Great breakdown of the pros and cons. For me the table saw mainly scores for doing rips, especially if the rip is very thin, or you want to quickly rip a large number of pieces to the exact same size. For just about everything else, and especially with sheet materiel, the track saw is just easier in terms of handling, and it's also much better for doing scoring cuts on laminates.

This short video is actually much more important than it may seem. You're spot on because the use of track saws is relatively new for many, and in my opinion, it represents the future. However, one aspect you didn't address is the use of track saws to cut repetitive thin strips. This is one of the main reasons why many opt for table saws, as you need a system in place to achieve this with a track saw (such as fences, stops, and supports for the track saw rail). Thank you.

Great video Jp !!!!!!! thanks

Very sensible stuff

great stuff

Thanks

You covered pretty much every important aspect between the two saws. I also started out with a jigsaw a few years back. As I developed my woodworking skills, I needed to move beyond the jigsaw. I don't have a dedicated workshop. It's just a spare room that has many other uses and so I have to often pack everything away. That meant that a table saw was entirely impractical. My research also pointed out the safety issues with a table saw v track saw. It was a no brainer that for so many practical reasons, a track saw will do everything I need to do. There are a few rare instances when a table saw would make it easier than a track saw but I just don't have the space for a table saw. So I invested in a Festool track saw because it had the most advanced safety features. It was not the cheapest on the market, but I considered its safety features to be superior and I pay extra for that peace of mind. I did also buy a mitre saw which is fantastic. Still large but I'm building a flip top table for it to simply convert it into another piece of furniture. I can't see a table saw in my future at all, unless I were a commercial operator. As it is, I've got all the tools I need. I am also a great fan of Japanese pull saws because they can cross cut and rip cut with great ease and precision. It seems to cover the gap between the table saw and track saw for my purposes.

"Yes" 👍😀

Love this scenario, i think its all about risk assessment and doing the task safely, Each one has its pros and cons. Plus either way you do need the space to be able to work comfortably. No claret or missing digits

I bought a Festool track saw and made a few mft style bench tops and manage quite well but a job site table saw could be useful, however I also made a board station (see Nick Engler's work shop companion) with a few enhancements and this covers just about everything with the track saw system

Just bought my Track saw (Makita) still getting comfortable with it and it is amazing for the larger stuff but it’s those little cuts/trims on smaller pieces that have me going back to the tables saw. I will eventually work that out with an MFT/Bench dogs sort of set up. My track saw is cordless, soooo much quieter and 1000% safer. If I had to choose just one…..Track Saw.

I think they complement each other in the small shop.

Interesting timing for this. I am supposed to pick up my first table saw tomorrow - a DWE7492-QS - and I am still on the fence as to whether I am doing the right thing or not :) Like you I have a rather small and cramped small garage workshop but unlike you (I think) I am only just now at a "right old age" getting into woodworking. I actually started off with a track saw (TS 55). I really like the TS 55 and enjoy using it for longer cuts and squaring up larger pieces of sheet goods. However I am finding it extremely uncomfortable for making square cuts on shorter/thinner pieces and this frustration led me to the conclusion that perhaps the combination of the TS with a compact(ish) table saw would make life a bit simpler, more flexible and ultimately more accurate and enjoyable. I wonder...? oh well, I have another 24 hours to dither and ponder.... haha Get well soon!

Very helpful thanks . I’m a real novice been struggling with a small blade circular hand saw , I though table saws were my answer but this looks like it may be better , I know nothing about these so best do some more research

I really prefer the track saw from a purely safety point of view and tbh the table saw scares the shit out of me !!!!

Maybe it was a mistake on my part but I got it stuck in my head that plunge saws were for ripping down sheet goods and table saws were for most everything else. Old school, I guess. I have a new 10 in table and 2nd hand 7 1/4 in circular saw. And a few hand saws. And still (knock on wood) have all 10 fingers. Nice vid JP. Take care, get well & stay safe.

Not found any need for a table saw once I went down the MFT route. Track saw is perfect for my needs

I'd like to see your repeat cut jig

Buy what's fit for the job and budget 👊🏾👊🏾

Did I miss it or did you not answer the question in the video title?

You should have both, one compliments the other, if you don't have the money what you should get is a job, not a hobby!