Tool and woodworking terminology can be confusing. It seems that there is a lot of jargon used and it is not always clear what it means. So, do you want to know what are the differences: bench saw vs table saw?
A bench saw and a table saw are basically the same thing described with a different name. Both a bench saw and table saw have a circular shaped blade on a arbor / spindle so that it rotates. The blade is mounted in a table / bench so that part is sticking out. Wood and other materials can be pushed through the blade to be cut whilst the bench / table supports the wood or material being cut making it easy to handle and cut larger pieces.
On today’s market for tools, you can find a huge variety of models that can help you with just about anything you are planning to achieve.
With the rapid development of the technology, tools have changed a lot over the past few years.
I guess most of you are crazy about having the latest equipment with the best features, and personally, I feel the same about it.
However, people have different opinions and perceptions for same things. And of course, this is good – that is why we have so many models on the shelf, as manufacturers try to understand the different needs and satisfy them.
My point is – if you prefer to work with the latest tool, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t someone out there who still sticks to the traditional way of woodworking.
Don’t get me wrong, both types of working are fine, it is just a matter of personal preference. The examples are countless, especially with saws, as you have a traditional model for almost every power tool.
Let’s get down to business and you will be amazed by the results.
Top picks:
- Best overall – Bosch GTS1031
- Best value – DEWALT DWE7480XA
- Best job site – DEWALT DWE7491RS
Related: Best cabinet table saws on a budget
Related: Best jobsite table saws on a budget
Bench saw
A bench saw consists of a circular saw blade, mounted on an arbor. The way this machine works is that an electric motor powers the tool. The blade can be moved and set to a different height in order to produce cuts with different depths.
But wait, isn’t that a table saw?
That is completely right. A bench saw is basically another name for a table saw. Tool terminology knows to be messed up sometimes, and this proves that.
There is absolutely no difference between a bench saw and a table saw, that is the same tool. However, you will find it a table saw more often.
And what is a table saw? Continue reading to find out.
Related: Best miter saw
Table saw
People often underestimate the real importance of having a table saw. However, this type of saw can be very useful and will help you to finish your daily tasks much easier.
So, I this is same as a bench saw – a saw blade attached to a flat surface.
Related: The best cabinet table saws
But what can you use it for?
The main use it cutting flat pieces of wood, mostly boards and blocks. If you are a woodworker, I don’t feel to need to explain the importance of this type of cuts – shelves, tables, and cabinets require flat pieces.
The next thing I want you to focus on is the tree trunks cutting. Using a table saw, you will be able to cut a big trunk into smaller pieces in just a matter of minutes.
Plus, unlike other types of saw, you can cut angled pieces, which is also very useful when making furniture.
These were some of the basics of how can you use a table saw. However, for the full list of activities, I would recommend my other article for more information.
If you are using a table saw, you want to pay attention to the safety. But, the gloves and glasses just won’t be enough sometimes.
For maximum safety and easier working, it is smart to build or buy a crosscut sled. You can use my article as a guide, so you could build the sled easily.
Related: Best table saw for the money
Top picks
With so many models, it isn’t easy to choose from – here are my recommendations.
Bosch GTS1031
Bosch creates one of the best table saws available on the market at this point. This is a compact and lightweight model that you can carry with only one hand.
Although it weighs less, it isn’t less powerful – with the 15 Amps motor, you could cut hardwood very quickly. Plywood, lumber, and other applications are not an issue for this beast.
It comes with several safety features, like the anti-kickback feature and a blade guard.
Check the latest price of the Bosch GTS1031 here on Amazon.
Features:
- smart guard system
- 15 Amps motor
- durable steel base
- squarelock rip fence
DEWALT DWE7480XA
A small model, that is the perfect combination of power, safety, and portability – for a lower price than you can expect.
It is very efficient, and extremely accurate in making cuts – with its 24.5-inch rip capacity, it can handle larger pieces of wood with ease. Even though it is smaller than other models, it has a motor of 15 Amps with amazing 4800 RPM.
It has a heavy-duty stand made of steel, and the table saw is very sturdy. However, you shouldn’t experience problems when moving it.
Buy the DEWALT DWE7480XA here on Amazon.
Features:
- 15 Amps motor
- 24.5-inch rip capacity
- Site Pro modular guarding system
- heavy-duty stand
DEWALT DWE7491RS
As a DIYer or hobbyist, you should consider this model. Dewalt constantly produces quality models that are very durable, and this one is not an exception.
It is one of the table saws with the highest ratings, and there is a quite good reason for that. It has a 15 Amps motor, dust collection port, and you can make quick fence adjustments.
If you still didn’t find your favorite model, then maybe this one will suit you the best.
Buy the DEWALT DWE7491RS here on Amazon.
Features:
- quick fence adjustments
- 32.5-inch rip capacity
- 15 Amps motor
- rolling stand
- dust collection port
Related: Best cheap table saw
Summary
As you could see, bench saw and the table saw is the same tool. The only difference between them is that people use different terms for the same tool.
And finally, let me ask you one question –which term do you use for this tool? I am waiting for your replies in the comments.
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