Chop Saw vs Table Saw | Which One Is Best For What Job?

Last updated on November 18th, 2022 at 11:32 am

Deciding between a chop saw vs table saw is not easy. Both products produce similar cuts and are ideal for everyday tasks. This article will show you what each product offers, its similarities and differences, so you can choose the one that better suits your interests.

You need to consider the size of the project you want to tackle: space is essential, and the type of cuts you expect. You also need to know where you stand as a user. You may be a beginner or a professional. Therefore, the ideal machine for each user differs from the others. Below you will find a detailed study of the projects.

Overview of the Chop Saw

Users may confuse the chop saw with the miter saw due to the similarities these products have. However, a chop saw cuts 90-degree angles, which is big, whereas the miter saw cuts angled or beveled cuts. It is more versatile than the chop as it rotates and pivots to the left and the right. A Chop saw is meant for straight cuts in wood material. It looks almost the same as a circular saw, but they have different features that separate them. 

It is ideal for precise cuts whilst you are using the machine. However, some chop saws are for bevel or angled cuts. When they make these cuts, they are now called miter saws. A chop saw is fast and smooth. They are ideal for cabinetmakers. The blade size determines the thickness of the material that it can rip. The Chop saw uses a circular blade, which is used in industries as it cuts large volumes of heavy-duty material. Chop saws have metal cut-off wheels. 

Most have the standard metal wheel, whereas high-end chop saws have multi-purpose cold cut blades. The saw is left hot after performing the task due to abrasive blades that produce sparks. However, a cold-cut saw does not leave the tool hot. They are aggressive tools that even cut through metal. It performs better on metal when used with a professional. It rips through trusses, joists, rafters and studs. The standard chop saw has a 14inch blade. Freehand chop saws are dangerous, and they need great caution. 

Pros

• Ideal for straights cuts
• Fast and smooth
• Heavy duty
• Standard metal wheel
• Aggressive

Cons

• Non-abrasive blades make sparks, and the tool hot
• It does not work on beveled angles

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Key Features of the Chop saw

Wheels

The D28715 has abrasion wheels that make the tool smooth and fast. An abrasion cut-off wheel makes it possible for the machine to be fast on heavy-duty tasks. These pieces include materials such as steel and iron. The tool is ideal for steel tubing. You can operate it with ease on tough materials.

Blade and Max cutting depth

The sander tool allows the use of multiple blades. The Evolution cutting saw has a quick-change blade system. It cuts through 6mm steel without producing heat and sparks. It has swivel clamping, a mechanism that allows 0-45degree miter cuts.  

Safety features

 The chop saw has a quick-lock vice system that makes the tool safe. It locks the material when running the machine. It does not move or slip away. That is ideal for 14inch saw machines that can make 4,000 rotations per minute. That is faster hence the need for a locking system.

Amp motor

The soft-start increases the lifespan of the saw motor. The Dewalt Chop saw has 5.5 horsepower, the maximum motor that gives more overload capacity. The Evolution chop saw has a 15 amp saw engine that produces 1450 rotations per minute. 

Fence system

The quick-fence system does not include the use of wrenches. You are allowed to manipulate the material. You make angles of your choice between o and 45 degrees. 

Overview of the Table Saw

There are two types of cuts that you make with the table saw. The rip cut is the cut you make on a wood, following the grain. Cutting against the grain and slicing the wood in half is cross-cutting. The cross-cut has to work on a thin piece of wood. What is unique about a table saw is the ability to withstand longer and wider materials. It is bigger and ideal for materials that require longer cuts. There are table saws that come with additional shelf space. The shelf is either on the right or left side of the blade. 

The Rockwell Tabletop Saw has onboard accessory storage that keeps extra blades, the miter gauge, and the rip fence. That brings convenience to the user when you need to replace your blade. There are also industrial table saws with large surfaces and workbench table saws that are ideal for DIY enthusiasts. The solid base makes the tool sturdy as it stays in place. You connect your tool to a dust management system that keeps you healthy from diseases caused by inhaling dust saw. The blade on a table saw is fixed. 

The height is adjustable as you raise it lower or higher, depending on the thickness of the wood you are working on. The blade is stationary. For accuracy, the blade guard and rails guide the material. There are four types of table saws. These are the bench, contractor, cabinet and hybrid table saw. The contractor and the cabinet table saws are portable for household activities. The cabinet table saw combines the two, and the hybrid table saw is a heavy-duty table saw.

Pros

• Onboard accessory storage 
• Adjustable blades
• Accurate
• Effective dust management system
• Specific table saws for different locations

Cons

• High noise level
• A bit unstable

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Key features of the table saw

Motor

The size of the horsepower measures the cutting power. Light duty bench saws are compatible with the 3/4hp to 1.5hp. They cut up to 5/8 inch thick material. Large table saws come with 2hp to 5hp motors. The cabinet table saw is compatible with the 5hp motor. Make sure that the table saw has a powerful cooling system. The 5-hp Unisaw with a 52inch Biesemeyer fence has a Marathon motor that tackles demanding tasks. As much as it can be a heavy tool, it must make easy cuts.

Blade size

When manufacturers are naming a table saw, they are after the blade size. Table saws come with circular blades, and the 10-inch is the standard blade. The blade is adjustable depending on the material you are working on. 

Cutting depth

The type of cut depends on the width of the blade. Shallow cuts attract wider blades. A 10inch blade can make a deep cut of up to 3.5inches. A 12inch table saw makes a deep cut of up to 4inches. 

Fence options

The fence used is the adjustable guide that makes your material stay in place whilst you are cutting. The T-square is the standard fence. It is ideal for most cuts. Specialty fences have a micro-adjust feature. The Vega U26 Table saw has micro-adjustment table support. You are allowed to fine-tune the measurements of the cut. Some saws come with extendable fences that take care of large materials. Some do have magnifiers for better visibility.

Rip capacity

The rip capacity ranges from 18 inches for entry-level to 60 inches for high-end saws. I recommend a table saw that rips larger materials with accuracy. However, it also depends on the ideal materials you will be working on.

Similarities

• They both have circular blades.
• They are both precise.
• The depth and angle of both products are under control. 
• They are easy to use.
• They are both portables.

Differences between a chop saw and a table saw

• A Chop saw is meant for straight and 90-degree cuts, whereas a  Table saw has a rip cut and crosscut.
• A Table saw is meant for wood, and a Chop saw is versatile as it rips through metal and wood.
• A Chop saw is ideal for industrial shops, whereas a Table saw is suitable for both professionals and beginners.
• A Chop saw is more aggressive than a Table saw.
• A Table saw is ideal for multiple ranges of cuts, whereas the chop saw is ideal for accurate and crosscuts.
• A Chop saw is smaller than a Table saw.

Cost Comparison | chop saw vs table saw

The price of a table saw differs depending on the type and the features. A tight budget attracts a table saw that ranges from 250 to 500. Midrange table saws range from 300 to 600 and commercial ones from 2300 to 5000. Chop saws also range from 200. They are more affordable than a Table saw.

Pro Tip: You may also like our Table Saw Comparison to the Cabinet Saw.

Verdict on the table saw vs chop saw

Your use case and product features will determine your best choice. However, you may need the device for the same workplace. Therefore, you need to consider the additional features of each product. A table saw is ideal if you are concerned with mobility and size. If you need a saw for your workshop, a chop saw is a sturdy tool that can handle heavy-duty tasks. If you need a saw for your items at home, I recommend the table saw. For a more affordable tool, a chop saw is a perfect tool.