Miter Saw Vs Table Saw - How They're Different

December 8 2018

In this article, I'm going to address a common question and outline the difference between the miter saw and table saw.

Both miter saws and table saws are used as carpentry tools (in addition to a wood router), each with different specifications and work processes. Although they both do the same job, there are some differences in their appearance and function.

Let's take a look at their functionality, advantages and disadvantages:

Miter Saw

A miter saw (1) is a general carpentry tool that is used in cutting woods, steel plates and iron rods. It has a circular blade mounted on a string that allows the user to perform cuts to the left or the right.

Advantages

It's easy to carry from one place to another, thereby making it a portable saw.
It can cut steel plates and iron rods, which are mainly used in construction sites.
The rigid blade mounted on a string cuts the steel plates and rods accurately without any inaccuracy.

Disadvantages

Plates are mounted in such a position that it can only cut in two directions - left and right. The carpenter has to shift the position of the plates in order to make another cut. This makes cutting with a miter saw a rather time-consuming process.

Table Saw

A table saw (2) is also a carpentry tool which is mainly used in cutting and shaping woods. With a table saw, the blade is mounted to a table giving the user the ability to cut woods accurately and with good stability.

Advantages

It helps in cutting woods to the desired shape and size.
The blade mounted to the table helps prevent the rigidity of the wood from moving while performing the cut.
It's used mainly for making doors, windows, couches and other furniture materials.

Disadvantages

A table saw is not portable like a miter saw. It's a fixed machine that takes up more space.
Its blades are impenetrable to iron rods and steel plates and can only cut wood.

There you have it: the essential differences between miter saws and table saws. I hope this helps you!