Table saws and band saws are pretty similar because they’re both non-handheld devices. That means you can use them for long, precise cuts and large-scale projects.
At the same time, these tools are highly different too.
We’ll discuss these differences below, starting from their design and up to their best uses. That way, you’ll be able to purchase the right tool for your prised kit.
Psst. You’ll also find out which is safer, so read along below.
What’s A Table Saw?
Table saws are standard tools that you usually see in specialised woodworking shops. You’ll even see them in cabinet and furniture shops. That’s because these table saws are huge and immobile, even though they excel at precision cuts.
Of course, when you’re making a cabinet or bet, you’ll need primarily straight cuts.
It’s easy to keep a table saw stable compared to other types of saws.
That’s terrific news for beginners, but you’ll still need to fix the work piece on the rip fence correctly. Otherwise, your material will start rotating, and your work will be ruined.
Here’s another fun fact on table saws:
Their blades are spinning towards you. That means their teeth will turn downwards, putting you at a slight risk.
So you have to be very careful when handling such a tool.
Beware of kickback too! Make sure you’re standing to the side of the board you’re feeding to the table saw and not directly behind it.
Pro tip: Some table saw features (splitters, riving knives, covers, pawls) minimise the risk of kickback. So when you set up your table saw, make sure you did so correctly and that everything is working as it should.
What Is The Difference Between A Table Saw And A Band Saw?
So what’s a band saw and why should you choose one?
First, let’s just take a second to note how well band saws live up to their names. After all, they’re precisely that: bands of steel with cutters on one of its edges.
This blade goes through a couple of wheels, which activate the blade when they turn. The band saw, therefore, starts to cut toward the table.
So here’s the first difference:
The band saw’s design allows you to make easier rip cuts without any reference edges. You’ll need a straight line to act as a guide, sure, plus you can quickly get rid of the saw marks with a hand plane.
A band saw’s best uses include:
- Cutting curves
- Cutting odd shapes
- Cutting tapers
- Resawing lumber
Are Bandsaws Safer Than Table Saws?
Yes, bandsaws are safer than table saws.
You can infer that from their designs with their teeth pointing downwards into the table. This design ensures your workpiece stays steady on the table while you’re working, so there’s absolutely no risk of kickback. Besides, it’s impossible to stick your hand through the band saw’s teeth accidentally.
Further reading: How to use a table saw
- How to Measure a Chainsaw Chain - August 19, 2022
- Single bevel mitre saw vs double bevel - October 18, 2021
- Who invented the table saw and when did it happen? - October 18, 2021