Table Saw Vs Miter Saw | Comparison & Uses Explained 2024

Formerly, a logger would use a hand saw to cut wood in the days of yore. It takes a lot of time and energy to cut a big wood piece with a hand saw. By good fortune and with technological advancement, this issue has been resolved. Now, there are many machines that cut wood in a matter of a few minutes. Read more about Table Saw Vs Miter Saw.

Both of these machines affirm accuracy and precision in the work they are programmed to do. Both of them are driven by motors that run the circular blade through a belt or gear system. The purpose of both the machines is essentially the same, except they differ from each other in many ways. We will discuss in the section below how a table saw and miter saw work and how they are different from each other.

Table Saw

The table saw has turned the whole woodworking world and has helped it flourish to extreme lengths. Carrying out large woodwork projects used to be a headache as it not only took a lot of time but also all the energy of a person. Then came the table saws, which have literally become the strength of woodworkers. A table saw is used to cut large pieces of wood used for commercial use. Here are the best table saws you can use to cut wood.

How A Table Saw Work

As the name suggests, a table saw consists of a saw fixed on a tabletop. You place the workpiece on the tabletop, and it is then fed to the saw to make cuts on it. Nowadays, table saws are designed so that the blade can be raised or lowered that determines the depth of the cut. The blade is located at the center of the table; therefore, you can place the workpiece on the table and feed it to the blade.

Components Of a Table Saw

As far as a table saw is concerned, it is more mechanically complex than a miter saw. It consists of a firm and sturdy table with durable legs that sits firmly on the ground to prevent vibrations during operation. Besides that, it consists of a blade that is driven by a motor through a belt or gear system. In addition to that, a table saw also comes with a miter gauge that holds the workpiece at an angle you want to cut it at. Also have a look at the list of best Miter Saws available in the market.

Apart from that, the table saw might also have a dust port or dust collection system that collects all the sawdust created while you are working with wood. This allows for blockade-free operation. Adding to that, it is equipped with a handwheel that is used to raise or lower the position of the blade to get the desired depth of cuts. Lastly, the table saw also has an adjustable fence system that holds the workpiece firmly in one place to get precise cuts.

Miter Saw

Quite the opposite, a miter saw is a handheld machine that allows you to make precise angled cuts on wood and considered as the alternative of table saw. To a wood strip, you need to place the workpiece on a surface narrower than the wood piece itself. While cutting the angles or bevels on the workpiece, you need to adjust the angle of the blade by positioning your hand. Also, you need to lower or raise the blade yourself to get the desired depth of the cuts.

Major Differences Between Table Saw and Miter Saw

While this is a hard decision to make, which saw is better because each one has its own benefits and setbacks. We can, however, make a comparison of both for you to decide which one is your favorite. The main difference between each is that a miter saw is used for small-scale projects, whereas a table saw is used for commercial projects.

1. Which One Cuts Large Wood Pieces?

The answer to this question is obvious, as we have discussed above: a table saw is used for industrial purposes and can cut large wood pieces. This is because the table saws come with powerful motors and a table for supporting the wood pieces. You can set the blade at a certain angle and position and feed the workpiece to the blade for cutting. On the other hand, a miter saw isn’t powerful enough to cut large wood as they are handled manually.

2. Cutting At Angles

Miter saw is the chief for cutting the wood at an angle. Miter saws have been widely used in the trim carpentry sector. Moreover, miter saws can easily cut wood pieces at an angle because it has a swiveling head. You can easily swivel it to the sides to cut the wood piece at the angle you want. On the other hand, cutting wood at an angle is a hassle as you have to manually adjust the workpiece at the desired angle.

3. Which One Can Cut Better Bevels

By now, you might be pretty aware of what bevels are. They are used to smoothen out the edges in trim works. Cutting bevels on a workpiece requires advanced carpentry skills as it is a work of art. Now, for cutting bevels, the miter saw stands proud as it can get you smooth and accurate bevels. You can easily tilt the miter saw to cut the most accurate bevels you have ever seen. On the contrary, cutting bevels using a table saw can be a bit of an inconvenience. You need to adjust the angle of the blade from below to cut bevels. Unless you are an expert carpenter with advanced skills, there can be many nuisance-cutting bevels on the workpiece.

4. Portability

It is pretty obvious which machine is portable. Miter saw usually weighs from 30 to 50 pounds and can be moved around easily from one place to another. It can also be bolted to a bench or counter to make it immobile. On the other hand, table saws are heavy machines weighing up to 300 pounds or more, and usually, they are stationed at one place. Some of the table saws come with wheels located at the legs of the machines. You can move them at short distances; however, you cannot easily accommodate them in your cars. Miter saws are generally more portable as they can easily be accommodated in your cars.

5. Precision And Accuracy

Talking of precision, a miter saw is definitely more precise in the cuts than a table saw. The reason why is because, during the cutting process, the workpiece is held closely and firmly against the fence in the miter saw, which renders the smoothest cuts. On the other hand, there is a constant change of pressure on the wood piece, and the workpiece keeps on moving, which might cause a slight craggy edge.

6. Versatility

When it comes to versatility, the table saw steals the show. It can create any cut regardless of the size and width of the wood piece. It might not be as precise as the miter saw, but you can add some accessories to it to add precision to your work. Moreover, a table saw is used for large-scale projects, whereas a miter saw is generally used for trim work and DIY projects.

7. Safety And Cost

Miter saw is safer than a table saw because there are fewer chances of binding or kickback when using the miter saw. On the other hand, there have been many instances of injuries and kickbacks when using a table saw. Kickback happens when the workpiece recoils back, or your hand gets injured by the blade. As far as the cost is concerned, table saws are more expensive as they are used for commercial purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, a miter saw, or table saw?

A table saw is more versatile and can carry out any cut that a miter saw can. The only setback is that a table saw isn’t as precise as a miter saw is. However, you can add some accessories to your table saw to bring precision to your work. If you are an amateur, you should perfect your skills with a miter saw first before moving to work with a table saw.

Do I really need a miter saw?

Miter saw is a great tool used for squaring, beveling, or trimming a workpiece. Miter saw is quick and renders ultimate precision in your work. However, if you are a professional carpenter, you can get the work done using a table saw. An amateur needs to perfect their skills using a miter saw before using more complex machines.

Is table saw dangerous?

A table saw can be dangerous if used without taking preventive measures. There are a lot of chances of kickbacks which can be quite injurious. You need to be an expert in using a table saw to prevent any injury. You can minimize the risks of injuries by taking preventive measures.