Miter saw, and table saw are efficient power tools that help you perform cutting jobs in no time. Whether you are a craftsman or a beginner DIYer, you should understand the difference between a miter saw and a table saw, and in what situation you should use the specific power tool and why.
These power tools perform the same cutting job but are different in use, versatility, cut types, and working principles. We often confuse the uses of a miter saw with a table saw.
This is why I am here to guide you regarding the difference between both powerful tools. In this review, you will learn about a miter saw vs. table saw and in what situation do we use these tools.
What We Have Covered
Which Saw Is For You? – Table Saw vs Miter Saw
Miter Saw
Miter saw is a type of power saw used for making angular cuts. It comes with a base and a circular blade that is fixed to a swing arm. While making cuts, you put down the swing to get the desired result.
Miter saw is similar to a table saw in construction; both the saws come with a circular blade, but the mechanism is different. Miter saw is best for making cuts to form door frames, picture frames, and window frames.
Miter saw does not come with a stand and sits on a working bench, making it easy for users to work for long hours. There are two types of miter saws. The basic miter saw is best for angled and cross cuts, whereas the compound miter saw cuts with a bevel.
Using a double bevel miter will enhance the speed of your work as it can cut accurately in both directions. Carpenters prefer this power tool for the construction of the home and building. Miter saw is not suitable for making cuts on a large scale.
Table Saw
The table saw is another powerful tool that comes with a fixed circular blade built into a table. The blade is bulged out of the table. It also has a motor fixed under the table, enabling the saw to cut the materials efficiently.
For safety, the blades are covered with a guard that keeps the saw from kickbacks.
Moreover, this tool is used to perfectly cut wood, metals, plastics, and other materials. Usually, woodworkers prefer to use a table saw than a miter saw because of the extensive cutting work.
The table saw is heavier inbuilt and is challenging to move from one place to another. It is best for making angular, cross cuts, and ripping. If you want to cut a large wood slab, the table saw is best for you.
Difference Between Miter Saw and Table Saw
Usage
Miter saw and a table saw both are different in terms of usage. A table saw is used for general-purpose cutting whereas, a miter saw is used for cutting specific angular and crosscuts.
For cutting large wood panels and slabs, a table saw is the best power tool. In contrast, a miter saw can crosscut small materials with an average of 7 to 8 inches.
Working Principle
A table saw is a tool attached to a table with a fixed circular blade. If you want to cut a piece of wood, you have to bring wood near the rotating blade and get the desired cut.
In contrast, the miter saw is not fixed to a table, and for cutting a piece of wood, you will fix the woodblock and bring the saw near the wood piece to cut it effortlessly.
Precision
The miter saw is best for getting a precise cut. With angled cuts and bevel cuts, you can get desired cuts with exact shapes. In contrast, you can not get precise cuts with a table saw because of the rotatory blade.
If you want to get an accurate cut, it will take longer than the average time. If you want to get a miter cut using a table saw in less time, you need a miter gauge or sled as an additional tool to complete your work.
Portability
A miter saw does not come with a fixed table, so it is easier to move in terms of portability. You can take it to your work location without any hassle. A table saw is heavy and comes with a fixed table which is not easier to move from one place to another.
Some table saws come with a movable table, but still, they are heavier than a miter saw. I would suggest a compound miter saw for professional use because this saw is compact in design and highly portable.
Cost
The prices of the table saw and the miter saw is the same. If you are going for a well-known brand, both the power tools will cost you almost the same. The prices can vary from store to store. Whether you choose a table saw, or miter saw, look for the one that suits your needs.
FAQs
How to get precise miter cuts from table saw?
A table saw can not do cut cross cuts and angular cuts precisely. If you try to make precise cuts with the help of a table saw, it will take a longer time than usual.
You can use additional accessories to attach it with a table saw and get a precise cut you desire in no time. To get an accurate cut, use a sled, or miter gauge with a table saw.
What is the difference between a table saw and a miter saw?
A miter saw, and a table saw are the powerful tools used to cut material. These tools have a circular blade. The significant difference is that a table saw comes with a fixed table, and a blade is bulged out of a slit.
Moreover, a motor is attached beneath the table. In contrast, a milter saw is not attached to a table and also has a circular blade. Furthermore, it is portable and easy to carry to different work locations than a table saw.
Can I use the miter saw on the table?
Yes, you can use a miter saw on the table. Miter saw is portable and has a moderate weight which can easily be placed anywhere you want.
You can place a miter saw on a table or a floor depending upon your work need. The miter saw makes precise angled cuts and crosscuts, so you can use it anywhere you want.
Conclusion
It is essential to use the appropriate tools for a specific task to get quality results. Miter saw is ideal for minor cuts, while a table saw is best for making significant cuts.
If you are a beginner or a professional, knowing the exact use of a power tool will help you get your job done with ease. It was a detailed review of the miter saw vs. table saw to guide the usage and comparison of these power tools.