Cabinet Saw vs Table Saw: Which to Use and When?

Cabinet saw vs table saw comparison

When it comes to construction or material working such as woodworking, you need to use specific tools that will be able to help you achieve your desired outcome and goals.

If you craft items out of wood or any other type of material, you’ll need to use a saw undoubtedly so it’s important for you to take the features and capabilities of your chosen saw into consideration before making a final purchase decision.

There are a lot of different saw configurations and options for you to choose from out on the market today which is why you always need to take into consideration your specific project needs before making a final purchase decision about which saw type is best for you.

Every material worker has separate needs in terms of the capabilities and features that they need access to in order to create the specific type of shapes and other objects that they may be interested in.

There are a lot of different saw options and models for you to choose from on the market today, all of which vary in terms of their overall capabilities and power ratings. Two of the most popular types of saw options out on the market today are cabinet saws and table saws.

Both cabinet saws and table saws provide a great way for you to craft different types of materials and items with ease however the way in which they achieve those goals will vary significantly depending on your experience level and much more.

Both cabinet saws and table saws are capable of cutting very large pieces of materials without sacrificing quality or precision, which is why professional material crafters and construction builders commonly use them.

Depending on your experience, the size of your workspace, the size of the materials that you’ll be working with and much more will have a huge impact on deciding on which saw option is best for your preferred type of crafting goals and desires.

There are a lot of different features and aspects that you need to take into consideration before making your final purchase decision about which saw option is best for you.

If you’ve been trying to decide between which saw option is best for you between a table saw and cabinet saw but haven’t been able to make the right decision, you’ve found the answer you’ve been looking for.

Before you go out and purchase either a table saw, or cabinet saw, you need to understand the fundamental differences between both types of saws so that you can make the right decision about which option is best for you.

You must remember that every saw configuration and type will come with its own benefits and disadvantages that will be best suited for certain types of material types and workshop places.

We’re going to go over some of the main benefits that you’ll receive by using either a table saw, or a cabinet saw for your next material working project so that you can have a better understanding of what both saw options provide.

In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the most important features, and factors that you need to consider before choosing whether or not a cabinet saw or table saw is the right fit for your specific material working needs.

To begin, we’re going to take a look at some of the main differences between cabinet saws and table saws so that you can decide on which option is best for your particular needs.

Cabinet Saw vs Table Saw

Main Differences Between Table Saw vs Cabinet Saw

The main differences between Table Saw vs Cabinet saw are:

  • Table Saws use a riveting knife that helps reduce some of the kickback experienced when working with various different material types, whereas Cabinet Saws use an induction motor to provide you with long run times throughout virtually all kinds of conditions
  • Table Saws can be used to fabricate solid timber and large panels or sheets and used in large production companies and industries, whereas Cabinet saws are designed for heavy construction builds that makes them very durable and resistant against general damage and can handle heavy duty cycling fabrications
  • Table Saws have  a folding arm which is utilized for making crosscuts and ripping rather large or thick pieces of material, whereas Cabinet Saws come with extensions that allow you to increase the rip capacity of your table saw up to 50.”

These are just some of the most important and critical features that you’ll find in any table or cabinet saw model that you decide to purchase. Depending on your specific project needs and material crafting capabilities, either a table saw, or a cabinet saw will allow you to optimize the overall accuracy and efficiency of your work to ensure that you achieve the results you desire without much of a hassle.

You have to keep in mind that cabinet saws are essentially table saws just in a different variant and with some important features that differ from one another. There are several different types of table saws variants out on the market which offer various different functional purposes and cutting capacities which will allow you to carry out virtually any material working project that you are currently working on.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the main differences between cabinet saws and table saws, it’s time to look at all of the various types of table saw options that you can choose from out on the market today.

Our Top Recommendation

Genesis GTS10SB 10-Inch 15-Amp Table Saw

Genesis GTS10SB 10-Inch

The Genesis GTS10SB 10-Inch 15-Amp Table Saw comes with an extra-large 24 x 20-in. Die-Cast aluminum table that gives you the ability to work with a vast variety of different materials without having to worry about your work table breaking or becoming damaged. The Genesis GTS10SB 10 Inch Blade15-Amp Table Saw is equipped with a 15-amp motor that has a maximum speed of 4,800 RPM, which is more than enough power to take on even the toughest of projects.

The Genesis GTS10SB 10-Inch 15-Amp Table Saw gives you the ability to create rip cuts and beveled incisions which allow you to make compound cuts whenever and however you’d like. The Genesis GTS10SB 10-Inch 15-Amp Table Saw is a very powerful table saw an option that gives you the power to take control of your next material working or cutting project.

Types of Table Saws

A table saw is essentially any saw that has an integrated platform or “table” upon which you can carry out your material working desires. A cabinet saw is simply another type of table saw however there are a lot of different types of table saw variants out on the market in addition to cabinet saws that you can choose from in order to complete your next project.

In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the different types of table saw options out there for you to choose from so that you can begin making the right decision about which selection is best for you.

Cabinet Saws

Cabinet saws are named this way because of their enclosed design which resembles a cabinet. Cabinet saws are created to be used specifically for professional woodworkers who need quick and reliable access to any accessories and tools that they may need in an instant of working with any material of their choosing.

Cabinet saws contain a more comprehensive construction than when compared to other table saw options which makes them the perfect option for anyone who is looking for serious power.

Cabinet saws are usually built from steel or iron materials and have heavier tensioning mechanisms that allow you to work with denser materials. Cabinet saws come with arbor assemblies and have very powerful motors that reduce the overall amount of vibration that occurs when working with any type of material that you’re dealing with.

Cabinet Table Saw

Jobsite Saws/ Portable Saws

Jobsite table saws and portable saws give you the ability to move freely without sacrificing the power and effectiveness that you need from your selected saw choice. Portable saws are as the name implies very portable, which means that you can work on any job site or project anytime you need to while having a reliable saw that you can depend on.

Jobsite or portable saws have many of the same capabilities as large table saws however they are much smaller in terms of scale and size. Portable and Jobsite saws use induction motors to create the necessary power and torque that you need to carry out any of your desired material working projects that you need.

Most portable saws and Jobsite saws come with universal motors, which means that often times they lack incredible power and can be very loud during operation. Jobsite saws are generally a lot smaller than traditional saws due to the fact that they’re designed to be mobile whenever you need them.

Portable table saws usually come with aluminum tops which are very durable, allowing you to work on virtually any type of project without worrying about your saw being damaged. One thing about portable and Jobsite saws is that they are not rated to handle materials that are of a thicker type so this is something to keep in mind before making your final purchase decision.

Contractor Saw

Contractor saws were initially created for mobility and versatility on job sites because of their open-base design that uses a straight-blade design. Contractor saws are known for being lightweight which makes them easy to move from one site to another without much physical effort involved.

Contractor table saws also come with solid iron table tops that allow you to work on thick materials with no problems; most contractor saws also come with extension wings which will enable you to use an open webbed design which can include either an iron cast top or stamped metal.

Contractor saws are great for those who need to do trim work, cabinetry, carpentry, or any other type of small woodworking projects. Contractor table saws and circular saws also have lots of tensioning mechanisms and different sorts of tools which will be useful for your overall project needs.

Hybrid Saws

Hybrid saws are a mixture of professional-grade saw elements and other elements taken from contractor saws. Hybrid saws generally come with a cabinet saw like elements also which is what makes them such a comprehensive and comparable saw options out on the market today. Hybrid saws also come with enclosed bases and legs, which make it easier for you to mount the saw on any job site or project that you may be working on.

Hybrid table saws and circular saws also come with more tensioned bearings and advanced belt drive stems which allow you to work with much thicker and heavier materials than other saw options that are out on the market.

Hybris saws are typically very lightweight and come with a lot of high-quality features and components which give you the ability to add versatility into your job sit projects or anything else. Hybrid table saws and circular saws are essentially smaller versions of cabinet saws.

Now that we’ve gone over all of the various types of saw options that are currently out on the market, we’re going to go over how you can determine which saw option is best for you.

Choosing a Saw

Factors to Consider When Choosing A Saw

Before choosing which saw option is best for your intended use purposes, you need to take into consideration all of the types of projects that you’ll be working on. In this section, we’re going to go over all of the essential features and factors that you need to consider before making your final decision about which saw will be able to optimize your material working tasks and jobs.

Things like the power rating of your saw in addition to its blade configuration will play a major role in how successful you’ll be at carrying out your desired woodworking projects or material working needs.

Below, we’re going to go over all of the essential features that you need to think about before making the final decision about which saw option is best for you. Make sure that you read this entire section in full to ensure that you can make the right decision about which saw selection is right for you.

Blade

The blade on your saw will determine the thickness of the type of material that you’ll be able to cut. Most saws come with adjustable blades, which gives you the ability to change your overall cutting power in an instant without interfering with the project that you’re working on.

You can also choose saws that come with different blade sizes, which also gives you more versatility options when it comes to the type of material that you’ll be able to work with.

Blades that come with saws can also be configured in different patterning options which will give you the ability to adjust the type of cuts that you make into your project materials.

Hand Wheel

The handwheel of your saw is the mechanism that allows you to adjust the blade height and cut capacity of your saw with ease. The handwheel is a very important element of your chosen saw option because it will determine how much flexibility and depth, you’ll be able to achieve when using the device to work on any project that you may have. Handwheels play a very important role in how accurate your cuts will be, so this is a significant factor to consider when purchasing a saw.

Dust Blower

When working with wood or any other material, you’ll have to deal with the reality that dust will be created. Many saws come with dust blowers or ports which will allow you to catch any loose dust created by your saw in order to maintain a clean work area with no hassle involved.

Dust blowers give you the ability to maintain optimal working conditions without having to worry about dust collection or other contaminants posing a serious threat to your health.

Dust blowers are great for those who know that they will be working with very messy materials that create lots of dust and other sorts of potentially harmful air pollutants.

RPM/ Motor Power

The RPM rating and overall power score of your selected saw option would vary depending on the model and make. Before you can confidently decide on which saw is best for your particular needs, you will need to ensure that the saw you select will come with the right amount of power and RPM ratings that you need to cut through a variety of different materials.

Motor power will determine the overall thickness of the type of materials that you’ll be able to work in addition to the maximum depth that you’ll be able to cut in any type of material that you’re working with.

Size/Weight

The overall size and weight of your selected saw option will determine how mobile it is in addition to the size of the materials that you’ll be able to work with.

You need to take into consideration the size of your workspace before determining which saw is best for you because it will decide the overall size of the saw that you’ll be able to use when working on whatever projects that you may have lined up.

Weight and size will play a huge role in figuring out which saw is the best choice for your particular needs and project material working needs.

The size and weight of your saw is also important because it will determine how well you’ll be able to move the saw if you need to adjust your positioning or work area so keep this in mind before finalizing your purchase of any saw so that you can ensure you’re making the right purchase decision the first time.

Base Material

The base material of your selected saw will determine the type and thickness of materials that you’re able to work with as a whole. If you know that you’re going to be working with very thick material types and other materials which require solid bases in order to be properly cut and molded, you need to choose a saw that has a base made out of material such as cast iron or another very strong and durable metal type to ensure that you’ll be able to get the results you need and want.

Top Cabinet Saw & Table Saw Recommendations

Now that we’ve covered all of the essential factors and features that you need to consider when purchasing a saw of any type, it’s time to look at some of our top recommendations when it comes to choosing between these various saw options out on the market.

All of the recommendations listed below will vary in terms of their rip capacity and power rating in addition to all of the other variables that we covered earlier in this article, so it’s important for you to keep your specific needs in mind before making the final decision about which saw is best for your intended use.

Make sure that you read the following section to ensure that you know what options are available to you however you should always take into consideration the specific factors and features that you need to work on your selected project.

#1 JET 708678PK 3HP 50-Inch Deluxe Xacta Saw

JET 708678PK 3HP 50-Inch

The JET 708678PK 3HP 50-Inch Deluxe Xacta Saw comes with an exclusive commercial XACTA Fence II that also has a T-square design in addition to a JET downdraft that allows you to remove toxic dust particles that may be produced while working on whatever project you may have.

The JET 708678PK 3HP 50-Inch Deluxe Xacta Saw also has a shrouded blade that allows you to optimize the amount of dust that you can collect when working on whatever type of material that you may have in mind.

The JET 3 Horsepower Motor Saw also has a push-button which allows you to easily and quickly change your saw blade as needed depending upon the exact type of material that your crafting or contouring.

The  Deluxe Xacta Saw also comes with a quick-release riving knife which allows you to reduce the amount of kickback and binding that you receive when working with your selected materials.

This 3 Horsepower Motor Saw is an optimal saw selection for anyone that needs a reliable saw that has a lot of power and runs time without the need for stopping work to adjust your specific positioning or blade angle.

#2 SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 3-HP Professional Cabinet Saw Assembly with 52-Inch Professional T-Glide

The SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 3-HP Professional Cabinet Saw Assembly with 52-Inch Professional T-Glide, comes with a SawStop safety feature which will stop the operation of the saw when obstructions or malfunctions are detected.

It has a 52” T-glide fencing system which enables smooth functionality and versatility with no extra trouble involved. The SawStop PCS 31230-TGP252 3-HP Professional Cabinet, Saw Assembly with 52-Inch Professional T-Glide, also has a solid and durable work surface which allows you to craft a variety of different materials with ease and simplicity.

The SawStop PCS 31230-TGP252 3-HP Professional Cabinet Saw Assembly with 52 Inch Blade Professional T-Glide gives you precision measurements so that you can make precise cuts on any piece of the type of material that you’re interested in.

It also comes with a sure lockdown deflection mechanism which will keep any flying debris or objects from making contact with you while working on your project or material working needs.

It also has a magnetic contractor motor control operating mechanism which makes it easy for you to maintain control over your saw under nearly all types of conditions.

SawStop 10-Inch Professional Cabinet Saw | Zoro

The 52-inch T-Glide Fence & Rail are made of heavy-gauge steel for sure lockdown and reliably square cutting for years without deflection. Stops a spinning blade on contact with skin. The blade stops in less than 5 milliseconds, and drops below the table, minimizing a potentially life-altering injury to a mere scratch.

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#3 Powermatic 1792001K PM2000, 3HP 1PH Table Saw, with 50-Inch Accu-Fence System and Rout-R-Lift

The Powermatic 1792001K PM2000, 3HP 1PH Table Saw, with 50-Inch Accu-Fence System and Rout-R-Lift comes with a quick-release riving knife which gives you the ability to reduce the amount of kickback and debris contamination that you may experience when working on any type of material project that you have a mind.

The Powermatic 1792001K PM2000, 3HP 1PH Table Saw, with 50-Inch Accu-Fence System and Rout-R-Lift also comes with the reduced binding which allows your blade to be very fluid and non-restricted regardless of the material that you may be working with.

The Powermatic 1792001K PM2000, 3HP 1PH Table Saw, with 50-Inch Accu-Fence System and Rout-R-Lift also has an integrated caster system that is retractable so you can easily move the saw when you need to without any restrictions. Read our full Powermatic vs Sawstop Comparison.

Powermatic 1792001K PM2000 | Zoro

Quick release riving knife greatly reduces binding/kickback risk. Built-in retractable caster system (patent pending) for immediate shop mobility.

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#4 Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807

Craftsman Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807

The Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807 comes with a laser track system that enables you to make precise cuts in virtually any type of material that you may be working with. The Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807 was designed for speed and accuracy so that you don’t’ have to worry about subpar cutting performance or material crafting when working on whatever type of project that you may behandling.

This table saw has a dual roller which makes the saw very portable and movable regardless of the type of workshop or ground that you may be working on. The Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807 also has clamps which combine together in order to allow you to disassemble the saw in a very fast manner.

The Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807 even has a wide base which gives you the ability to maintain a stable support base for almost any type of material that you may be working with.

The 21807 has a maximum power rating of about 5,000 RPM, which gives you the ability to take on nearly any type of material that you may need to craft. The Craftsman 10″ Table Saw with Laser Trac 21807 also has a 15-amp motor which gives you more than enough power to work over any type of materials that you need to.

So…Cabinet saw or Table Saw? Which one is right for you?

A cabinet saw is just a variant of a table saw however all of the other saw types that we listed above are what you’ll need to choose from. If you need a mobile saw that is reliable, you should probably choose a Jobsite or portable table saws for your workshop.

If you want a sturdy table saw that can handle very large pieces of different materials, you may want to choose a cabinet saw for your project needs and material working goals. Sit down and create a checklist of all the essential features that you need before going out to choose which saw that you need for your next material working project.

As long as you take all of the consideration and advice to hear that is included in this guide, you should have no problem with finding the right table saw an option for your particular needs.

The overall size and weight of your selected saw option will determine how mobile it is in addition to the size of the materials that you’ll be able to work with. If you know that you have a small workspace, always go with a saw option that is smaller and mobile to make your material working projects much easier. Y

ou need to take into consideration the size of your workspace before determining which saw is best for you because it will decide the overall size of the saw that you’ll be able to use when working on whatever projects that you may have lined up.

Weight and size will play a huge role in figuring out which saw is the best choice for your particular needs and project material working needs. The RPM rating and overall power score of your selected saw option will vary depending on the model and make.

Before you can confidently decide on which saw is best for your particular needs, you will need to ensure that the saw you select will come with the right amount of power and RPM ratings that you need to cut through a variety of different materials.

Cabinet Saw vs Table Saw Thickness

Motor power will determine the overall thickness of the type of materials that you’ll be able to work in addition to the maximum depth that you’ll be able to cut in any type of material that you’re working with.

The size and weight of your saw is also important because it will determine how well you’ll be able to move the saw if you need to adjust your positioning or work area so keep this in mind before finalizing your purchase of any saw so that you can ensure you’re making the right purchase decision the first time.

Everyone will need different features and capabilities with their table saw so your ultimate decision will rest upon your innate needs and desired work project goals. There are a lot of different tables saw configurations and options available on the market today which gives you endless options when it comes to deciding on which saw is right for your particular needs.

The blade size, power rating, portability, and design of your chosen table saw will determine whether or not it’s the right option for you and you also need to consider your experience level and desired work materials before making the final purchase decision.

The thicker the materials that you’ll be working with need to be taken into consideration before making your decision. With all of the information that you’ve gained in this guide, you will be able to decide on which table saw option is best for you, so you need to re-read this guide if you fail to understand all of the variables involved with choosing the right saw for your particular needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use a circular saw as a table saw?

Using a circular saw won’t give you as good of a result as a table saw, but, yes, you can use a circular saw as a table saw to cut long pieces of wood instead of wrestling with heavy sheets through a table saw and you can even get as good of a result if you learn a few techniques and skills.

Can a track saw replace your table and circular saw?

Track saws are very accurate and can easily replace a regular circular saw, but nothing beats the precision and accuracy of a table saw.

What types of cuts you can get with a table saw?

Some of the cuts that table saws are capable of making require special blades for producing a clean-cut, but here’s a list of cuts that table saws can make:

•Rip cuts
•Crosscuts (Miter Gauge)
•Miter cuts
•Resawing (Bandsaw)
•Curves
•Beveled cuts
•Rabbet cuts
•Dado cuts

Conclusion

By using all of the information in this guide, you’ll be able to ensure that you’re making the right decision about whether or not a cabinet saw or table saw will be right for you. We’ve covered all of the essential factors and features that you need to consider before making a final purchase decision about which saw option is right for you.

You always need to keep in mind your specific project goals, and material crafting needs so that you can purchase the right saw that will fit your particular needs. As long as you follow all of these instructions, you’ll be able to find the right table or cabinet saw for your shop or job site in no time.

Genesis GTS10SB Table Saw | Amazon

A very powerful 15 amp motor running at 4,800 RPM for long life and smooth cutting. Rip cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, and compound cuts. Self-aligning rip fence automatically locks front and rear.

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