A table saw is a vital woodworking power cutting tool that you can hardly miss in any workstation as it’s used to make accurate and precise cuts.
However, there are other cutting tools that you could use instead of a table saw.
Power cutting tools use electricity and charged batteries to run the motor and spin the rotary blades to make cuts on pieces of wood with a higher level of accuracy and less time and hassle.
On the other hand, woodworking hand-cutting tools rely on human energy to make cuts.
Here are the 7 Table saw alternatives you need to know!
1. Hand Saws
Hand saws are the most basic and conventional woodworking cutting tools that have been used for decades by carpenters to make cuts on pieces of wood.
Unlike a table saw, hand saws are hand tools and do not rely on the power source for their operation.
They are available in the market in immense variety and are used for various cutting purposes.
Although hand saws cannot wood with much precision and accuracy and within less time than hand saws, most woodworkers prefer them as they are less costly and convenient. They are ready to use at all times.
Hand saws feature teeth that are of different sizes and types.
Some of the standard hand saws used in woodworking include keyhole saws, hacksaw, coping saw, bow saws, Fret saw, Japanese saw, crosscut saw, and many others.
2. Circular Saw
A circular saw is a handheld cutting power tool that features a toothed blade, unlike a table saw. To make cuts, it’s pushed across various wood materials.
Another impressive aspect about circular saws is that it’s very portable and much versatile.
You can easily carry your circular saw from one working station to another with much ease, unlike table saw, which tend to be permanently fixed in one location.
3. Miter Saws
Miter saws are one of the most popular power woodworking cutting tools used by both DIYers and professionals.
One of the advantages of miter saws is that they can help you make cuts at varying angles.
Unlike a table saw, a miter saw can be used to make miter cuts, crosscuts, compound cuts, and bevels on pieces of wood and boards.
Unlike table saws, miters saws tend to make more accurate and precise cuts, including angle cuts and with much ease.
Miter saws are ideal for crown molding, picture frames, and other woodworking projects.
Nowadays, most miter saws are equipped with laser beam guides which helps to enhance the level of accuracy and precision.
All you need is to follow the laser beam while cutting and come with error-free work.
4. Chainsaw
A chainsaw is a motorized woodworking tool that is used to make cuts on a vast array of materials.
However, it’s primarily designed to cut pieces of lumber especially fresh timber.
It features a set of teeth that are attached to a chain that rotates along a guide bar.
Although they are used to cut wood, their accuracy cannot match that of a table saw.
Although chainsaws cannot make precise cuts, there are ideal for cutting an immense amount of wood within a reduced time.
Chainsaws are ideal are most tasks including, bucking, felling, or limbing.
Bucking entails cutting down a trunk of the tree, while limbing entails the removal of branches from a tree that has been cut down.
Chainsaw can be catastrophic; thus, it requires much attention while using them, failure to handle appropriately could lead to fatal injuries to the users.
Also, while cutting trees, you should be keen to ensure that it doesn’t fall on you.
5. Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw is a woodworking cutting power tool that operates using the push-and-pull movement of the blade.
The movement of the blade brings about a sawing motion that is used to make cuts on pieces of wood.
Reciprocating saw are ideal as they can be used to perform a wide variety of cuts on wood materials.
All you need to do is switch the blade according to the type of cut you want to make.
You can use a reciprocating saw when cutting prune trees, when cutting pieces of wood with nails or when you want to completely remodeling or demolishing your woodworking projects.
6. Jigsaw
A jigsaw can also be used as an alternative for a table saw as it’s used to make cuts on the wood used for carpentry.
A jigsaw has many similarities to reciprocating saws.
The difference is that jigsaws are specifically designed to perform curved cuts.
Another difference is that blade of this power tool protrudes from its lower side.
A jigsaw can also be used to make straight cuts. This popular woodworking power cutting tool is ideal for those who are seeking portable machinery.
7. Band Saw
A band saw is a woodworking power cutting tool featuring a metal moved via a two-wheel to bring about the cutting power.
Band saws come in two varying types, including horizontal and vertical.
Vertical band saws tend to be the most popular choice for woodworking, and this is because of their ability to make miter cuts, miter gauges, crosscuts, and ripping lumber lengthwise.
On the other hand, horizontal band saws are commonly used by metalworkers.
Band saws are an ideal woodworking tool, especially for those who undertake immense projects.
You will be able to make smooth and precise curves on pieces of wood using this popular power saw.
They are available in stationary and portable versions. They are common in most workshops as they are sold at a reasonable price..
