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Even though table saws are much more common, the track saw has become very popular recently because it is smaller.
Read on if you want to make the most of your time in the workshop by learning which kind of saw is best for your planned tasks.
Doing the work yourself is not fun, especially knowing you force a thick sheet of plywood through a table saw. When you want to cut rapidly and often, a table saw is the perfect equipment to utilize. If you’re curious about how to put a chain back on the chainsaw, you may also see our guide.
In this case, a track saw can save your life. One thing to think about when choosing between them is how stationary a table saw is.
In this article, I’ll elaborate on the details of each option so you can weigh the pros and cons and make an accurate buying decision.
The Work Process Of A Track Saw
This saw is a little, not much bigger than a regular hand saw. In contrast, a track guides the saw, allowing for straight and accurate cuts down the face of a hardwood board.
The saw is often modified to rest stably on the rail. In contrast to a table saw, where the board remains stationary throughout the operation, this saw requires constant movement on the user’s part.
To some extent, this might make you feel like you have more control over your budget reduction. Each kit has a different-sized track, so one can choose the one that works best for your project.
How Useful It Is
The track saw is an awesome piece of equipment for beginners in the woodworking profession since it allows for straight cuts to be made using a saw that is on the smaller side.
To make freehand cuts, you may take off the track and use the saw as a regular handsaw. The term “free cutting” describes this kind of operation.
You’ll need to schedule your work sessions carefully while using a track saw because of how much time is needed for the setup and breakdown processes. As such, this is a limitation of the saw.
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The Work Process Of The Table Saw
It is a massive tool attached to the tabletop. Workplaces with access to professional-grade table saws enjoy greater efficiency and productivity.
While hand saws are held flat and cut down into the wood, these are held at an angle and cut upward. Since the big table saw has so much surface area, it’s simple to put up guides to guarantee your current project is cut straight
What Kinds Of Jobs Require A Table Saw?
The main advantage of this strategy is that the board is divided in the middle. This saw’s blade is protected from pinching by the wood it cuts since the table provides enough undercarriage.
Large tones have a greater in-depth cutting and require less torque to cut large pieces of hardwood than other saws, making them ideal for this task. The massive table saws, however, can do both of these functions
Track Saw vs Table Saw – which is faster in my workshop
What To Expect When Using A Table Saw
Pros
Accuracy and reliability: They quickly and reliably cut almost any parameter. It offers a solid foundation that enables handling the vast majority of materials safely and quickly
Conceivable sawing direction: With this saw, there is only one conceivable sawing direction. Therefore the sawing mechanism and its use are both straightforward and understandable
Built-in dust collector: Only a few versions come with a built-in dust collector; other models could need a separate purchase or membership to enable i
Cons
Movability: Since you must transport them by hand, they must remain in the workshop until you can afford a portable one. As a result, the cutting task may require to be completed elsewhere, which might be challenging if you work alone.
Lengthy Cuts: It is not very effective at creating lengthy crosscuts in the case of huge sheets of fabric or thick materials.
Less Safe: Working with a track saw is often safer than using a table saw. Due to the design of this instrument, the blade is visible, So refrain from touching it. Due to the saw’s cutting mechanism, which pulls objects and substances toward itself, this isn’t always simple.
Not for Beginners: Although this saw’s operating mechanism is simple, it’s not a good pick for beginners. If boards aren’t securely supported and enough pressure isn’t exerted while cutting wood, they may fly away quickly. If the wood is light, the speed might cause damage. Heavy wood may limit the speed.
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Track Saw – What To Expect
Pros
Movable: The mobility of a track saw is one of its benefits, which adds to the tool’s overall utility and the caliber of the cut it produces. This tool shines in most situations since it can remove rough edges, especially on produced goods.
Dust collection: Dust collection is a common feature of power tools, particularly track saws, and helps keep the workspace tidy. This advantage lowers the number of airborne particles and the possibility of sliding and igniting a fire.
Simple Function: The circular saw’s shape makes it simple to perform the plunge-cut operation.
Cons
Limited to certain cuts: Track saws can only produce a certain cut and have a lengthy setup time. You must properly measure the angle before attaching the panel to the surface you’ll be operating on, even if the track aids in creating a smoother cut.
Lengthy rip: Because you need to utilize sawhorses or foam boards to achieve a lengthy rip, many advantages of utilizing a table saw are lost.
Less powerful: The motor of a contractor-grade is far more powerful than a track saw. When cutting through thicker materials like sheets and panels, the instrument performs better than when dealing with thinner materials like solid oak.
Limited to a few angles: Track saws are portable and have a big cutting capacity. However, you may utilize just a few different cuts for your work.
Which Factors Should Be Prioritized?
Popular table saw blade sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches. Cut depth can be between 0 and 30 inches. This blade can cut through wood that is 4 to six inches in width. The blades of hand saws are between 4 and 8 inches long. It can cut wood from 2 to 4 inches thick.
Table saws with bigger blades may be able to do more RPMs. It’s risky to use. It makes sawdust, which can be irritating to the eyes and lungs. Table saws are safer and harder to move than track saws. It makes a lot of wood dust.
See Also: Thickness Of Table Saw Blade
Conclusion
Personal preference will determine whether to use a table or track saw. But each is a useful asset to any workshop. The ideal saw for the work may be chosen if you are familiar with the capabilities and characteristics of the instruments.
When working on difficult projects, a table saw is an invaluable tool to have on hand. To make uniformly sized cuts with a track saw, merely move the rip fence. You should ensure that this satisfies your needs as the two have similar demands.