Band Saw vs Table Saw | Which One Is The Best For What Job

Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 08:28 pm

If you are trying to decide between a band saw vs table saw, you need to get your priorities straight. You should know what you need the tool for. Is it for a small shop or a workshop? An amateur and a professional will necessarily have different tools.

The reserved space will determine the size of the saw you will buy. The following evaluation will tell you how and under what conditions you can safely use the particular tool so that you do not buy a tool about which you have no idea. The advantages and disadvantages will show you which saw tool suits you.

Overview of the Band saw

The blade of the band saw is not solid as standard blades. It does not have a circular plate of steel with carbide teeth. It is narrow, flexible and has teeth on one edge of the band saw. The band saw is ideal for cutting curves and tricky shapes. 

The blade easily maneuvers in such spaces, unlike the circular blade limited to straight lines. The narrow blade keeps the workpiece solid on the table while cutting. Chances are low that it will slip off the saw. That is safer regardless of the type of cuts you are working on. 

When working on cutting tapers, you need to draw guidelines, make cuts slightly outside the lines and add some strokes, removing the saw marks. That way, you will get a smooth surface. Resawing makes the cut thin from a thick surface. That process becomes easy and affordable on materials that attract more costs. 

Pros

• Flexible blade
• Ideal for curves and odd shapes
• Easy blade system
• Solid 
• Smooth

Cons

• It requires additional finishing
• It is not versatile

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Key Features of the Band saw

Bandwheels

It is a mechanism by which power moves from the motor to the blade. The wheels need to be sturdy to contain the vibration that comes with the process. Accurate blade tracking and proper tyres are needed. The balanced iron cast wheels are durable. They withstand the pressure of larger blades.

Blade tensioning

There is a need for proper blade tensioning so that the machine remains safe to use and accurate. Consistency is key in cutting. Straight, uniform and smooth cuts have to be maintained. The spring tightens the blade and a tensile force of up to 20,000psi is applied. However, it goes up to 30,000 psi. You may use a bi-metal blade as they are stronger. 

Motor

The motor is like the CPU of a computer. That is important before you buy a saw. It should be strong enough to withstand the pressure of different types of materials. A motor with a cooling system is what I recommend since it is zero tolerance for noise. Mechanically braked motors are safe and efficient as they can stop the machine in 10 seconds. 

Overview of the Table Saw

A table saw is a standard woodworking machine that is precise and easy to use. Although power tools like circular saws and miter saws offer the same activities, a table saw offers. It remains an efficient power tool amongst them. 

Convenience is one of its strengths. You have visibility when you are using the power tool. A table saw is ideal for heavy-duty projects. However, it does not mean you cannot use it on a small piece. 

It is ideal for a shop and straight cuts. That is the reason why it is popular in furniture shops. Straight cuts are not complicated. The tool is ideal for beginners who rarely work on complicated surfaces. 

Pros

• Precise
• Ease of use.
• Convenient.
• Great visibility.
• Ideal for straight cuts.

Cons

• It is bigger.
• It is a bit heavy.

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Key features of the Table saw

Fence system

When using the rip fence on the saw, the edge of the material you are working on has to ride up against the fence, and it must be straight. The workpiece does not have to rotate as it goes through the blade. 

Miter gauge

The miter gauge guides the workpiece when you are running a crosscut task. The edge of the workpiece has to face the miter gauge. That makes straight cuts possible and accurate. 

Safety features

The blade spins in an upward/forward motion, and there are chances that it can come back to the user in a harmful way. These are called kickbacks. To avoid kickbacks, ensure that you stand to the side of the workpiece while working on the blade. Splitters, riving knives, anti-kickback pawls and blade covers are safety features that keep you away from injuries. You need to read the manual to use each piece of equipment appropriately. Proper tuning and setup ensure you a safe experience.

Pro Tip: You may also like Free Table Saw Maintenance Checklist.

Similarities

• The Band saw, and Table saw are both tools that are accessible and available around the globe.
• They both have ease of use.
• They are b0th used for cutting materials. 
• They have a cutting blade with teeth.
• They operate by moving the piece through the blade assembly. 
• They both make quick straight cuts.
• They both work on a variety of materials.
• They allow you to change the blade with ease. 

Differences between band saw and a table saw

• The band saw has a narrow blade, whereas the table saw comes with a standard circular blade with carbide teeth. 
• The band saw is ideal for circular and odd parts, whereas the Table saw is meant for straight cuts.
• A table saw is more dangerous to use. 
• A band saw allows you to make intricate cuts, unlike the Table saw.

Cost

A table saw averages between 250 to 500, whereas a band saw ranges from 100 to 5,000. 

Verdict on the bandsaw vs table saw

Choosing the best saw between the band saw, and table saw depends on some factors. You might have a planned budget and a functional workshop, but that does not mean you know what you want. For straight surfaces, you need a table saw. For curved and odd parts, you need a band saw. The straight blade works in such tricky places. For tight-budget users, I recommend getting a table saw. See our best band saw for resawing.