In this review post, I’ve put together a collection of the best quiet table saw currently available.
A table saw is a vital woodworking tool that consists of a saw blade that’s mounted on an arbor driven by a motor either directly, by gears or by belt. The saw blade protrudes through the table surface. The table provides support for the material being cut. Due to its large size, a table saw is less portable than circular saw or compound miter saw.
The depth of the cut wood varies by moving the saw blade up and down. The higher the saw blade protrudes above the table, the deeper the cut. The angle of the cut can be controlled by adjusting the blade angle.
A table saw is used for cutting large pieces of woods quickly compared to a band saw or scroll saw which are used for detailed cutting. (Also read: quiet vitamix blenders)
Quiet Table Saw: The Noisiest and the Quietest Types on the Market
There are two types of table saws depending on how power produced by the motor is transferred to the blade. There’s the belt drive and direct drive.
By default, belt drive table saws are the quietest types and are much quieter compared to direct drive.
Did you know that belt drive garage door openers and air compressors are also the quietest?
They use a V-belt and pulley system responsible for power transfer to the blade. Even though some power gets lost in the process, belt-driven saws are capable of cutting thicker hardwoods.
In addition, because the motor is located far from the blade, less dust will collect inside the motor- hence longer motor life and less maintenance needed. They are also more expensive than a direct drive saw because they produce more power and torque.
On the other hand, direct-drive saws have blade connected directly to the motor itself. This means that no power is lost. Unfortunately, they are noisy.
Table saw comparison chart
| Image | Name | Features | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | SawStop PCS175-TGP236 1.75-HP Professional Cabinet Saw | 36" Professional T-Glide Fence System 1.75HP or 3HP motor 110-220 volt power requirement Fully enclosed cabinet Compatible with 10-inch standard blades and 8-inch dado sets | $$$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | Grizzly G0690 Cabinet Table | 3 HP 220V single-phase Lesson 34-Inch height T-slot miter gauge Quick release riving knife | $$$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | JET 708675PK XACTASAW Deluxe | Poly-V drive belt system Quick release riving knife Built-in 4" dust collection port 3-Horsepower, 1Ph, 50-Inch Rip Fence Enclosed cabinet | $$$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | SKIL 3410-02 10-Inch Table Saw | Bevel Angle Range:0° to 47° Self-Aligning Rip Fence Blade Diameter: 10-Inches 15 Amp Motor Bevel: 2-47 Degrees Voltage 120V | $$$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | Powermatic PM1000 1791001K | 115V power Blade Length 10 inches 1-3/4HP motor 30" Accu-Fence system | $$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | Shop Fox W1819 | 3 Horsepower motor 10-Inch saw blade Quick release riving knife 220V, single-phase, 12.8A T-fence system Adjustable T-slot miter gauge | $$$ | See Price on Amazon |
  | DEWALT DWE7491RS | 15.0A high torque motor Blade diameter 10 inches Tool Weight: 90 pounds | $$$ | See Price on Amazon |
What you should know about table saw noise and how to quiet a noisy table saw
As far as a table saw noise is concerned, you should be aware that there’s a whole range of frequency spectrum of noise. Universal direct drive AC/DC is the loudest and a mostly found on portable saws and job site. Air noise of idle running blade and wood cutting blade noise are also factors to consider.
On the other hand, induction motors are heavy-duty, and you’ll find them on belt drive saws, cabinet and hybrid saws.
The most annoying is the scream like noise (mostly in direct drive systems when idle) and also produced by belt drive when cutting wood. You can reduce this noise problem by using noise isolation and closing all the windows in the workshop.
In my woodworking DIY projects, I’ve discovered that belt drive table saws that have multiple belts are the quietest. My grandpa had one that he’s flipped on, and it hardly made any sound until the wood hit the blade, even then the saw wasn’t what you would call loud.
I’d say you look for something heavy and with multiple belt drive. The weight will significantly keep the vibrations down, and more belts will ensure that the unit does make that screeching sound you hear when you start a single belt saw.
Quiet table saw reviews
1. SawStop PCS175 Table Saw
This SawStop table saw is ideal for hobbyists, DIYers, and craftsmen. Its 1.75 horsepower delivers the perfect performance needed quietly.
It’s equipped with quiet and poly V-ribbed belts for best power transfer without making unwanted noises and with very minimal vibrations. In addition, the saw is equipped with a safety system that detects when a person accidentally contacts the spinning blade and automatically stops the spinning blade in a fraction of millisecond.
The Centers for Disease Control has classified sawdust as carcinogenic. But with SawStop you won’t have to worry because 99% of the dust is collected above and below the table.
For added precision and strength the saw comes with a 36-inch T-Glide fence system. In addition it runs on 110 volts power making this table saw great for home ship because it gives the convenience of plugging anywhere. It’s also compatible with 8-inch dado sets and the 10-inch standard blades.
Pros:
- It’s a quiet table saw- weighs 471 pounds (213kgs) and uses multiple belt drives- these two help significantly reduce vibration and unwanted noise (screeching noise) while at the same time enhancing efficiency.
- It’s perfect for DIYers, hobbyists, and shops with limited working space.
Cons:
- It’s expensive
2. Grizzly G0690
The Grizzly G0690 is a quiet saw that boasts three-horse powers for heavy-duty cutting. Even though it’s not as a high end three horsepower table saw that cost upward from $4,000, the Grizzly G0690 surpasses the essential strength in a quality workshop tool. The saw is constructed from heavy-duty and durable cast iron trunnions, heavy-duty cabinet, ground cast iron table with miter gauge T slots and powder coated paint.
The unit consists of a quick-release riving knife that moves up and down and also tilts with the blade.
Features include:
- Maximum depth of cut @ 90-Degree
- 220V single-phase Lesson
- Overall dimensions: 62-InchL x 41-InchW x 40-InchH
- Maximum rip capacity: 291/2-Inch
- Maximum dado width: 13/16-Inch
- Maximum rip capacity: 291/2-Inch
- Arbor size: 5/8-Inch
- Arbor speed: 4 300 RPM
I bought this table saw back in 2015 and the product three days to assemble and tune. I was happy that the tuning was easy, thanks to the quality of the workmanship. Once the table was all set up to the blade every other piece fell into place with minimal adjustment. The only downside I’d say I found out with this saw is the price tag- something most people wouldn’t be willing to pay for. But remember you get what you pay for with a table saw.
3. JET 708675PK Table Saw
The JET 708675PK saw runs on a poly-V belt drive system that guarantees efficient and quiet operation. It’s fitted with a quick-release riving knife that significantly reduces both kickback and binding risk. The integrated riving knife and arbor lock keeps the operator safe. In addition, the table saw is fitted with an independent leaf safety guard that protects the user from the blade while operating the machine even when the blade is at 45 degrees tilt.
Features:
- Built-in storage drawer to keep accessories within easy reach
- Three v-belts to deliver full power
- Rail-mounted magnetic switch for overload protection
- Deluxe miter gauge
- High efficient dust collection system
- X 30in. wings
4. SKIL 3410-02 Table Saw
If you want a table saw that would quietly handle all your DIY woodworking projects in and around the house without breaking the bank, SKIL 3410 is the ideal saw for you. It can cut cross cut smaller pieces; rip longboards, miter or bevel. It features a 3 ½ inch cut height capacity and a 20×26 inch cast aluminum table to support your work.
The saw runs on a 15 Amp motor capable of ripping through different varieties of wood. The sturdy steel folding stand with a quick-mount makes the setup quick and eases and also account for ease of storage.
Features:
- 15 amperes motor unit
- Max Cut Depth at 45 Degrees: 2.5-Inches
- No Load RPM: 5,000
- Rating: 120V
- Max Dado Width: 13/15-Inch
- Max Cut Depth at 90 Degrees: 3.5-Inches
- Bevel: 2-47 Degrees
If you prefer an affordable table saw under $500, then I would recommend SKIL 3410-02 saw.
5. Powermatic PM1000 1791001K
This is the first Powermatic cabinet table saw wired for 115 volts usage. This heavy-duty saw runs off a 1-3/4 horsepower motor. It uses a poly-v belt drive that significantly reduces noise and vibrations and also increases motor efficiency. In addition, the unit has an efficient dust collection power.
If you’re on the hunt for a quality noiseless table saw with a smaller footprint, this is the saw for you. The saw is fitted with a sturdy miter gauge that pivots 60 degrees on either side hence allowing for a seamless adjustment for a wide range of cuts.
Features:
- 10 inches blade length
- 75 horsepower
6. Shop Fox W1819 Table saw
Equipped with a three horsepower motor, the Shop Fox is a quiet saw that will power through any of your home and job site projects. It’s not only powerful, but it’s also safe and comes with a clear polycarbonate guard for protection and also gives the user the ability to observe the blade when in operation.
In addition, it’s also equipped with a riving knife to help prevent kickback and keep the user safe. Some table saws can be a pain to assemble; however, this model is easy and straightforward to assemble, even when no helping hand is available. The dust port collects all the dirt produced during woodworking and hence will save you time that you would have otherwise spent cleaning.
On the downside, you won’t like the fact that this table saw is equipped with a cheap miter gauge. But you can always buy an aftermarket miter gauge anyway.
7. DeWalt 749
Manufactured in Mexico, DeWalt 749 runs on a 15.0A torque motor with enough power to cut hardwood and pressure-treated lumber. The saw offers 2-1/4 inch at 45 degrees and 3-1/8 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees. In addition it features a 2-inch dust collection port that easily connects to a vacuum for faster dust extraction to keep your workshop clean at all times. (Click here to see detailed review)
Factors to Consider When Buying a Quiet Table Saw
Below are key factors that you should consider before investing a table saw. The primary factors include Noise levels blades, cutting capacity, depth & bevels, and speed and control.
Blade and noise levels
Blades are an essential factor to consider before buying a saw as it determines the performance of your table saw. The blade will be effective if they are set to the correct depth of cut. When buying a blade, consider one that will enable you get the price and smooth cut and one with correcting setting blade. (Source)
In terms of noise levels- well don’t expect any of the quiet tables saw in this review to be “dead” quiet. However their noise levels are manageable and not as loud as traditional table saws. Belt drive systems like earlier said are quiet than direct drive. (Source)
Cutting capacity, cutting depth and bevels
It’s essential to determine the cutting depth of a table saw when it’s not cutting a bevel. This will help you determine the accuracy and maximum cutting at zero degrees. For bevel cutting, make sure that the base plate is adjustable. Check for adjustment allowance that the saw offers- 45, 50 or 90 degrees.
Speed and control
The speed of the blade is determined by the motor. A motor with a higher rating is proof that the blade will spin faster and hence very high RPM and this result to better cut.
On the other hand, more power more control and more control will give the ability to cut even the most robust materials.
Final thoughts on the quiet table saw
The Shop Fox W1819 and SawStop PCS175 are my top quiet table saw due to their great safety features and phenomenal power. The SKIL 3410 is my pick for the quiet saw under $500 thanks also to its portability and power. Overall all the listed products above will result in peaceful and quiet woodworking. (Also read about my guide on quiet RV AC)