Wood cutting is a process that requires the utmost amount of precision and sharpness to deliver the highest quality results. This feat can be achieved through the several wood cutting tools available in the market. Of course, not all instruments promise to deliver the finest results. Two wood-cutting tools that stand up to their reputation are the table saw and circular saw. Tools Detail, table saw vs circular saw is an ongoing battle in the minds of individuals wishing to buy the best wood cutting tool.
Let us make it much simpler for you to choose between the two. Below you will find a comprehensive analysis of the two wood cutting tools, at the end of which it will become considerably easier for you to make your final decision.
What is a Table Saw?
A table saw is an instrument used to cut wood. It has a circular blade that can be seen on the arbor, which starts moving through an electric motor. One reason why it is known as a table saw is because of the blade head that protrudes from a table. You can set the electric motor into motion, and the blade starts moving in circular motions at high speed. The material can then be moved towards the rotating blade to either rip or cut the piece.
What is a Circular Saw?
A Circular saw is primarily a handheld saw used to cut through materials. The circular blade is fitted inside the arbor, which is accompanied by guards. The guards keep the users safe by preventing them from accidentally touching the sharp blade. Moreover, it can also be attached to a machine for a hands-free structure. The two options make it easier for users to switch through according to the work requirements.
Table Saw vs Circular Saw: The More Beneficial of the Two
One way to solve the table saw vs circular saw quest is to consider the benefits that both tools bring to the table. Find out which tool is a better option by comparing the following benefits of the two devices.
Benefits of a Table Saw
High Speed
Not only is the table saw an ideal option for small projects due to its high speed, but it is also a viable option for large projects as well. The size and thickness of your material offer no hindrance to the speed. You can achieve the quickest possible results when using a table saw for cutting wood.
Its revolutions per minute (RPM)- the speed with which it rotates in a minute- ranges from 3000 to 5000. This guarantees the fastest level of wood cuttings needed to get any job done swiftly.
Precise Cuts
Lots of wood cutting tools promise to convey the most precise cuts, but only a few actually deliver those results. A table saw is one tool that fulfills its promise of making accurate cuts on your material. Users have the option to use a ruler for measurements between the cutting blade and the sides of the table or the former with a fence. This ensures the highest level of precision in your work.
Easy to Cut
A major setback that occurs from cutting wood is the difficulty of operation. With a table saw, however, this problem can be discarded. Whether you require straight cuts or miter cuts, a table saw does not require much experience. Even a newcomer can easily cut through wooden materials with ease.
Versatility
A major feather in the hat of a table saw is the variety of cutting options it offers. You can make rip cuts, cross cuts, dadoes, rabbets, and many more options suitable to your job requirement.
Benefits of a Circular Saw
Portability
The most notable advantage of using a circular saw is the portability it offers. Users are not confined to a particular spot to get the work done. Thus, a circular saw can be carried to different destinations. Moreover, the fact that it has a lightweight structure adds further points to portability. Another factor enhancing its portability is the cordless version of the circular saw. This takes the burden of finding a sufficient power source in different places and makes the work much more manageable.
Versatility
The versatility of cutting options offered by both these instruments is what complicates the table saw vs circular saw decision. Like the table saw, the circular saw too, has a lot of cutting options on its table. Some of them include a through-and-through cut, bevel cut, finish-cutting, plunge cut, etc.
Longer Blade Life
Circular saws use carbide-tipped blades, which have the added benefit of staying sharp for a long time. This enables you to cut through wood smoothly for a more extended period. As a result, you get a competitive advantage in cut times and will not need to make frequent changes to your blade.
Add-on Features
One reason for the immense popularity of circular saws is the added features that make them stand out from the rest. Some circular saws have a built-in LED light that allows for cuttings even in dark atmospheres without the users injuring themselves. Furthermore, circular saws are also available in the basic right-hand model as well as the left-handed model. No matter which hand is the more dominant one, with circular saws, you do not have to worry about that.
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: The Drawbacks of the Two Tools
While the benefits paint a lovely picture, it is the drawbacks that allow users to see things the way they are. If you are still confused about the table saw vs circular saw decision, the following drawbacks of the two tools will make it easier to reach a conclusion.
Drawbacks of Table Saw
Excess Space
The most significant disadvantage one can face with a table saw is the excess space it demands. A standard table saw needs a roomy space to fit in and operate.
Expensive
Purchasing a table saw can create a heavy burden on your finances. A table saw that can help you tick most of the requirements on your checklist costs around $3000. Thus, it is not a suitable choice for newly emerging or small-scale businesses.
Immobile
Not only does a table saw require considerable room to lodge it also comes with the tag of immobility. This takes away your access to the benefits a mobile tool can bring to the table.
Drawbacks of a Circular Saw
Potential for Kickback
One of the main reasons why circular saws are looked upon with caution is the dangers of kickback. This can occur when the blade has recoiled back at the user. As a result, the user is under threat of serious injuries.
Dust and Noise
Working with a circular saw can result in immense amounts of dust and noise. This can have lethal implications for your health, especially if you are working in enclosed spaces.
Low Precision
While its portability can be a huge bonus, it can also create difficulties for you. Since it is a handheld tool, achieving a high level of accuracy can be challenging. You really have to master your hand movements if you wish to get precise cuts with your circular saw.
Table Saw vs Circular Saw: Which Tool Has The Best Features
Until now, your table saw vs circular saw decision would have become clearer than it was before. To further assist you in making a concrete decision, we have mentioned the key features of both tools. The features are what attract customers to each tool. So let’s start noting them down and seeing which one matches your requirements.
Features of a Table Saw
Rip Fence
A rip fence assists users with support for their material in order to keep it straight. This is essential if you need to make precise cuts. Moreover, it is also very helpful in keeping your board intact while making a rip cut. It stops your board from moving, which results in a fine cut in the end.
Miter Gauge
Straight cuts cannot work for every job. Hence, the miter gauge allows users to make top-notch cuts at different angles. This way, you can add a range to your work.
Bevel System
A bevel cut adds variation to the vertical angle of a cut. However, it cannot be achieved through all tools. Luckily, a table saw contains a bevel system that allows users to make a bevel cut easily.
Riving Knife
Kickbacks can be really scary and are a common phenomenon when you are cutting wood. They are also one of the main reasons why beginners dread entering this field. However, table saws include a riving knife that reduces the risks of kickbacks. Thus, users can go about working with wood without worrying about the dangers of potential kickbacks.
Anti-Kickback Pawl
While the chances of a kickback are reduced via a riving knife, they are not eliminated altogether. To take away the likelihood of users getting injured because of a kickback, a table saw also has an anti-kickback pawl. This entraps any piece that may be moving in your direction. It further adds to the safety which users can gain with a table saw.
Blade Guard
User security is the top priority of a table saw. Therefore, it includes another feature to enhance the reliability of a table saw. The blade guard not only protects users from kickbacks but also provides protection against dust. Furthermore, it keeps users safe from accidentally touching the blade while working.
Features of a Circular Saw
Bevel Adjustment
A circular saw contains a bevel adjustment system that allows users to make bevel cuts conveniently. As a result, users can become open to a wide array of experimenting styles that were previously hidden.
Plate
To keep the saw steady so as to make neat cuts, the plate is attached to each side of the saw. Thus, you no longer have to fret over a wrong cut. The plate provides you with all the support you need.
Blade Cover
The blade cover comes on top of the blade and has a small opening for the blade’s mouth to come out. It serves several purposes, one of which includes keeping the user safe from touching the blade by mistake. Other salient purposes include preventing kickbacks and the spread of debris.
Bolt Clamp
The bolt clamp keeps the blade attached to the circular saw. Although it is very rare for the blade to become detached, it keeps the user secure from any such instance.
Blade
While having a blade is a prerequisite for any saw, the circular saw allows for detachable blades. This can be extremely beneficial for when you are working with different materials. However, it does add to your overall cost.
Table saw vs Circular Saw: Top 3 Best Sellers
By now, the image of the kind of saw you want for wood-cutting would be pretty clear. The next step that remains is choosing one of the best sellers that would help you make the most out of it.
Top 3 Best Sellers of Table Saw
1. Skil 15 Amp 10 In
One of the best table saws on the market, this Skil model can cut through various types of wood without any problem. It also gives users a chance to carry it to different destinations. It also keeps the user’s surroundings clean with the help of the dust port. The dust port can bend up to 22.5 degrees and can trap dust spreading during the cutting process. This benchtop table saw has a 10-inch blade that can cut through 3.5 inches and make rip cuts to 25.5 inches.
2. Ryobi 18 V One+ HP Cordless Saw
This Ryobi model has an extremely powerful saw that is the best match for light work. The size is compact yet friendly, and the low cost is enough to convince anyone to purchase it. It is a benchtop model having an 8.25-inch blade size and can cut up to 2.25 inches within a material. Moreover, it has a rip capacity of 12 inches and weighs about 45 pounds.
3. Bosch 10 In
The best part about Bosch table saws is that they are very particular about customer satisfaction. Ever since the first Bosch table saw was released, the company releases a new model every year with new modifications. Thus, the Bosch 10 In. table saw is the best release to date. It also has a dust ejection system keeping the user safe from any unnecessary dust particles. This, too, is a benchtop table saw which has a cutting depth of 3.125 inches. Furthermore, it also allows for rip cuts up to 30 inches and weighs around 94 pounds.
Top 3 Best Sellers of Circular Saw
1. Makita 18V X2 LXT Circular Saw
Although this circular saw can have a massive burden on your finances, it is still worth every penny. It dons a 7.25-inch blade and a 2.625 cutting depth. It also has a brushless electric motor that allows the blade to move swiftly. The maximum speed that the blade rotation can go up to is 6000 revolutions/minute. This is ideal if you want to escape any problems related to chip-out. Some key features of this circular saw are changing the speed of the blade, a handy blade brake, and a bevel system
2. Skilsaw SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm
The Skilsaw SPT77WML-01 follows the same model as that of its predecessors but with up-to-date modifications. Its magnesium exterior reduces its overall weight adding to the portability. Its bevel plate can expand to an angle of 53 degrees, leaving enough room for bevel cuts. Moreover, its anti-snag blade guard comes in handy to keep the saw intact.
3. Makita 5377-MG Circular Saw
It is no secret that Makita circular saws are the best of their kind and the 5377-MG model gives proof of this. This circular saw has a magnesium interior and weighs only 13 pounds making it easy to carry around. Its exterior flaunts heat-treated steel allowing users to work with high power. The bevel system can expand to an angle of 51.4 degrees. Another feature that makes this Makita model worth buying is that its gears do not require frequent lubrication. This can considerably cut down your costs and cut down work breaks.
Final Words
The table saw vs circular saw debate is not an easy one. However, with the help of our detailed guide, we aim to help readers come to a worthwhile conclusion. Choosing one of the two options is close to impossible. Therefore, the only way you can actually reach a conclusion about table saw vs circular saw is through a work list. Make sure you are clear about your work requirements. Once that is clear, you can use our guide to see which of the two tools fits your criteria. This is the only way you can make the choice of which wood cutting tool to choose.