Table saws are some of the most important tools found in virtually every workshop, but the sheer number of them can make figuring out which is the best a difficult task. In this review, we will break down the SKILSAW SPT99 Worm Drive Table Saw, examining what is good about it and who it is best for.
Note that you have two versions to choose from: SKILSAW SPT99-11 and SKILASW SPT99-12. Stay tuned, and we will explain the differences between these two versions of the same table saw.
Presenting the SKILSAW SPT99 Worm Drive Saw
- Legendary worm drive gearing with 3-5/8 inch depth of cut and 30-1/2 inch rip capacity
- Precision rack and pinion fence system makes fence adjustments quickly and smoothly for accurate cuts
- Rugged rolling stand with 16 inch Wheels and easy-load handles delivers unsurpassed mobility
OVERVIEW
The SKILSAW SPT99 Worm Drive Table Saw is a professional-grade portable job site table saw from a company working its way into the professional-grade power tool market. Thankfully, this tool is an excellent entry into that market, though the price reflects this– something long-time SKILSAW users might not appreciate.
That said, you get more than your money’s worth with the SKILSAW SPT99 Table Saw, not the least of which because of the included rolling stand. This saw also comes with a solid rack pinion fence system and miter gauge, as well as a number of minor accessories like a dust elbow and push stick.
In terms of the target consumer, the SKILSAW SPT99 Table Saw works well for a wide range of people in construction, from hobbyists to professional contractors. Professional contractors, in particular, will appreciate this table saw’s portability as well as its excellent cutting power for its class.
On the other hand, SKILSAW SPT99 is less than an ideal option for master woodworkers unless they just want a table saw for making rough cuts– in which case this model is overpriced for that singular purpose.
The main issue with this tool for skilled woodworkers is its lack of accuracy and precision– but that is only compared to a cabinet table saw, which is the tool that the group should use to achieve the high degree of accuracy and precision their projects demand.
PROS
CONS
SKILSAW SPT99-11 vs SPT99-12
You may be wondering what the difference is between the SPT99-11 and SPT99-12 models. Long story short: it’s the same saw. The only difference is that the SPT99-12 comes with a 30-tooth Diablo ripping blade, whereas the SPT99-11 includes a 24-tooth SKILSAW carbide-tipped ripping blade. Below is an explanation from SKIL support
What is the difference between spt99-11 and spt99-12?
SKIL Support
The SPT99-12 includes a 30-tooth Diablo® carbide blade for rip cutting, whereas the SPT99-11 has a
24-tooth SKILSAW® carbide tipped blade (also for rip cutting).
Which one should you choose? The price difference between both is around the same, which essentially is the cost of the Diablo blade. As far as I can see, it makes more sense to buy the SPT99-11 Table Saw with the SKILSAW ripping blade and buy the Diablo D1030X 30T Plywood Ripping Blade separately if you need it. This way, you get two blades instead of the one Diablo blade that you would get with the purchase of SPT99-12.
SKILSAW SPT99-11 Review: Features & Benefits
Cutting Power
The cutting power of the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw is easily on par with any of its competitors and outclasses many options that might surprise aficionados. To begin with, this saw comes with an impressively powerful motor that generates 4 ⅖ hp and pushes an industry-average 15 amps for plenty of cutting power under load.
However, you may not even need to worry about that as the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Table Saw’s motor operates a worm drive, which produces far more torque than a direct-drive system. As if that were not enough, it will also cut through the densest hardwoods without burning the cut face thanks to a lightning-fast 5000 rpm blade speed.
Accuracy & Precision
The accuracy and precision of the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw should be understood as a relative metric confined to its class. When you compare its accuracy and precision to other portable table saws, it is still fairly good– thanks in part to a solid rack and pinion fence system.
Another reason the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Table Saw can maintain good accuracy for its class is the use of steel for the table rather than aluminum. Finally, the included stand provides a better base than most since it is wider and offers more points of contact with the ground than some of the alternatives.
Cutting Capacities
While the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw does not blow most of the competition out of the water in this respect as it does for other specs, it still meets or exceeds class standards. For the maximum rip cut, this table saw allows for a reasonable 30 ½”, which is about what you expect for a job site model.
However, the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Table Saw really shines with its maximum cutting depth that sinks a stellar 3 ⅝” into the workpiece, which is more than ⅛” more than the industry average. As if that were not enough, it also boasts a maximum rip capacity of 16 ½” to the left of the blade– more than 33% bigger than the industry average.
Portability & Versatility
If the cutting power and capacities did not sell you on SKILSAW SPT99-11, the portability most certainly will– especially if you are a professional contractor. Outside of maybe the Bosch Gravity-Rise System, no other table saw on the market includes a better stand.
As already mentioned, this stand tends to be more stable than most, but that stability applies whether using the stand to cut or transport the SKILSAW from job site to job site. The main benefit to this tool’s stand is its large 16” wheels which make moving it over unease ground easier than even Bosch’s stand.
Drawbacks
While the cons noted “accuracy and precision,” it is worth reminding you that SKILSAW SPT99-11 is still fairly accurate and precise– especially when compared to other jobsite table saws. That said, there are still a couple of areas where SKILSAW SPT99-11 could be better, though they do not impact its performance.
To begin with, the assembly can be a bit tricky if you are not already familiar with assembling power tools or are mechanically inclined, as the included documentation is subpar. Also, the various components used to adjust this table saw are made out of plastic and need to be handled with care to avoid breaking them.
What are other buyers saying?
One buyer was very happy about the fact that this saw is very well aligned out of the box:
Here’s what another buyer said: “You won’t go wrong with this saw.”
Here’s a review from another happy buyer who liked how durable it is:
Alternatives you may consider
1. Metabo HPT C10RJS
- BEST IN CLASS RIP CAPACITY: 3" to the right x 22" to the left .Table Material : Aluminum
- OVERSIZED TABLE: 28 3/4" x 22" for easy and safer material support
- PRO LEVEL MOTOR: Cooper wound, soft start, electric brake, overload protection, 15 amp, 4,500 RPM
Full Review: Metabo HPT C10RJS Table Saw Review
OVERVIEW
The Metabo HPT C10RJS Jobsite Table Saw jumps off of the page first by coming in at a reasonable price without sacrificing any obvious specs. However, there is a reason that Metabo HPT C10RJS is less expensive, and it comes down to the type of drive the motor pushes to spin the blade.
As mentioned previously, SKILSAW SPT99-11 generates a surprising amount of power compared to some of the competition due to its use of a worm drive over a sidewinder drive. That said, the Metabo HPT C10RJS sidewinder drive is only part of what makes the SKILSAW a superior option.
2. BOSCH 4100XC-10
- NEW VERSION AVAILABLE: GTS15-10
- POWERFUL TABLE SAW: Has 15-Amp saw with 4.0 max HP and 3,650 rpm, for rip-cutting and cross-cutting of fine and rough materials
- LARGE CAST ALUMINUM TOP: Provides increased work space and material support with a 30 In. ripping capacity
Full Review: BOSCH Worksite Table Saw 4100XC-10 Review
OVERVIEW
In terms of alternatives, BOSCH 4100XC-10 is the first entry that actually gives SKILSAW SPT99-11 a run for its money. Part of this is that this table saw has a slightly more reasonable price which is even more surprising given Bosch’s reputation.
On top of that, the BOSCH 4100XC-10 employs a worm drive to provide it a bit more torque when cutting into dense hardwoods. That said, this tool runs the risk of burning the cut face a bit more for the densest hardwoods due to its market-average blade speed of 3,650 RPMs.
3. DEWALT DWE7491RS
- Your purchase includes one Dewalt table saw, 10inch 24-tooth carbide blade, rolling stand, push stick, miter gauge, rip fence, 2x blade wrenches, blade guard assembly manual
- Other Specs: Max rip to left of blade – 22inch | Max rip to right of blade – 32-1/2inch | Max width of Dado – 13/16inch | Arbor size – 5/8inch | Amps – 15 | Depth of cut at 45inch –...
- Rolling stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability
Full Review: DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw Review
OVERVIEW
The final alternative included is DEWALT DWE7491RS, which hits the mark by including a worm drive but does not necessarily surpass SKILSAW SPT99-11 in any other meaningful way. That said, this saw comes closer to matching the SKILSAW table saw in terms of raw specs.
Unfortunately, DEWALT DWE7491RS comes in at about the same price as the SKILSAW without offering anything better for performance. On top of that, the SKILSAW easily outclasses DWE7491RS in terms of the included rolling stand, which is a big part of the cost of any of the alternatives.
In-Depth Comparison: SKILSAW SPT99 vs. DEWALT DWE7491RS
Wrapping Things Up
- Legendary worm drive gearing with 3-5/8 inch depth of cut and 30-1/2 inch rip capacity
- Precision rack and pinion fence system makes fence adjustments quickly and smoothly for accurate cuts
- Rugged rolling stand with 16 inch Wheels and easy-load handles delivers unsurpassed mobility
In the end, this SKILSAW Table Saw Review is a bit surprising in a couple of respects, from the fact that the product is priced out of the mid-tier to the fact that it performs better than mid-tier products. For instance, there are few other tools on the market that combine the drive, motor power, and blade speed the way SKILSAW SPT99-11 does.
To make things better, this tool also comes with an excellent stand and offers a better maximum cut depth than most– just be sure to be gentle when adjusting it. Overall, the SKILSAW SPT99-11 is one of the best table saws to buy.
Visit Amazon to check the current price and learn more about the SKILSAW SPT99-11 Worm Drive Table Saw.
