It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the sheer number of different tools out there that are available to choose from, especially if you are new to the DIY and woodworking world. There are so many options that it’s hard to know which tools are right for your individual needs. This is especially true for saws, as there are plenty of different factors to consider.
Keep in mind that it is very important to ensure you are choosing the right saw for your specific project. Choosing wisely can lead you to success while going with the wrong option can lead to headaches and wasted time.
The good news is that we’ve created a brief overview of the differences between two of the most popular and useful tools out there, circular saws and table saws.
Each one of these power saws can become staples in your workshop, but there are certainly some distinct qualities of each to consider before making your decision. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the big differences between the two.
Table Saws
Table Saws are machine tools with a circular saw that is fixed on a motor beneath the table. The blade protrudes from the surface of the table through a hole and allows you to cut by pushing wood towards the rotating saw blade. This is one of the most popular tools out there, particularly for people that work with wood regularly. They are versatile tools that can help you get the job done right. Woodworkers can count on precise and accurate slices with table saws, and newer versions even allow for adjusting the cut’s angle and height for more flexibility.
Circular Saws
Circular saws are power tools with a flat circular blade that can cut through almost anything. A key difference here is that circular saws are handheld power tools, which means they are mobile and perfect for workers that are on the move throughout the day. Using a circular saw means placing it directly on the wood piece that you are trying to cut. They use rotary motion along with sharp teeth to cut through a ton of different surface types. Combined with a circular saw guide, they can deliver the perfectly straight cuts typically acheived with a table saw.
Notable Differences
While both table saws and circular saws are typically used to cut wood and both cannot cut curved lines, there are some key differences to note between the two power tools.
First, it’s important to understand that circular saws are far more portable. They can go places you can’t get a table saw as easily, including the roof or attic. They can be quickly repositioned to make multiple cuts. Circular saws also pack down smaller if you’re traveling and space and weight are a consideration. If you are interested in a saw that is compact and mobile, circular saws stand out as the right way to go.
On the other hand, if you need a saw that provides more accuracy, a table saw is an attractive option. The table saw tends to deliver more accurate cuts because it is stable and allows you to move the materials you are cutting into the saw versus guiding the saw yourself. This makes a table saw ideal for cutting dados, which isn’t as practical with a circular saw.
If you are interested in a power tool that offers more versatility, a circular saw is likely the way to go. It can cut long rip-cuts, crosscuts, miter, and bevel cuts, while table saws are mainly used for woodworking. It’s also worth mentioning that circular saws do not require much work in terms of maintenance, while table saws have a lot of internal parts that will need some attention to increase the saw’s longevity.
Finally, if you’ve ever worked with wood before you understand that cleanup can be quite the process. That’s why if you are interested in a saw that makes cleaning up after a project easy, a table saw is probably the way to go. That’s because it can be laid out in a way that minimizes the amount of sawdust that is spread out over your worksite. You can even use a dust collection box under the table to make your life easier. Circular saws don’t offer this same advantage, as sawdust is likely going everywhere while you are working. That means you will need to spend some extra time on cleanup after you finish your work.
Safety
Obviously it’s important to be careful with both types of saws, but each have unique safety concerns. For instance, it is safer to crosscut using a circular saw as you avoid the risk of kickback. On the other hand, the handheld and portable nature of a circular saw exposes you more to risks like drops and slipping. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the operation of both types of tools before making a purchase.
Final Thoughts
Both table saws and circular saws are fantastic power tools that can transform the way that you work for the better. If you are someone that is new to power tools and want an accurate cutting tool, a table saw is likely the best option. On the other hand, if you are going to be moving around a lot and want something easy to transport, a circular saw is certainly an attractive option.
Check out our friend Stumpy Nubs’ video “Are table saws becoming obsolete?????” for more information on this topic.
