT FLEXVOLT 20V-60V- MAX Batteries Work | Video by Dewalt

According to DeWALT, with the 6.0Ah batteries the Dewalt DHS790 will be able to deliver 2.0Ah of run-time, which should move you closer to the 300 cut mark. And with the new 9.0Ah batteries the DHS790 will be able to deliver 3.0Ah of run-time, which should move you closer to the 450 cut mark.

As I found out, a single person using the DHS790 can get a lot of work done on a single battery charge. However, where you have two or more people using the saw it won’t take long before the batteries need recharging. Fortunately, with the DHS790 you don’t have to worry about having replacement batteries ready, you can switch it over to AC power in a matter of seconds. This makes it very convenient for someone who needs to use the saw in an area of the jobsite where power hasn’t been connected, where it might be a hassle to run an extension cord, or the power cords are all in use.

Without the dual power source, the DHS790 is a great saw like the Dewalt DWS780. Both of them are the best 12-inch sliding compound miter saws you can buy. They’re solidly built, durable, have a superb cutting capacity, are accurate, have very good dust collection (connected to a dust extractor) and are easy to adjust.

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