Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by John Patterson
Now, a- days several types of power saws are available in the shop. Also, woodworkers love to gather various kinds of saws in their workshops to complete different fascinating projects.
As a wood specialist, you might be confused about choosing the appropriate cutter. The most common options that go through our minds are a track saw, and a table saw.
But deciding to get the most suitable one is a tough nut to crack because every power tool has its pros and cons.
So, you need to pay attention to your purpose. What is your purpose, and what do you try to do along with your saw?
The track saw vs. table saw is the theme of this article, and you will be able to make a proper decision after reading this guide.
Track Saw vs. Table Saw: The Definition
The popularity of track saws for woodworking is increasing. But you, as a woodworker, have to decide whether you need to go with the flow or choose otherwise.
Before diving into the track saw vs. table saw comparison section, let’s briefly introduce these powerful tools.
What is a Track Saw?
A track saw is one kind of electrically powered circular saw. It is often attached to a rail or track, for which it is called the track saw.
These machines are compact in size and they are more portable than any other impactful saws. Besides, the track saw is convenient for plunge cuts.
But the track saws have some disadvantages as well. The alignment of the rail with the wood piece takes a long time to set. Sometimes, the track becomes shorter. As a result, you cannot work on a long piece of wood with a track saw.
Benefits of a Track Saw
A track saw is an excellent power tool for cutting straight lines. As opposed to a circular saw, it has a blade that can be guided along an aluminum channel.
For those unfamiliar with this type of saw, or don’t know what one looks like, let me first tell you more about it and then show you some pictures as well.
Hand saws are an essential tool in any DIYer’s arsenal. The traditional hand saw has been around for centuries and is a tried-and-true go-to for cutting wood.
But there might be a better option out there that can offer you more benefits than the old standby – the track saw.
A track saw, also called an electric-powered circular saw, is like your regular power tools on steroids.
They’re designed with extra blades that move back and forth as they cut through materials, which means this kind of power tool cuts faster than your average hand or power saw without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
If you’re looking for an efficient way to get the job done quickly with precision and style, then you should consider
A track saw is an excellent tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It has many benefits over other kinds of saws, such as jigsaws or circular saws.
A track saw can cut through various materials quickly and cleanly with minimal effort on the user’s part. The video below shows you how to use one for cutting plywood:
What is a Table Saw?
Table saws are very popular among many professional woodworkers. A table saw is an absolute powerhouse for daily woodworking tasks. For this reason, one of the very first tools woodworkers buy is a table saw.
Versatility is the topmost advantage of the saw. You can’t accomplish anything with a table saw, from simple straight cuts to more complex edgy cuts.
These wizards are sensational for challenging projects, and you can trust these absolute rippers for repetitive cuts. Besides, a table saw is your ultimate savior if you want to cut any large boards.
But it is more prominent in size, so you cannot move it from place to place. It is pretty pricy as well.
Benefits of a Table Saw
As we know, many hands and power tools are available on the market for cutting wood. However, a table saw is far the most popular and versatile of all the options.
You should also buy high-quality blades when you purchase a table or saw.
We can use a high-quality Table saw for our several woodworking projects. A table saw allows you to cut boards and other materials with precision and accuracy, which is excellent for anyone who likes to do their own DIY projects.
Table saws are also very versatile, allowing you to rip, crosscut, miter (a type of miter), and more.
A table saw can be a great addition to any workshop or garage. This particular saw is used for cutting large pieces of wood and ripping lumber. Table saws are also perfect for cutting sheet goods like plywood, MDF, and OSB.
Related Resources: Miter Saw vs. Table Saw: Types and Uses with Pictures in 2024.
Track Saw Vs. Table Saw: Choose Your Winner
For experts, both tracks and table saw are essential for performing different types of cutting. But you could easily entangle yourself and choose the wrong one if you have to choose one among them.
So, here are some key points to make up your mind between these two.
The Size of the Blades
The blade size is crucial for the cut to be flawless. In a track saw, the blade size may vary from 5-1/2, 6-1/4, 6-1/2, and 7-1/4 inches. So, the measurements of the blade of a table saw vary from 8, 10, and 12 inches.
Now, you have to decide which one is preferable for you. You should choose according to the width of your workpiece.
The Usage of Your Saw
Though both track and table saws are used to make similar cuts, there are also some particular purposes.
A track saw is precious in case of plunge cuts. Woodworkers often need to make unique shapes inside their wood pieces. A track saw can serve this purpose efficiently.
A table saw can make every cut a track saw offers. However, it can be beneficial when ripping wood, cutting large-sized wood pieces, and bevel cuts.
Types of your work table
You do not need any work table for a track saw. A track rail attached to every track saw can make your cut precise and smooth. You can make your cut setting by placing your wood piece on the floor.
Nevertheless, a table saw includes a table on which you can set your wood piece. It is pretty comfortable to work with larger wood pieces when you are using a table saw.
Portability
Since a table saw is embedded with a table, you cannot move it from place to place. The track saw is much ahead regarding the issue of portability.
Track saws are smaller, and you can take them anywhere with you. Some cordless, rechargeable and battery-powered track saws are available in the marketplace, making things comfy.
On the other hand, table saws are fixed mounted and used in the workshops. Due to its larger size, you cannot move it between places. But still, it is an excellent tool to work with.
Price Range
When it comes to price, track saws are the apparent champion. A table saw is a bit more expensive than its competitor. But the applications also differ from each other.
Both of them have got some specialties. You can decide what you will do as a woodworker and what types of tools you need for your job.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. Is a track saw better than a table saw?
The track saw is not a new invention, but it has been developed and perfected to the point that it can now compete with many table saws.
A track saw is a circular saw on rails – the blade moves along an endless loop of metal with teeth on one side.
As long as the blade stays between these teeth, it will cut in a straight line no matter how curvy or wavy your workpiece may be.
This is because there is no need for any adjustments to be made while cutting like you would when using a table saw which dramatically speeds up production time.
I know how frustrating it is to be in the middle of a project and realize you don’t have what you need. That’s why I’m here to help with this blog post on whether or not an inexpensive track saw could be better than a more expensive table saw for your average DIY enthusiast.
A table saw is a standard tool in the handyman’s arsenal. It can be used to cut boards and other materials with its circular blade, but it has one major drawback: the blade protrudes from the surface of the table, making it difficult to use for certain types of cuts.
A track saw doesn’t have this limitation because it hangs off rails on a track system. So, which one should you buy?
#2. Can I use a track saw without the track?
This post covered the importance of a track saw and how to use one. Track saws are essential because they allow you to make accurate cuts with less effort and can also be used without the tracks.
Many friends have asked me if they can use a track saw without the track.
Yes, you can, but with some limitations.
It’s also more accurate than a circular saw, which can cause the blade to skip out of line with the board’s grain.
The downside?
They’re expensive and take up space in your garage or workshop. But there’s good news! You can use it without a track.
Final Words
If you are a professional woodworker and passionate about your job, you must have both track and table saws in your workshop.
But if you are a beginner, you must decide what type of woodwork you like and what tools are best for your job.
We hope this comparison between the track and table saw has provided you with good suggestions and solved many of your queries successfully.
Related Reading:
#1. Router vs. Jigsaw: Which One is Better for your Project in 2024?