Track Saw vs. Table Saw – Which to buy first?

If you are only cutting large sheet goods like plywood, then a track saw is the better option. 

For those in the remodeling or construction world, both are preferred. Track saws are more portable and will generally perform cleaner cuts on sheet goods than a table saw will without sacrificing any accuracy. 

The caveat is that a track saw is more of a specialty tool than a table saw. It’s really good at one job, cutting sheet goods, but can’t do much else. While a table saw is one of the, if not the most, versatile tool in the workshop. 

Benefits of a Track Saw

• Easy to move from one location to the next
• Safer to operate for new DIY-ers
• Greater precision and accuracy in cuts on large material
• Cleaner cuts, less tear out
• Ability to perform plunge cuts safely and effectively
• Ability to cut sheet goods at angles other than 90 degrees
• Easy to get accurate results solo

Benefits of a Table Saw

• Repeatable cuts are faster and easier
• Easy to switch from a cut at one width to the next one quickly
• Essentially, a limitless number of jigs can be made for various cuts
• Arguably the most versatile in the workshop

Track Saw vs. Table Saw - Head to Head Comparison

• 4x8 sheet goods
• Repeatable rip cuts
• Long mitered or angled cuts
• Space considerations in the shop
• Quality of cuts
• Versatility

Cutting 4x8 sheet goods

Winner: Track Saw

Ever tried moving a ¾” sheet of plywood off the middle-tier shelf at Home Depot? I’ve been there too - it isn’t fun. Neither is trying to move that 4’x8’ sheet of plywood through a job site table saw with no in-feed or out-feed supports. It’s very difficult to get an accurate cut safely. 

A track saw is the clear winner here. In case you’re still going to try to get that 4’x8’ sheet through your jobsite saw, instead try using one of the DIY methods listed below. It’s safer, more accurate, and costs essentially nothing. 

Performing repeatable rip cuts

Winner: Table Saw

Here’s the scenario: Your project requires 8 pieces of ¾” MDF cut into 1’ x 4’ pieces. You thought ahead at the home improvement store and asked them to cut the larger sheet of MDF into 4 pieces of 2’x4’ sheets. Now you have at least 4 additional cuts to make and it’s crucial they are all exactly the same. 

Resetting the track saw is time intensive and there’s a greater likelihood the finished pieces may be slightly off. You won’t have this issue on a table saw. Set the fence and start cutting.

Performing long mitered or angled cuts

Winner: Track Saw

You’ve finished the top to your dining room table or executive desk. You want to give it a slightly mid-century modern look by beveling the edges. Unless you have an industrial sized table saw or extended fence, it’s not practical to move this piece through a table saw. 

Instead, this is a scenario where keeping the workpiece stationary and moving the saw is the better option. It’s easier to control a 12lb saw than it is to control a several hundred pound slab of wood. 

Space considerations

Winner: Track Saw

The tracks to a track saw can break apart and can easily be reconnected. An 8 ¼” compact table saw at best still takes up significant space, even without a stand. 

Tool versatility 

Winner: Table Saw

Sleds, jigs, templates, accessories, and more. There’s 10 different variations of the same jig for a table saw, each with their own unique purpose. Each jig or sled is even more customizable to your specific needs and more. A track saw has one specific purpose and it does it well; but that doesn’t make it at all versatile. 

Cut quality

Winner: Draw

Cut quality is heavily dependent on the material, blade being used, power behind the blade, and the preparation done. Achieving a clean cut is more heavily dependent on the operator than it is the tool. An expensive, high-end tool can still produce bad results in unskilled hands, while an entry-level tool can produce exceptional results in experienced hands. 

Track Saw vs. Table Saw - Which is best for you?

The ideal saw for you depends on the use-case. 

If the majority of your cuts are cross cuts and rip cuts through plywood or cleaning up long edges, a track saw is a no-brainer. Most woodworkers that have a track saw use it to clean up the edges of tables, desks, and other pieces of furniture that are greater than an inch thick. 

One of the primary benefits of a track saw is the ease of performing plunge cuts. The depth adjustment makes it easy for you to quickly perform multiple passes on a single cut line. 

However, if this is your first tool, get the table saw. There is much greater versatility with the table saw, and you can make an effective jig for your cirular saw that performs similar to the track saw. 

At the end of the day, having both is a huge advantage. More tools give you greater flexibility in accomplishing varying tasks.

Inexpensive track saw alternatives

With a high-quality track saw running close to $400 or more, here are some inexpensive alternatives that achieve a similar, if not the same result:

1. Kreg Accu-Cut Track Guide System
2. DIY Track Saw (see video below) 
3. Straight Edge + Clamps 

Kreg’s Accu-Cut system turns any circular saw into a track saw with its universal mounting system. The edge is custom fit to your saw so you can get a perfect zero clearance insert that helps to prevent any blowout. The edge guard that helps to prevent blowout and the alignment system are the main advantages, as with the other 2 alternatives, you’ll need to spend a little more time with aligning them.  

FAQs about Track Saws vs. Table Saws

Is a track saw as accurate as a table saw?

On larger sheet goods, the track saw is often more accurate, especially when there is only one person doing the work. Cutting a 4’x8’ piece of plywood alone is difficult to align on the table saw. The track saw is easier to align and get a clean cut. 

Can a track saw do everything a table saw can?

No, a track saw is most effective at performing only rip cuts, some crosscuts, and mitered angles. A table saw has much greater versatility. 

What are the primary differences between a track saw and a table saw?

A table saw consists of a circular blade that protrudes through a flat table surface and is primarily stationary, while a track saw is a handheld circular saw that runs along a guide track. Track saws excel at making a variety of repeat cuts, while track saws are primarily used for straight rip cuts over long sheet goods. 

Which is more portable: a track saw or a table saw?

A track saw is more portable. The saw on a track saw is the size of a standard circular saw, and the track normally breaks apart for easy storage.

How does the cut precision of a track saw compare to that of a table saw?

Both tools can offer precise cuts, but with two different approaches. A table saw, with a high-quality fence, provides consistent and straight cuts, especially for repeat cuts. For larger sheet goods, the accuracy relies on the user to align and push the material through the blade consistently. A track saw produces a straight and tear-out-free cut. There is typically less variation with a track saw because it’s easier for the user to push a circular saw along a track, rather than a large sheet of plywood into a blade. 

Is one safer to use than the other, especially for beginners?

Track saws generally pose fewer kickback risks compared to table saws. When used properly, both saws are safe; however, track saws tend to be more predictable since they’re on a specific guide. 

Which tool is more versatile for a range of woodworking tasks?

The table saw is more versatile for a broader range of tasks, including ripping, cross-cutting, making dado cuts, and more.