If your budget allows, buy a table saw first, then get a circular saw later. A table saw can do essentially everything a circular saw can, and typically, can do it better. However there are a few circumstances where a circular saw is preferred over a table saw.
Those include:
- Budget constraints
- Portability needs or limited workspace
- Projects with minimal precision need
Table Saw vs. Circular Saw - Which is best for you?
For the typical homeowner that does a few repairs and small projects every few months, then a circular saw (also called a framing saw) will suffice for most projects. If you have regular weekend projects or are undertaking a single larger project (home renovation, deck build, furniture, etc.), then a table saw is the recommended choice.
Here are the reasons why...
Why is a table saw better than a circular saw?
Why choose a table saw over a circular saw? 2 reasons - here's why:
- Ability to make different types of cuts
- Repeatability of accurate and precise of cuts
Ability to make different types of cuts
Table saws are undisputedly more versatile in regards to the types of cuts you can make. Even if you don't know what the types of cuts are below you'll have them at your disposal when, not if, you need them.
- Rip cut
- Cross cut
- Bevel cut
- Miter cut
- Dado cut
Furthermore, with each different type of cut you can make, the table saw opens up the possibility to create (or purchase) different types of jigs for repeatable cuts. Here's a brief list of the types of jigs you can make for a table saw:
- Crosscut sled
- Miter sled
- Taper jig
- Jointer jig
- Tenon jig
- Half-lap joint jig
- Dowel jig
- Panel raising jig
There are dozens, if not hundreds of different jigs that can be made for the table saw and be further customized to your specific project.
But what about the accuracy of these cuts?
Repeatability of Accurate and Precise Cuts
Regardless of the type of cut you're making, you will always have a straight edge to use with the table saw - your table saw fence. The table saw fence allows you to easily adjust the distance between the table saw blade and the location of your cut and then lock that distance into place.
This means that your cuts will always be consistent and relatively straight compared to that of a circular saw. Unless you use a guide rail, speed square, or other straight edge, you'll have a difficult time achieving a straight cut with your circular saw. Any craftsman or woodworker will attest to the importance of accuracy and consistency of your cuts.
If you plan on doing projects regularly or have a single project in mind, a table saw makes the most sense due to the repeatability of the cut. For example, if you're building a table , you'll need to make sure each table leg is exactly the same - length, width, depth, taper, etc. Thus, you'll be making the same cut for however many legs you'll have on the table.
The consistency of those legs is critical - you don't want a table that rocks back and forth because the legs are different lengths. With a table saw you can dial in your cuts to thousandths of an inch - a task that's incredibly difficult with a circular saw.
Why choose a circular saw over a table saw?
The two main reasons you'd choose a circular saw over a table saw are:
- Portability
- Price
Portability
Simply said, a table saw cannot go everywhere a circular saw can. Sometimes you want to have the tool in one place while you move the wood and other times you want to have the wood in place while you move the tool - here are a few of those scenarios.
- You're cutting a deck with an angled side. You don't want to measure each individual plank, cut, then attach. Instead, it's easier to let them hang off the side, then cut along the edge.
- You have a 4'x8' sheet of plywood you need to cut lengthwise. You can do this on a table saw, but a circular saw with a straight edge is often easier for beginners.
- You're working away from a nearby outlet and only need to make several smaller cuts.
- You're repairing a structure and it's not possible to move the work piece to the table saw.
- You need to make a plunge cut. *This is possible on the table saw, but generally easier with a circular saw.
Price
Most entry level circular saws can be purchased for as little as $30 to $40 as of publishing this article. Most entry level table saws are in the $150 to $200 range. Below you see a comparison of various table saws and their features.
8 Other Factors to Consider Before Purchase - both table saw and circular saw
Corded vs. Cordless Options
Both table saws and circular saws have corded and cordless options. The benefit to cordless is obvious - freedom to move and use the saw without being restricted to a corded power source.
If this is your first saw or one of your first few saws, I'd recommend purchasing a corded model - table saw, or circular saw for a couple of reasons:
- Some battery-powered devices won't have the same power as their corded counterparts.
- If this is your only or one of a few saws, you'll be using it frequently to make cuts. It'll be a hassle to stop midway through a project only to charge a battery. If you want to avoid this, you'll need to purchase at least 1, maybe even 2 or 3, additional batteries - which adds to the upfront cost.
- By going with your first brand, you will it difficult to switch to another brand later if you have a preference for other tools. Batteries are not cross-brand compatible. You want to try and stick with a single brand once you decide all your tools should be cordless.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
Power tools with brushless motors will typically have a higher cost than their standard (brushed) motor counterparts, but offer several benefits, including:
- Increased efficiency - more torque per watt of power.
- Because of the efficiency increase you get a greater power-to-weight ratio of the motor. More power in a lighter package.
- Significantly less friction, which results in less heat generated
- Because of the reduced friction, there's greater reliability, a longer motor lifespan, and quieter operation
Those benefits do come at a cost.
*Table comparing similar brands/models of circular saws and table saws for their brushed vs. brushless components.
Housing Material
With a circular saw, you will want to pay attention to the material that makes contact with the working material (also known as the shoe) and protects the blade (also known as the guard).
Higher-end circular saws use cast magnesium housing for the shoe and blade guard. Economic models may use a plastic blade guard or aluminum shoe that is susceptible to breaking or bending if dropped.
Cast magnesium, when compared to steel, is 75% lighter with no significant loss in strength, according to Chicago White Metal Casting Inc.
Housing material is less important
Blade Diameter
Table saws are most commonly sold with 8.25" and 10" blade diameters. Circular saws are most commonly sold with 7.25" and 6.5" blade diameters. Smaller blades have the benefit of being safer, quieter (typically), and cheaper to replace. You may see some improved cut quality, but this will be difficult to see for the average DIY-er.
Cut Depth
If you're only making flat cuts at 90 degrees, that is, with the blade angled 90 degrees to the work piece, you only need to look at the chart below. A circular saw that uses a 7 1/4" blade is the most commonly used blade size.
If you plan on making any cuts where the blade is below 90 degrees, you'll want to review the chart showing max cut depth at 45 degrees. These are also known as bevel cuts.
In theory you can cut all the way up to the flange nut that holds the blade on; however, you need to take into consideration the footplate and any other structures the saw rests on.
Rip Capacity
Rip capacity is the distance between the table saw fence and the blade. For a circular saw, rip capacity is only limited by the guide you're using. For example, the Kreg Rip Cut allows you to use your circular saw to make straight cuts up to 24 inches wide. This is comparable to Dewalt's compact portable jobsite table saw, which has 24.5" inches wide of capacity.
Dust Collection
Dust collection only becomes a concern if you plan on using a table or circular saw indoors. Sawdust, wood chips, and other debris will cover your garage, shed, home, or wherever you're cutting wood quickly. Investing in a dust collection system is well worth the money when accounting for the time and effort you spend cleaning up saw dust.
Table saws typically have a dust port, which connects to a vacuum system or shop vac for collecting debris and dust as you cut the wood. Some circular saws have these ports, but often require a separately purchased component before they can be attached to the circular saw.
Accessory Availability
Whether you choose a table saw or circular saw, be aware of the accessories available to expand beyond standard function. While a stock table saw may be difficult to cut 4x8 sheets of plywood on, you can purchase an outfeed that makes cutting large stock significantly easier.
There aren't many accessories available for circular saws apart from dust collection attachments and guides or alignments for straighter cuts.
Drive Types in Circular Saws
Worm drive and sidewinder circular saw motors are two types of designs that power circular saws. A saw with a worm drive motor has a greater torque output, making it ideal for cutting through dense or thick material - think hardwoods like white oak. The worm drive motor is angled at 90 degrees to the saw blade where a gear is used to transfer the power from the motor to the blade. The RPM is typically slower, but you get more power with it.
A saw with a sidewinder motor transfers power directly from the motor to the blade, typically without the use of any gear or gear reduction. The result is a fast spinning blade, with slightly less torque. The benefit with a sidewinder drive type is that your saw is typically several pounds lighter than that of a worm drive saw.
For the average DIYer or homeowner, these differences aren't significant. The two main factors you'll want to pay attention to when looking for a specific drive type are: 1 - the weight of the saw and 2 - how comfortable it feels in your hands.
A saw with a sidewinder drive type will have the blade on the right and a saw with a worm drive type will have the blade on the left. See a summary of the differences in the table below.
Safety Features to Consider
Safety is number one, especially when you consider that over 40,000 people go to the emergency room every year for saw-related injuries, according to the NCL.
Below are some of the safety features you'll see on circular saws and table saws. Don't assume that because a table saw has more safety features, it's the safer option. Not all saws have every option - you'll want to check the owner's manual to fully understand the safety features your saw does or does not have.
Circular Saw Safety Features
Retracting Blade Guard
Every modern circular saw should have a retracting blade guard. The retracting blade guard is lifted up when you start cutting and it should close back over the blade after the cut is complete.
Electric Brake
This feature quickly stops the blade from spinning when the trigger is released. When you release the trigger on a saw without an electric break the blade will continue to spin until it stops on its own. An electric break will actively and quickly decelerate the blade after the trigger is released.
Summary
Table saws and circular saws are essential tools for a variety of projects, from simple home repairs to complex woodworking tasks. Table saws offer more power and versatility thanks to their larger table surface area and greater cutting depth. Circular saws are a smaller, more portable option that can handle most projects but may be limited by its blade size and rip capacity. Both saws have the potential for dust collection systems to minimize cleanup time. No matter which type of saw you choose, familiarizing yourself with their features and accessories will help ensure you get the most out of your saw.
FAQs about Table Saw vs Circular Saw
How do I get straight cuts with a circular saw?
The best way to get straight cuts with a circular saw is to use a guide rail, such as Kreg Rip Cut or Festool Guide Rail. These guide rails attach to the saw or work piece and help keep the blade of your circular saw traveling in a straight line while cutting. Additionally, for shorter cuts, you could use a speed square that is aligned with the bottom of the work piece and put the edge of the circular saw against it.
Which saw is better for beginners?
A table saw gives you the most versatility, but has a slightly steeper learning curve. The saw that is truly better depends on the task you’re trying to complete.