Can a Circular Saw be used as a table saw?

Last updated on March 24th, 2023 at 08:11 pm

If you are in the market for a saw, you may be wondering whether to choose a circular saw or a table saw. While both are great for a variety of projects, they do have some differences. Table saws are known for their sturdy shape and circular blades that allow for precise cuts. However, with a little practice and technique, you can also use circular saws for precision cutting.

It is worth noting that circular saws may not cut as smoothly as table saws, but this can be mitigated with effort and practice. Circular saws are also handier and more versatile, making them a good choice for cutting large pieces of wood and smaller sections of material.

The decision between a circular saw and a table saw depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a highly accurate and sturdy saw, a table saw may be the right choice for you. However, if you need a more portable and versatile saw, a circular saw may be a better choice. Regardless of which you choose, you can get great results from your woodworking projects with either saw.

They are for woodwork and are easy to use. In contrast, circular saws are for professional woodworking workshops. A handheld design is attached to a round blade that rotates at high speeds. These give you solid and deep cuts.

Technically, you can use a circular saw as a table saw, but it will be harder to control than a table saw. A circular saw works as a table saw if you use it only for straight cutting.

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Circular saws cut only in the forward direction

The teeth of circular saw blades cut upwards into the material from below. That is for safety purposes. The moment they cut backward, that is known as kickbacks, which are dangerous to the user and people around. Do not spin them in a different direction like you spin a table saw blade. The saw blade comes apart when backward.

The cut type is the main difference between these two saws. A circular saw blade is a sharpened metal disk mounted on the top of a motor and spins while the whole unit connects to a handle. The handle starts moving the circular saw blade in the forward direction and backward direction.

Circular saws cut wood in the direction of the material’s grain. They cut long straight lines, whereas table saws cut wood in the opposite direction of the grain. They are for making cuts with a lot of curves.

Table saws cut in both directions

Unlike circular saws that run only in the forward direction, table saws cut in both forward and backward directions. Table saw blades turn counter-clockwise so the sawblade tips are turned toward you and downward onto the wood. 

The saw blades have an arrow pointing in the direction they should be turning. That way, you will not be confused. Ensure that your table blade’s teeth are cutting on upstrokes and in a forward direction. That allows you to push the material forward as you move it toward the saw blade and keep your control over the saw better and the workpiece.

Table saws cut thicker materials than circular saws

Table saws are larger than circular saws. That is why they cut more significant pieces of wood than circular saws. You can make a deep cut using a circular saw, although it takes effort, more energy, and persistence. Hold the wood with a left hand so the saw plate rides against it. 

Cut through as deep as possible, flip, and then cut again. Keep your hand at a distance from the saw’s base plate for safety.

You can not rip a board using a circular saw

Table saws are for ripping boards; ripping refers to cutting planks down their length. Cutting boards with a circular saw is not easy, and it becomes more difficult if you have to cut a narrow board. It is safer to rip using a table saw. Follow the attached procedures for safe work. Use a push stick to push the workpiece’s last foot through the saw blade.

It does not have a fence, which a table saw has

A table saw comes with a fence, whereas a circular saw requires you to attach it separately. A table saw comes with a rip fence parallel to the saw blade and a sliding crosscut fence perpendicular to the saw blade. The fence is also known as a guide, and the guide secures a workpiece while it is being cut, planed, routed, or marked.

Why you shouldn’t use a circular saw as a table saw.

Circular saw cuts are not as precise as the ones made with a table saw. Although you stand a chance of making accurate cuts by applying some techniques, you will have to move around holding the saw, and you cut. It becomes tricky and precise cuts compared to a table saw that has a fixed blade. 

Use the correct guide to improve the outcome of your projects, although they remain unmatched by the table saw ones. When using a circular saw, its accuracy lies in the user’s skill, unlike when using a table saw that makes accurate cuts without effort. 

Why you should use a circular saw as a table saw.

You can use a circular saw as a table saw as long as you apply techniques. A circular saw is a versatile power machine, although a table saw is more precise. However, a circular saw offers more versatility than a table saw. 

You can perform multiple cuts and cut through different materials using the right blade. You could use straight-edge or circular saw guide rails to improve the accuracy of your cut. 

However, that isn’t easy to complete with accuracy. Accurate cuts with a circular saw are easier to make than a table saw. Making the same kinds of cuts with both saws is possible, but you need a lot more practice and technical knowledge when using a circular saw; otherwise, you will likely make mistakes.

A Circular saw is portable, and you carry it around without feeling tired. Woodworkers who carry the tool from one project to another might go for this saw. 

Circular saws are mobile, lightweight, and battery-powered. It comes with cordless versions that you use in places where you cannot find any power outlets. It is more affordable than a table saw, and they are ideal for someone who does not want to spend too much money. A circular saw can be a table saw if you only use it for straight cutting.