If you have been in the woodworking niche for a little over 30 day you will know the long-standing debate about track saw vs table saw. We uncover the truth for you.
Is a track saw better than a table saw?
Choosing the right saw depends on various factors based on your job or project.
Indeed, each saw has a unique feature or main selling point. For example, although you can cut straight lines with any saw, it would be easier to do so with a table saw (or any other circular saw for that matter).
There is no right or wrong answer here as we have seen many great reviews about both type of saws. Some enjoy experimenting with new tools and others more conservative prefer the firmness of a table saw. Once again it all goes back to what type of project or type of cut you would like to make, including the type of wood you are working on.
Here is a summary table showing a quick comparaison of track saw vs table saw:
| Track Saw | Table Saw | |
| When to use it | Mainly to cut sheets | Used for types of woodworking cuts |
| How accucate is it? | Quite good for straight cuts | Very accurate for all straights cuts |
| Can you repeat cuts? | Varies based on track settings | Yes, highly repeatability |
| Is it portable? | Yes, excellent mobilité | Not really mobile |
| How powerful is it? | Motor is not as poweful as a table saw | The motor is very powerful |
| Size | Not bulky. Does not take too much space. | You need a large floor and storage space for this |
| General uses | People use it to break down large panels into small pieces | People use the table saw for cutting both soft and hardwood. All types of cuts such as rip cuts,cross cuts, bevels, miter cuts and much more |
| How safe is it? | Relatively safe compared to a table saw | This is one of the most accident prone woodworking power tools |
Pros and Cons of Track saw vs table saw
Is a Track Saw Right For You?
With a track saw you can rip boards, cut trim and across panels. You can also use it as plunge saw without fail. This gives you more control when working on flooring for example.
We have seen many trusted websites that give high marks to the track saw in their reviews. Most people find it safe. Most importantly its portability seems to win people over.
In short if you need to cut long boards that are difficult to control on a table then a track saw if your best bet. This implies that you don’t need to make lots of repeat cuts because as we pointed out above it’s not the best for repeatability.
Furthermore, you may want to choose a tracks saw because it can cut any width without limitation. The track saw is portable and can be easily carried from one location to another job site. Although it’s light, the track saw can perform most contractor, woodworker jobs. Finally, you don’t really need a dedicated space as it’s mobile and does not take up much space.
Different types of Track saws
From our research we found out that Dewalt and Festool have the biggest market share on track saws while Makita is a mover and shaker. All these brands offer products that include track saws and table saws.
The various options for track saws include:
- standard track saw, sometimes referred to as plunge saw.
- cordless track saw which use batteries for power thus allowing you to be more mobile.
- circular saws that have a track guide rail. Though these are not as efficient as standar track saws.
Is a Table Saw Right For You?
The table saw is sturdy and more challenging to move from one site to another one. It is strong and can cut thick woods. It can operate nonstop for hours. People who work in workshops with big production lines would prefer a table saw.
It’s worth mentioning that a table saw allows for a better alignment of the fence for guiding purposes. You will save time and your cuts will be very accurate. We can also confirm that a table saw has a better dust collection system not to mention the ability to repeat cuts for as long as you want.
The types of table saws
When it comes to table saw your options are the following:
- benchtop table saws which are compact in design. You can move and store them around easily.
- contractor table saws. These have more motor power and provide more accurate adjustements.
- jobsite table saws are larger tables with better guides.
- Cabinets table saws will provide the best cuts but they cost more.
- Hybrid table saws. They are a good compromise between contactor saws and cabinet table saws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a table saw do that a track saw can t?
A table saw can make deeper cuts, narrower cuts, dadoes, and rabbets. With a standard setup or a commonly available dado stack, the table saw excels at several of these specialized types of cuts. A track saw really cannot make these cuts—at least not practically [1].
Can track saw take the place of table saw?
Both saws are perfect for what they’re designed to do. The table saw is larger, obviously, and more difficult to move from jobsite to jobsite. The track saw is much easier because you can tuck the track under your arm, carry the saw with one hand, and you’re good to go [2].
Track Saw vs Table Saw Final Thought
Do you think a track saw can replace a table saw? Or maybe you will continue to use both for what they are good at.
In our opinion table saws are here to stay, especially in big workshops setting where mobility from one job site to another one is not a concern.
We definitively see more benefits in using track saws and encourage you to try it out. Who knows? It may become your favorite saw.
References
[1] https://www.protoolreviews.com/track-saw-vs-table-saw/
[2] https://blog.acmetools.com/track-saw-can-replace-your-table-saw-circular-saws/