Compound Saw vs Table Saw

Compound Saw vs Table Saw

Compound Miter Saw vs. Table Saw

Two power saws that every woodworker eventually encounters are the miter saw, and the table saw. Although they both have the muscle to take on big projects, you can’t substitute one for the other. In general, miter saws make cleaner, more precise cuts but can only make small cuts at a time. Table saws, on the other hand, can make large cuts with ease but not with the same level of accuracy.

This is the main reason you can’t swap one of these power tools for the other without affecting your productivity. Read on to see more differences between compound saws and table saws and to learn how to pick the best option.

Compound Miter Saw


Table Saw


Differences between a Compound Saw and a Table Saw

Cut Capacity

The physical differences between a compound saw, and a table saw are quite obvious. One saw has a stationary blade while the other has a blade that swings up and down, and sometimes, back and forth, as is the case with sliding miter saws.

These configurations handle wood very differently. For instance, the stationary blade of the table saw must be fed by hand (or push stick), whereas the mobile miter saw blade can only cut secured pieces of wood. One saw deals with moving wood; the other moves the blade to cut stationary wood.

This dramatically influences what the two types of power saws can do. The most notable effect of having a swing blade is a reduced cut capacity, which is something miter saws are known to experience. Even with a sliding blade arm, most miter saws can only cut a maximum width of 16 inches. Mid-range table saws have twice the cut capacity of the compound saws.

What this means is:

  • Compound saws have a small cut capacity, so they struggle with large workpieces.

  • Table saws can handle very large pieces of wood due to the stationary position of the blade.

Cut Accuracy

Considering their physical differences, it’s clear why compound miter saws make far more accurate cuts than table saws.

To use a miter saw, you must first secure the piece of wood onto the fence, then move the blade down to make the desired cut. Since the wood does not budge during the process, miter saws can make very accurate cuts.

It’s why carpenters specializing in trim and molding opt for a compound miter saw instead of a table saw. Though the table saw can make the same types of cuts (angled and beveled cuts), moving the workpiece towards the blade sometimes leads to poor cut accuracy.

ALSO READ  DeWALT DCD991 vs DCD996

To summarize, miter saws offer better accuracy than table saws even though both power saws make the same types of cuts.

Ripping Power

If your main reason for getting a power saw is to get more muscle for large projects, then you’re better off with a table saw. 

First of all, a table saw can handle much bigger pieces of wood than a compound miter saw. This is because its cut capacity is not determined by the width of the blade or movement of the sliding arm.

More important to note is that table saws typically have very powerful motors. They are designed specifically to cut through the toughest materials, so whether you’re working with hardwood or pressure-treated lumber is irrelevant since there’s more than enough power at your disposal.

Table saws are designed to accommodate very large workpieces and equipped with the power to rip through tough materials.

Cut Types

Compound saws and table saws can make the same types of cuts. There are three types of cuts commonly used in carpentry.

Angled cuts are made by tilting the blade on a vertical axis to achieve cut angles of 90 and 45 degrees. Such cuts are essential for creating joints and connections for lumber. 

Similar to angled cuts, beveled cuts are made by tilting the blade, this time on a horizontal axis. This technique is also used to create joints and connect pieces of wood together.

You can make all these cuts using a table saw, or a compound miter saw. However, you will get different results from each tool. The miter saw can make such cuts far more accurately due to its design. The movable blade and secured workpiece keep things stable, ensuring clean cuts at any angle.

Although a table saw will make the same cuts easily, it’s not quite the same level of accuracy. Moving wood towards the blade is great for cutting or ripping large pieces at a time, but not so much for making precision cuts.

Portability

Compound miter saws are far more portable than table saws. You can mount one permanently on your bench, but it is mostly designed to move around.

The same can’t be said about most table saws. While this doesn’t apply to all of them (some are extra portable and fitted with wheels), you’re going to have a much harder time moving a table saw than you will with a miter saw.

ALSO READ  Best Rotary Tool for Wood Carving

Cost

Table saws are larger, typically more advanced, and built very durably. It makes sense that they should cost more than miter saws. 

Nevertheless, carpenters insist that a good table saw can be invaluable to your work, especially since they can make all types of cuts and produce enough ripping power for tough types of lumber.

Where you should invest your money is entirely up to two factors:

  • How much cut accuracy matters to you, and;

  • How much power do you need?

Keep in mind that table saws also need a lot more storage space.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Woodworking Tool Guide, we know one size doesn't fit all! We cater to every woodworker, from beginner to pro, with insights and recommendations tailored to your skill level, project needs, and budget. We take the guesswork out of choosing the right tools, whether you're tackling your first crafting a masterpiece for the ages. So grab your chisel, join our community, and let's build something amazing together!

Woodworking Tool Guide wasn't just born, it sprouted from a seed of passion for the craft. What started as a joyful exploration blossomed into a trusted online haven for fellow enthusiasts like you. We pour our love into meticulously chosen review selections, meticulous hands-on testing, and lab-backed insights, all to empower you with reliable, comprehensive information you can build on. So, grab your tools, trust our guidance, and let's build something beautiful together!

Passion-Driven Expertise

Our journey started with a shared love for woodworking. The team behind the Woodworking Tool Guide is comprised of individuals who are not just writers but passionate woodworkers themselves. This shared enthusiasm ensures that our content is crafted with a deep understanding of the craft and an authentic appreciation for quality tools.

Top Tool Guides Online

Woodworking Tool Guide has rapidly ascended to become one of the premier online destinations for tool guidance. Our commitment to excellence and the accuracy of our information has positioned us as a reliable source for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers seeking trustworthy advice on the best tools for their projects.

User-Centric Approach

Our content caters to every woodworker, from rookies just starting out to seasoned pros tackling intricate projects. We tailor our insights and recommendations to your skill level, project needs, and budget, ensuring you find the perfect tools to match your unique woodworking journey. So step into your workshop, grab your tool belt, and let Woodworking Tool Guide be your trusted companion as you craft your masterpieces.

ALSO READ  Best Rotary Tool

Continuous Support and Innovation

Woodworking is an ever-evolving craft, and so is our commitment to supporting you. We are dedicated to bringing you the latest information on woodworking tools, techniques, and trends. Our team is actively working to expand our content and bring you more valuable insights, ensuring that you stay well-informed in your woodworking adventure.

Hands-On Experience

Ditch the endless research rabbit hole! At Woodworking Tool Guide, we believe in actionable advice, not armchair analysis. We get our hands dirty, putting every tool through its paces in real-world woodworking scenarios. Whether it's the precision of a table saw, the versatility of a router, or the tactile satisfaction of a handplane, we test for performance, durability, and user-friendliness. No more sifting through dry specs – we deliver practical insights you can trust to transform your woodworking dreams into reality.

Woodworking Tool Guide isn't just a review site, it's your trusted companion on the sawdust-filled path to woodworking mastery. Our expert team, led by veteran David Jones, meticulously tests and explains tools in terms you understand. We cut through the jargon, bias, and confusion with real-world insights and honest evaluations. Join our passionate community, where decades of experience, cutting-edge knowledge, and shared love for the craft come together to guide you every step of the way. So grab your chisel, buckle up, and let's embark on this exciting woodworking adventure, together!

Final Word

Ultimately, your choice will be influenced by the type of work you do. If you mostly make intricate workpieces such as trim and molding, then accuracy is your best friend. However, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a table saw if you routinely see large cuts of lumber through your wood shop.

The trade-off here is either power or accuracy, so once you establish which is more important to you, you’ll be in a better position to decide which power tool to get.

"This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links."