Write a Review
Get Paid!

Mini-Table Saws

When it comes to home improvement projects few power tools are as versatile as a table saw.   Some woodworking enthusiasts expand their horizons over time to include hobby crafts.  Picture frames, doll houses, model ships, railroad layouts, and birdhouses can satisfy the creative urges of any dedicated woodworker.  For these hobby crafts, there’s the mini-table saw.  Coming in sizes as small as 6-1/4 inches by 7-1/2 inches, these little gems make even the smallest projects possible.

Mini-Table Saw Choices

Unfortunately there are far fewer choices available to the hobbyist in search of a mini-table saw.  Dremel used to make one that was very favorably received but for some reason they discontinued it.  However, Dremel die-hards have found a way to get around this.  They use the Dremel 231 Shaper/Router table.  With this mini-marvel you can attach your corded rotary tool and change bits to accomplish a wide variety of hobby craft construction operations.  With the Dremel 4486 Keyless Chuck changing bits is quick and easy.   Other hobbyists add the Dremel 220-01 Work Station for more accurate drilling needs.

Harbor Freight and Amazon.com offer models that are actual table saws, equipped with mini rip blades, blade guards, and adjustable tables.   They retail for under $70 but if you check the reviews, opinions as to their functionality are all over the place, with both high positives and high negatives.   Harbor Freight’s 4” Mighty Mite Table Saw, made by Chicago Power Electric Tools, is the lowest priced choice, but if you’re in the market for one of these you would be well advised to spend some time on the woodworking forums for guidance.  Another source for advice is local hobbyist groups.  There are also some large “brick and mortar” retail craft outlets that feature hobbyist tools.  Some even offer a variety of craft classes for both the beginning and the advanced hobbyist.

At the high end you can spend around $360 for the highly regarded Proxxon 38070 FKS/E Table Saw.  This saw comes with a left hand extension table, a rip fence, and a miter guide.  It’s bigger, with a table surface of 11-1/2 inches by 9-1/2 inches.  The electronic speed controlled motor yields Rpms from 4400 to 6800 to cut through any material without overheating and burning delicate woods.

MicroLux Mini Tilt Arbor Table Saw

This was apparently the first variable speed mini-table saw on the market and many expert hobbyists feel it is still the best.  It retails for around $350 and, like the comparable Proxxon, comes with a left hand extension table, rip fence, and miter gauge.  The rip fence is self aligning and the miter gauge is fully calibrated.  The table surface is the same as the Proxxon – 11-1/2 inches by 9-1/2 inches.  Rpms are also similar, from 3600 to 7000.  Both of these saws offer a wide variety of additional blades for cutting different materials.  While the included blades will cut through a variety of woods, metals, and plastics, specialized blades always produce cleaner cuts.

Mini-Table Saw Safety

If you own a full size table saw, you know how dangerous they can be.   Still, many users ignore safety precautions and table saw accidents are far too common.  Mini table saws are even more dangerous.  Despite their small size, they are not toys and should be used with extreme care.  Why are they more dangerous than full size saws?

First, consider the small size of the table surface.  With a space of 11 inches by 10 inches or smaller, your hands will always be closer to the blade than they are with full size table saws.  Many saw users assume the number one cause of table saw accidents is kickback.  It’s not.  The number one cause is cut injuries resulting from coming into contact with the blade.  By virtue of its size, it’s a given that it is more likely that your hands could come into contact with the blade.

Second, mini-table saws are set on some form of workbench or table top.  Although they are equipped with skid resistant rubber feet, they are still prone to slipping.  For safe operation they should be bolted to the surface on which they are mounted.  Many hobbyists with small workshops fail to do this.  So remember, be careful!