After you decide to make wooden furniture for your home, buying the right cutting tool is as important as buying wood.
That’s what my husband and I were discussing the other day. I was thinking of making a nice table for my balcony and needed a good-quality saw. At one point, he said track saws were much better than table saws, so I should go ahead buy the former.
But I wasn’t convinced entirely; hence I thought of doing some online research on the different applications of a track saw vs table saw. After I was done researching, I decided to compile this guide to draw a fair comparison between the two types.
Howdy! I am Stacy Smith, and today I’ll be discussing all that you need to know about track saws and table saws. So, let’s get going.
Defining Each Type
Before I move on to the comparison between track saws and table saws, I feel it’s essential to have a basic idea about each type. So, let’s look briefly at the basic structure and function of a track saw and a table saw.
Track Saw
A track saw is basically a hand-held version of a circular saw; it slides on a rail when in use. Commonly called a plunge saw, it has a blade concealed within the machine. As such, it is a vital tool for all carpenters’ workshops and is popular among many DIY enthusiasts for its ability to make clean and straight cuts.
What’s more, it can be used to make angular, miter, and plunge cuts.
Table Saw
As for a table saw, it also consists of a circular blade but is mounted on an arbor driven by a motor. The blade of this saw protrudes through a tabletop, which acts as the support for the material being cut, which is usually wood.
In modern table saws, the blade is moved up and down to adjust the cutting depth. Note that the higher the blade protrudes up from the table, the deeper is the cut made in the wood.
Comparing Track Saws And Table Saws
Distinguishing between track saws and table saws can be confusing. After all, these are primarily used for the same material and have blades of the same shape.
As such, these tools also have some overlapping applications. However, the differences still outnumber the similarities, so let’s compare the two types on the basis of a few criteria.
1. Speed
Speed will not be equally important for all users. For instance, if you are a weekend hobbyist or a DIY enthusiast with woodworking as your passion, speed won’t be a constraint. But if you are a professional woodworker, time is money, and preparing large boards quickly is integral to your work.
Note that a table saw can complete certain jobs easier and faster than a track saw. So, if you need to make many identical boards while building cabinets, it will be done much faster with a table saw.
As for track saws, you will have to mark and measure each board for getting boards that are accurately cut. Well, this can be quite time-consuming.
The average time taken to make a standard cut on any board with a table saw is 1 ½ minutes. Cutting and measuring an entire board and putting away the equipment takes slightly more than 4 ½ minutes. And if you use a table saw, then the time taken would be at least twice of that.
2. Making Rip Cuts
For making a narrow rip cut, a table saw will be the best option. Ripping narrow boards using a track saw is impossible without using extra tools or making a customized solution.
A track saw has a very wide track that cannot be placed on the board properly. If you still have to use it, you would need clamps and wood to lay the track flat. Note that if this set-up is improper, the accuracy of your cut may suffer.
3. Cutting Small Wood Pieces
It is nearly impossible to cut small wood pieces with a track saw. This saw is lightweight yet large, and since the blade is at its bottom, you won’t be able to easily see how the wood piece is being cut. In comparison, the table saw has its blade exposed; hence, the cutting-action can be seen easily.
4. Straight Cuts
When it comes to making long and straight cuts very quickly, track saws are very effective. This is made possible by the precise design of these saws.
So, a track saw will be very reliable and handy if you need an efficient, ready-to-reach saw for woodworking. However, the fine and small-kerfed blades of a table saw won’t be able to yield smooth straight cuts.
5. Deep Cuts
The depth of a cut made by any saw depends on its design and the length of its blade. Generally, a table saw can make 3 to 4-inch deep cuts, while track saws can just make cuts that are 2-inch deep.
6. Size
Being a smaller hand-held cutting tool, a track saw is smaller in size and can hence be stored conveniently. Also, its structure makes it an ideal power saw when working in smaller spaces. On the other hand, a table saw will need ample space for storage since it is much larger in size.
7. Motor
A table saw consists of a powerful motor, which allows its blade to protrude out of the table and recede to control the depth of the cuts. Thus, it can help you cut thick and heavy pieces of hardwood. But a track saw may not be suitable for handling very heavy wood pieces and cutting them accurately.
- Includes a powerful 10-Amp 6.5-inch plunge cut circular saw with 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade and adjustable cutting depth up to 2-1/3 inches. Create 45-degree bevel cuts in boards up to 1-5/8 inches thick.
- Comes with two 50-inch universal track saw guides with adapters and rubber lip for dust control. Make straight cuts over 8 feet long.
- Adapter set features 4 set screws for maximum stability when using the tracks.
- 24.5 in. of rip capacity for ripping 4x8 plywood or OSB sheets
- Compact size for easy transportation and storage
- Rack & pinion telescoping fence rails make fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate
Final Words
So, here was my guide on the nitty-gritty of track saws and table saws.
I hope you will now be able to figure out which saw you need. But before I call it a day, I would like to share a pro-tip with you.Â
While choosing between these two types of saws, keep in mind the volume of work you have at hand. For instance, if there’s a lot of woodwork to be done, you’ll need a portable and versatile tool, so a track saw would be the best option.Â
With that, I’ll sign off for today. Till next time, take care.