The updated Kobalt Portable Table Saw KT10152 has only a few changes from the budget-friendly KT1015 construction site table saw we reviewed a few years ago. Kobalt removed the outfeed support but increased the left tear capacity by 3 inches. They've also tweaked the sliding rip fence, which now locks into place with a latch for quick setup.
Check out our best portable construction site table saws article for more great recommendations
advantage
- acceptable price
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Included stand and low weight make it easy to maneuver
- Sliding Fence System Exceeds Your Expectations From a Budget Table Saw
- Easily cut 2x, HardiePlank and even Durock
shortcoming
- The weight, footprint and small work surface of the saw make it difficult to cut the board accurately
- Bent legs extend well beyond the end of the table, creating a tripping hazard
What is the difference between Kobalt KT10152 and KT1015?
Color scheme aside, you'll be hard-pressed to quickly spot the difference between this Kobalt portable table saw (model KT10152) and its predecessor, the KT1015, which we compared head-to-head in our worksite table saw. However, if you move both, you'll find the new model more flexible. It weighs only 65 lbs, 13 lbs less than the KT1015. This is a great advantage for portability , but also a disadvantage for some applications. We'll talk about that later.
The tear capacity on the right side is the same at 30 inches, but the tear capacity on the left side has been increased from 14 inches to 17 inches. Perhaps the most useful change, though, is the redesign of the sliding fence from double to single latches. Kobalt Tools also added yellow pins on slides for registering fence blocks.
A common complaint about the KT1015 is that its bars are hard to square. It has two separate locks, but you can also easily lock it out of the square. A good fence will align correctly from the front. Our crew found that the fence was easy to square and – more importantly – it stayed square. The sliding mechanism actually feels like it belongs on a more expensive saw – very smooth!
The carbide blade and 15-amp motor of the Kobalt Portable Table Saw sliced through all of our stuff with ease. We ripped out a ton of 2x material, even cement board. No problem there. The impressive spare blade is still in great shape after we've done all the work.
Cutting goods with some difficulty
It's no surprise that cutting lumber products isn't ideal with the Kobalt KT10152 Portable Table Saw (or any construction saw). Smaller saws tend to make themselves top-heavy. In this case, the lighter weight on this table saw is actually a disadvantage. Unless you have some on-hand help or delivery support, bed linen merchandise can make it a little wobbly.
The folding and rolling stands we discuss below are wider than saws that are perpendicular to the blade but not parallel to it. The stand doesn't provide enough stability where you need it most when you're pushing the board past the blade.
Some professionals will choose to use a track saw for this application, however, the economical KT10152 is almost half the price.
The lightweight Kobalt Portable Table Saw works with the included folding and rolling stand, making it extremely easy to maneuver. However, we did notice some issues after setting up the saw. Complaining about crooked legs sticking out too far seems contradictory, given what we just said about the width of the legs. But because it curves up and further into the workspace, it becomes a tripping hazard and a shin buster (we speak from experience!).
This isn't a deal-breaker, but care should be taken when positioning the saw in your workspace.
price
We've seen some really good deals on Kobalt portable table saws recently. Regular price for the KT10152 is $329. Here are some budget-friendly competitors:
- Skill 3410-02 10 in. Table saw (with stand): $204.33
- Ryobi RTS23: $269
- DeWalt DW745S Compact Construction Site Table Saw (fixed stand): $302.32
- Kobalt KT10152: $329
- Skills SPT70WT-01 10 in. Portable Worm Drive Table Saw: $343.37
the bottom line
Kobalt has made some nice improvements to this table saw. You can significantly reduce weight for greater portability. The fence clamping system now exhibits a more confident mechanism. Plus, you get more tearing power.
The saw also has plenty of power and it's hard to beat mobility. The narrow base and light weight make it a little wobbly when working with larger stocks or thin cargo. We like the folding stand overall, but be careful that the bent legs don't block access. For price and performance, this affordable saw should appeal to both DIY enthusiasts and entry-level professionals.
Kobalt Portable Table Saw Specifications
- Model: KT10152
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed (no load): 5000 RPM
- Fine Tuning Rip Fences
- Bevel Capability: 45º
- Cutting Depth (45º / 90º): 2.5"/ 3.5"
- Dust Slot: 2.5 inches
- Blade Size (inches): 10
- Tear Capacity (L/R): 17"/30"
- Table (W x L): 19.6 x 26.1 inches
- Height (to table): 34"
- Locking bevel gauge
- 8" Quick Fold Stand. wheel
- Onboard storage space for rip fence, miter gauge, blade guard, push rod, power cord and spare blades
- Weight: 65 lbs.
- Warranty: 3-year limited
- Price: $329