There are two types of saws you can use when woodworking. The miter saw is the first, and the table saw is the second. Both tools have unique advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to fully understand them before you make a decision. We can help you choose the right one for you.
Miter Saw Vs Table Saw: What’s The Difference?
The miter saw, also known as a chop and compound cut, has an adjustable blade which can be used to make crosscuts. It can cut at angles up to 45 degrees on either side of the base. You can also make miters by setting the angle and adjusting the fence.
Table saws, on the other hand use circular blades that are attached directly to their arbors rather than an adjustable arm like a miter. They can be adjusted vertically from 0-45 degrees, but they can’t move horizontally like miters. This means that they can’t make crosscuts without any jig accessories (e.g. dado inserts or stackable dado heads). Table saws, however, offer more versatility.
Keep checking back for more information on each saw!
1: Miter Saw
What’s It All About?
A miter saw, a handheld saw used for cutting crosscuts, is what it is called.
What Does It Mean?
The miter saw’s adjustable blade allows for cutting angles of up to 45 degrees on either side. Crosscuts are possible thanks to this feature. The miter saw can also make miters by cutting along an angle by setting its fence and adjusting it into place.
Is This For You?
A miter saw is a good choice if you are a frequent crosscutter and don’t have much space. This saw is great for small projects and intricate details. A table saw is a better choice if you intend to do a lot more ripping.
Base Size:
A miter saw’s base is usually between 10-30 cm.
Blade Size
There are many sizes of miter saw blades. They are all measured in inches. 8 inches is the most common miter saw blade size.
Motor:
A miter saw’s motor is usually between 5-10 amps. It runs at approximately 1,500-3,500 RPM.
Plunge Cuts:
A plunge cut refers to when you cut through the workpiece just below the surface. This can be done with a mitersaw by dropping the blade below its fence.
Curved Cuts
A jig, or template can be used to create curved cuts on a mitersaw.
Cutting Angles:
You can adjust the angle of a mitersaw’s blade between 0-45 degrees.
Capacity For Cutting:
A miter saw’s cutting capacity is approximately 2x its blade width. If you have an 8-inch blade, you can make a maximum cut of 43 cm.
Dust:
When they’re in use, miter saws can produce a lot dust. It is recommended that you use a dust mask whenever you are using a miter saw.
Safety Features
There are many safety features available for miter saws, including blade guards and adjustable fencing.
Prices for miter saws start at around
Pros:
A miter saw’s main advantage is its ease of use and ability to make precise, quick crosscuts.
They are also portable and don’t take up much space.
Cons:
The versatility of miter saws is not as great as that of table saws, and they are not capable to do as much ripping.
They also produce lots of dust.
2 – Table Saw
What’s It All About?
A table saw is a saw used for cutting lumber.
What Does It Mean?
Instead of using an adjustable arm like a miter, table saws have circular blades that attach directly to their arbors. They can be adjusted vertically from 0-45 degrees, but they can’t move horizontally like miters. This means that they can’t make crosscuts without any jig accessories (e.g. dado inserts or stackable dado heads). Table saws, however, offer more versatility.
Is This For You?
A table saw is the best choice if you are looking for a powerful tool that can do a lot, such as ripping large areas and needs to have a lot more power. A table saw is also great for large projects.
Base Size:
Table saw bases are approximately 61 cmx81cm.
Blade Size:
They are approximately 25 cm wide, but can come in different sizes.
Motor:
The majority of table saws come with a motor that is between 3-5 HP.
Plunge Cuts:
Table saws are capable of making plunge cuts. This is a cut that is made from the side of a blade and not from the top.
Curved Cuts
You can also use a table saw to make curved cuts.
Cutting Angles:
Tilting the table can adjust the angle at the blade cuts. Most common angles are 0, 2,2.5, 30, and 45 degrees.
Capacity For Cutting:
You can only cut as much material on a tablesaw blade as you can lift or lower it.
Dust:
Table saws produce a lot dust because they use blades with a diameter of 25 cm or more.
Safety Features
Safety features on table saws include blade guards, push sticks, and riving knives.
The price of a tablesaw will vary depending on its size and other features. While a basic table saw is affordable for about, more expensive models can run upwards of €800.
Pros:
The table saw is very powerful and can easily cut through wood.
There are many adjustments available for table saws that can be used to make a variety cuts.
A table saw can cut more wood than a miter or miter saw.
Miter saws don’t collect as much dust as table saws.
Cons:
It takes more practice to make a plunge cut using a table saw than a miter cut.
Crosscuts can’t be made without a jig.
Tilting the table can cause the angle at which the blade cuts to change. It is therefore important that you adjust the angle accurately.
Which Saw Is Right?
A table saw is the best choice if you are looking for a powerful tool that can do a lot, such as ripping large areas and needs to have a lot more power. A table saw is also great for large projects.
A miter saw is a better choice if you plan to crosscut. They are lighter and more user-friendly than table saws, and they are also less expensive.
FAQs:
Which Saw Works Best For Professionals?
Professional woodworkers are familiar with both table saws as well as miter saws. A table saw is more commonly used in professional settings than a mitersaw.
Which Is Better For Carpentry Project?
It all depends on the type of carpentry project you’re planning to do. A table saw is better if you do a lot ripping. A miter saw is better if you plan to crosscut.
Is It Possible To Make Dado Cuts Using A Table Saw?
You can make dado cuts on a table saw using a dado insert, or stacked dado head.
When Can A Miter Saw Be Used Instead Of A Tablesaw?
A miter saw is typically used for smaller projects and doesn’t require as much power as a tablesaw. Because they are lighter and more user-friendly than table saws, miter saws can be used for smaller projects.
Is It Possible To Make Circular Cuts Using A Table Saw?
You cannot make circular cuts using a table saw. Straight cuts are not possible.
Is It Possible To Use A Mitersaw To Cut Larger Pieces?
The miter saws cannot be used to cut wider lumber than the blade.
Is It Possible To Make Dado Cuts Using A Mitersaw?
You cannot make dado cuts using a mitersaw. Straight cuts are not possible.
Conclusion:
We’ve discussed the pros and cons of each type of miter and table saw, and when they can be used best. It’s up to you now to choose the right tool for you. Safety should always be your top concern when using power tools. Make sure you read all instructions and use safety equipment correctly.
