SKIL 3410-02
Going online to find the most expensive high-end table saw is pretty much a no-brainer. In all likelihood you will wind up with a great piece of equipment. But, I would call this an absolute overkill. Why? First of all, I think everyone should buy power tools based on their needs and the requirements of the work they are doing.
Second, you will spend a ton of cash only to have a fancy looking table saw with a bunch of features you don’t need. Plus, the power it packs might well be too much for the type of jobs you would like to complete. It’s a huge waste, and if you are just starting to get your feet wet on DIY projects, or if you do some woodworking on rare occasions you are better off with a cheaper table saw.
Now when I say cheaper I don’t mean it in a bad way, it just needs to be something that is more suitable for the application. One table saw which fits this description perfectly is the SKIL 3410-02 table saw complete with a folding stand. Let’s see how it fares in my review.
Basic Information
This compact and portable benchtop table saw is made out of heavy-duty steel, making it a little heavier but also more durable (which is definitely a plus). Portable table saws are often too light and flimsy and therefore less stable, but I’m happy to report that is not the case with this one.
Despite it being robust, you can still relatively easy transport it from one location to another thanks to a foldable stand. It does not come with wheels though and picking it up and carrying it around can be a problem for some. It weighs 67lbs which can be a challenge.
The saw measures 28.9 x 13 x 20.9 inches which puts it among the most compact table saws on the market. The surface of the table is fabricated out of cast aluminum, and the table relies on a 120-volt, 15-amp motor which is surprisingly powerful by giving out 5,000 RPM. The specs on the motor prove it’s capable of handling pretty much anything you throw at it.
I am thoroughly impressed by this table saw, and that seems to be the general consensus among people who have bought and used it. The tool is able to cut up to 3-1/2 inches in depth at a right angle, and 2.5 inches at a 45-degree angle. Plus, it has a self-aligning fence that ensures every single cut is accurate and consistent. The saw uses a 10-inch blade, and the rip capacity (left and right) is 12 and 24.25 inches respectively.
Build Quality and Ease of Use
The fence and table itself are well made, so you will have no trouble getting the hang of cutting with this unit because all the markings contain precise measurements. Even if you are a complete beginner this benchtop table saw will go easy on you.
Plenty of storage options
Now, it would be unfair of me (or anyone for that matter) to expect professional results from this saw, but if you are looking for something that will do the job it is perfect. The build quality surely surpasses the price of the unit, and that goes double for the stand. The same also goes for onboard storage, you can neatly store everything away.
Safety Features
This benchtop saw has a riving knife which is there to prevent kickback form happening. Also, the unit comes equipped with a blade guard which also increases the level of safety while operating the saw. The guard features a quick disconnect mechanism, so you can attach or detach it in a matter of seconds. For added convenience, there is onboard storage which can house all the necessary attachments and tools you might need.
Verdict
This power tool is a compact and portable benchtop saw capable of carrying out all basic woodworking DIY tasks. It’s suitable for beginners and those who work with wood on occasion, and it’s built around a powerful engine. Something else I like is the engine is mounted on a heavy-duty steel stand which surpasses those found on some of the more expensive models.
As far as build quality is concerned this little unit is a hidden gem. As for the features, they are pretty basic but you would be crazy to expect more for the price. For those of you who are looking to get into the world of woodwork on a budget, this benchtop saw (in my opinion) is a home run.
