Table Saw Vs Track Saw: (4 Main Keys Difference In 2024)

With the trustworthy table saw, the track saw is the greatest tool. Table saws are the first thought while cutting wood. However, the table saw has some drawbacks. When setting up a workshop, consider a table saw or a track saw. Some things are better about table saws than plunge saws, but vice versa. This article will explain the differences between table saw vs track saw.

The main difference between a table saw and a track saw is their design and functionality. A table saw is a stationary tool with a circular blade that cuts through the material placed on a table, while a track saw is a portable tool guided along a track to make precise straight cuts in various locations, offering more mobility and versatility.

We’d like to explain how a track saw differs from a table saw in addition to this quick answer. We will evaluate both devices. You’ll know what distinguishes a track saw from a table saw and how to utilize these two fantastic instruments in your workshop for optimum results.

Table of Contents

What Is A Track Saw:

A track saw with a track is a type of circular saw that lets you adjust the depth of the circular saw blade. The track saw moves along a saw track, which makes it very easy to make cuts that are straight. It is also possible to cut at angles of up to 45 degrees.

When cutting wood, the saw track is connected to the wood, and you push the circular saw blade through the wood while the wood stays still.

What Is A Table Saw:

A table saw has a flat table with a built-in saw blade that lets you make cuts at different levels and angles up to 45 degrees.

The circular saw blade, which sticks out of a hole in the tabletop, is powered by a motor under the table.

With a table saw, the wood is pushed through the blade while the tool stays still.

4 Key Differences Between a Table Saw vs Track Saw:

Table vs Track Saw: 4 Main Keys Difference ?

The jobs that table saws and track saws do in your shop are similar, so you might not know why you need both. Even though they can do a lot of the same kinds of cuts, they are still different in important ways.

Track saws and table saws are very different in how much they can cut, how easily they can be moved, how much they cost, and how well they cut.

But another important thing to think about is what kinds of cuts you can make with each saw and which ones are easiest to set up.

Both track saws and table saws can easily make cross cuts, rip cuts, bevel cuts, and miter cuts, but table saws aren’t usually made for plunge cuts.

On the other hand, dadoes and rabbets can’t be cut with a track saw. But one saw makes some cuts easier, cleaner, and more comfortable than the other.

Cutting Capacity:

The bars on table saws and the tracks on track saws both limit how much they can cut. However, the width and length of the cut limit the saws in different ways. You should also think about how deep the saw can cut. This is especially important if you often work with thick wood or pieces that are stacked on top of each other.

The depth of cut is a simple way to measure how far the saw’s blade can go into the wood. Of course, it will depend on the size of the blade you’re using, but most table saws can only cut up to 4 inches deep. That’s a lot more than the 2″ to 3″ that most track saws can cut.

If your table saws can cut through projects that are twice as thick as your track saw, that’s a big difference.

For example, you could stack several pieces of wood you want to crosscut at the same length on your table saw, but it might take a lot longer with your track saw.

Most table saws can cut straight for about 30 inches. The distance between the saw’s fence and its blade decides how wide a piece of wood it can cut. For example, if you have a board that is 62″ wide, you won’t be able to cut it exactly in half with a 30″ rip capacity.

Because they don’t have built-in fences like table saws, track saws can cut across any area. Instead, how long of a cut they can make is limited by how long their track is.

Most tracks are between 55′′ and 80′′ long, but you can easily change the length to whatever you want.

In general, track saws are better for cutting big boards like plywood sheets. On the other hand, table saws are great for cutting things like long, thin 2x4s.

Portability:

The main difference between track saw and table saw is how portable they are. There are models of both that are more or less portable, but track saws are much easier to move around than table saws.

There are different kinds of track saws, but most of them have light, movable tracks that are easy to put in your truck and bring to a job site. A track saw is easy to store because it doesn’t take up much room and can be used at any angle.

Table saws are much bigger and heavier than other saws, which makes them harder to move. They are also harder to move into different places without taking them apart.

This makes it harder to move them within the shop than it is to move them across the building.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a middle ground. It’s not hard to find portable table saws, but you should think about what you’re giving up in exchange for portability.

Most of the time, portable versions of table saws have less power and less cutting ability for the same price.

If you’re a worker who has to move tools around, you should think about how important portability is to you. Obviously, if you never take tools out of your shop, this probably isn’t the most important thing, but if it is, the track saw is hard to beat.

Price:

Prices for track saws and table saws can be very different. Table saws are big, dependable, and good tools that cost a lot because they are so useful. Most track saws are lighter and cheaper, but it depends on what you need.

You can always make your own track saw for a lot less money, but you might prefer the quality of one made by a professional.

Track saws can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. The price range for table saws is wider, with the least expensive choice costing just over $150 and the most expensive option costing $5,000.

Of course, the low end of these ranges doesn’t mean that the tool is professional-grade, so you should plan to pay at least $200 or $300 for a decent saw.

Since the price ranges for table and track saws are similar, you can focus on what really matters: the features of the saws themselves. No matter how much money you have, you can find table and track saws that are about the same quality.

Precision:

Beginners and amateurs may find it easier to use a track saw, which means that their cuts will be more accurate with track saws than with table saws. But if you know what you’re doing and are good at using both tools, you may find that they are both true.

The rails on a track saw make sure that it goes in a very clear and controlled way. With enough care and planning, you should be able to cut the wood exactly where you want to as long as it is clamped down.

Track saws make it easy to cut accurately, even when making cuts like bevels or plunge cuts, which are harder.

To be accurate with a table saw, you have to be more skilled. Even though the table and fence make it easier to make clean, accurate cuts, you still have to be able to guide the wood through the sawblade.

The track saw is better at cutting straight lines than the table saw.

Bottom Line: Track Saw vs Table Saw

Can a track saw replace a table saw, or vice versa? Several factors will determine which of these two instruments is ideal for your workshop. Also, consider what you want to build.

Long cuts or large plywood pieces are easy with the track saw. This is the greatest option for smaller training groups. You must choose before finding the greatest track saw.

The table saw is faster for little projects but not for lengthy cuts or plywood cracking. The optimal answer eliminates the table saw-track saw choice. The track saw and table saw work well together and will improve your woodworking skills.

FAQs about track saw vs table saw

Do you Really Need a Track Saw?

A track saw is very useful if you move from job site to job site often. You can also do many of the same things with a track saw if you have a small workshop or don’t have enough money for a full table saw. Many woodworkers and builders say they didn’t know how much they needed a good track saw until they bought one.

How Much Does it Cost For a Good Table Saw?

A good professional table saw that you can take with you will cost you about $500. Cabinet table saws can cost thousands of dollars more. Don’t buy the cheapest table saw you can find, since they tend to be less safe and less accurate.

Is a Tracksaw the Same Thing as a Table Saw?

Both saws do a great job at what they were made to do. The table saw is obviously bigger and harder to move from one job spot to another. The track saw is much easier to use because you can put the track under your arm and hold the saw in one hand.

Track saw vs Table saw?

The main difference between track saw vs table saw is how portable they are. There are models of both that are more or less portable, but track saws are much easier to move around than table saws.

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