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Miter saw vs table saw: what each maker says the tool is for

DEWALT describes its miter saws as delivering angled cuts for trim, molding and framing, and WEN says table saws, being larger machines, can power through long cuts in thick materials. Miter saw specs list crosscut capacity, such as 3-5/8" x 15" on Makita's LS1219L, while table saw specs list rip capacity, such as 52 in. right of the blade on Delta's 36-5152T2.

What is each tool for, according to the makers?

DEWALT describes its miter saws as delivering accurate angled cuts for trim, molding and framing.

DEWALT describes its table saws as offering precise cuts and portable designs for jobsite and workshop use.

WEN notes that table saws use a large table to support the workpiece and, as larger machines, can power through long cuts in thick materials. (WEN Products)

Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own page, linked.

Which cuts does each tool's spec sheet describe?

Miter saw pages list crosscut capacity: DEWALT's DWS779 lists 2-in X 14-in dimensional lumber at 90° and 2-in X 10-in at 45°.

Table saw pages list rip capacity: Bosch lists 32.125 in to the right of the blade on the GTS15-10.

How do the capacities compare?

Makita's 12" LS1219L lists a maximum crosscut of 3-5/8" x 15" at a 90° miter. (Makita U.S.A.)

Delta's 10 in. sliding 26-2241 lists a maximum crosscut of 1.5 in. x 15.25 in. (2 x 16 lumber). (Delta Machinery)

Bosch's GTS15-10 table saw lists a maximum depth of cut of 3-9/16" at 90°.

Delta's 36-5152T2 contractor table saw lists 52 in. (1320.8 mm) of rip to the right of the blade. (Delta Machinery)

How do angles, size and weight compare?

Bosch's GCM12SD miter saw lists miters of 52° Left, 60° Right and bevels of 47° left and 47° right, and weighs 65 lb.

Metabo HPT's non-sliding 10" C10FCGS miter saw lists 24.2 lbs.

At the other end, Delta's 36-L336 UNISAW cabinet table saw lists 624 lbs. and a 31 in. x 40 in. cast iron top with wings. (Delta Machinery)

The capacity figures above show where each tool's published range stops.

Miter saw vs table saw: questions answered from the sources

What is a miter saw used for?

DEWALT describes its miter saws as delivering accurate angled cuts for trim, molding and framing.

Source: Miter Saws | DEWALT

How wide a board can a miter saw crosscut?

Makita lists 3-5/8" x 15" for the LS1219L and DEWALT lists 2-in X 14-in at 90° for the DWS779.

Sources: Makita USA - Product Details -LS1219L; 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Which is heavier?

It depends on the model: Metabo HPT's C10FCGS miter saw lists 24.2 lbs and Bosch's GCM12SD lists 65 lb, while Delta's 36-L336 cabinet table saw lists 624 lbs.

Sources: 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw | Metabo HPT C10FCGS; GCM12SD Miter Saws | Bosch Professional; 36-L336 | 3-HP Motor 10 in. UNISAW® with 36 in. BIESEMEYER® Fence System - Delta Machinery

Sources

  1. Miter Saws | DEWALT — DEWALT
  2. Table Saws | DEWALT — DEWALT
  3. The Different Types of Saws and When to Use Them — WEN Products
  4. 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw — DEWALT
  5. Makita USA - Product Details -LS1219L — Makita U.S.A.
  6. 26-2241 | 10 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Cruzer Miter Saw - Delta Machinery — Delta Machinery
  7. GTS15-10 Table Saws — Bosch
  8. 36-5152T2 | 10 in. Contractor Table Saw - Delta Machinery — Delta Machinery
  9. GCM12SD Miter Saws | Bosch Professional — Bosch
  10. 10 Inch Compound Miter Saw | Metabo HPT C10FCGS — Metabo HPT
  11. 36-L336 | 3-HP Motor 10 in. UNISAW® with 36 in. BIESEMEYER® Fence System - Delta Machinery — Delta Machinery