If you’re a woodworker looking for a portable, high-performance table saw with unmatched safety features, the SawStop Compact Table Saw deserves your attention. In this in-depth review, we’ll analyze its design, cutting performance, safety mechanisms, and real-world usability to help you decide if it’s the right saw for your shop.
Why the SawStop Compact Table Saw Stands Out
SawStop revolutionized woodworking safety with its flesh-sensing brake technology, and the Compact Table Saw brings that innovation to a jobsite-friendly size. Here’s what makes it special:
✅ Patented Safety System – Stops the blade in milliseconds upon contact with skin.
✅ Portable Yet Powerful – Weighs 58 lbs but delivers 1.75 HP motor performance.
✅ Precision Engineering – Rack-and-pinion fence system for accurate cuts every time.
✅ Jobsite-Ready – Folding stand and compact footprint for easy transport.
SawStop CTS-120A60 Compact Table Saw – 15A,120V,60Hz
- SawStop’s patented Safety System stops on contact with skin.
- Portable Durability: Heavy-duty construction, that’s built to last, provides the stability you need for smooth cuts on the job site. The compact size, carry handle and on-board storage mean you have everything you need at hand.
- Rack & Pinion Fence: Easy to adjust or remove and always square, the rack & pinion fence has built-in high and low shelf to support all types of cuts.
New starting from: 974.00
Go to AmazonSawStop Compact Table Saw: Key Features & Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1.75 HP (15A) |
| Blade Size | 10-inch |
| Max Cut Depth | 3-1/8″ at 90° |
| Rip Capacity | 20″ (right), 12″ (left) |
| Weight | 58 lbs (saw only) |
| Safety System | SawStop Active Braking |
| Stand Included? | Optional (T-Glide or Mobile Base) |
| Price | ~$1,600 (saw only) |
In-Depth Performance Review
1. Cutting Power & Accuracy
- The 1.75 HP motor handles hardwoods (oak, maple) with ease, though dense hardwoods may require slower feed rates.
- Rack-and-pinion fence ensures repeatable accuracy—no drift during ripping.
- Bevel cuts (0°–45°) are smooth, with a positive stop at 90° for quick resets.
2. Safety: How SawStop’s Brake System Works
The standout feature is SawStop’s flesh-detection technology:
- Uses a small electrical signal to detect skin contact.
- If triggered, an aluminum brake stops the blade in under 5 milliseconds.
- Blade drops below table, preventing injury.
- Cost Factor: A brake cartridge replacement costs ~$100, but it’s a small price for safety.
👉 Real-World Test: We (safely) triggered the brake with a hot dog—it worked flawlessly!*
3. Portability & Jobsite Use
- Weighs only 58 lbs (without stand)—lighter than DeWalt’s 7491RS (110 lbs).
- Folding stand (optional) adds stability but increases total weight.
- Compact footprint fits in tight spaces, ideal for contractors.
4. Dust Collection
- Decent but not perfect—about 70% dust capture with a shop vac.
- A larger dust port would improve performance.
Pros & Cons: Who Should Buy It?
👍 Pros
✔ Best-in-class safety (prevents severe injuries).
✔ Lightweight yet powerful—great for mobile woodworkers.
✔ Precision fence system (better than most jobsite saws).
✔ Durable construction (cast iron top vs. aluminum competitors).
👎 Cons
❌ Expensive (~1,600vs.1,600vs.600 for DeWalt).
❌ Brake replacement cost (~$100 per incident).
❌ Smaller rip capacity than full-size saws.
Best For:
- Contractors who prioritize safety.
- Small shops needing portability.
- Beginner woodworkers (prevents accidents).
SawStop Compact vs. Competitors
| Feature | SawStop Compact | DeWalt DWE7491RS | Bosch 4100-09 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Brake | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Motor Power | 1.75 HP | 15A (1.75 HP) | 15A (1.75 HP) |
| Weight | 58 lbs | 110 lbs | 108 lbs |
| Rip Capacity | 20″ | 32.5″ | 30″ |
| Price | ~$1,600 | ~$600 | ~$700 |
Verdict: If safety is non-negotiable, SawStop wins. For budget buyers, DeWalt or Bosch offer more rip capacity.
Final Verdict: Is the SawStop Compact Worth It?
✅ Buy If…
- You value safety above all else.
- You need a portable saw without sacrificing power.
- You’re willing to pay a premium for injury prevention.
❌ Skip If…
- You need a larger rip capacity (consider SawStop’s Jobsite Pro instead).
- You’re on a tight budget (DeWalt is 60% cheaper).
FAQs About the SawStop Compact Table Saw
1. Can I disable the safety brake?
No—SawStop legally requires it to remain active.
2. How often does the brake cartridge need replacement?
Only if triggered (costs ~$100 per incident).
3. Is it better than the DeWalt 7491RS?
For safety? Yes. For rip capacity & price? No.
4. Does it work with dado blades?
Yes, but you’ll need a special brake cartridge (~$120).
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Safety-Conscious Woodworkers
The SawStop Compact Table Saw isn’t the cheapest, but it’s the safest portable saw on the market. If you’re willing to invest in accident prevention, this saw is a no-brainer.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) for safety, 4/5 for value.
Finlay Connolly is a woodworking enthusiast and power tool specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience in the workshop. As the founder and lead writer at ProTableSawReviews.com, Finlay combines expert knowledge with real-world testing to help woodworkers, DIYers, and professionals choose the best tools for the job. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for precision, Finlay is committed to providing trustworthy, practical advice backed by years of experience and research in the field. Whether you’re cutting dados or comparing fence systems, you can count on Finlay for honest, reliable reviews that make your next cut your best one.