Anyone who works with a saw in their home or business knows that it’s important to have good quality tools. You may have several different saws that you’ve used for different tasks and now you’re wondering what kind you should get when you need to replace what you have. Maybe you haven’t done a lot of projects before though and maybe you’re looking to purchase your first saw.
In that case, you’ll want to understand what they are good for. We’re going to take a look at track saws and table saws, two quite popular and common versions of a saw you could use for a range of different projects. That way, you can figure out just which one is going to provide you with the most benefits and will help you accomplish more of the tasks that you’re looking for.
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Uses for Each: Track Saw vs. Table 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 you’re going to get a little more freedom when it comes to a track saw, simply because you’re going to have a much larger area that you can cut, but there are other factors you’ll want to consider as well.
Advantages of Each
The first thing you may be thinking about is the cost. Well, when it comes to cost you’re going to spend quite a bit to get a track saw over a table saw. Where you can get a table saw quite inexpensive (though there are quite expensive options out there too), you’re going to spend much more to get even a basic track saw. On the other hand, you’re going to get some additional capabilities to help make up for that cost.
Ease of use is going to be another important factor and with a track saw you’re going to have something really easy. You make your marks where you want to cut, you set the track down and you’re ready to go. You don’t need to worry about lining up your blade like with a table saw or worrying about how the blade is actually going to cut versus where you want it to cut.
Space is another thing to look at. Because of the way a track saw works you don’t need any additional space other than the material you’re cutting. The saw sits on top and cuts right through, all the way down the line. With a table saw you need additional space to set it up and you’ll need infeed and outfeed space at the same time, which means a much larger available area.
When it comes to carrying your saw around it’s going to be much easier with a track saw because it’s smaller than the table saw itself. It’s also lighter, which means you’re 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 59-Inch Track
The Dewalt DWS520SK Tracksaw Kit comes with a 59″ track that is 6 ½” wide. You get a zero clearance cutting system that gives you straight and even lines every time. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about splinters and you can cut in either direction with no problem. Get up to 90-degree angles with 2 1/8″ depth or 45-degree angles with 1 5/8″ depth, using a depth scale to get you right where you need to be.
The 12 amp motor even has an anti-kickback mechanism and a riving knife that keeps you safer and makes sure that you’re getting the work done that you’re 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 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw 4100-10 Portable Table Saw
When you get it where you want, you will need to latch it into place. 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.
There’s anti-kickback and a riving knife that keeps you safer and the motor is powerful enough to cut through just about anything. It has a large cutting surface and a large ripping capacity, capable of working with pieces up to 25 inches wide. Not only that but it comes with a 1-year warranty and a money back guarantee.
Bottom Line
When it all comes down to it you need to figure out just what you’re going to do with your saw and how you’re going to use it. A table saw can do a lot of things and with a bit of tweaking and adjusting it can do the majority of the things that a track saw will do, but it’s going to take a bit more work and you likely won’t have quite as good of an outcome.
If you’re working with larger pieces a lot of the time or if you’re forced to work in tighter spaces a track saw may be just what you’re looking for. It’s going to give you a bit more freedom and a whole lot of capability all at the same time. Of course, you’re going to have to pay a bit extra for that so you’ll have to decide if it’s 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? Check out, Band Saw vs. Table Saw – Which One Do Woodworkers Need First?
