Band Saw Vs. Table Saw. What Are They Used For? + Differences
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A reliable power tool is essential for any woodworking shop to be able to cut different materials. As you shop for the best tools, you might find yourself comparing band saw and table saw options.
It makes you wonder, how different are these power tools from each other? Here are brief explanations from our experts to avoid further confusion.
How To Choose Between A Bandsaw And Table Saw
A fully-equipped woodworking area should include both a tablesaw and a bandsaw to allow for different cutting tasks.
It is worth noting, however, that these power saws can be quite expensive so you may need to make a choice if your shop is small or has limited space. Our tool experts recommend comparing the benefits of these saws to determine which one is best for your project.
About Table Saws And Their Advantages
Admit it or not, a table saw is one of the most common sights in DIY workshops. This tool carries a circular saw blade, which means its not only capable of straight cuts but also crosscuts.
To make bevel cuts, you don’t need to use another tool. The table saw blade is able to execute them on wood pieces easily. This power saw also has motor-controlled arbors so that accuracy is not an issue when making straight cuts.
While most table saws can’t be used to cut wood, the circular blade can still handle solid and hard wood pieces. If you ask us, some table saw alternatives have less material space, making this tool appear more versatile in handling different woodworking projects.
And since table saw options are stationary machines, their features are often more effective in an on-site woodworking job.
Band Saws And Their Advantages
For both professionals and beginners, band saws can be found in the woodworking industry. You can even purchase used band saws if you’re just starting out. However, unlike table saws, the blades of a bandsaw can also be used to cut other materials than wood. This tool is also safer and less likely cause serious injury.
Thinner blades allow band saws to create an applied force as their internal wheels turn. Because of this, you can execute intricate cuts that a jig saw can typically do. Besides cutting a straight line, bandsaw blades are also effective in making curved cuts and irregular shapes because of their smaller kerf.
The entire length of a band saw is subject to equal wear, and not just one edge. This gives it a longer life span. Additionally, everyone using a band saw would know that it operates quietly and has fewer noise levels than most carpentry and woodworking tools.
How Each Saw Performs
Ripping And Crosscutting
A blade must be able to make square cuts when performing cross and rip cuts. Table saws are still the best option as they can produce straighter cuts than band saw models.
Grooves, Insets, And Dados
The saw blade should only slide half-way through material if the project calls for you to cut dados or grooves. Such precision is more suitable for a table saw than a bandsaw.
Miters And Bevels
Regardless of brands, a good table and band saw can cut miters and bevels very well. We recommend table saws for more convenience. These tools are adjustable and have blades that can be adjusted.
This allows you to set the angle you desire without having to modify the material.
Scroll Saws, Curves And More
Scroll cuts can be more complex than you realize. This is also true when you have to cut unique shapes and curves into your material.
Besides the standard hand tools used in these projects, the internal wheel action that a band saw can deliver is one of the most effective ways to get these cuts.
Other Important Considerations
Size And Build Quality
You will notice that the table saws have a larger blueprint than the power saws. Although there are small table saw options in the market, its a no-brainer that theyre meant to occupy more working space.
Meanwhile, band saw models are engineered with tall construction. You can place a band saw in a narrow space because they dont have wide footprints in the first place.
As for build quality, it highly varies per model and brand. However, we urge you to buy a unit made with durable steel to enhance operational stability.
Outfeed Or Infeed
When using stationary powersaws such as table saws, bandsaws, or cabinet saws, it is important to be aware of their infeed and output. The material must be pulled through the machine, not like handy circular saws.
Because of this, the length of your material should match the feeding space in front and behind both saws.
Material Type And Versatility
While both tools can carry different blades to accommodate various materials, table saw options have limited versatility when it comes to this matter. A band saw is capable of shaping and curving rough wood into chairs legs, while a table saw is not.
Linear cuts, on the other hand are perfect for table saws. It can hold longer pieces of wood depending on the size of its table.
Its also versatile enough to cut grooves or dados. However, it involves removing the units blade guard and riving knife, which we dont encourage due to safety reasons discussed in the below section.
Cut Quality And Accuracy
The accuracy of making square and parallel cuts with a table saw is possible as long as the fence has been properly installed. We also suggest keeping your table saw blade sharpened and well-maintained as this could help you produce cleaner cuts.
Like miter saws, a band saw model isnt the most ideal for precise cutting, especially for linear slices. No matter what you do, its blade will leave saw marks at one point or another.
Blade Change
Many woodworking projects will require you to switch between ripping and crosscutting blades. This adjustment won’t pose a problem on a tablesaw because you only need to remove the nuts from the unit arbor.
On the other hand, doing blade changes in a band saw is a bit complicated. You will need to reset many features such as the tension, fence and tracking. This factor is why many users love the table saw.
Kerf
The kerf size determines how much material the saw can remove. Band saws are often used to make intricate cuts because they have smaller blades than tablesaws. If youre ripping tree trunks at mills, a band saw is the kind of push tool thatll help you waste fewer materials.
Noise
If youre using a table saw, its a no-brainer that youll need ear protection. This machine can produce a lot of noise, especially during cutting.
Band saws, on the other hand, produce lower noise levels due to their blade motion. However, we still urge you to use hearing protection when using it.
Safety Features
Band saws are more reliable and less likely to generate a lot of kickbacks than larger blades. A table saw can be dangerous if it is not equipped with a blade stop.
On top of this, it will help if your power saw has a dedicated miter gauge. This feature will allow you to make a more precise cut during use.
1. DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw
- It is easy to assemble and disassemble
- Built with dust port for vacuum connection
- Fence adjustments are quick and easy
- Powerful 15-amp motor for ripping hardwood
2. Grizzly Industrial G0803Z Band Saw
- Tough and durable 157 cm cutting blade
- Small footprint and highly portable design
- It features an aluminum fence that extends to the rear.
- Ball-bearing blade guides and LED work light
Conclusion
We all know that not everyone has enough floor space in their workshop to accommodate both cutting tools. So when the table saw vs. band saw debate arises, our team suggests weighing your project requirements.
These cutting machines can be used for different applications and materials. It all comes down to your specific needs.
