Compared to the likes of Bosch and Dewalt, SKIL may seem like an underdog in the table saw market. However, a closer look at the company behind this brand – Chevron – reveals a brand renowned for producing quality power tools since 1937. The SKIL 3410-02 is perhaps their most popular product and from the look of things, it’s targeted at low-cost, budget-conscious shoppers. The beauty about table saws, in general, is that they can help you do so much more even while working from inside a tiny garage. With a majority of woodworkers and DIYers across the US mainly working from their garages, it’s imperative for manufacturers to come up with innovations that save on space. Here’s a detailed SKIL 3410-02 review that focuses on this table saw’s core features and potential downsides.
Design
9
Price
10
Usability
8
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Amperage
15
Blade Diameter
10″
Arbor
5/8″
Blade Material
Carbide Tipped
Bevel Angle Range
0° to 47°
Cord Length
6 ft
Bevel Capacity (°)
47°
Depth of Cut at 45 Deg
2-1/2″
Bevel Direction
Left Bevel
Depth of Cut at 90 Deg
3-1/2″
No Load RPM
5,000
Rip Capacity – Right (in)
24.25
Voltage
120 V
Weight
45.1 lb
A table saw is an indispensable item in every woodworking environment. Find the right one and you’ll be in a position to take on all manner of tasks – from making furniture to fixing wooden stuff – without breaking a sweat. But these saws can be pretty pricey and that’s something that keeps most potential owners off them. This is where the SKIL 3410-02 model comes in handy. Not only is it affordably priced but also contains all the essential features you may need to ace through any project. First off, it comes with a high-quality rip fence complete with a secure clamping system to prevent wobbling. This gives you great freedom to experiment with all manner of cuts without worrying about your workpiece moving out of place even as you make parallel and incremental adjustments. On top of that, this foldable table saw comes with a magnified viewpoint which makes it a tad easier to read the measurements. Just in case you’re going to bump on a wood with dadoes and grooves, the fact that this unit comes with a riving knife and 13/15-inch max dado width makes it a perfect bet for a seamless work experience. Best of all, the riving knife moves up and down the blade (equidistant) regardless of the height the blade is at.
Features
Expandable table surface from 20×26 to 20×32
Cast aluminum worktop designed for long-lasting performance
Stands on 4 heavy-duty steel stands
10 Inch carbide-tooth blade which can be used on miter saws as well
Movable blade guard for added security and peace of mind
cULus tested and certified
Bevel angle range of 2 to 47 degrees
The Design
With a standard size of 20×26 inch (expandable) and weighing 67.5 pounds, this table saw offers a generous workspace. Most of its competitors offer 20×20 inch or 22×22.5 inch capacity and so clearly, if you’re looking to maximize on each inch of space, this table offers a much better deal. Designed with an aggressive 28-tooth carbide blade, this machine leaves nothing to chance when it comes to plywood, drywall or wood. However, you may need to consider upgrading to a better-made blade as this one is quite lousy for crosscutting. From the look of things, blades are where most manufacturers save money. So, it doesn’t matter which model you go for, you’ll more often than not find yourself having to replace the blade. Moving on, it’s nice to see that this saw has the ability to accommodate an 8-inch dado blade and has an inherent ability to handle dadoes of up to 13/15 inch. This is pretty decent for a saw of this price range and size.
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Precision and Performance
These are the two most important factors to consider when shopping for a table saw. Fortunately, this SKIL 3410-02 review can confirm that the saw, though cheap, doesn’t disappoint as far as these two metrics are concerned. One of the factors that make this saw highly accurate is the magnified EZ viewport which makes it super easy to read measurements. The easier it is to read measurements, the better one can get at making precise cuts as well. What about performance? To a large extent, the SKIL 3410-02 boasts a maximum rip capacity of 24.25 inches at 45 degrees. Some of this table saw’s expensive rivals can only rip up to 15 inches and so, to this end, we’d like to point out that the SKIL 3410-02 is a true workhorse. Above all, this portable table saw under $500 comes with an excellent rip fence that is extremely easy to adjust. This rack uses a basic clamping design with a familiar layout which allows for accurate and seamless movement.
Pro Tip
Avoid using this saw on an uneven floor as this can transfer its warp up to your table saw top. Ideally, you should identify a perfect spot in your garage and stick to it.
Jon
Safety Features
Three things have to be taken into account in order to safely operate a table saw. The first one is the blade guard which is also known as the barrier guard whose main job is to contain splinters, broken blade teeth, pieces of wood as well as sawdust right at the source. The guard is further supported by a riving knife (also known as a splitter) which is a relatively thin piece of steel that keeps the kerf of the cut split. This essentially prevents the workpiece from pinching the blade. Last but not least, the SKIL 3410-02 table saw comes with kickback pawls which complement the riving knife and blade guard in preventing potential injuries due to kickbacks.
PROS:
Ability to cut fast through tough lumber
Compact design
Generous worktop
Made from cast aluminum and steel for enhanced durability
Foldable design for easier portability
Loaded with critical for user safety
CONS:
Lacks a dust collection port
Its native blade isn’t best for smooth cuts
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Things we liked about it
We love (not just like) this table saw’s motor speed. Its speed ensures you deliver professional cuts especially if you upgrade the blade. Not only is the motor powerful but also quite reliable which means it can see you through long days in the garage without jamming. Another awesome quality of this saw is that it comes with a high-quality rip fence with a secure clamping system. With such features in place, all you need to do is focus on delivering professional results at your own pace.
Things we didn’t like
Small qualms with the otherwise perfect power tool would be that it lacks a dust port meaning you’d need to use it outdoors when handling huge jobs. Otherwise, this saw is likely to mess up your workspace with dust and debris. Another issue with this top table saw is that its built-in blade is a 28-tooth unit which may need to be upgraded to achieve smoother cuts.
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General User Experience
In general, this machine is tough, durable, and reliable – meaning you can use it to handle any heavy-duty cutting jobs. This is mainly due to the fact that its blade is a 28-teeth unit which is quite powerful and capable of handling hard lumber with exceptional ease. And even though it doesn’t deliver the smoothest of all cuts, it slices through any load quite fast and painlessly. It’s also worth keeping in mind that you can always replace the blade if you want to achieve smoother cuts. In terms of power, this unit comes with a 15 Amp motor which delivers an incredible 5,000 RPM. That’s way higher than what its closest rival from Dewalt, the DW745, offers at 3,850RPM. Besides the turbo-charged power, this saw boasts an incredible ability to deliver professional finish cuts, especially when retrofitted with a 40-tooth carbide tipped blade.
Table Saw Basics
Yotube Video Review: Table Saw Basics
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Is it possible to use this saw on a 110volt converter?
No. It’s, recommended to use a transformer instead.
What’s the maximum rip capacity for this saw?
This unit is equipped with a side extension complete with a rear outfeed support that’s large enough allowing you to handle as much as 24.25-inch max cuts.
What’s the recommended saw blade upgrade for this table saw?
We’d recommend going for a minimum of 40-tooth unit although you can always get better results by going for a 60- or 80-tooth carbide tipped blade.
Conclusion
If you’re on a limited budget and would like to get the best bang for your bucks, this model would particularly be a perfect choice. Not only is it well built with high quality cast aluminum but also the engineering behind its design, safety and performance is something worth appreciating. As we sum up this SKIL 3410-02 review we’d like to recommend this tool to any woodworker who may be looking for a compact table saw capable of delivering impeccable performance.
