SKIL Table Saw Review (Worth the Money?)

Table saws are such a convenient power tool that’s perfect for woodworking projects, home improvement jobs, and more.

However, they can be on the more expensive side when compared to other power tools.

But one table saw that’s gained popularity is the SKIL table saw.

In this review, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the SKILSAW table saw so you can easily determine whether or not it’s right for you. In this SKIL table saw review, I’ll be speaking on the features of the SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 table saw, but I will also discuss the main differences between all SKIL table saws you can buy. Let’s get to it!

Key Features

15-AMP Dual-Field Motor

For a compact and lightweight jobsite table saw, it’s pretty strong, equipped with a 15-AMP, dual-field motor.

You press the power button and it starts up instantly and there’s no excessive vibrating or noise.

At max capacity, it can generate enough power to spin the blade 5,300 times in a minute, so long as there’s no load.

But I think the coolest things, no pun intended, are the dual copper windings. Thanks to these, the system will run cooler, even under significant load.

In short, the motor is arguably the most important part of this table saw. Sure, it’s powerful enough to ensure the blade can cut through dense materials, but this power doesn’t prevent the saw from being able to achieve precise, clean cuts—that’s big in my book!

Brass-Gear Worm Drive

You don’t see worm drives on table saws often, but this Skilsaw table saw is proof that more table saws should employ efficient worm drives.

For those who aren’t familiar, a worm drive is a type of gear configuration, involving a worm wheel and worm mesh.

There are many benefits associated with gear drives, and that’s why some of the best circular saws have them. For one, they ensure a tool can deliver more torque. Also, they can quickly reduce speed.

And if properly installed and maintained, a gear drive can be the smoothest and quietest of all the gear systems.

In sum, the brass-gear worm drive is an indispensable part of this awesome table saw. Without it, the saw wouldn’t be as powerful or responsive, nor would it run as smoothly.

Self-Aligning Fence

On any table saw, the rip fence is a vital component. Fortunately, this one comes with a self-aligning fence so you can easily position it where you want it and it’ll lock into place.

And once the rip fence is locked in, you don’t have to worry about its stability; it’ll stay firmly in place no matter how much pressure you put against it.

When you need it to slide, it’ll do so smoothly; you won’t even have to use a lot of energy.

It’s not the heaviest table saw fence I’ve come across, but it’s got enough weight to prevent unintended movement.

And when you’re done with it, just detach it and slide it into the compartment that’s meant for it.

Talk about convenient!

Rubber Feet

Whenever I’m using a benchtop saw, stability is incredibly important to me. With this saw, I don’t have to worry about instability, mainly because it has four rubber feet.

I know, they’re easy to overlook, but these under appreciated components do so much to keep the saw firmly in one place, even when it’s operating at max capacity.

And since this table saw’s weight is evenly distributed, no foot has to hold more weight than the others.

Lastly, thanks to its rubber feet, you don’t have to worry about this Skil portable table saw scuffing up your workbench.

Cast-Aluminum Extending Table

Like most table saws, this product has an extendable table, and it’s made of cast aluminum.

With the table fully extended, this saw’s max rip capacity is 25”.

And even when the table is fully extended, the saw will remain balanced. Therefore, it’s easy to make substantial, accurate rip cuts in longer workpieces.

Safety Features

As far as safety features go, this table saw has three worth mentioning.

First is the anti-kickback pawl. With this engaged, you won’t have to worry about the workpiece kicking back as it’s passed through the blade.

There’s also a riving knife; this will prevent the two cut pieces from pinching the saw blade as it finishes cutting the original workpiece. If the blade gets pinched, it could suddenly send shards of material towards you, and you might get hurt if you’re not wearing proper safety gear, i.e. goggles and a respirator or mask.

Then there’s a blade guard that will protect you from inadvertent contact with the blade’s ultra-sharp teeth.

Finally, it has a large stop button that’s easy to press in the case of an emergency.

Complete In-Tool Storage

One of the most attractive things about this table saw is its portability, and its portability is largely due to it being compact and lightweight.

But its ability to efficiently store all the detachable components, as well as the tools you’ll need to adjust it, is another thing that makes it highly portable.

Basically, there’s a slot for every detachable component: there’s one for the self-aligning fence, one for the miter gauge, one for the push stick, one for necessary tools, and three for the safety components.

In truth, if it didn’t double as such an effective storage solution, I know I would leave at least one of the critical components at home, only to realize I did so later at the job site.

Performance

This is one of the most capable job site saws I’ve had the pleasure of using, and I’m confident it performs so well because it’s equipped with a powerful motor and an innovative worm drive.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this table saw can cut through dense hardwoods like they’re paper, and it can do this for a relatively long time before needing to cool down.

Whether I’m making rip cuts, crosscuts, bevel cuts, or miter cuts, this table saw has sufficient cutting capacity, and I can count on it to make accurate cuts consistently.

And how can I talk about this saw’s performance without mentioning its 10″ Diablo blade? It’s carbide-tipped with 24 teeth, so it can deliver totally smooth edges in all kinds of materials.

This saw also has a pretty great dust collection system with an integrated dust port so you can keep your work area clean and make accurate cuts.

This is one of the best table saws for small shops and a great table saw under $1000.

Durability

Thanks in large part to its cast-aluminum table and frame, this 10-inch table saw is pretty durable. And durability is definitely a plus at a job site, where all sorts of things could damage your saw.

Plus, the inner components are well-protected by sealed housings, and the detachable components can be protected too—so long as you remember to store them inside!

All in all, durability is key for table saws, so I’m glad this one doesn’t lack in the durability department.

Especially if you’re going to be using the saw day in and day out for professional cutting tasks, you need to know the saw isn’t going to give out on you when you really push it—that’s exactly what you can count on from this Skilsaw table saw.

Ease of Use

This table saw is rather simple, and fortunately this means it’s easy to use. Lockable components lock firmly in place, and adjustable components are both responsive and reliable.

And even if you detach all the detachable components beforehand, this saw can be set up in minutes, so it’s ideal for tradespeople who work at several job sites throughout the week.

Versatility

Since it can deliver all the basic cuts in materials thick and thin, it’s more versatile than a lot of benchtop table saws.

And thanks to its extendable table, it can even accommodate larger workpieces—something other compact jobsite saws struggle with.

Price & Warranty

For a job site saw that’s efficient, easy to use, and built to last, this product by Skil is relatively affordable; it’s definitely cheaper than many comparable products put out by other brands.

Moreover, it’s backed by a limited one-year warranty and a 180-day satisfaction guarantee.

What I Liked

• It remains balanced even when the table is fully extended, so you can make large but accurate cuts in longer workpieces.
• It has decent upright and angled cutting capacity, so it can deliver a range of cuts in different materials.
• Even though it’s incredibly powerful, it generates little noise and negligible vibrations.
• Rubber feet ensure it won’t scratch the surface it’s on, so it’s ideal for people with expensive workbenches.
• All the detachable components can be stored within the saw, so it’s space-saving and convenient.
• It has numerous safety features and a responsive on/off button, so you can use it with more peace of mind.

What I Didn’t Like

• It doesn’t have an integrated stand, so you have to buy the compatible, foldable stand separately.
• The miter gauge that comes with this 10-inch table saw is rather delicate, so it’s somewhat hard to use.
• Attaching the throat plate can be challenging, and even when you achieve this it probably won’t stay for long.
• Lacks a rack and pinion fence that offers more security

How this Saw Stacks Up Against Other SKIL Table Saws

SKIL manufactures a few other table saws that you might consider. These all feature a powerful 15 amp motor and

• SKIL TS6307 00 – features folding legs so you can easily set it up without needing a separate stand and also utilizes a rack and pinion fence rails for added security and accuracy
• SKIL SPT99T-01 – this is essentially the same table saw except with a smaller 8-1/4″ blade

Skil TS6307-00 Review

If you’re looking for a table saw with folding legs, this TS6307-00 is a tremendous saw that’s well worth the money.

This saw is extremely similar to other SKIL table saws except with adding folding legs so you can set it up anywhere.

Final Verdict

To recap, the SKILSAW SPT70WT-01 10 In. Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is one of the most capable and reliable portable table saws available today. And since it’s a relatively simple saw, it’s accessible to both professionals and DIYers.

It’s equipped with a powerful 15-AMP motor, and it employs an innovative, brass-gear worm drive. Plus, it’s compact and lightweight, and all its detachable components can be stored inside.

Best of all, it’s more affordable than similar high-quality products, and it’s backed by a warranty and a satisfaction guarantee.

Whether you need to cut wood, metal, or plexiglass – this table saw features everything you could want at a pretty great price.

My only real complain is the lack of a stand, but if this is important to you, opt for the TS6307 00 model or you can purchase the stand separately!

In the end, I can’t speak more highly of this product, so consider adding it to your collection!