The Skilsaw Spt99-12 is One of the Best Table Saws in the Market. It Can Stand Toe to Toe With Some of the Most Efficient Jobsite Table Saws on Amazon
What We Like
- Portable
- Rack and Pinion fence system
- Stable rolling stand
- 99-series Worm drive motor
- Secure bevel locks
- Dust collection system.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
Bottom Line
The Skilsaw SPT99-12 is a great table saw for heavy-duty carpentry. From our Skilsaw SPT99-12 Portable Table Saw review, it’s clear that it is unlike other portable table saws that can only be used for lightweight jobs.
It is similar to the first worm drive table saw by Skilsaw but many improvements make it a much better option. The price is on the high side compared to other portable saws that have the same capabilities.
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The Skilsaw SPT99-12 is a heavy-duty worm drive table saw which has made a name for itself in the industry. There is a lot of hype surrounding this saw because it has some amazing features that make it unique.
Our goal in this Skilsaw SPT99-12 article is to analyze these features for you so you can decide if this Skilsaw SPT99-12 is what you need for your projects or not.
It is important to note that the Skilsaw SPT99-11 10-Inch Heavy Duty Saw is the first one in its series so it is the original. It’s not unusual for an original table saw to come with some defeats that would be fixed in subsequent models.
The Skilsaw SPT99-12 is an upgrade to the SPT99-11 so it is much better.
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Features of the Skilsaw SPT99-12 Table Saw
99-Series Worm Drive Motor
The Skilsaw SPT99-12 saw comes with a 99-series worm drive motor. Most table saws come with a direct drive motor. Only a few come with a worm drive table and one of the biggest benefits of this is that it offers more torque than the direct drive.
This feature comes in handy when you’re trying to make cuts on hard materials. This is a major upgrade from the Skilsaw SPT99-11 table saw which has a 70-series worm drive.
The 99-series reduces the speed and increases the torque in 90 degrees whenever you want. It matches perfectly with the model number on the saw.
Rack and Pinion Fence System
The Skilsaw SPT99-12 table saw comes with a Rack and Pinion system which provides support and ensures accuracy when you’re trying to make perfect cuts. The previous version did not have this feature.
In the latest version, however, Skilsaw went all the way with this feature. This system is easy to adjust to your needs. The fence provides support by securing the blade when you want to make rip cuts of 30-½.
It may not be necessary for shorter cuts but it will give you extra support for longer cuts. It can help reduce friction when you’re working on some high friction materials.
This precision Rack and Pinion system doesn’t just make the length accurate before you start cutting, it also keeps the fence in check and ensures that the length is accurate.
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Two Large Wheels and Stand
The Skilsaw SPT99-12 comes with a large rolling stand and two big wheels that you can use to move the saw from place to place. The wheels are both 16 inches high so they provide just the right support for the weight of the Jobsite saw which is a few pounds heavier than its predecessor.
There is an extension lock that snaps at the table anytime you pop it. However, the handle of the roller is made of plastic instead of steel. This is kind of discouraging because steel handles are more durable than plastic handles especially for a heavy job saw like the Skilsaw SPT99-12.
Keep in mind that the plastic handle is still surprisingly durable. At a glance, it looks just like steel, and the possibility of failure while hauling the saw is unlikely. It would take years of rigorous use for the handle to deteriorate and eventually fail.
Rolling the saw from place to place is relatively easy and the nature of the wheels allows you to roll it on smooth and rough surfaces alike.
Adjustments and Blade Changes
It is an adjustable table saw just like the Skilsaw SPT99-11. All the adjustments are relatively easy to make when necessary. The bevel lock is not stiff.
It swings from left to right when it is released and can be adjusted to suit your needs without stress. The miter gauge can also come in handy when you want to ensure accuracy during cuts.
The miter gauge is the standard T-rail plastic gauge so there isn’t anything special about it. You can use an external gauge if you’re not happy with the result.
There is an angle indicator and height adjustment option on the saw as well. The gear which is used to set the pace is pure metal. This is a good thing since many other table saws have plastic gears.
Then there is the blade lock that keeps the blade in place when you want to change it. This is a good feature that helps to minimize the risk of injury. There is also a blade guard and anti-kickback pawls for added safety.
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Skilsaw SPT99-12 Review The Verdict
If there is anything to learn from this Skilsaw SPT99-12 Portable Table Saw review, it’s that the Skilsaw SPT99-12 table saw is indeed an upgrade to the Skilsaw SPT99-11. It has all the important features of a Jobsite saw and more.
Even the dust port for debris isn’t excluded. The 99-series heavy-duty worm drive is simply amazing and all the adjustment features allow you to make accurate depth of cuts whenever you want.
You can get smooth cuts and rip 4X materials as well thanks to the 30-½ rip capacity. If you don’t mind spending almost $500 on a table saw, then this is one of the best table saws in the market.
It might be a little bigger than the Skilsaw SPT99-11 but that’s probably because of the additional features.
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