No matter what type of home project, woodworking project, or DIY construction you have in mind, you are going to need the right power tools to do the job quickly, efficiently, and to create the best quality result possible.
Woodworking has plenty of ins and outs no matter what angle you’re hitting it from, but everyone will agree that the right tools make a big difference.
The comparisons of circular saws versus table saws is an old one, and it’s not without valid points. Both are great tools for construction or working with wood and chances are that if you work with a lot of wood you will want both.
However, it’s important to thoroughly understand each to know which to buy first, and which will serve you best for each job’s specific needs
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: Understanding the Difference
Table saws are just that: they are a power saw that is set into a table and designed for easy gripping of boards. This saw is stationary meaning once it is set up, that’s where it is meant to stay.
The saw blade itself is a circular saw blade, but unlike circular saws this is not portable.
These are a necessity for professional woodworkers as well as construction and many carpenters.
The table is set up to make sure a steady and straight cut is made, and a good modern table will allow movement for depth of cut as well as shifting the cut to allow for many different types of cuts.
Circular saws are the portable power saws that are often seen at construction sites. The portable nature is a big benefit of this feature, as well as the fact it tends to be much cheaper than a table saw.
While a table saw can make accurate cuts from instructions, you’re not going to be able to make a change on the fly while a circular saw at a work site actually lets you do exactly that.
Circular saws can also cut through other materials as long as the right saw blades are on hand.
When it comes to table saw vs circular saw it can be easy to write it off as being portable vs. stationary but that would be far too simple
Pros & Cons of Table Saws
Keeping in mind that the exact style of table saw can make a big difference, quality counts after all, there are several general pros and cons that come with this style of saw.
Pros:
– Extremely precise cuts. The table saw’s biggest overall positive is the fact that it can make very precise accurate cuts and do so easily.
– Easy maintenance. Because of the sturdy build, keeping up with even the most basic of maintenance will easy and result in the saw lasting a long time.
– Sawdust compartment. Less mess and less clean up – what could be better?
– Makes technical cuts like cross-cuts and ripping boards easy, even for beginners.
Cons:
– Stationary. You need to figure out the best place to set up this saw that gives you all the space you need to work with wood and make all the cuts.
– Table saws are more dangerous. The exposed saw blade means there is a much higher chance of serious injury especially if a beginner is careless.
– Expensive. These are heavy duty tools and they are priced accordingly.
Pros & Cons of Circular Saws
Circular saws are very common because they just make sense any time work as to be done at a site. These saws can move, are there to make the needed cut.
The saws are designed to be as safe as possible, and as long as proper safety gear and procedures are followed there’s very little chance of injury.
For individuals who need a good saw, this is also far cheaper than a stationary table saw.
Pros:
– Because of the mobility, this is a very versatile saw that is great for multiple cuts or needs. With specialty blades can even cut through non-wood materials like metal or concrete.
– Mobile. This isn’t stuck in one location but can me moved around a work site and its range can be made further via long industrial extension cords.
– Cheap. While a good circular saw is going to cost some money, compared to other types or styles of saw it will be very inexpensive.
Cons:
– Sawdust goes everywhere. There’s no easy way to contain the sawdust and in some states sawdust is considered a biological or environmental hazard and therefore needs to be completely and carefully disposed of.
– Functional, not precise. The cut of a circular saw is never going to be as precise as a table saw, so if an intricate precise cut is needed this won’t be the best option.
Importance of Safety
Safety is an important factor with both of these saws. In the table saw vs circular saw discussion, it is true that for the most part the table saw is potentially much more dangerous than the circular saw.
However with both any user should always use sturdy work gloves with a good grip as well as protective eye wear.
No matter how quick the cut, these are mandatory and just good practice.
In addition to this, special care should be taken with a table saw because the exposed blade means there is more potential for bad injury because of an exposed running blade.
Final Verdict: So Which Is Best?
In the on-going comparison (argument) looking at the table saw vs circular saw, it’s important to note that which saw is best for you is going to depend enormously on the type of work being done.
Most professional woodworkers will need at least one of each type of saw and many others who work with wood like in construction, carpentry, or even their own DIY projects will end up wanting both.
However in the beginning the main things to look at are budgets, need for precision versus mobility, and that will help you figure out the best possible first purchase for you.
