As is always the case, each type of saw performs best in the specific job it is designed to do. Selection of what saw to use depends on the type of material you want to cut and the cuts you want to achieve.
While artisans can substitute a tool for another, it is impossible to do some tasks without the specific equipment for the work. How successful and productive you will be in a project is entirely dependent on the right choice of a type of saw.
Yes, a track saw can easily replace a table saw, but it depends on the application. You will realize that there will be tasks a track saw can perform just like a table saw or even much better. Read on to find out where each of these saws excels and whether you can substitute one for the other.
Track saw vs Table saw
Track saw
This powerful tool offers more than meets the eye. If you want plunge cuts, miter cuts, crosscuts, rip cuts, and angular cuts, this is just what you need.
Contrary to a table saw, you can use this tool to cut longboards, and the only limit is the fence. Well, you can use both interchangeably, depending on your preferences.
Here is a perfect saw for artisans and home improvers looking to make extra-long and precise cuts. The guide rail is the only limit to the length amount you can make; however, any rip cut length is available with connectors.
Compared to the Table saw, the track saw is less powerful and is primarily suited for cutting large panels, or sheet goads into manageable sizes. You will observe a struggle if you force it to cut through thicker pieces of materials.
Due to its smaller size, this saw requires a small work and storage area.
It is safety guaranteed since it doesn’t veer off the work surface to cause health hazards. The cutting edge is not in the open and hence less exposure to accidents.
Most track saws come with an inbuilt dust collection system. That helps you keep a clean working condition. You will not need to wrestle dust particles flying all-round from entering your eyes or the fear of breathing in fine wood particles.
A track saw has its downside too. It takes quite some time to set up the system, and you have also to ensure correct settings if you need great results. While the tool offers big cutting capacity and extra clean cuts, it does not offer a selection of cut variety.
Table saw
Table saws have long been in the market and are known for being a notch higher in making various accurate cuts and an effortless performance than a track saw.
Table saws seem sturdy, and most woodworkers have them in their arsenal. To operate a table saw, you have to move your material against the spinning blade from a localized point. It is strong and cuts thicker hardwood materials, all types of the woodwork for a long time between rests.
These saws are known for versatility. You can make many types of cuts including, crosscuts, rip cuts, and Dado cuts.
Among the negatives about a table, saws are that it is larger and weightier. It, therefore, gets hard to move it around from one job location to another. Due to its larger size, you need a more spacious setting for work and storage.
In safety matters, a table saw exposes the user to more risk, mainly because the blade is exposed. It is very easy to go wrong for beginners. For instance, if you fail to exert the correct pressure on the materials you are working on, boards could fly at you at a very high speed. That would lead to injury or even a damaged wall or window.
Pay closer attention to the safety guidelines that come along with this type of saw to avoid accidents. It is also advisable to have expert guidance in your initial stages.
If we talk about accuracy, a table saw delivers accurate and precise cuts of any length. The permanent construction allows you to make repeat cuts on a large number of materials quickly.
Track saw and Table saw comparison in performance
Speed:
If you earn a living from the woodwork, speed is a paramount factor. The slower you are, the lesser you earn. In this matter, a track saw doesn’t appeal to serious money makers but is a good one for hobbyists. Table saws make quick and easy cuts. If you have to make a load of identical boards, it will not disappoint. That is because its fence remains in position even after countless cuts, and it gets easier and faster to make accurate repeat cuts without having to reset over and over again.
A track saw requires you to keep resetting the fence after each cut for you to achieve accurate results. You will need to measure and mark all the time, thus consuming a lot of time.
Depth of cut
A track saw’s configuration is different from a table saw, which affects the depth of cuts you can get from each. A track saw goes as far as 2 inches deep, while a table saw cuts 3-4 inches deep. Your choice of saw here will therefore be determined by the depth of cuts you want.
Accuracy
A track saw gives accurate cuts, but a table saw is more reliable.
Rip cuts
Without additional equipment, it is almost not possible to cut rips using a track saw. The track is too wide to lie on the boards, and for you to make rip cuts, you must use clamps or some extra wood to cause the track to sit flat on an even position with the wood. That goes without saying that you may end up with inaccurate rip cuts.
Cutting smaller materials
Cutting small-sized pieces of wood with a track saw is quite challenging. Although it is light in weight, the tool is large, and the blade is placed on its base. That makes it difficult to see the material you are working on if it’s small in size.
A table saw excels in cutting all types of materials, whether large or small. Its blade is exposed, and you can see and have good control over the wood.
Which is better? Track saw or Table saw.
Each of these tools is unique and performs different tasks from the other. None will take the place of the other. Yes, you could get work done with only one of them, but having them both is noble for completing your project and increasing productivity.
As seen in our discussion, there will be instances when a particular saw will be more superior to the other in terms of power, mobility, cut variety, and type of material.
A track saw will tackle your large sheet goads excellently, while a table saw will perfectly handle all your woodworking projects. A track saw provides more mobility, while a table saw offers you greater power.
The type of work you want to accomplish is a significant consideration here. If it’s for massive production, both will do, but one will serve the purpose for simple home improvement tasks.
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Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by John G. Anderson
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