This question haunts many a woodworker.
In fact, it’s one of the most-asked questions by novice woodworkers.
We get lots of emails from readers who want to know which type of saw they should choose for their workshop.
The goal of this article is to help you understand the differences between these two types of saws and why you might consider using a track saw instead of or along with your regular table saw.
You’ll also learn about some other important considerations that affect your choice.
As always, we should ask ourselves: before we do that, let us begin by discussing what exactly a track saw and table saw is.
What Is A Track Saw?
A track saw is a circular saw mounted on or in a flexible base (track) that runs along a predetermined path—generally, this path is guided by rollers.
The blade’s location and angle can be adjusted to suit the workpiece.
These adjustments are independent of the direction of the cut, which means that you get clean cuts even when making angled or curved cuts.
The ability to make different types of cuts (straight, miter, compound miter) with one saw makes it possible for you to do without other traditional workshop tools like crosscut table saws and miter saws.
As such, this type of saw costs less than other stationary power tools while supplying almost all of their functions
For those who don’t know, here are 5 features that distinguish a track saw from the other types of saws out there:
Tracks Saw
Most track saws come with a flexible base that is roughly 1/4 inch thick and can be mounted on any surface, provided it’s flat.
The blades are also flexible so they follow the path of this base.
If you have a small workshop space, prefer to work in remote areas or in areas where dust is present.
take note that track saws don’t just move along a predetermined path but can also move up and down in order to accommodate the level differences on your workpiece.
Adjustable Guides And Stop
You can measure and cut multiple pieces of wood without having to reset your measurements or change your guide settings from one piece of wood to the next.
Miter And Bevel Gauges
Most track saws come with adjustable miter and bevel gauges so you can cut through wood at different angles quickly and easily.
This is important because when you change the direction of your cuts, it becomes easier to make angled or curved cuts than with hand-held circular saws.
For example, if you’re making a compound miter cut (cutting two pieces of wood at different angles).
The blade’s position on the Y-axis will need to move in order to accommodate that change in angle.
Auto-Positioning Guide Rail
As mentioned above, as long as you have a flat surface on which to mount your flexible base.
It will follow the predetermined path of the guide rail and move up and down along with any changes in elevation along that path.
This means that you’ll be able to make accurate cuts on uneven or rough surfaces like those found on fences and decks (some track saws come with extended rails.
so you can make miter cuts on 4 x 8 sheets of plywood—very useful if doing that by hand was impossible).
Aluminum Construction
Aluminum is a highly durable material so it’s not surprising that track saws tend to be made of it.
If you can’t find a track saw with an aluminum base and guide rail.
you’ll need to check the quality of the rest of the saw itself (the blade, motor, etc.).
What Are The Advantages Of Track Saw?
As we discussed above, track saw both have their respective advantages.
We think that you should use the one that best suits your needs at home:
- It is possible to make compound cuts (angled or curved) with one saw
- They are portable; they don’t require a fixed location
- The machine’s settings do not need to be adjusted each time you want to make a cut of different size and shape
- Less chance of kickback (which means reduced risk of accidents).
- Some track saws come with dust collection ports which allow you to connect them with your shop-vac for cleaner working conditions
- They’re affordable though they are typically more costly than table saws
- You can use many different blades instead of just the one that comes with the tool
- Track saws can be expensive than table saws, but the price is definitely worth it considering their benefits.
- They’re more accurate than table saws since they have a smaller cutting base
What Are The Disadvantages Of Track Saw?
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as disadvantages per se in anything.
It all boils down to personal preferences and needs.
For example, if you think you need the portability of a track saw then that’s that.
You cannot say that it has any disadvantage just because it isn’t suitable for you or your project given your circumstances at home.
With that being said, here are some other things to consider:
- Not ideal for people who prefer accuracy when making cuts since they have a small cutting base
- Not ideal for making dado cuts since their blades cannot be adjusted easily
- They are not suitable for heavy-duty work since they are generally less powerful than table saws
- You can’t use them to cut hard materials like steel and masonry, though the manufacturers usually offer blades made specifically for this purpose
- Dust collection ports are usually absent so you have to spend extra bucks if you want cleaner working conditions
What Is A Table Saw?
Usually, the machine rests on a flat surface like your regular worktable.
There are different types of table saws such as inverter-based (which uses DC motors) and induction-based (which uses AC motors).
For those who don’t know, here are 5 features that distinguish a table saw from the other types of saws out there:
Cutting Capacity
A table saw’s cutting capacity is determined by its throat size which is the distance between its blade and the edge of its base.
Entry-level models usually have a throat size of about 25 inches while high-end ones can reach up to 40 inches or more.
Table saws with a larger cutting capacity offer more flexibility because it allows you to make top cuts on pieces as long as 4 feet without having to make a crosscut first.
The disadvantage, however, is that this type of machine takes up more space in your workshop
Throat Size
The greater the throat size of the table saw, the larger pieces of lumber or materials you can cut.
Also, limit yourself to woodworking projects with boards measuring more than 2 inches thick since the throat size of most entry-level models is about 3 1/8 inches deep.
A general rule when it comes to selecting a machine that has enough cutting capacity for your needs is that a one-inch increase in its throat size.
Means that you can cut an additional 1/32 inch on each end of a board
Riving Knife
A riving knife is an important feature on any type of table saw because it helps prevent kickback while keeping fingers safe from blade contact at all times.
The difference between this type of machine and others is they have two split blades instead of a single blade.
On models with this feature, the riving knife sits directly behind the blade and rises up when you turn on the machine.
Types Of Table Saw Blades
Table saws have two types of blades: conventional and carbide-tipped.
If you plan to use your machine for light-duty projects, then it’s safe to go for one that only has conventional blades since they’re cheaper than their carbide counterparts.
But if you’ll be using them in heavy-duty work such as making miter cuts or tenoning wood, then get yourself one that comes with carbide blades
Feed Rate
The feed rate is how fast or slow your table saw’s blade is while cutting through a piece of lumber or material.
For safety reasons, pick a machine that comes at at least 3,450 rpm.
The higher the rpm, the faster and smoother your cuts will be without having to worry about burning your materials
What Are The Advantages Of Table Saw?
As we discussed above, track saw both have their respective advantages.
We think that you should use the one that best suits your needs at home:
- It is possible to make cuts on boards of different sizes and shapes (i.e., non-rectangular) without having to alter its setup.
- The type of cuts can be adjusted as per our convenience (e.g., dado cut).
- They are portable since they do not need a fixed location like other stationary power tools such as band saws and jointers
- It is easier to replace/repair parts
- Most come with several safety features which cause the blade to stop if it meets resistance etc.
- They’re affordable and can be sourced from local hardware stores like Home Depot etc.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Table Saw?
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as disadvantages per se in anything.
It all boils down to personal preferences and needs.
For example, if you think you need the portability of a track saw then that’s that.
You cannot say that it has any disadvantage just because it isn’t suitable for you or your project given your circumstances at home.
With that being said, here are some other things to consider:
1. It is not possible to cut non-rectangular shapes with ease (e.g. rounded edges)
2. Table saws are more prone to kickback in comparison to track saws
3. They require a power source (e.g., outlet or generator) in order to work, whereas a track saw can be powered by batteries so it is convenient if you’re working in spaces without electricity
4. It’s not easy to do smaller cuts with one since their tables are larger than those of track saws
5. You have to buy an extension table separately if you want to do long cuts
6. They’re difficult and pricey to repair, requiring expertise from professionals for this kind of work
Faqs:
Q- How much do table saws cost?
A- The prices of table saws range from $250 to $2,000 or more depending on their types and features.
For example, if you want one with extra safety features then expect to pay higher than usual.
Also check if the price is inclusive of accessories like dust bags, miter gauge, etc., so you won’t have to buy them separately.
Q- How much do track saws cost?
A- The prices of track saws are generally lower than those of table saws since they’re mainly meant for DIYers.
Expect to spend around $100 – $300 or more depending on your needs and requirements (e.g., single double bevel, type of blade, etc.):
Q- Do you need to buy saw blades for track saws and table saws?
A- No, you do not have to buy separate blades since they came with the power tool when bought.
What’s more, if the package includes a blade then that’s even better! You can always ask for help from your local hardware store when in doubt.
Q- How long are the blades of both tools?
A- The average length of the aluminum alloy blades of either machine is around 24 inches meaning you can make long cuts without changing its position.
Conclusion:
In our opinion, it all boils down to your preferences and needs as a woodworker/handyman/DIY enthusiast.
If there was a single best solution which would fit all.
It would probably be the deus ex machina (or as some say, “the best thing since sliced bread”).
which we don’t think exist by the way.
You see, it’s all about the right tool for the right job, and both table saws and track saws have their own specific uses.
If you want to do more than just straight cuts and if heavy-duty work is not an issue for you then.
Go with a table saw of course! However, if you’re still new to this kind of stuff then stick with a track saw at first.
It will definitely help you get started on your projects without spending much, plus its features such as portability and safety features prevent risks as accidents during woodworking.
If you’re still torn between the two, then go with the one which you think is more beneficial to your individual situation.
Please let us know if we can help further by posting your comment below!
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