Pro’s and Con’s of Band Saw Vs.Table Saw?
Posted By on November 26, 2011
I am in a bit of a debate. I want to purchase a Band Saw And a Table Saw.. Most of the use of either one is going to be for preparing wood for Lathe work.
Basically what I am asking what can a table saw do or not do compared to what a Band Saw can or cannot do?
The saws looking at are a 14" Band saw. either a Jet or Grizzly
The Table Saw is either a 10" contractor saw stop or again Jet.
I’m not a wood worker but I do know that the two saws are meant for entirely different jobs. The table saw is for straight cuts in larger pieces of wood like 2×4 and so on. It can also be used for many different types of cuts but they are all straight line. The band saw allow the cutting of curves and straights. Table saws have a larger kerf (area cut out by the teeth) than the band saw. The band saw allows for finer cuts when properly used. If you’re going to be cutting large pieces of wood, say a 4×4, into 2×2’s for working on the lathe then you want the table saw. It’ll do the job with less work. The band saw could do it but more slowly and with more work on your part. I have a friend who does beautiful wood work, has a complete shop. A few years ago he cut a large (6×6 inch perhaps) piece of bobinga (read expensive) into thinner sections to make a mantel for a fireplace. Using a properly set-up band saw the cuts are so fine that you actually need to be within an inch or so to see them. Short version – buy both if you can afford them.
I am a woodworker, and I notice you didn’t state what type of turning you’re planning on doing with the lathe.
If you are going to be working with blocks of wood that are thicker than how much blade will extend above the table saw top, you need a band saw.
If you are going to be cutting intricate curves into the stock, before turning, you need a band saw. (For example, roughing in a bowl shape).
If you need precision cuts, or are using long stock (such as spindles or table legs) – you need a table saw.
You’d be surprised at the variety of tasks you can add to a table saw’s capabilities, by making/purchasing a sled for it.
The blade on a band saw will tend to move about as it is cutting, depending on the blade’s sharpness, how ‘wide’ it is, the angle and hook of the teeth, the tension, placement of guide rollers, and feed speed. Making adjustments to these variables can help limit blade movement, but it is almost impossible to stop it entirely.
If I were purchasing one of these machines solely on prep work for the lathe, it would depend on if I were turning bowls (band saw), or spindles/table legs (table saw). Pen blanks and other small parts can be handled by either saw, with the right attachments.
If you’re planning on doing any other woodworking besides the turnings, then plan on getting a table saw.
Have Fun
Investigate abit more what a table saw does and what a band saw does are completely two different animals sounds like you need some safety orientations for your future projects,
put very simply, a band saw will cut curves. A table saw won’t.
For bowl blanks a band saw is the only way to go.
Even for long straight cuts, a good rip fence is ideal.
In fact, I can’t think of any use for a table saw to prep timber for turning.
Edit….Bandsaw’s are also safer. Small table saws can be lethal !
Table Saw… Rips, cuts, Mortis and tennons, to name a few straight cuts, angle cuts, channels, slots
etc