Craftsmen often have a classic band saw vs table saw debate when it comes to cutting wood.
Obviously, both sides have valid arguments why they think that their choice is better than the other.
Some may question, “Why can’t you have both?”
Unfortunately, these saws could cost a lot of money, so not everyone has the option of acquiring both.
An Overview of Woodworking
Woodworking is among the oldest types of activity there is. This craft is viewed differently by different people.
For others, it is a worthwhile hobby that enables them to relieve stress, express their creative side, and be productive at the same time.
For many, it is a profession that could be profitable given the quality and design of their creations.
All, if not most projects, start with cutting your materials.
Saws are the most common tool and arguably the most important tool for every woodworker. It comes in all shapes and sizes.
If you are just starting with woodworking or even just having very limited knowledge or experience, the first things you will notice are the different types.
Each type has its own sets of uses and specialties.
Band Saw vs Table Saw
Before we get into the argument, let’s lay out each of these two power tools’ backgrounds, capabilities, and other relative information.
At the end of this, we hope to provide enough information that could help you in choosing between the band saw or table saw.
Band Saw
For those who are not familiar, the first question that comes to mind is “What do you use a bandsaw for?”
Experienced craftsmen who want to have artful creations primarily use the band saw.
You can use it on a number of materials. As an automated sawing machine, it utilizes a pulley system where its blade is fused into a continuous rotation.
While the saw blade is on a constant loop, a fraction of it is exposed. This exposed blade is where the material goes to create cuts.
With the limited blade exposure, it allows for precise, detailed cuts.
Some view the band saw as a combination of saber and circular saw because of its capabilities.
History
William Newberry patented the first band saw way back in 1808.
He described it as “a machine with a ribbon saw, welded over two wheels, primarily used for sawing wood.”
Newberry also attested that his machine has other uses aside from cutting wood, such as splitting skins.
In the mid-1800s, Henry Wilson filed a patent that aimed to make improvements to the machine.
Wilson made improvements to the design and saw blades, changed some components and materials.
The result of these changes is a more durable saw blade that could endure constant wear and tear.
After the upgrades made to the band saw, in 1865, it steadily became a staple in the furniture industry.
In the 1930s, a patent was filed for the first home version of the band saw.
For the next century, multiple practical developments were made to the machine.
Types of Band Saws
Band saws are available in different types and shapes.
It is essential to be familiar with these types to maximize their features.
Here are the main types of band saw:
- Metal Band Saw
As the name implies, the metal band saw specializes in cutting sturdy metals.
The blade of this machine has a set of teeth per inch while operating at lower speeds.
This feature allows the metal band saw to cut the workpiece efficiently.
- Meat Band Saw
Among the most vital tools for a butcher, the meat band saw makes cutting of frozen and fresh meat easy.
This power tool saves a lot of time and makes the cutting of meat safer and more precise.
- Wood Band Saw
For professional and amateur woodworkers, the wood band saw is one of the most useful tools.
Its versatility and user-friendliness make it a must-have in everyone’s workshop.
From small pieces of wood to large lumbers, this power tool is as reliable as it gets.
Table Saw
Generally, a table saw is recognized as a circular saw mounted on a table.
A portion of the saw blade is visible, while the remaining part is under the table surface.
The exposed part is where the workpiece that needs cutting goes.
The table surface is designed to support different angles for precise cutting.
With its features, the table saw offers a plethora of uses that delivers speed and accuracy.
History
The first circular saw came about in 1777 by Samuel Miller.
A century later, taking the invention of Miller as the core component, W.F. & John Barnes conceptualized a revolving circular saw attached to a table.
It uses a treadle pedal as the control, which resembles the classic sewing machine design.
In 1929, Art Emmons made improvements to the table saw, in particular to its weight.
The one created by W.F. & John Barnes happens to be bulky.
The electric-powered Emmons version quickly gained popularity due to its compact design.
The band saw gradually became a fixture on many construction sites after improvements were applied.
This machine has gone through constant upgrades in its design, protection features, and variations throughout the years.
Today, the table saw is arguably the most common power tool available in a conventional woodworking shop.
Types of Table Saws
There are two primary types: stationary and portable table saws.
Each of them has its own sub-types.
- Stationary
The contractor is a large and heavy table saw viewed as a professional craftsman’s go-to saw.
On the other hand, the cabinet has an enclosed cabinet that provides maximum dust collection.
Lastly, the hybrid has a combination of features between contractor and cabinet table saws.
- Portable
Hobbyists mostly use the benchtop because of its price and user-friendly design.
The jobsite is a portable table saw for contractors. It has rolling stands that improve mobility.
Finally, the compact is a larger version of the benchtop.
It allows more stability than the benchtop since it has a stand.
What Is a Bandsaw Good For?
What do you use a bandsaw for that other types couldn’t? The most common answer is to make artistic work from your basic workpiece.
From cutting curves to making complicated cuts, the band saw’s small-sized blade makes it possible to do these types of cuts.
Band saws are more capable of handling thick pieces of materials.
Although band saws are primarily used for wood workpieces, you can utilize them on harder materials such as metal.
Can a Band Saw Replace a Table Saw?
Band saws and table saws can do a number of similar cuts.
However, the band saw cannot be a substitute to do the full features of the table saw, and vice versa.
It is also not recommended to improvise with your power tool because it could easily lead to accidents.
In severe cases, you might even sustain life-changing injuries.
Having a table saw and a band saw at your disposal could save you a lot of trouble.
You can also consider in the short term pairing your band saw with a router and circular saw. This setup could get you by a few projects.
Still, it would be better to obtain a good table saw once you have the resources.
Why Is a Band Saw Considered Safer Than a Table Saw?
While the table saw has come a long way in terms of design, it is still considerably more dangerous to use than the band saw.
One, a large portion of its saw blade is exposed. The pushing motion that is required to load the workpiece is also a factor.
These variables result in more injuries than any type of saws combined.
In fact, the table saw incidents alone fill out about 70% of the total stationary saw-related injuries, compared to the measly 7% band saw share.
Force-feeding rigid or dense workpiece into the blade faster than it could handle could also lead to accidents.
It is more susceptible to happen with a table saw, as some could get carried away with its cutting speed.
The table saw produces a higher decibel level of noise compared to the band saw.
Now, this may not be as dangerous as cutting yourself, but continuous exposure to high-level noise could lead up to hearing problems.
Not only to yourself, but less noise is also certain to benefit other people around you.
That is especially if you are working in a place where others could easily hear what’s going on in your workshop.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The band saw vs table saw is one of the most frequent discussions among those starting out with woodworking.
As much as we want to have them both, important factors, such as budget and skill level, are not to be taken for granted.
Let’s have a look at the most recognizable strengths and weaknesses of these machines.
Band Saw Advantages
The main advantages of the band saw over the table saw are as follows:
- Material Versatility
With the thinness of sharpness of the blade’s teeth, using the band saw is ideal for cutting non-wood materials, including metal, plastic, bones, and meat.
- Efficient Cutting
The saw blade's thinness produces less sawdust, and as a result, less wood wasted.
- Curved Cuts
The band saw is the ideal saw for making different types of curved cuts.
It is probably the shortest answer to those who are asking, "What do you use a bandsaw for?"
This feat would be extremely difficult if you try to make curves with a table saw.
- Wider Materials
Band saws can cut thicker materials compared to the standard 3.5-inch limit that the table saw could.
Less Noise
The band saw is known to produce less noise pollution than the table saw.
Band Saw Disadvantages
The things you need to make a note of before choosing are band saw are:
- Low Cutting Power
Which between the band saw or table saw has more raw power?
The latter can cut any given piece of wood at a faster rate compared to the former.
- Limited Cuts
Grooves and dados are some of the known types of blind or step cuts.
These cuts are possible as long as the saw has an adjustable blade height. Band saws don't have this feature.
- Rough Edges
Most woodcuts done by band saws need a bit of finishing to make them look decent.
In general, band saws make cuts with rough edges.
Table Saw Advantages
The best things about the table saw include the following:
- Efficient Cutting
Making quick, hassle-free, and accurate cuts is possible with the table saw.
It is arguably the machine’s most celebrated feature.
- Adjustable Blade Depth
Step cuts such as grooves and dados can be done with a table saw, thanks to its customizable blade depth.
- Beveling
The table saw’s tilting wheel makes it possible to make bevel cuts with ease.
Table Saw Disadvantages
The issues with the table saw you need to keep in mind are:
- Safety Hazard
Any power tool can be considered dangerous, but when it comes to the band saw vs table saw danger rate, the table saw runs away with it.
As mentioned, stationary saw accidents attributed to the table saw alone are at 70%.
- Material Limitation
The table saw is more versatile cutting-wise compared to the band saw.
However, the table saw only works its magic on wood and, to some degree, plastic.
- Limited Width Range
As mentioned on the advantages of band saw, table saw could only cut up to 3.5 inches of material.
- High Noise Level
With the noise that the table saw produces, you may have to wear ear guards to keep you less distracted.
Which Is Better Table Saw or Bandsaw?
Considering the differences between these two power saws’ construction, qualities, and design, the choice should be clear.
Keep in mind what project you will be doing, and that should give you an idea of which one to choose.
If you’re an amateur craftsman and trying to develop your woodworking skills, the table saw will fit your cutting needs.
On the other hand, if you plan to create curved projects with multiple materials, the band saw a perfect choice.
If money and space are not an issue for you, though, getting both of these machines should be strongly considered.