Band saw vs Table Saw- [Detailed Discussion]

Although the woodworking industry boasts hundreds of useful and practical tools, the classic debate always ends up being Band saw vs Table Saw. And it is not surprising that almost all woodworkers are divided into two teams when it comes to “Which is better, table saw, or band saw?“

Honestly speaking, when it comes to performing long and repetitive rip cuts, both band saw and table saw works great.  Some professionals prefer using the table saw, while others always bank their vote for the band saw. 

But what happens when a beginner or mid-level woodworker wants to get a powerful, versatile, practical, and long-lasting power saw? Which one should he buy between the table saw and band saw? 

You will have to read our article to get the answer to all these questions. 

Difference Between  Band Saw Vs Table Saw

There’s no doubt that both table saw and band saw are handy cutting machines. Also, both power saws offer premium-level multipurpose use. So, before we initiate the iconic debate of table saw vs. band saw, let’s have an in-depth look at both the saw types first.

Band Saw Description 

So, what is a band saw? 

Shorty putting, a band saw is characterized by the serrated blade. It runs in a loop continuously with the two attached pulley mechanisms. The serrated blades of the band saw specializes in cutting thick materials, which is its biggest advantage. 

Professionals use the band saw to cut various materials of different thicknesses. Also, it is usable for most cutting materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. You might see a band saw in the meat shops because the meat band saw is used widely in the butcher shops.

Band Saw Pros

Curves cut: Professionals use the band saw mainly to perform the curved cuts with enhanced accuracy. 

Versatile usability: One of the best benefits of using the band saw is its ability to rip through most woodworking materials. You can use it to cut wood, plywood, metals, MDF, and plastics easily.  Also, butchers use it to slice through the meats with its thin design and serrated tooth. 

Thick material cutting capacity: A band saw cuts different materials and cuts the thickest material at ease. Indeed, a band saw can cut through materials well over 3.5″, which most power saw can’t do. 

Quieter operation: A band saw is one of the quietest power tools you will ever see.  When you plan to use a bandsaw in a residential space, you won’t have to disturb neighbors, thanks to its quiet operation. 

Safer use: A band saw is far safer than a table saw. Forbes report on the power tool hazards placed table saw on the list of most dangerous power tools. It caused more than 50% of the power saw injuries. On the contrary, a band saw is much safer and causes only 5% to 7% power saw related injuries. 

Band Saw Cons

Power lack:  Band saw is not as powerful as a table saw and circular saw. It doesn’t have the potential to cut large materials.

Groove and bevel cuts: A band saw doesn’t allow you to adjust heights. So, bevel and groove cuts are not possible with it. 

Rough cuts: A band saw will leave rough marks on the cutting edges. You will have to sand them to make the edges smooth.

Table Saw Description

Keep aside the debate Band saw vs Table Saw; a woodworking workshop is nearly incomplete without a table saw. As the name suggests, a table saw comes with a table that works as a work surface to rest the cutting material on it. 

A table saw provides adjustments for height, blade depth, interchangeable blades, and a fence system for accurate cuts. 

Table Saw Pros

Quick cuts: A table saw equips with one of the most powerful motors and blades in the woodworking industry. So, you will get fast and efficient cuts with the least hassle. 

Cutting depth adjustment: The newest models of the table saw allow users to adjust the cutting depth of the blade. So, you can cut the material according to your necessity, no less or no more. 

Bevel cutting capacity: A table saw is the master of performing bevel cuts. It comes with a tilting wheel that lets the quick bevel angle adjustment and cut. 

Versatile power saw: There’s hardly any power tool as universal as the table saw. You can quickly attach a miter gauge or other type of jigs to perform various cuts with the table saw. 

Accuracy: Thanks to the attached fence guiding system, the table saw offers the most accurate cuts. It doesn’t leave any harsh marks as the band saw does. 

Table Saw Cons

Less safe: A table saw is one of the most dangerous power tools. In fact, most of the injuries caused by a power saw are attributed to the table saw. 

Noisy operation: A table saw is very noisy. It comes with a powerful motor, and the blade runs faster. These two accounts for such a noisy process. 

Works best only for wood: The most unfortunate thing about the table saw is that its versatility comes beneficial only for the wood. It doesn’t work with the metal and MDF. 

Table Saw Vs Band Saw–The Key Differences.

The following table will show the key differences between the table saw and the band saw in a nutshell. It will help you understand how to know the effectiveness of the two power saws better.

Key Points	Table Saw	Band Saw
Blade type	Table saw operates with a regular circular saw blade.	The blade is serrated and has a thin metal band on which the teeth are located.
Working process	You need to push the workpiece to the circular blade.	You have to push the cutting material towards the straight serrated blade.
Cutting types	The table saw offers straight, bevel, and miter cuts.	A band saw provides straight and miter cuts mostly. It also performs curved cuts.
Cutting material	Table saw works mostly on wood and plastics.	The band saw can cut most of the materials, including wood, hard metals, plastics, MDF, and meat.
Kerf	Broader kerf	Thin kerf
Safety	Not so safe	One of the safest power tools
Noise level	Extreme	Low to moderate
Works best for	Repetitive cross cuts, rip cuts, grooves, tongues, dadoes, etc.	Resawing, curved cuts, decorative cuts.

Which of the Two Should You Use?

So, now the discussion comes to the all-important question, “Which is better table saw or bandsaw?” Shortly putting, it depends on the specific type of cut and material you will be working with the power saw. 

So, here’s the result- 

Rip cuts: A table saw works best for long rip cuts, square cuts, and sizing the large woods into a more manageable size. 

Miter and bevel cuts: Both table saw and band saw can perform accurate miter cuts. However, bevel cuts with the band saw is tricky. We recommend using the table saw for bevel cuts since you can quickly adjust the blade’s cutting angle with it. 

Grooves, tongues, and dadoes:  All these cuts are either step or blind cuts. So, you will need to adjust the height of the workbench for it. It means you will need to use the table saw for it since the band saw doesn’t have the height and depth adjusting capacity. 

Curved cuts and irregular decorative shapes: A band saw is easily the winner here. It makes curved cuts and irregular shapes with the best perfection. 

How to Avoid Table Saw Accidents

1. When it comes to rip cuts, use a band saw, or a track saw instead of the table saw. 
2. When you perform rip cuts with the table saw, always use an automatic stock feeder 
3. Operate the cutting material with a quality push stick 
4. Always use a high-quality feather board 
5. On a table saw, if possible, use a blade splitter 
6. Always wear protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and work boots. 
7. Avoid wearing long sleeves and loosely fitted clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion 

So, here’s the sum-up of the discussion on the Band saw vs Table Saw. You need to have both the table saw and band saw for professional purposes and construction sites. While the table saw can perform long rip cuts and crosscuts, you will have to deal with the grooves, tongue, and dado cuts with the band saw. 

Hence, both power tools are an integral part of the furniture-making industry.  Also, a table saw is suitable for large projects with its potent motor and stealthy blade. But band saws aren’t lagging behind either, thanks to its curved and decorative cutting capacity.