Track Saw vs Table Saw: A Comparison

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team

When deciding between a track saw and a table saw, consider the specific requirements of your project. Track saws are known for their portability and precision, making them perfect for cutting large sheets and achieving splinter-free edges on the go. Table saws, conversely, are stationary powerhouses, ideal for repetitive rip cuts and handling tasks requiring more robust performance. In short, choose a track saw for its mobility and precision in irregular cuts, and opt for a table saw for its power and efficiency in repetitive tasks.

Understanding the Differences Between Track Saw and Table Saw

Track saws stand out in their portability and safety, offering a secure cutting experience ideal for various locations. They excel in cutting large sheet goods with precision and ease. Table saws, on the other hand, are more powerful, suitable as permanent fixtures in a workshop for making stable, repetitive cuts. Track saws also have the unique advantage of producing splinter-free edges due to their splinter guard, enhancing the cut quality.

person piling wood

Can a Track Saw Fully Replace a Table Saw?

While a track saw can replicate many functions of a table saw, often more efficiently, it is not a complete substitute. Track saws are the go-to for creating splinter-free edges and are incredibly convenient for long angled cuts without the need for complex setups. They surpass table saws in handling wider and longer plywood cuts, offering more versatility in confined spaces. However, for tasks like making wide rip cuts or in scenarios requiring extensive power, a table saw is the more suitable option.

Practical Applications of Track Saws and Table Saws

Handling irregular edges, such as those found in live edge lumber, presents a unique challenge that a track saw addresses efficiently. Unlike a table saw, where you must always align a straight edge against the fence or miter gauge, a track saw uses the track itself as a straight edge. This feature is particularly beneficial for projects requiring precise cuts on irregular surfaces, like creating floating shelves from live edge lumber, which need a flat back for wall mounting. Additionally, a track saw can serve as a makeshift jointer for milling rough lumber, creating a square edge that can then be used against the table saw fence for final width adjustments.

Comprehensive Guide to Track Saws: Features and Drawbacks

people using a track saw

What is a Track Saw?

A track saw is akin to a circular saw, but with notable differences, including a fully enclosed blade and its use with a corresponding track. The main components of a track saw include a saw blade, usually around 6.5 inches in diameter, although larger sizes are available. The bevel adjustment feature allows for making bevel cuts up to 45 degrees, similar to a circular saw. Many track saws also include a speed adjustment, which is particularly useful for preventing burn marks on certain wood types. The vacuum port is another essential feature, facilitating superior dust collection due to the enclosed blade design. This port connects to a shop vacuum, helping to maintain a clean work area. The track itself, typically made of aluminum with grooves, ensures straight cuts. Tracks are available in various lengths and can be joined to create longer tracks for extensive projects.

Utilizing a Track Saw

Track saws are ideal for managing large sheet goods, such as plywood, in an efficient and precise manner. They allow you to keep the plywood flat on the work surface and move the saw over it, a more manageable approach than maneuvering a large sheet through a table saw. Additionally, track saws are excellent for achieving perfectly straight accurate cuts on a job site, especially for shorter cross cuts. Unlike circular saws, track saws can make safe plunge cuts without the need to manually lift the blade guard. For small workshops with limited space, a track saw is an excellent alternative to a table saw, offering similar functionalities in a more compact form.

Guidelines for Using a Track Saw

Operating a track saw may vary slightly between models, so it’s crucial to refer to the specific owner’s manual. However, general guidelines include prioritizing safety by using hearing and eye protection. Selecting the appropriate blade is key: use a ripping blade with fewer teeth for rip cuts and a blade with more teeth for cross-cutting. To protect the work surface, place rigid foam insulation underneath the board, which can withstand numerous cuts. Setting the correct cut depth is essential; the blade should cut through the board without protruding excessively. Align the edge of the track with your cutting line and ensure it’s secured, clamping it down if necessary. When making the cut, adjust the speed according to the material and push the saw in line with the saw track, allowing the saw to do the work.

person pushing and cutting wood

Drawbacks of the Track Saw

Despite the versatility of a track saw, there are instances where a table saw may be a more suitable choice. Repeat cuts, for example, are more efficiently executed with a table saw due to the ability to set the fence just once. Parallel guides can aid in speeding up this process with a track saw, but it generally remains quicker with a table saw. Ripping narrow boards can also be more challenging with a track saw, as the track may tip without additional scrap wood to balance it. Specialized tasks, such as cutting splines or dados, are significantly more difficult with a track saw. Additionally, track saws usually have a maximum cutting depth of about 2 inches, compared to the 3 inches typically offered by table saws. This limitation can be particularly noticeable when making deep cuts, where two passes might be necessary to achieve the desired depth. Ensuring that the track is square to the front edge for a 90-degree cut also requires extra attention, as track saw squares, which aid in this task, are not standard inclusions with the saw.

Comprehensive Guide to Table Saws: Usage, Benefits, and Safety

table-saw-wood-cutting

Understanding a Table Saw

Table saws come in two primary forms: the stationary cabinet saw and the more mobile contractor or jobsite saw. In a small workshop, a jobsite table saw with a custom-built stand can enhance cutting capacity and storage. Regardless of the type, both stationary and semi-portable table saws operate similarly. Key components of a table saw include a typically 10-inch diameter blade, a blade guard for safety, and a riving knife positioned behind the blade to prevent kickback. The rip fence, which runs parallel to the blade, is adjustable for varying cut widths. The height and bevel adjustments are controlled by a crank wheel, allowing for blade height changes and angled bevel cuts. The power button is usually front-mounted for easy access, often designed to allow knee activation for quick shutoff. While not a part of the table saw itself, the use of a push stick is crucial for safely moving material through the blade.

Optimal Use of a Table Saw

A table saw is an indispensable tool in any workshop, particularly excelling in projects that require repeated cuts. Its ability to make multiple cuts of the same size by setting the fence just once is a significant advantage. Additionally, table saws are adept at creating partial cuts through a board, such as grooves or dados, which are integral in constructing cabinet back panels or drawer bottoms. These are just a few of the table saw facts that underscore its utility and efficiency in a wide range of woodworking tasks.

Operating a Table Saw Safely and Effectively

When it comes to using a table saw, safety is paramount, a fact underscored by table saw injury statistics. It’s crucial to approach this tool with respect and caution, as mishandling can lead to serious injuries. Before using a table saw, thorough research and understanding of its operation are essential. Key steps in using a table saw include wearing ear and eye protection and inspecting the saw to ensure all safety features are functioning properly. Awareness of these statistics can emphasize the importance of adhering to safety practices to prevent accidents.

Setting the blade height is a crucial step. The blade should just clear the material being cut, without excessive protrusion. Securely setting the rip fence and double-checking measurements is also vital for accuracy. Before starting the saw, ensure that everything is in place, including board supports to prevent the material from falling off the table, and having a push stick within easy reach.

table-saw-blade-with-saw-dust

Maintaining pressure against the table and fence while pushing the wood through the saw is essential for both safety and precision. This pressure helps prevent the hand from slipping towards the blade and reduces the risk of kickback. Using a push stick is particularly important for thin boards, where the space between the blade and the fence is minimal.

For large boards, setting up outfeed and side support is critical. This setup prevents the wood from falling off the table and applying undue pressure on the blade, ensuring a smoother and safer cutting process.

User Experience: Real-Life Track Saw vs Table Saw Encounters

In the realm of woodworking, user experience often speaks louder than technical specifications. To shed light on this, we delved into stories of individuals who’ve used both track saws and table saws in their projects.

DEWALT DCS520B 60V MAX

Take, for example, the DEWALT DCS520B 60V MAX, a popular track saw model among DIY enthusiasts. Kevin, a hobbyist woodworker, shared his experience, “The DEWALT DCS520B 60V MAX was a game-changer for my small garage workspace. Its precision in cutting large plywood sheets was remarkable, and it’s incredibly safe to use. The portability meant I could easily take it to my friend’s house to help with his deck project.”

BOSCH GTS18V-08N PROFACTOR™

On the other hand, the BOSCH GTS18V-08N PROFACTOR, a table saw model, received high praise from Sarah, a professional carpenter. “I’ve been using the BOSCH GTS18V-08N PROFACTOR for intricate cabinetry work. Its power and stability are unmatched, especially for repetitive cuts. The ability to make dado cuts with ease is something I can’t achieve with a track saw.”

These firsthand accounts highlight that the choice between a track saw and a table saw often boils down to specific project needs and workspace constraints.

In-Depth Comparisons: Evaluating Track Saws and Table Saws

To offer a more nuanced perspective, we’ve put together a comparative analysis of some fictitious yet representative models of track saws and table saws.

Model Type Power Rating Cut Precision Price Range Best for
DEWALT DCS520B 60V MAX Track Saw 1400W High Mid-Range Large Sheet Cuts
BOSCH GTS18V-08N PROFACTOR Table Saw 1800W Very High High Repetitive Cuts
WEN CT1272 Track Saw 1200W Moderate Budget Small Workshops
SKILSAW SPT99T-01 Table Saw 2000W High Premium Professional Use

 

This table provides a snapshot of how different models, including the highly debated Dewalt vs Ridgid table saw, stack up against each other in terms of power, precision, price, and suitability for specific tasks. It offers a clear comparison to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion

In summary, the debate between a track saw and a table saw is largely dependent on the specific needs of your woodworking projects, a type of expert advice you can expect from Sydney Handyman Services. Each tool has its unique strengths and limitations. Track saws offer unparalleled portability and precision for cutting large sheets and complex angles, making them ideal for on-site work and small workshops. Table saws, on the other hand, excel in power, stability, and efficiency in repetitive cuts, particularly suited for larger workshop environments. Ultimately, choosing between a track saw and a table saw should be based on the types of projects you undertake, the space available, and your personal preference for tool handling and functionality. In many cases, having both tools can complement the capabilities of your workshop, allowing for a wider range of woodworking techniques and outcomes.

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