DeWalt Table Saw
A capable table saw (jobsite / site saw, 4-inch blade) for straight, repeatable cutting.
Table Saw Safety: The Essentials (UK 2026)
Table saws are one of the most powerful and potentially dangerous workshop tools, but used properly they're safe and hugely productive. Here are the essentials for cutting safely.
The key safety devices
Three features protect you, and they should always be fitted. The riving knife sits behind the blade and keeps the cut (kerf) open so the wood can't pinch the blade and kick back at you - kickback is the biggest table-saw danger. The blade guard covers the exposed blade. And a push stick lets you feed narrow pieces past the blade while keeping your hands well clear. Never remove these to 'make a cut easier' - if a cut needs the guard off, it needs a different approach. Keep them fitted and in good order.
Safe cutting practice
Beyond the devices, technique keeps you safe. Use the fence for rip cuts and a mitre gauge for crosscuts - never use both together freehand, as that can trap and throw the workpiece. Stand slightly to the side, out of the line of any kickback, and never reach over a spinning blade. Keep hands well clear (use a push stick within about 15cm of the blade), control the workpiece firmly, and let the blade stop before clearing offcuts. Wear eye and ear protection, keep the area clear, and never rush. Read your saw's manual for its specific guidance - and if a cut feels unsafe, stop and rethink it.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Evolution Power Tools RAGE5-S
A capable table saw (corded, 255mm blade) for straight, repeatable cutting.
#3 
Einhell TE-TS Li Solo
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#4 
Proxxon KS 230
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#5 
Evolution Power Tools Portable Table Saw
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#6 
Dewalt Compact Table Saw
A capable table saw (portable table saw, cordless (40V), 250mm blade) for straight, repeatable cutting.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use a table saw safely?
Keep the riving knife and blade guard fitted, use a push stick for narrow cuts, and use the fence for rips or a mitre gauge for crosscuts (never both freehand). Stand out of the kickback line, keep hands well clear of the blade, control the workpiece, wear eye and ear protection, and never remove safety devices. Read the manual and never rush.
What is kickback on a table saw?
Kickback is when the blade catches and violently throws the workpiece back towards you - the main table-saw danger. It's caused by the wood pinching the blade or twisting. The riving knife is designed to prevent it by holding the cut open, so always keep it fitted, use a sharp correct blade, feed steadily, and don't force twisted or trapped material.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt Table Saw (our score 9.6/10) - A capable table saw (jobsite / site saw, 4-inch blade) for straight, repeatable cutting..