The Skil 15-Amp Table Saw Is the Best $300 Table Saw We've Tested
For DIYers and budget-conscious professionals alike, the Skil 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw makes sense for a variety of reasons. Not only does it have the power and capacity to handle hardwood cutting, but it also has a collapsible stand. While not a worm-drive table saw like the Skilsaw models, this Skil 10-inch model looks well-made and has features that will impress the most serious DIYers and home users.
Check out our best portable construction site table saws article for more great recommendations
advantage
- Integrated folding legs
- Higher quality build than we expected for this price
- stable cutting
- Rack and pinion fence system
- entity feature set
- Dado stack compatible up to 5/8"
- Great value at $299
shortcoming
- Our tables have about a 1/32" difference
- 24T spare blade (common to most table saws in this price range)
Skil Portable Table Saw
One-piece folding stand
One of the really big deals about the Skil 10-inch construction site table saw involves its integrated stand. Instead of detaching from the stand, it has foldable legs. It turns out to be easy to fold and lock into place with just one person.
The locking system and the construction of the frame itself make the saw feel much stiffer than we expect from most table saws in the DIY/Prosumer space. Liberal use of metal parts where others opt for plastic, and it feels better than its closest competitor.
Not only can the saw be set up quickly, but it can be easily transported from the truck to the job site.
Drive System
The Skil 10" Table Saw uses its 15 amp motor to spin the blade at up to 4600 RPM. It has a 25-1/2" tear capacity, while the 10" blade provides enough cutting power to easily cut through a 4×4…if you need it.
Note that the Skil's replacement blade has 24 teeth. It's good to make a rough cut and you know you're going to sand when you're done. This also helps in faster cutting. However, if you're looking for an ultra-smooth finish after the saw, we recommend swapping it out and using the 40 teeth for general cutting and a higher tooth count.
fencing simplified
The rack and pinion fence guide keeps your fence parallel to the blade for accurate cuts. You can also make minor adjustments to calibrate the blade angle so that it is parallel to the rip fence and miter groove.
There are more table saws with rack and pinion fences these days, and for good reason. They are easier to keep square and adjust than typical slide styles.
fish for better results
The Skil 10" table saw has a -2-47° bevel capability with two positive stops at 0° and 45°. This is a typical slide system with a quick release lever behind the depth wheel.
Skil's come with a plastic miter gauge that attaches to the left side when not in use. The design is a bit better than we've come to expect from some stock gauges, and we like the high-contrast white markings, which are easier to read. Slots on the face allow you to screw in a helper face for a more stable miter.
Wainscoting
Dado stacks are compatible with this table saw. You will need the correct bench insert (throat plate) and a 5/8" or smaller skirt plate can be used.
Additional features
- Dust outlet elbow
- Safety anti-reboot switch
- Onboard storage for blade wrenches, push rods, blade guards, anti-kickback pawls and miter gauges
performance description
When we cut and started learning about saws we kept in mind that this was a model designed to compete in the DIY/Prosumer arena, not a premium professional model like the Skilsaw.
One of the things we found when calibrating our table saw was that we had about a 1/32 inch difference at the end of the table saw. That's enough, it doesn't affect our cutting, and it shouldn't be a major problem with cutting sheet products.
The actual cutting is a pleasant surprise for this class. In terms of sheet and 2x material, the motor is confident. Professional grade saws are definitely stronger, but the cut feels smooth and stable.
Switching from a 24T blade to a 40T was almost noiseless and, as expected, the quality of the finish improved significantly. As with any saw, let the motor and blade do the work for best results.
final thoughts
Skil didn't develop this saw from scratch – but they didn't rebadge their older models either. Instead, they seem to have taken some of the best innovations — like rack and pinion fences — and added a few twists of their own.
At $299, it's the most complete package we've seen at this price level. This is an easy recommendation for DIYers who need a good starter saw and something a budget-minded professional contractor might want to consider.
Skil TS6307-00 10" Table Saw Specifications
- Model: SKIL TS6307-00
- Power: 15 Amps
- Arbor: 5/8 inch
- Blade: 10 inches
- Cutting Depth (Max): 3.5 inches
- Depth of cut (45° bevel): 2.5 inches
- Left side of RIP blade: 14 in.
- Right side of RIP blade: 25.5 in.
- Maximum Dado Width: 5/8"
- Bevel: -2° to 47°
- Speed: 4600 rpm
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $299
Discover more on Skil's website.