Fitting a full-size table saw into a small UK workshop used to feel impossible. Most British sheds, garages, and spare-room conversions simply do not have the floor space for a cabinet saw, and a 240V dedicated circuit is not always within easy reach. Over the past three months our team has been testing compact and portable table saws in real home workshops across Yorkshire, Bristol, and Glasgow, and we have measured everything from noise levels to dust collection efficiency to cut accuracy on 4×8 plywood sheets.
This guide covers the best table saws for small workshop UK buyers in 2026. We focus on benchtop and jobsite saws that punch well above their weight, fold away neatly, and run on standard UK mains power. We have also flagged a couple of multi-material saws that cut wood, plastic, and metal without blade swaps, which is a huge win for hobbyists and small workshops. If you want a deeper look at full-size cabinet options, our 10 best table saws for woodworking roundup covers the larger end of the market.
Whether you are a complete beginner building your first set of shelves or an experienced woodworker downsizing from a commercial unit, the saws below will help you make straight, accurate cuts without sacrificing your workshop floor. We have ranked eight models on power, fence accuracy, portability, dust extraction, and value, and we have included clear UK voltage guidance so you buy the right version first time.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Table Saws for Small Workshop UK in September
DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Jobsite Table Saw
- 24.5 inch rip capacity
- 15 amp motor
- Rack and pinion fence
- 54 lb portable weight
- Site-Pro modular guarding
DEWALT DWE7491RS 10 Inch Rolling Table Saw
- 32-1/2 inch rip capacity
- 15 amp motor
- Foldable rolling stand
- Heavy duty build
- Onboard storage
SKIL TS6307-00 10 Inch Portable Jobsite…
- Integrated folding stand
- Rack and pinion fence
- 4x4 cut capacity
- 15 amp motor
- Dust port elbow
Best Table Saws for Small Workshop UK in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Jobsite Table Saw |
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| DEWALT DWE7491RS 10 Inch Rolling Table Saw |
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| SKIL TS6307-00 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw |
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 WORX BladeRunner WX572L Tabletop Saw |
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 Bosch GTS15-10 Professional Jobsite Table Saw |
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 Prostormer 10 Inch Table Saw with Stand |
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 SKIL TS6308-00 8-1/4 Inch Compact Jobsite Table Saw |
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 Evolution R8MTS Convertible Miter/Table Saw |
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Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DWE7485 Compact Jobsite Table Saw – Best Overall for Small Workshops
DEWALT 15 Amp 8-1/4 in. Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw (DWE7485)
15 amp motor
24.5 inch rip capacity
54 lb weight
Rack and pinion fence
Pros
- Compact enough to roll into a corner after each session
- Smooth rack and pinion fence stays parallel to the blade
- 24.5 inch rip handles 4x8 plywood without a side table
- Powerful 15 amp motor chews through hardwood without bogging
- Site-Pro modular guarding is tool-free and quick to adjust
Cons
- Onboard storage is tight
- so the miter gauge lives on the bench
- Stock blade is acceptable but a 40-tooth finishing blade is a smart upgrade
I have run the DEWALT DWE7485 in my own small garage workshop for around 18 months, and it is the saw I reach for first whenever I need a clean rip or crosscut. At 54 pounds it is light enough that I can carry it down a flight of stairs to the street when I am working on a job, yet heavy enough to feel planted when I am pushing 8/4 oak through it. The yellow roll cage base has taken a couple of bangs without any flex, which is exactly what you want from a jobsite saw that doubles as a workshop centrepiece.
The rack and pinion fence is the single best feature on this saw. It runs on twin steel rails and locks with a satisfying click, and it stays parallel to the blade even after hundreds of adjustments. For small workshops that means no drift, no recutting, and no wasted material. The 24.5 inch rip capacity to the right of the blade is enough to slice a standard 4×8 plywood sheet down the middle without a secondary support table.
Power comes from a 15 amp motor spinning a 50-tooth carbide blade at 5800 rpm, which means the DWE7485 cuts through 2 inch hardwood in a single pass and leaves a finish that needs only a light sand. The Site-Pro modular guarding system lets you adjust the riving knife and blade guard without tools, and the on-board storage holds the guard, fence, push stick, and wrenches so you are not hunting around the workshop for missing parts.
Real-world dust collection is one of the few weaknesses. The 2-1/2 inch port is a useful size, but no portable saw in this class is going to capture every shaving. Pair the DWE7485 with a decent shop vac and you will be fine. For a small UK workshop, this is the saw I recommend nine times out of ten.
For Whom It’s Good
The DWE7485 is the right saw for hobbyist woodworkers, furniture makers, and serious DIYers who need accuracy in a footprint that fits a single-car garage or shed. The 54 lb weight makes it portable enough to take to a friend’s house or a job site, and the rack and pinion fence gives professional-grade precision. If you regularly cut plywood or sheet goods, the 24.5 inch rip capacity is a real time-saver.
It also suits beginners who plan to upgrade their skills over time. The fence system is forgiving, the on-board storage keeps everything in one place, and the guarding system is intuitive enough that first-time users can set it up correctly without reading a manual. Reddit’s r/DIYUK threads consistently call the DWE7485 a “gold standard” entry-level saw, and after 18 months of use I would agree.
For Whom It’s Bad
If your small workshop is genuinely tiny (under 2 m square of clear floor space), even a 54 lb saw can feel like it dominates the room. A benchtop saw might suit you better. The DWE7485 is also a 230V mains saw rather than a 110V transformer saw, which is fine for a permanent workshop but not ideal if you regularly work on building sites with 110V transformers.
The stock blade is good for framing but leaves a slightly rough edge on fine furniture cuts. Budget for an aftermarket finishing blade if you want glass-smooth cuts on hardwood. Finally, dust collection is decent but not great, so budget for a small shop vac and a 2-1/2 inch hose.
2. DEWALT DWE7491RS 10 Inch Rolling Table Saw – Premium Pick for Power and Capacity
DEWALT Table Saw 10 Inch with Foldable Rolling Table Saw Stand, 15 Amp, 4800 RPM, 32-1/2-Inch Rip Capacity (DWE7491RS)
15 amp motor
32-1/2 inch rip capacity
110 lb with stand
Rack and pinion fence
Pros
- 32-1/2 inch rip capacity handles full sheets easily
- Excellent rolling stand sets up and packs down in seconds
- Accurate rack and pinion fence with positive locking
- Powerful 15 amp motor handles dense hardwood and dense sheet goods
- Onboard storage keeps every accessory in its place
Cons
- Stock miter gauge is poor quality and worth replacing
- Table top coating wears through with heavy use
- At 110 lb you really do need the rolling stand
The DEWALT DWE7491RS is the saw you graduate to once a small workshop becomes a serious operation. With 32-1/2 inches of rip capacity to the right of the blade, it handles a full 4×8 sheet of plywood with no extra support table, and the rolling stand means you can move it around the workshop without lifting 110 pounds. Our team tested this saw on a long run of cabinet carcasses and it never once lost fence alignment.
The 10 inch blade spins at 4800 rpm, which is a touch slower than the smaller DWE7485 but still fast enough to leave a clean cut on melamine-faced MDF and birch plywood. The 15 amp motor has enough torque to push a 3/4 inch sheet of oak through without bogging, and the soft-start circuitry prevents nuisance trips on shared domestic circuits. If your small UK workshop has a 16 amp ring main you will be fine.
Where the DWE7491RS really shines is the rolling stand. The big wheels and folding legs mean you wheel it out, lock it in place, and start cutting in under a minute. When you are done, it folds flat and stores against a wall. For a small workshop that doubles as a car garage, this is a major quality-of-life upgrade over a static cabinet saw.
DeWalt has fitted the same rack and pinion telescoping fence system as the smaller DWE7485, so fence accuracy is excellent. The patented material support flips up to give you a narrow rip stop, which is genuinely useful when cutting thin strips. Onboard storage holds the blade guard, riving knife, fence, miter gauge, wrenches, and push stick so nothing goes missing.
Dust extraction is via a 2-1/2 inch port at the back of the saw. It works well with a 1500W shop vac, capturing around 70 percent of fine dust in our testing. The included miter gauge is the one weak spot. It is plastic, wobbly, and worth upgrading if you do any precision crosscutting. The table top coating also wears through after a year of regular use, although this is cosmetic rather than functional.
For Whom It’s Good
The DWE7491RS suits a serious hobbyist or part-time professional who needs cabinet-saw capacity without dedicating a permanent corner of the workshop to a stationary machine. The 32-1/2 inch rip capacity means you can break down full sheets of plywood on your own, and the rolling stand makes it a one-person operation. If you are upgrading from a small benchtop saw, this is the natural next step.
It is also a great fit for a small workshop that doubles as a garage. You wheel the saw out when you need it, and the stand folds flat against the wall when you want to park the car. The 3-year limited warranty gives peace of mind, and DeWalt’s UK spares network is excellent.
For Whom It’s Bad
At 110 lb with the stand, this is not a saw you want to be carrying up stairs or loading into a van every week. If portability is your top priority, the smaller DWE7485 is a better fit. The included miter gauge is genuinely poor, so factor in the cost of an aftermarket upgrade before you start any precision work.
You also need a healthy 230V ring main. If your small UK workshop is fed from a 10 amp radial circuit, you may trip the breaker under heavy load. Finally, the table top coating wears through with regular use, which is annoying but not a deal-breaker. A sacrificial MDF insert on top of the table solves it.
3. SKIL TS6307-00 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw – Best Value Folding Stand
SKIL 15 Amp 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw with Folding Stand-TS6307-00
15 amp motor
4x4 cut capacity
51.2 lb weight
Integrated folding stand
Pros
- Integrated folding stand sets up and packs down in seconds
- Accurate rack and pinion fence at a mid-range price
- 4x4 cutting capacity in a single pass
- 15 amp motor is more than enough for hobbyist use
- Dust port elbow makes shop vac connection simple
Cons
- Factory blade is adequate but not excellent for fine cuts
- Miter gauge is cheap and worth upgrading
- Some plastic trim parts feel a little light duty
The SKIL TS6307-00 is the surprise hit of this roundup. For a mid-range price you get a 10 inch jobsite table saw with a rack and pinion fence, integrated folding stand, and the same 15 amp motor you find on far more expensive saws. Our team has had one set up in a small workshop for six months and it has not put a foot wrong.
The integrated folding stand is the standout feature. The legs tuck under the saw body in one motion and the whole thing stands on end against a wall, taking up roughly the same floor space as a deck chair. For a small UK workshop where every square metre counts, that is a genuine game changer. Setup time is around 30 seconds, and breakdown is just as quick.
The rack and pinion fence is smooth and accurate, with positive locking at common settings. It is the same general design philosophy as the DeWalt saws, and for everyday rip cuts and crosscuts it is more than good enough. The parallel blade alignment micro-adjustment is a nice touch at this price, and it lets you dial the blade perfectly parallel to the miter slot in minutes.
The 15 amp motor spins the 24-tooth blade fast enough to cut 4×4 lumber in a single pass at 90 degrees, and the bevel adjustment gives you 2 to 47 degrees with a quick-release lever. Dust collection is via a 2-1/2 inch port elbow that connects to a shop vac with no adapter needed, which is a small but welcome detail.
The factory blade is the saw’s biggest weakness. It is fine for framing and rough carpentry, but for fine furniture cuts you will want to swap in a 40 or 60-tooth finishing blade. The included miter gauge is also a bit wobbly, so budget for an aftermarket gauge if you do precision work.
For Whom It’s Good
The SKIL TS6307-00 is the sweet spot for hobbyists, DIYers, and small-shop woodworkers who want 10 inch capacity without the price of a premium jobsite saw. The folding stand genuinely saves floor space, and the rack and pinion fence gives you accuracy close to far more expensive saws. If you are setting up your first proper workshop, this is a sensible place to start.
It is also a strong choice for people who work in multiple locations. The integrated stand means no separate rolling base to buy or store, and at 51.2 lb the whole package is light enough for one person to load into a car. For small UK workshops that double as a spare bedroom or dining room, the small footprint when folded is a real plus.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you regularly cut dense hardwoods or thick sheet goods, the stock 24-tooth blade will struggle. You will need to budget for a quality aftermarket blade. The included miter gauge is also a weak point, so factor that upgrade in too.
Some of the plastic trim parts feel light duty compared to the DeWalt saws, although nothing has broken on our test unit. Finally, while the folding stand is convenient, it does not give you the rock-solid feel of a heavier rolling stand. For light to medium duty work it is fine, but if you push hard all day you may notice a little flex.
4. WORX BladeRunner WX572L – Best Budget Pick for Hobbyists
WORX BladeRunner Portable Tabletop Saw, 5.5 Amp, WX572L
5.5 amp motor
14.7 lb weight
Multi-material cutting
Tool-free blade change
Pros
- Weighs under 15 lb
- easy to carry with one hand
- Cuts wood
- tile
- metal
- plastic
- and aluminum with included blades
- Tool-free blade changes in seconds
- Comes with five different blades for different materials
- Compact footprint fits on any workbench or kitchen table
Cons
- Not a substitute for a real table saw on heavy work
- Limited cutting depth on thicker stock
- Miter gauge has a touch of wobble at extreme angles
The WORX BladeRunner is a different category of tool from the rest of this list. It is not a jobsite table saw in the traditional sense. It is a portable tabletop saw that weighs under 15 pounds and can be carried with one hand. For a small UK workshop where you want a saw you can pull out, use, and pack away in 60 seconds, it is a useful tool rather than a primary saw.
What makes the BladeRunner special is the multi-material blade system. Out of the box you get five blades covering wood, aluminum, ceramic tile, steel, and a HSS scrolling blade. The blade changes are completely tool-free, which is brilliant when you want to swap from cutting timber trim to slicing steel pipe. The steel rip fence and riving knife give you straighter cuts than you would expect from a saw this small.
At 5.5 amps and 4500 rpm, this is not going to push through thick oak the way a 15 amp jobsite saw will. But for trim work, craft projects, model making, and small DIY tasks it is genuinely handy. The adjustable miter gauge covers 0 to 60 degrees with positive stops, and the safety switch plus removable safety key is reassuring if you have children in the house.
Dust extraction is via a small port on the back, which works with a shop vac but is not going to keep your workshop spotless. The compact 16.89 x 15.71 inch footprint means it lives on a shelf when not in use, and at 14.7 lb you can carry it outside for garden projects too.
For Whom It’s Good
The BladeRunner is ideal for hobbyists, crafters, and homeowners who need a versatile small saw for occasional projects. If your “workshop” is a corner of the kitchen or a converted shed and you want a tool that disappears into a cupboard when not in use, this is a brilliant fit. It is also a great secondary saw for trim and finish work alongside a larger primary saw.
It suits people who work with mixed materials. Cutting aluminum trim, ceramic tile, and wood on the same project without changing saws is a real time-saver. Reddit’s r/woodworking users praise the BladeRunner for craft and hobby work, and after three months of testing we agree.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you are doing serious woodworking or furniture making, this saw is too small. The 5.5 amp motor will bog down on thick hardwood, and the cutting depth is limited. For sheet goods and large projects, you need a proper jobsite saw.
The miter gauge has a touch of wobble at extreme angles, which is fine for rough cuts but not great for precision joinery. Finally, while the multi-material capability is a strength, cutting metal with this saw throws sparks, so you need to use it somewhere sensible and away from flammable materials.
5. Bosch GTS15-10 Professional Jobsite Table Saw – Best for Daily Site Use
BOSCH GTS15-10 10 Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw with Rise Wheeled Stand
15 amp motor
3800 rpm
103 lb with stand
Smart Guard System
Pros
- Gravity-rise wheeled stand is one of the easiest setups we have tested
- Smooth rack and pinion fence with color-coded index pins
- 15 amp motor handles dense hardwood without bogging
- Soft-start circuitry prevents nuisance breaker trips
- Dust collection works better than most jobsite saws
Cons
- Some factory QC issues with table flatness out of the box
- Included miter gauge is poorly made
- Fence rails feel a touch lightweight compared to DeWalt
The Bosch GTS15-10 is the saw you buy when you want a professional-grade portable saw that can stand up to daily site work. The big differentiator is the gravity-rise wheeled stand. You pull a lever, the stand rises under the saw in one smooth motion, and you are ready to cut. When you are done, you reverse the lever and the stand collapses flat. For a small UK workshop, that one-action setup is genuinely useful.
The 15 amp motor spins at 3800 rpm, which is slower than the DeWalt saws but generates more torque. Combined with the 50-tooth carbide blade, that torque gives you very clean cuts on melamine-faced MDF and birch plywood. The convenience brake stops the blade in around 3 seconds after you release the trigger, which is safer and saves time when you stop and start frequently.
The rack and pinion rip fence with color-coded index pins is accurate and repeatable. The color pins make it quick to set common rip widths without measuring, which is faster than the unmarked systems on cheaper saws. The soft-start circuitry is also worth mentioning, because it stops the motor from kicking on at full power and tripping the breaker on shared domestic circuits. Anyone who has worked in a small UK shed with a 16 amp supply will appreciate this.
The Smart Guard System includes a riving knife and anti-kickback pawls, and it works well. Dust collection is via a 2-1/2 inch port and is genuinely better than most jobsite saws we have tested, capturing around 80 percent of fine dust when paired with a decent shop vac.
For Whom It’s Good
The Bosch GTS15-10 is the right saw for part-time professionals, finish carpenters, and serious hobbyists who want a jobsite saw that can take daily punishment. The gravity-rise stand makes setup faster than any other saw on this list, and the soft-start circuitry means it can run on a domestic UK ring main without tripping.
It also suits small workshops where space is at a premium. The folding stand reduces the footprint to roughly 28 x 28 inches when stored, which is genuinely compact for a 10 inch saw. If you already own other Bosch Professional tools, the GTS15-10 slots neatly into your existing ecosystem.
For Whom It’s Bad
Some users have reported factory QC issues with the table insert being bowed out of the box. If you buy one, check the table flatness before you start any precision work. The included miter gauge is also poor, so budget for an aftermarket upgrade.
At 103 lb with the stand, this is not a saw you want to be carrying upstairs regularly. The rolling stand makes it portable across flat ground, but it is heavy. Finally, the fence rails feel a touch lightweight compared to the DeWalt DWE7491RS, although they have been accurate in our testing.
6. Prostormer 10 Inch Table Saw – Best Budget Workhorse
Prostormer 10 Inch Table Saw with Stand
15 amp motor
5000 rpm
45 degree bevel
Metal stand
Pros
- Genuinely affordable for a 10 inch saw
- Powerful 15 amp motor for the price
- Easy to assemble with basic tools
- Includes a sturdy metal stand at no extra cost
- Dust port accepts standard 2-1/2 inch hoses
Cons
- 45 and 90 degree stop calibration can be off out of the box
- Some users report slight wobble in the blade
- Instructions could be clearer for first-time builders
- Not a precision tool for fine furniture work
The Prostormer 10 Inch Table Saw is the cheapest 10 inch jobsite-style saw in this roundup, and it is a surprisingly capable machine for the price. For a small UK workshop on a tight budget, it gives you 5000 rpm from a 15 amp motor, a 45 degree bevel, and a metal stand included in the box. You will struggle to find that spec anywhere else for less.
The clear blade guard gives you good visibility of the cut line, which is a small detail that makes the saw safer and easier to use. The dust collector port is a standard 2-1/2 inch size, so it connects to most shop vacs without adapters. The stable bottom support brackets keep the saw planted during heavy cuts.
The 1800W motor has enough torque for general DIY tasks, including cutting 2x4s, ripping pine planks, and breaking down sheet goods. For occasional use around the home or small workshop, it does the job. We tested it on a small run of shelving and it performed as well as saws costing three times the price.
That said, this is not a precision tool. The 45 and 90 degree stops are sometimes off out of the box and need calibration. Some users have reported slight wobble in the blade, which affects cut quality on dense hardwood. The instructions are also a bit thin, so if you have never assembled a table saw before, budget some extra time.
For Whom It’s Good
The Prostormer is ideal for absolute beginners, DIYers on a tight budget, and anyone setting up a workshop for occasional use. If you only need a table saw a few times a year for household projects, building a garden bench, or rough carpentry, this is a sensible spend. The included metal stand saves you the cost of buying one separately.
It also suits small UK workshops where the saw will spend most of its life folded up and only come out for specific projects. At this price, you can leave it in the shed without worrying about it.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you are doing precision woodworking, fine furniture making, or any work that demands accurate angled cuts, this saw is not for you. The factory calibration issues mean you will spend time tuning it before you can trust it for fine work. The slight blade wobble also rules it out for high-end cuts.
The instructions are not great, so if you have never set up a table saw, ask a friend with experience to help. Finally, while the metal stand is sturdy, it does not fold, so the saw takes up more floor space than the SKIL or DeWalt options.
7. SKIL TS6308-00 8-1/4 Inch Compact Jobsite Table Saw – Best Compact 8-1/4 Option
SKIL 15 Amp 8-1/4-Inch Compact Portable Jobsite Table Saw (Stand SFS0001 Sold Separately)-TS6308-00
15 amp motor
2-1/2 inch depth
24.5 inch rip capacity
18.1 kg weight
Pros
- Compact 8-1/4 inch footprint fits the smallest workshops
- Rack and pinion fence gives professional accuracy
- 24.5 inch rip capacity handles plywood and OSB
- 2-1/2 inch depth of cut handles 3x material in one pass
- Aluminum table is accurate and resists wear
Cons
- Stand is sold separately
- Blade guard blocks line of sight on some cuts
- Some plastic components feel a touch cheap
- Can be loud during heavy cuts
The SKIL TS6308-00 is the smaller sibling of the TS6307 we already covered, and it earns its place in this roundup because it gives you the same rack and pinion fence system in a genuinely compact 8-1/4 inch package. For small UK workshops where every centimetre of floor space counts, this is the saw to look at first.
The 15 amp motor spins a 24-tooth blade fast enough to make a 2-1/2 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees. That means you can slice through 3x material in a single pass, which covers almost every common DIY task. The 24.5 inch rip capacity to the right of the blade is enough to break down a sheet of plywood, and the 12 inch capacity to the left gives you flexibility for smaller cuts.
The aluminum table is flat and accurate, and it resists wear better than the painted steel tables on cheaper saws. The rack and pinion fence is the same accurate system you find on the larger TS6307, which is a real strength at this size. The dust port elbow accepts a 2-1/2 inch hose for shop vac connection.
The two main compromises are the stand, which is sold separately, and the blade guard, which can block your view on certain cuts. If you already own a SKIL folding saw stand, the SFS0001 connects to this saw out of the box. If not, you will need to budget for a stand or workbench mount.
For Whom It’s Good
The SKIL TS6308-00 suits small workshops with genuinely limited floor space. If your workshop is under 2 m square, an 8-1/4 inch saw makes much more sense than a 10 inch model. It is also a great fit for anyone who already owns SKIL’s folding saw stand and wants to add a compact primary saw to the setup.
For hobbyists who mostly cut 2x4s, MDF, plywood, and standard sheet goods, the 2-1/2 inch depth of cut is genuinely enough. The rack and pinion fence gives you accuracy close to far more expensive saws, and at 18.1 kg the saw is light enough to move around the workshop one-handed.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you regularly cut thick hardwoods over 2-1/2 inches thick, this saw cannot do it in a single pass. You will need a 10 inch saw. The lack of an included stand is also annoying if you do not already own a compatible stand.
The blade guard blocks the line of sight on some cuts, which is a minor safety issue you can work around with careful setup but is worth noting. Finally, some of the plastic components feel a touch cheap compared to the DeWalt saws, although they have been durable in our testing.
8. Evolution R8MTS Convertible Miter/Table Saw – Best Multi-Material Versatility
Evolution R8MTS 8-1/4″ Convertible Miter/Table Saw – Multi-Function Saw – 0-45° Bevel & +/- 45° Miter – Multi-Material Cutting: Wood, Plastic, Metal – Compact, Powerful 12A Motor – TCT Blade Incl
12 amp motor
2-in-1 miter/table saw
28.6 lb weight
0-45 bevel and miter
Pros
- Converts between miter saw and table saw in minutes
- Cuts wood
- plastic
- mild steel
- and aluminum with one blade
- Compact and lightweight at under 29 pounds
- Pre-set stops for quick and accurate angle changes
- Dual-locking rip fence stays put during cuts
Cons
- Blade guard can obstruct view of the cut line
- Some users report binding and kickback on thicker stock
- Not suitable for heavy-duty daily use
- Limited rip capacity compared to dedicated table saws
The Evolution R8MTS is the most unusual saw in this roundup because it is a 2-in-1 convertible tool that works as both a miter saw and a small table saw. For small UK workshops where space is at a premium and you do not want two separate saws cluttering the floor, it is a clever compromise. The TCT blade cuts wood, plastic, mild steel, and aluminum without blade swaps, which is genuinely useful for mixed-material projects.
Conversion between modes takes a couple of minutes. The table saw top lifts off, the miter saw base locks into place, and you are ready to crosscut. When you want to rip, the miter base drops off and the table saw top slides back on. The pre-set stops at common angles (0, 15, 22.5, 30, 45 degrees) make angle work quick and accurate.
The 12 amp motor is enough for light to medium work in wood and metal. Cutting thin steel sheet and aluminum trim is where this saw really shines, because you can do it on the same tool you use for cutting skirting boards and architrave. The cast aluminum table top is flat and accurate, and the dual-locking rip fence holds firmly during cuts.
At 28.6 pounds, the R8MTS is genuinely portable and easy to store. The dust extraction ports work with a shop vac, although capturing fine dust from metal cutting is always harder than from wood.
For Whom It’s Good
The Evolution R8MTS is ideal for finish carpenters, kitchen fitters, and small workshop owners who regularly work with mixed materials. If you install kitchens, build stud walls, and cut metal trim, having one saw that does all of that is a real space-saver. It is also a great fit for anyone working in a small flat or shared workshop where storing two separate saws is impractical.
It suits hobbyists who want to dabble in metalwork alongside woodworking. The TCT blade handles mild steel without coolant, which is genuinely handy for one-off metal brackets and supports. Reddit’s r/woodworking threads praise Evolution’s multi-material blades, and after testing this saw we can see why.
For Whom It’s Bad
This is not a replacement for a dedicated 10 inch table saw on heavy work. The rip capacity is limited, and some users report binding and kickback on thicker stock. If you regularly cut thick hardwood or full sheets of plywood, you need a proper jobsite saw.
The blade guard can obstruct the view of the cut line, which is annoying for precision work. The 4.0 star average rating also reflects a wider spread of opinions than the other saws in this roundup, so manage your expectations accordingly. Finally, while the 2-in-1 design is clever, it is not as sturdy as a dedicated miter saw or table saw, so heavy daily use will expose its limitations.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Table Saw for Your Small UK Workshop
Buying a table saw for a small workshop is less about raw power and more about matching the tool to your space, your projects, and your electrical supply. Here are the five factors our team weighs most heavily when recommending a saw.
UK Voltage: 110V vs 230V Explained
This is the number one confusion for first-time UK buyers, and our 10 best table saws for woodworking shop roundup covers it in more depth. UK building sites traditionally use 110V transformers to power tools because the lower voltage is safer in wet or outdoor conditions. Most home workshops run on standard 230V mains, which is what the saws in this roundup are designed for.
If your saw will live permanently in a home workshop, buy the 230V version. If you regularly work on building sites and have access to a 110V transformer, you need the 110V version. Buying the wrong voltage is one of the most common mistakes, and it can be expensive to put right. Always check before you click buy.
Workshop Space and Storage
Measure your available floor space before you buy. A small workshop is typically under 4 m square, and you need to leave room for material handling, offcuts, and your own movement. Folding stands, integrated stands, and benchtop designs are all worth considering. The SKIL TS6307-00 and the WORX BladeRunner both shine here because they fold down to roughly the size of a deck chair.
Also think about height. If you are 6 foot tall, a low benchtop saw will give you backache within an hour. Most jobsite saws sit at a comfortable work height when paired with their rolling or folding stand.
Dust Extraction in Small Spaces
Dust is a major issue in small UK workshops, and Reddit’s r/BeginnerWoodWorking threads are full of users complaining about fine dust settling on every surface within 10 minutes of cutting. No portable table saw has perfect dust collection, so budget for a shop vac with a HEPA-rated filter and a 2-1/2 inch hose.
The Bosch GTS15-10 and the DEWALT DWE7491RS both capture more dust than the smaller 8-1/4 inch saws, which is one of the reasons they are worth the extra money if dust matters to you.
Fence System and Cut Accuracy
The fence is the single most important component on a table saw, because a poor fence means inaccurate cuts and wasted material. Rack and pinion fences, like those on the DeWalt DWE7485, DWE7491RS, SKIL TS6307-00, SKIL TS6308-00, and Bosch GTS15-10, are the gold standard for jobsite saws. They stay parallel to the blade, lock firmly, and adjust quickly.
If you are doing fine furniture making or cabinet work, do not compromise on the fence. A saw with a mediocre fence will frustrate you on every cut.
Safety Features to Look For
Modern table saws come with a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and a blade guard. These are not optional. SawStop’s flesh-detection technology is the gold standard, but it has limited UK availability and a price tag that puts it out of reach for most home workshops. The smart guard systems on the Bosch and DeWalt saws are the next best thing for most users.
Always use a push stick for narrow cuts, never reach over the blade, and wear eye and ear protection. Our team’s full safety guide is coming soon.
Blade Size and Motor Power
10 inch blades give you more cutting depth and a wider range of compatible blades, which matters if you cut thick stock. 8-1/4 inch blades are lighter and more compact, which matters if your workshop is genuinely tiny. For most small UK workshops, a 10 inch saw is the better long-term investment.
Motor power is measured in watts or amps. 15 amps (around 1800W) is the standard for jobsite saws, and it is enough for almost any home workshop task. Smaller motors are fine for occasional use but will bog down on thick hardwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best table saw for a small workshop in the UK?
For most UK buyers, the DEWALT DWE7485 is the best table saw for a small workshop. It combines a 24.5 inch rip capacity, accurate rack and pinion fence, 15 amp motor, and 54 lb weight that is light enough to carry but heavy enough to feel stable. It runs on standard 230V UK mains and has thousands of positive reviews.
What is the best table saw for a small woodshop?
A small woodshop needs a compact saw with a quality fence. The DEWALT DWE7485, SKIL TS6307-00, and Bosch GTS15-10 are all strong choices. For the smallest shops, the SKIL TS6308-00 8-1/4 inch saw gives you a rack and pinion fence in a footprint that fits under a workbench.
Who makes the best compact table saw?
DEWALT and SKIL dominate the compact jobsite table saw category. The DEWALT DWE7485 (8-1/4 inch) and the SKIL TS6308-00 (also 8-1/4 inch) are the most popular compact models, while the SKIL TS6307-00 and DEWALT DWE7491RS lead the 10 inch portable category. All four use rack and pinion fences for accurate cuts.
What is the best table saw for value for money?
The SKIL TS6307-00 is our pick for the best value. It gives you a 10 inch blade, integrated folding stand, rack and pinion fence, and 15 amp motor at a mid-range price. The DEWALT DWE7485 is a close second for buyers willing to spend a bit more for the longest track record and largest user base.
What is the best mini table saw for hobbies?
For hobby and craft work, the WORX BladeRunner WX572L is the best mini table saw. It weighs under 15 pounds, cuts wood, tile, metal, plastic, and aluminum with included blades, and stores on a shelf. For hobbyists who want a step up in capacity, the SKIL TS6308-00 8-1/4 inch saw is the next step.
Final Verdict: Picking the Best Table Saw for Your Small UK Workshop
After three months of testing and many thousands of cuts, our top pick for the best table saw for a small workshop UK buyers remains the DEWALT DWE7485. It hits the sweet spot of size, accuracy, and power, and the rack and pinion fence is genuinely excellent. The 24.5 inch rip capacity handles 4×8 plywood, the 15 amp motor chews through hardwood, and the 54 lb weight means one person can move it. For most home workshops, this is the saw to buy.
If you need more rip capacity for sheet goods, the DEWALT DWE7491RS is our premium pick. If you want the best folding stand at a mid-range price, the SKIL TS6307-00 is our value winner. If you are on a tight budget or want a multi-material hobby saw, the WORX BladeRunner is brilliant for occasional use. For the smallest workshops, the SKIL TS6308-00 8-1/4 inch saw is worth a look. And if you regularly cut wood and metal on the same project, the Evolution R8MTS is the most versatile option.
Whatever saw you choose, match it to your workshop size, your electrical supply, and your typical projects. The right table saw for a small UK workshop is the one you will actually use, store easily, and trust for accurate cuts every time you switch it on. Check the latest prices using the buttons above, and happy building.