Skil 15-Amp Table Saw is the Best $300 Table Saw We’ve Tested
For the DIYer and budget-conscious Pro, the Skil 10-inch Jobsite Table Saw makes sense for a variety of reasons. Not only does it have the power and capacity to tackle hardwood cutting, but it also features a foldable stand. While not a worm drive table saw like the Skilsaw models, this Skil 10-inch model looks well-made and has the features to impress most serious DIYers and home users.
Check out our best portable jobsite table saws article for even more great recommendations
Pros
- Integrated folding legs
- Higher quality build than we expect at this price
- Stable cutting
- Rack and pinion fence system
- Solid feature set
- Dado stack compatible up to 5/8-inch
- Excellent value at $299
Cons
- We had ~1/32-inch variance across our table
- 24T stock blade (common to most table saws in this price range)
Skil Portable Table Saw
Integrated Folding Stand
One of the really big deals about the Skil 10-inch jobsite table saw involves its integrated stand. Instead of detaching from a stand, it features foldable legs. These proved to be plenty easy to fold down and lock into place by just one person.
The locking system and the build of the frame itself give the saw a much more rigid feel than we expect from most table saws in the DIY/Prosumer space. With the liberal use of metal components where others choose plastic, it feels better built than its closest competition.
Not only does the saw set up quickly, but it carries easily from the truck to the jobsite.
Drive System
The Skil 10-inch table saw uses its 15-amp motor to spin the blade at up to 4600 RPM. It has a 25-1/2″ rip capacity, and the 10″ blade provides enough cutting capacity to easily get through 4x4s…should you need to.
Note that the stock blade Skil includes has 24 teeth. It’s fine for making rough cuts you know you’re going to sand when you’re finished. It’s also nice for making your cuts faster. However, we’d recommend switching it out and going with a 40-tooth for general cutting and higher tooth counts if you’re looking for a super-smooth finish right off the saw.
Fencing Simplified
The rack and pinion fence rails ensure that your fence stays parallel to the blade, keeping your cuts accurate. You can also make micro-adjustments to calibrate the blade angle, keeping it parallel to the rip fence and miter slot.
There are a lot more table saws with a rack and pinion fence these days and there’s a good reason for it. They’re much easier to keep square and adjust compared to a typical slide style.
Angling for Better Results
The Skil 10-inch table saw features a -2-47° bevel capacity, with two positive stops at 0° and 45°. It’s a typical sliding system with a quick-release lever behind the depth wheel.
Skil’s goes with a plastic miter gauge that attaches to the left side when it’s not in use. The design is a bit better than what we expect from some stock gauges and we like the high-contrast white markings that make it easier to read. Slots in the face allow you to screw an auxiliary face in for more stable mitering.
Dado Stacks
Dado stacks are compatible with this table saw. You’ll need the correct table insert (throat plate) and you can use a dado stack that’s 5/8 inches or less.
Additional Features
- Dust port elbow
- Safety anti-restart switch
- Onboard storage for blade wrenches, push stick, blade guard, anti-kickback pawls, and miter gauge
Performance Notes
As we made our cuts and got to learn the saw, we were keeping in mind that it’s a model designed to compete in the DIY/Prosumer space rather than as a premium professional model like Skilsaw.
One thing we discovered as we calibrated the table saw is that we have ~1/32-inch variance toward the end of the table. It’s far enough out that it didn’t affect our trim cuts and it shouldn’t be a major issue cutting sheet goods.
The actual cutting was a pleasant surprise for this level. In both sheet goods and 2x material, the motor is confident. There are definitely stronger saws at the professional level, but the cuts felt smooth and stable.
Switching from a 24T blade to a 40T, there was very little chatter and, as expected, the quality of the finish improved significantly. As with any saw, let the motor and the blade do the work to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
Skil didn’t start from scratch on this saw—but they also didn’t rebadge their older model. Instead, they seem to have taken some of the best innovations—like the rack and pinion fence—and added some of their own twists.
With a $299 price tag, it’s the most complete package we’ve seen at this cost level. It’s an easy recommendation for DIYers that need a good starter saw and something budget-minded Pro contractors might want to consider.
Skil TS6307-00 10-inch Table Saw Specs
- Model: Skil TS6307-00
- Power: 15-amps
- Arbor: 5/8 in.
- Blade: 10 in.
- Cutting depth (max): 3.5 in.
- Cutting depth (45° bevel): 2.5 in.
- RIP left of blade: 14 in.
- RIP right of blade: 25.5 in.
- Max dado width: 5/8 in.
- Bevel angle: -2° to 47°
- Speed: 4600 RPM
- Warranty: 3 years
- Price: $299
Discover more on Skil’s website.
