Everybody who uses a saw in their business or home knows how important it is to have high-quality tools. There may be several saws you’ve used for different purposes and you are now wondering which one to get when you need to replace them. Maybe you havent done a lot of projects before though and maybe youre looking to purchase your first saw.
In that case, youll want to understand what they are good for. We’ll be looking at table and track saws. These are two very common types of saws that you can use for many different purposes. This will allow you to determine which model is best for you and help you complete the tasks you want.
Uses Of Each: Table Saw Vs. Track Saw
Each of these saws has slightly different capabilities, though the overall use for each is going to be the same. You can cut a range of different materials with either of these, but youre going to get a little more freedom when it comes to a track saw, simply because youre going to have a much larger area that you can cut, but there are other factors youll want to consider as well.
The Advantages Of Each
The first thing you may be thinking about is the cost. A track saw is going to be more expensive than a table saw when it comes down to cost. A table saw can be purchased for a very low price, but there are more expensive options. However, a track saw will cost you much more. On the other hand, youre going to get some additional capabilities to help make up for that cost.
It is important to make the track saw easy to use. Once you have marked the area you want to cut, all you need to do is set the track and you’re good to go. There is no need to worry about how your blade will cut, or how it will line up with your table saw.
Another thing to consider is space. Track saws don’t require any extra space. The saw sits on top and cuts right through, all the way down the line. A table saw requires additional space for setup and will require infeed and output space simultaneously. This means that you have a larger area available.
When it comes to carrying your saw around its going to be much easier with a track saw because its smaller than the table saw itself. Its also lighter, which means youre going to have an easier time of carrying it around (though the track itself is going to be large and take a bit of wielding around to get where you need to be.
Track Saw Vs. Table Saw: Our Top Picks
DEWALT DWS520SK Tracksaw Kit With 150 Cm Track
The Dewalt DWS520SK Tracksaw Kit comes with a 150 cm track that is 6 wide. You get a zero clearance cutting system that gives you straight and even lines every time. On top of that, you dont have to worry about splinters and you can cut in either direction with no problem. You can make 90-degree angles up to 2 1/20 cm deep or 45-degree angles up to 1 5/20 cm deep. Use a depth gauge to help you get to where you need to go.
The 12 amp motor even has an anti-kickback mechanism and a riving knife that keeps you safer and makes sure that youre getting the work done that youre really looking for. It even has a low profile blade guard that makes it able to be used in smaller areas. The moderate weight on this tool means that you can transport it easily enough when you want to and it has precision, capacity, and a whole lot more which makes this the best of multiple saw options.
Bosch 25 Cm Worksite Table Saw 4100-10 Portable Table Saw
Once you have it in place, lock it. The saw itself is quite heavy but it has a SquareLock rip fence that gives it a true cut and makes sure you can use it with just one hand.
The motor can cut through almost any material and has anti-kickback and an riving knife to keep you safe. It has a large cutting surface and a large ripping capacity, capable of working with pieces up to 64 cm wide. Not only that but it comes with a 1-year warranty and a money back guarantee.
Bottom Line
It all boils down to this: you must decide what you want to do with your saw, and how you will use it. Although a table saw can do many things, it will not be as efficient as a track saw. It will require more effort and likely result in a less satisfying product.
A track saw is a great choice if you work with large pieces of material or are forced to work in tight spaces. Its going to give you a bit more freedom and a whole lot of capability all at the same time. Of course, youre going to have to pay a bit extra for that so youll have to decide if its worth it for you or not and balance that against everything else you know about your next projects.
Are you looking for another tool vs tool guide? You can check out Band Saw vs. Table Saw Which one do woodworkers need first?
