For the do-it-yourselfer that wants to start taking on the big projects, there really is no substitution for a good table saw. Yes, a circular saw will allow you to rip materials and give you access to a range of cuts otherwise unavailable to you, but for true power and stability the table saw is the only way to go. Read on for a comprehensive review of the Skil 3410-02 10-inch table saw.
Table saws also don’t come cheap. If you are going to make a big investment in your shop you want to make sure that the equipment you are getting is worth it, don’t you? We’re here to help you with that.
Searching for the best table saw for your money but aren’t quite sure what you need? We’ve got you covered with our table saw buying guide.
Table of Contents
What’s in the box?
- 10-inch table saw
- Carbide-tooth blade
- 2x blade wrenches
- Heavy-duty steel folding stand
- Miter gauge
You’re getting everything you could want with the package—it’s comprehensive enough that you will be able to use this tool the day you get it without the need to make an extra trip to the hardware store.
Of course, you wouldn’t expect to have to buy supplemental materials for a purchase of this size, but since sometimes you do, it’s always nice when a manufacturer is sure to include everything that you need.
Specifications of Skil 3410-02
- Amperage: 15
- Blade Diameter: 10 Inches
- Bevel: 2-47 degrees
- Max cut depth at 45 degrees: 2.5 inches
- Max cut depth at 90 degrees: 3.5 inches
- Max dado width: 13 ½ inches
- No-load RPM: 5000
- Rating: 120V
Pros & Cons
Why We Like It
Now that you have all of the basic information about the SKIL table saw, let’s dive a little bit deeper as we now take a look at this tool’s pros and cons.
Powerful
The fifteen-amp motor featured on this unit yields an impressive RPM of 5000. For the purposes of ripping hardwood, a powerful motor truly is crucial, so it is nice to know that this model boasts one. The powerful motor is also going to be good for the woodworker that sometimes finds themselves in need of cutting metals and plastics. In short, the more power that you have, the more use you are going to get out of your tool.
Heavy-Duty Steel Folding Stand
This is where the portability component of this unit comes into play. If you have ever seen a stationary table saw (that is to say, one that has not been designed with the intention of being regularly moved) portability certainly is not the first thing that comes to mind.
They are massive and heavy, and a big pain to move in the event that you need to. This stand, on the other hand, folds easily for storage that is convenient and transportation that isn’t quite as difficult.
That the stand is strong is another valuable component, especially since this saw is somewhat portable. Working with heavy-duty tools can, in general, result in a lot of variables that aren’t favorable to the well-being of your equipment, but when you then remove your saw from the controlled environment of your shop into a different location that you aren’t as familiar with, the variables only increase.
The heavy-duty steel stand featured on this model is designed to withstand the wear and tear typically encountered on the job, and remain pristine for years to come.
The stand is also optimized to be mounted quickly and easily by the saw itself so that you don’t have to waste an excessive amount of time setting it up.
3-1/2 Inch Cut Capacity
The 3-1/2 inch cut capacity that you are getting with this saw is enough to allow you to cut through tough materials quicker than ever before. This is a great feature in particular for addressing various woodworking and carpentry projects.
EZ View Measurement
The “EZ View” measurement system coupled with the self-aligning rip fence is optimized to guarantee the most accurate settings and measurements possible.
The benefits of this are of course obvious—the more accurate your measurements, the better your cuts, the quicker you work.
Why We Don’t Like It
Wobbly Legs
Wobbly legs are unfortunately a common complaint when it comes to table saws of this nature. The easy storage and portability components unfortunately just are not able to yield the same stability features as the stationary equivalents.
While I would not necessarily consider this drawback to be a deal-breaker, it is certainly and without question a drag. Wobbly legs are going to make your job a little bit more difficult which is something you may want to consider before buying this unit.
Motor Sustainability
I’m going to mention upfront that not everyone who owns this saw encounters this problem. In fact, most people who have it don’t. That said, since it is a fairly significant issue there is no way around mentioning it.
A handful of users have reported that their motor is a dud. After several uses, it is broken beyond the point of future use. My thoughts are that this is more a rare defect than it is an issue that you can expect to encounter should you acquire this saw, but considering the price tag here that is something that is worth noting.
Warranty
Of course, you don’t want anything to go wrong, but when it does, you certainly want to make sure that you are covered.
The manufacturer offers a one-year defect warranty to protect you in the event that something goes awry. During that period, they will fix or replace any defects present in your equipment. The only exception is in accessory parts such as the saw blade, which would not be covered.
Conclusion
As you can see this tool is not without its faults, but for my money, it’s still a good buy. It’s powerful, versatile, portable, and easy to store.
In the world of table saws, it really doesn’t get much better than that. If you want a reliable tool that offers a lot of bang for your buck the SKIL 3410-02 may very well be a good option for you to consider.
