Choosing a suitable table saw is quite a challenge, especially when you have your choices narrowed down to only belt-driven table saws.

Belt Driven table saws are different from the usual direct drive table saws as they are not attached directly to the table saw blade.

The motor is mounted far from the blade and uses a pulley system to transfer power to the blade. This results in more power and torque, making the table saw ideal for professional use.

Technological advancements have led to a large number of highly efficient belt-driven table saws being introduced into the market.

Thus, if you are confused between the hundreds of options available, you have come to the right place as we have compiled our list after carefully picking the best ones out of the plethora available.

 

Best Belt Driven Table Saws

 

 

1. Grizzly Industrial G1023RL – 10″ 3 HP 240V Cabinet Table Saw

 

 

 

Features:

• Brand: Grizzly
• Motor Power: 3HP
• Blade Length: 10 inches

 

First on our list of belt-driven table saws is the Grizzly Industrial G1023RL Table Saw. Grizzly is a renowned brand in the table saw industry and is loved for its durability, reliability, and accuracy.

This table saw comes with a Poly-V Serpentine belt system that transfers power from the extremely powerful 3 HP motor to the blade with the highest efficiency.

However, what makes the Grizzly belt system standout as our number one choice is that it produces a lot less noise than other standard belt drive systems, allowing the table saw to function quietly and smoothly.

In addition to this, the Grizzly table saw has a solid cast iron body and a large tabletop surface with two solid extension wings attached for greater surface area.

The iron used for the body is pre-heated before construction to ensure, strength, durability, and longevity while the large tabletop size makes this ideal for large-scale professional projects. However, this does not mean it acts any less efficient when dealing with small-scale projects.

The 10” sharp blade ensures maximum rip capacity and cutting capacity of 8 inches to the left of the blade and 32 inches to the right.

The presence of a T-slot miter gauge enhances the stability and level of precision of the table saw by allowing users to perform the most precise angled cuts smoothly and accurately.

Another attractive feature about this is its convenience. It is extremely easy to assemble as you are only required to set up the extension wings and fences by following the instruction given in the instruction manual.

Moreover, it comes with a 4-inch dust collection port which efficiently collects dust particles and ensures a clean working environment. This also prevents the small dust particles and wooden chips from getting into your eyes.

In addition to this, the table saw is equipped with other safety features as well including a blade guard, a quick-release riving knife, and anti-kickback pawls to prevent kickbacks and protect you from unfortunate accidents.

The only thing that requires improvement is the fence and the throat plate for more efficient dado and beveled cuts.

 

2. Jet 708675PK 10″ Deluxe XACTA Saw

 

 

 

Features:

• Brand: Jet
• Motor Power: 3HP
• Blade Length: 10 inches

 

At number two is the Jet 7086775 Deluxe XACTA Table Saw.

Similar to the Grizzly table saw, this model from Jet also comes with a 3 HP strong motor and a Poly-V Belt Drive System that delivers power to the 10-inch blade efficiently, with little noise and minimal power loss.

Another benefit of the Jet 7086775 XACTA Belt system is that it has very low heat generation and maintains optimum temperature for the table saw to work effectively.

In addition to this, with a large cast-iron table, the XACTA table saw offers great durability and a rip capacity as large as 50 inches. This allows the table saw to smoothly cut into large wooden and aluminum boards, making it ideal for industrial uses.

Moreover, the XACTA table saw is designed as a left-tilt machine. This allows the blade to tilt away from the fence, preventing your workpiece from getting trapped between the blade and the fence and ensuring the cuts are clean and precise.

The accuracy and precision of the saw are further enhanced with the presence of a T-shaped miter gauge and a push-button arbor lock.

This allows rapid blade changes, enabling users to quickly shift between a standard and dado blade for more angled cuts.

However, the most attractive feature about XACTA, apart from its 5-year warranty, is its safety features.

In addition to the quick release riving knife and anti-kickback pawls to ensure one-direction movement of the blade and prevent kickbacks, the saw is also equipped with a safety leaf guard and a safety power button.

The guard protects you from the blade while cutting at tilted angles whereas the safety button protects the motor against power fluctuations and prevents accidental re-starts.

The only drawback to this is that there is no keylock present for the power button to stop children from fiddling with it if the table saw is being used at in-home workshops.

This saw also requires a lot of assemblies and the motor often loses its efficiency when dealing with thick hardwood,

 

 

3. Powermatic PM1000 Table Saw

 

 

 

Features:

• Brand: Powermatic
• Motor Power: 3HP
• Blade Length: 10 inches

 

Another popular belt-driven table saw among woodworkers is the Powermatic PM1000 Table saw.

Also equipped with a Poly-V Belt Drive system, this table saw and a 3 HP motor, this table saw requires only 115 Volts to function efficiently and smoothly, making the table saw suitable for both, home usage and industrial usage.

In addition to this, the belt drive system is one of the most reliable ones as it maximized efficiency and minimized power loss and vibration.

Moreover, the Powermatic also has a cast iron body with a tilted edge to allow smoother cuts with less risk of tear-outs.

The tilted edge also reduces the gap between the fence and the blade, preventing your workpiece from getting trapped between them.

Furthermore, the work surface of the tabletop is flat and smooth for better accuracy and offers a rip capacity of no less than 52 inches.

The versatility of this table saw is evident from the fact 10-inch sharp blade can effectively cut into any material, from hardwood to messy oak to soaking wet Ponderosa pipe.

However, one of the key attributes of this table saw is its accuracy. The presence of an exclusive Accu-fence system provides rigid support to the workpiece.

This ensures that the workpiece remains still and the alignment is not ruined, making it possible for woodworkers to comfortably perform cuts with the greatest level of precision.

The accuracy and speed of the table saw are further enhanced by the pivoting miter gauge which can tilt up to 60 degrees, allowing a range of angled cuts.

Like other efficient table saws, this one is also equipped with safety features blade guard helps keep the blade away from you whereas the anti-kickback pawls and riving knives prevent kickbacks and ensure one-direction movement of the blade.

A safety button is also present to avoid accidental restarts following power disruptions.

The only drawback of this table saw is that the dust collection is not as efficient as one would hope.

Nonetheless, this table saw is highly recommended and offers the best value for your money.

 

 

 

4. Shop Fox W1837 Hybrid Table Saw

 

 

 

Features:

• Brand: Shop Fox
• Motor Power: 2HP
• Blade Length: 10 inches

 

At number four, we have the Shop Fox W1837 Table Saw, the only hybrid table saw on our list.

With a durable cast-iron body painted in an elegant white color, this tool combines the features of both, a cabinet and a contractor table saw.

It is also supported by a serpentine belt and pulley system which operates smoothly and transports power from its 2 HP motor to the blade with optimal power loss and reduced vibration.

Moreover, despite the heavy iron cast construction, the table saw has impressive mobility due to its handy built-in mobile base that allows you to move the saw from one job site to another.

The Shop Fox W1837 is also very versatile and flexible. It has a ten inches long blade with a maximum rip capacity of 30 inches and a beveling angle of 45 degrees, allowing you to adjust your blade in order to make more beveled and angled cuts.

In addition to this, the table saw also operates smoothly with a high level of precision and accuracy.

The robust trunnions mounted onto the cabinet absorb vibrations, ensure accurate miter slot and blade alignment, and also allow you to adjust your blade height for increased flexibility and precision.

What distinguishes Shop Fox from other table saws is its numerous safety features.

Safety is a priority for all when it comes to dangerous tools like table saws but with Shop Fox, there is nothing to be worried about.

In addition to the usual riving knives, anti-kickback pawls, and safety power buttons, this table saw is also equipped with a smart guard system.

These features not only prevent kickbacks and backward movement of the workpiece but also ensures that the blade works in a straight line and you have a clear view of the blades from a safe distance.

The table saw is also equipped with a 4-inch dust port In order to prevent scrap and dust from getting in your eyes and obstructing your view.

The only downside to this table saw is that it requires manual assembly which takes a lot of time.

Nonetheless, it is one of the best hybrid table saws that come with an equally efficient belt drive system.

 

 

5. Delta 36-5100T2 Contractor Table Saw

 

 

 

Features:

• Brand: Delta
• Motor Power:1.75 HP
• Blade Length: 10 inches

 

The last but not the least on our list is the Delta 36-5100T2 Table Saw.

This belt-driven table saw has an adjustable belt drive system that not only transforms power from the motor to the blade smoothly and efficiently but also reduces vibration and improves motor life.

In addition to this, the 15 amp-powered motor, running at a speed of 3450 RPMs, is extremely powerful and can easily cut into thick materials like lumber and hardwood with the help of a ten-inch-long blade.

Moreover, with its large, flat table surface and extension wigs available, the DELTA table saw offers a maximum rip capacity of 30 inches.

The blade also offers a maximum depth of about 3 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees. This makes the table saw ideal for large-scale projects as well as DIY crafts which require precise and angled cuts.

In addition to this, Delta 36-5100T2 offers the highest level of precision and accuracy.

The heavy-duty rail system, combined with the Biesemeyer-style fence system, enables you to adjust the fence and blade according to your requirements, resulting in the most accurate and clean cuts.

The fence also facilitates the efficient cutting of small parts with neatness.

What we adore about Delta 36-5100T2 is its portability and convenience. With a wheeled base, you can easily move it from one job site to another and it is extremely easy to assemble and set up.

In addition to this, it boasts a warranty of five years, assuring users of its longevity and durability.

The only downside to this is that many have complained about missing parts at the time of arrival.

However, with a warranty of five years, this Delta table saw is a piece of a tool on which we can surely rely.

 

 

Buyer’s Guide

As mentioned earlier, it is quite challenging to choose a suitable belt-driven table saw due to the fact that there is a plethora of them available in the market.

To make your job easier, we have designed a complete buyer’s guide for a belt-driven table saw.

Its purpose is to make you aware of the factors that are of utmost importance in a belt-driven table saw and thus, must be taken into consideration when choosing a table saw.

 

Rip Capacity

One of the most important features of a table saw is its rip capacity. This is the distance between the fence and the edge of the blade.

It is the rip capacity that determines the maximum width of the wooden boards you can cut into using your table.

The larger the rip capacity is, the larger the maximum width.

The rip capacity of your table saw depends on the type of projects you will be working on. If you require a table saw for home use and DIY crafts, a rip capacity of 22-25 inches is good enough.

For industrial and professional use, the rip capacity can be as large as 50 inches. However, remember the larger the rip capacity will be the more expensive your table saw will be.

 

Noise

Another important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a belt-driven table saw is the noise and vibration the belt drive system produces.

The intensity of the sound and vibration varies with different belt drive systems.

Stronger vibrations adversely affect the motor life and accuracy of the table saw. With noise and vibration, it is hard for woodworkers to concentrate and perform precise cuts.

Thus, you must choose table saws with belt systems that operate smoothly and transfer power from the motor to the blade with reduced noise and vibrations.

 

Power Loss

In belt-driven table saws, the motor is not directly attached to the table saw blade. Thus, power needs to be transferred through a belt or pulley system. This can result in power loss.

Therefore, when choosing a belt-driven table saw you must ensure that its belt drive system will result in minimal power loss.

 

Motor Power

It is also of utmost importance to consider the motor power of a table saw.

The motor power, measured in horsepower, along with motor speed determines the strength of the table saw.

The higher the motor power, the more strong and powerful your table saw is.

The ideal horsepower of your table saw depends on the type of projects you will be working on.

For industrial and professional use, you must go for a horsepower greater than 2HP and a motor speed higher than 4000 RPMs.

However, for small-scale projects and DIY crafts a motor power ranging between 1.75-2 HP is suitable.

 

Blade Length

In addition to the rip capacity of the table saw, the blade length is also an important factor to keep in mind.

The blade length determines the depth of your cut as well as its accuracy.

The standard blade size is 10 inches and it can easily cut deep into thick materials like lumber, hardwood, and plywood.

For materials like plastic and glass, blades of length 3-4 inches can also be used. Moreover, smaller blades are more appropriate for detailed and precise cuts.

 

Safety Features

Table saws are dangerous tools and the safety of the woodworkers should be the priority.

Therefore, you must make sure that your table saw is equipped with the necessary safety features to prevent injuries.

The must-have safety features in every table saw include riving knives and anti-kickback pawls to ensure one-direction movement of the blade and prevent kickbacks.

Blade guards are also very beneficial as they offer a clear view of the blade from a safe distance.

 

Portability

Another important factor to keep in mind when purchasing a belt-driven table saw is its portability.

If you want a table saw that can be easily transported from one job site to another, then make sure it is portable.

The portability of the table depends on its size, weight, and mobility. The more compact the table saw is in size, the easier it is to carry it around.

The weight of the table saw depends on the type of material used to build it.

Cast iron table saws are usually heavier than aluminum or steel table saws.

If the table saw is heavy then make sure that it has a mobile base with wheels so that you can easily move it around your workshop.

 

Warranty

The last factor on our list is the warranty. Warranty is extremely important for expensive and complex tools like table saws.

Hence, a reliable belt-driven table saw is the one that offers at least one year warranty.

 

FAQs

What is the difference between direct drive and belt drive table saws?

Direct drive table saws are the ones in which the motor is directly attached to the blade and power is directly transferred from the motor to the blade.

As a result, no power is lost. On the other, in belt drive table saws the motor is not directly attached to the blade, and power is required to be transferred to the blade through a belt and a pulley system.

In such table saws, some power is lost while being transferred.

 

Are direct drive table saws better than belt-driven table saws?

Both have their own share of benefits and neither of these is better than the other.

The table saw that is most suitable for you depends on your requirements.

Direct drive table saws produce much fewer kickbacks and are smaller in size. Moreover, they are also cheaper than direct drive table saws.

On the other hand, direct-drive table saws produce less vibration and have a longer lifespan. In addition to this, as the motor is placed away from the blade, it runs cooler and does not suffer much from sawdust buildup. This makes them better for industrial use.

Thus, your choice of table saw should depend on your requirements as well as your budget.

 

Are worm drive table saws better than belt-driven table saws?

While both types of table saws have their own pros and cons, worm drive table saws are much better for higher stress rip cuts.

 

Conclusion

We have ensured that each of our products is of the best quality, backed by the most impressive customer reviews.

Our top choice is the Grizzly Industrial G1023RL for its durability, efficiency, and renowned brand.

Additionally, its serpentine belt system is of the topmost quality, minimizing power loss.

Nonetheless, every product in our list stands out as one of the best available in the market. Therefore, your final choice should come down to your own needs and requirements.