Passionate woodworkers know the value of cutting machines, such as a table saw and a bandsaw. If you find yourself in a position where you have to choose one between a bandsaw or a table saw, you need to consider a variety of things. One cannot overlap the other.
Only purchasing the best affordable table saw won’t fulfill your demands if you don’t know whether a bandsaw can place a table saw or not. That’s why you need to take a closer look at the features and benefits of both saws, so you pick the best one for you.
Features and Benefits of a Bandsaw
A bandsaw comes with a long, looped blade that you can find between a pair of rotating wheels. The blade rotates at a consistent speed when the wheels spin. It’s usually thinner than that of a table saw, which allows you to make precise cuts. Most people use a bandsaw to cut the material into irregular shapes.
Size is one of the essential factors when determining a bandsaw. Many bandsaws come with a fence, but it can reduce the size of the throat. In some specific applications, reduced space can influence the size and width of the material that you’re going to cut.
Pros
- The blade of a bandsaw wastes less material while cutting a piece of wood.
- Most bandsaws also make curved cuts.
- They are significantly quieter than table saws, although we recommend you use ear protection while operating a bandsaw.
Cons
- A bandsaw doesn’t have the same cutting power as a table saw.
- A bandsaw cannot cut dados or grooves. Use a table saw to get better outcomes.
- Depending on the blade and material you use, a bandsaw can potentially create cuts with slightly rough edges.
Features and Benefits of a Table Saw
A table saw features a circular blade that an electric motor powers it. Typically, a table saw produces a wide variety of cuts. It usually comes with a tabletop that is relatively larger than that of a bandsaw.
Besides, a table saw includes some form of the dust collector to reduce air quality and cleanup concerns. It can quickly handle a large amount of material to make precise and consistent cuts by the miter gauge slot and fence.
Pros
- Most modern table saws allow you to adjust the blade depth to precise increments.
- The saw wheel can crank it to raise or lower the blade when making grooves or dados.
- Most table saws help you turn the blade to particular angles to cut a bevel easily.
Cons
- The power of a table saw raises safety concerns for both professional and occasional woodcutters.
- Noise is one of the major issues when using a table saw.
- Most table saws can only cut wood, while bandsaws can cut other materials like metal and plastic.
Make the Right Choice
Although table saws and bandsaws are capable of a few similar cuts, one cannot replace the other in terms of features and functions. If you want to buy one, then you have to determine what types of cuts you’re going to make. Again, you can purchase both saws if you don’t have any budget deficit.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting rid of your table saw to save space in the garage, you can pick a bandsaw. It’s because a bandsaw can accomplish most of the tasks that a table saw regularly does. Picking up a bandsaw won’t be the wrong decision for you.
