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Band saw vs table saw: what the makers say each one is for

WEN describes table saws as excellent for long, straight rip cuts, especially in sheet goods, and band saws as handling curves and thicker workpieces, including resawing. The capacity figures reflect that: 10 in. table saws list about 3-1/8 in. depth of cut, while band saws list 6 in. to 19" of cutting height.

What do makers say a band saw is for?

WEN says band saws can handle straight, mitered, beveled and compound cuts in a wide variety of materials, often in thicker workpieces, and are good for cutting curved shapes. (WEN Products)

WEN adds that curve-cutting is limited by blade width, with thinner blades cutting tighter curves, and that band saws cannot make interior cuts that don't reach the outside of the workpiece. (WEN Products)

WEN's saw-by-task list names the band saw for resawing lumber and for furniture making. (WEN Products)

Powermatic's PM1500 manual describes resawing as slicing stock to reduce its thickness or to produce thinner boards, such as veneers. (Powermatic (JPW Industries))

What do makers say a table saw is for?

WEN describes table saws as excellent for long, straight rip cuts, especially in sheet goods like plywood, and says they can also crosscut. (WEN Products)

WEN also says table saws can power through long cuts in thick materials and, depending on their construction, handle both general and precise finishing cuts. (WEN Products)

How do their cutting capacities compare?

On 10 in. table saws, depth of cut at 90 degrees is listed at 3-1/8 in. for DEWALT's DWE7491X and DELTA's 36-5000T2, and 3-9/16" for Bosch's GTS15-10. (DELTA Machinery; Bosch Power Tools)

Band saws list much taller cutting heights: 6 in. thick on DELTA's 14 in. 28-400 and 19" on RIKON's 18" 10-347. (DELTA Machinery; RIKON Power Tools)

Width runs the other way: rip capacity to the right of the blade is listed at 30 in. on DELTA's 36-5000T2, 32-1/2 in. on DEWALT's DWE7491X and 36 in. on DELTA's UNISAW 36-L336. (DELTA Machinery; DELTA Machinery)

Band saw vs table saw: questions answered from the sources

Can a band saw replace a table saw?

Makers describe different strengths: WEN calls table saws excellent for long, straight rip cuts in sheet goods, and band saws good for curves, thicker workpieces and resawing.

Source: The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them

Which saw can resaw a wide board?

WEN names the band saw for resawing lumber. Band saw cutting heights run from 6 in. (DELTA 28-400) to 19" (RIKON 10-347), while 10 in. table saws list 3-1/8 in. to 3-9/16" depth of cut.

Sources: The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them; 28-400 | 14 in. 1-HP Steel Frame Bandsaw - Delta Machinery; Model 10-347: 18" Professional Bandsaw - Rikon Power Tools; 10 in. Table Saw With Scissor Stand (DWE7491X); GTS15-10 Table Saws

Can a band saw make interior cutouts?

No. WEN notes that band saws cannot make interior cuts that do not go to the outside of the workpiece.

Source: The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them

Sources

  1. The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them — WEN Products
  2. Operating Instructions and Parts Manual 15-inch Woodworking Band Saw (PM1500, Edition 9) — Powermatic (JPW Industries)
  3. 36-5000T2 | 10 in. Contractor Table Saw - Delta Machinery — DELTA Machinery
  4. GTS15-10 Table Saws — Bosch Power Tools
  5. 36-L336 | 3-HP Motor 10 in. UNISAW with 36 in. BIESEMEYER Fence System - Delta Machinery — DELTA Machinery
  6. Model 10-347: 18" Professional Bandsaw - Rikon Power Tools — RIKON Power Tools
  7. 28-400 | 14 in. 1-HP Steel Frame Bandsaw - Delta Machinery — DELTA Machinery
  8. 10 in. Table Saw With Scissor Stand (DWE7491X) — DEWALT