Usually, when we need carpentry work done, we prefer getting it outsourced or, in simple words, asking someone else to do it. But have you ever thought of saving money and doing the task all by yourself? The first thought that pops up in this scenario is the tools that will be required for the job. Carpentry tools are extensive, expensive, and even dangerous to handle sometimes. Commonly used tools are hammers, axes, and a variety of saws like a chainsaw, table saw, and circular saw (compare it with track saw) . In this article, we will focus on the functions and compare the benefits of a Table Saw Vs Circular Saw.
Contents
Our Verdict
If we compare functions and ease of use, we see that a circular saw can do most of the things that a table saw can. This reduces one big problem for those who think that both the saws are needed for basic handiwork. This does not mean that a circular saw is of no good at all. If we read the first line of this paragraph again, we think that it’s relatively easy to use a circular saw (compare it with miter saw) but no. It’s not.
A circular saw will work it’s magic only if you know how to use it well. Using saws is no joke. They are fragile, dangerous, and there are high chances that you may hurt yourself or someone around you. However, to sum a small overview, we can say that a circular saw can make precise cuts in tough wood, quickly cut through timber, etc. All of this depends on your skill at using the tool.
One major point of difference between the saws is that although a circular saw may seem like it single-handedly manage carpentry work, it has been known that a table saw is easier to manage for those who have little to no knowledge of carpentry. This makes consumers widely confused as to which saw actually to invest in.
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: Comparison Chart
Specification
Jointer
Planer
Skill required
Novice
Expert
Tasks performed
Accurate results if used properly.
It will give you perfect results only if you know how to operate it.
Cost Range
Expensive
Cheap
Ease of handling
Easy
Difficult
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: Differences
1. Ease Of Use
As mentioned above, most of the woodwork can be easily managed with a circular saw. Now keep in mind that when we say easily managed, we mean that it’s accessible only if you know how to work your way around a sharp object that has been used by serial killers in multiple movies. One wrong move and the saw will cut anything other than the wood. The most basic way of using a circular saw is firstly to have a sketch at the hand of what you want.
2. Accuracy
Draw a light layout of the measurements you need on the board or wood you are about to slaughter. If needed, use a sharp kitchen knife first that can mark an outline of the trace where the saw will be used. Once you are confident about this, you can go ahead and plug in the circular saw to cut through the wood to give you the best results. Another good reason why it is not as scary as it sounds like investing in a circular saw is that you get different sizes for different purposes. Of course, for basic handiwork, you can pick the smallest size, and you’re good to go. This makes the ‘saw-ing’ process a lot easier.
3. Pressure
Compared to a circular saw, a table saw may have its differences. The main advantage of using a table saw is that you don’t have to apply as much pressure or force onto the wood while cutting. A circular saw can physically drain you out if you’re not into manual labor. There is no way you can make errors while using a table saw if your measurements and holders are in place. It gives you accurate edges, and you can rectify these if you are not satisfied. So why don’t we buy a table saw, right? But no, that’s not how it works.
4. Portability
In reality, a table saw is quite big and cannot be taken anywhere. In simple terms, it is nonportable. A circular saw is very compact. It can be taken anywhere with the right amount of security and a safety net around it.
5. Range Of Use
You might be twice as confused as you were before reading this article. To narrow it down, our personal opinion will be to go for a circular saw. To gain expertise over it, you can start by practicing on small projects instead of directly using it for significant household work. Remember that using a circular saw without proper training and practice is the same as using a gun without knowing where the trigger is.
6. Pricing
When it comes to the cost of saws, we might assume a circular saw to be far more expensive than a table saw because of the quality work it produces. But that is not the case. A table saw is more expensive because of the accuracy of work it derives. Therefore our suggestion would be to invest in a circular saw to get the best results.
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: Similarities
1. Practice
Although both the saws differ in skill, the bottom line is that if you are accurate with your measurements, any saw will give you promising results.
2. Set Of Blades
A vital similarity is that when we order a saw, we usually get it delivered with a range of blades that are changeable according to our use. A table saw comes with fewer blade options as compared to the circular saw. This is because of the nature of the model; a table saw can give accuracy using any blade.
3. Workspace
Although it is said that a circular saw does not require a workspace, we disagree with that. When you are working with such heavy and sharp tools, you must have a workspace that is far and inaccessible for children. Any tool work requires a workspace.
Features And Technical Specifications: Table Saw Vs Circular Saw
Circular SawFeatures And Technical Specifications:
Comes with blades that can be changed depending on the nature of work
Time friendly and provided quick work
Easy to use because of its different sizes
Comes with a better handgrip that makes it easier to use
A single circular saw can be used in 5 ways for making different cuts
Circular saws are readily available on shopping sites and do not require much product knowledge of the buyer.
Table SawFeatures And Technical Specifications:
It is difficult to make mistakes with a table saw because it is hand managed
It can be used only for essential household work because of its size.
Requires a detailed workspace and tool mapping.
Chances of rust are higher for a table saw if not used regularly.
A table saw is best purchased in a store because you can test it before buying it.
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw: What’s In The Box?
Circular Saw
If you buy this over an online site, the chances are that the only extra equipment you get is the blades. However, if you purchase it in a regular store, the keepers will suggest that you get an extra pair of parts of the saw. For example, you might need a different plate, bevel adjustment, measuring scale, blade cover, bolt clamp hybrids, standard wood blades, and the cord. These are parts that might get rusted over time and with extra use.
Usually, not much comes in a box of the circular saw, but the things listed above are the ones we should get. The idea is that if we are investing in something as big as a circular saw, we should get all the accessories once and for all. It’s better to do it right than do it later.
Table Saw
As we read above, while purchasing anything online, the most the site will do is provide you with suggestions below your main product. But this is not enough. It is essential to get the right accessories that go with the table saw too. If we go to a store to buy a table saw, the first thing suggested to us is to buy a safety set. If we go back and read the comparison, we see that a table saw is big and sharp and can cause a lot of damage. If you want a more in-depth knowledge of this, go to a factory site where workers use different types of saws.
The injury rates are very high. And keep in mind that these are experts who have been using saws for a long time. Therefore a safety kit is essential. The other things you need will be a grip-tight featherboard, a safety power switch, a mobile base, and a sawdust collector because if you don’t clean up the sawdust, there are high chances that your mother might chase you down with the same saw. Because of all these requirements and accessories, the overall cost of a table saw runs higher than the price of its counterpart circular saw.
Table Saw Vs Circular Saw:Overview
Overview Of Circular Saw
To summarise everything, we can now say that this is a better investment than a table saw. A circular saw might look dangerous, but in reality, it is easier and quicker to use than a table saw. A circular saw is a high maintenance too. It needs regular oiling; otherwise, the rust will make the saw useless. Using a circular saw saves time, although it compromises the electrical energy that is wasted.
It gives you results in less time. Therefore it helps in time management.
A small workspace is enough. You need a small box to store the saw and lock it in a space that is away from children.
Accessories are limited. There is no long list of accessories that need to be bought with this.
Portable. This point should have been at the top of the list. It is effortless to carry and travel with.
Things We Don't Like
It may seem scary to use a circular saw at first.
You need a steady hand. If you are scared or unsure about what you are doing, avoid using the saw. You might panic and end up hurting yourself.
High maintenance. All machines and tools require some amount of maintenance. Similarly, the life-span of a circular saw depends on how well you take care of it.
Very hazardous. Injuries caused by a chainsaw can be fatal. If you don’t believe us, check out the Saw series. You might drop the plan of getting any saw altogether.
Needs accuracy. You need accurate measurements and knowledge of what you have to cut. You should know what cuts to use. It won’t be enough if you use a YouTube tutorial to use a circular saw.
Overview Of Table Saw
Although the table saw lost the competition here, let us summarise the uses of a table saw. A table saw can be used for fundamental handiwork purposes like mending a door, fixing a fence, building a new crib, or cabinet. These may sound like small things, but they take a lot of effort and time, especially since a table saw is very time-consuming.
Things We Like
Easier to use. Now there are two ways to see this. Although a table saw is easier to use, it all depends on how well you work for your hands in the right direction.
Precision. A table saw can give you precision if you marked your areas well or if you have a detailed plan of action.
Workout. Trust us on this; a table saw can give you a perfect arm workout. The amount of upper body energy that goes into making a table saw work is as good as a gym day. Therefore it keeps you active.
Need a workspace. Using a table saw is very messy. You need a huge table to set your piece of wood and a collector for the sawdust. Another advantage of the workspace is to keep the saw and all the materials away from a child’s reach.
Time-consuming. It is good to buy a chainsaw only if you have a lot of time. If you are on a summer break and want to build a birdhouse or a small cabinet, it is best to buy a table saw. But if you are running on a time crunch, a table saw will only make it worse, especially if you have no experience to use the same.
Accessories. The table saw is very expensive because of its long list of accessories. It is essential to buy these because it helps in building a strong structure and to keep your hands safe from the blades of the saw. Therefore the cost of accessories here is unavoidable.
FAQs
1. If I want to buy both the saws, which one should I buy first?
If you plan on buying both the saws, it is advised that you buy a table saw first. This will give you the practice and hand precision you need to work with a circular saw. You will also have your workspace ready for the circular saw if you buy a table saw first.
2. Should I buy a saw from a store or online?
This depends on the type of saw you are using. A circular saw can be purchased online because it does not have too many requirements, and the size chart is available. A table saw, on the other hand, will need to be purchased from a store so that you can pick the right size for yourself and get all the accessories that come with it.
3. What if I don’t have an elaborate workspace?
That is okay, as long as you are cautious. You will have to make sure you don’t leave any sharp objects lying around and that the sawdust is cleaned carefully. A workspace is needed only for preventive measures to avoid any accidents because of the saws.
Final Thoughts
It is great to have a background and a specific knowledge of saws. Learning how to use any saw makes you independent in some way. Therefore regardless of which saw you buy, make sure that you are following necessary precautions, and you make a well-informed decision. If you are new to this, we suggest that you go for a small circular saw as it is cheap and will perform all the functions of a table saw. If you have the time and patience, and if you want to excel in carpentry, you can opt for the table saw first, followed by the circular saw!
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