Contractor and cabinet saws are two types of table saws commonly used for woodworking. The main difference between the two is size. Contractor saws are smaller than cabinet saws, making them more portable and easier to store in a workshop when not in use.
Cabinet saws are larger and more powerful, making them better suited for heavier-duty cutting, like long rip cuts. Additionally, contractor saws usually have fewer features than cabinet saws, such as a shrouded motor, dust collection ports, and larger rip capacity.
Ultimately, the type of saw you should purchase depends on the projects you plan on doing and your budget.