When it comes to table saws, there are two main sizes that you will find: 10 inches and 8 inches. So which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will take a look at the pros and cons of each size so that you can make an informed decision.
10 inch vs 8-inch table saw comparison
Manufacturing companies have taken great strides to introduce different sizes of table saws into the market. This is because they know that most people will benefit from having a variety of choices when it comes to what type of tool they will buy for their workshop. The smaller size is known as an eight-inch table saw. This type of equipment is much easier to transport and, as a result, it is much more popular amongst those who have limited space for their workshop.
Most people will easily be able to fit the eight-inch version into their garage or shed with little difficulty. The ten-inch model may not quite fit in certain spaces since the larger table saws tend to be bulkier. The eight-inch versions are also much lighter than their ten-inch counterparts, making them easier to transport from one location to another. In addition, they can often be lifted with just one or two hands, depending on the type of brand and model that you have chosen for your workshop.
This may not seem like a big deal to begin with but if you plan on taking your tools back and forth from job to job then this might become a huge selling point. The main downside associated with an 8-inch table saw is that it simply does not have as much cutting power when compared to its larger counterpart. While this will not pose much of a problem when working on smaller projects in your workshop, you will not be able to use the same saw to do some of the larger tasks. This is why most people will often turn to a ten-inch table saw for this purpose.
The Benefits of Owning an 8 Inch Table Saw
1) Durability
One of the main benefits associated with having an eight-inch table saw is that they are generally much more durable than their ten-inch counterparts. While both models can usually provide several years’ worth of reliable service, there are certainly differences between them in terms of durability and wear and tear. The smaller size tends to go through less wear and tear and it also has fewer parts than its larger counterpart so repairs can often be done at home without too many issues cropping up.
With a ten-inch table saw, a repair can often require you to send the equipment back to the manufacturer for several weeks before it is returned to you. If you do not want to be without your table saw then this could pose an issue if repairs are needed.
2) Performance
One of the main reasons why anyone would ever opt for an eight-inch table saw over a ten-inch version is that they want something that will work on smaller projects and tasks around their home or workshop. This is because it simply does not make sense to buy tools that do larger jobs when you only plan on using them for smaller tasks, especially since buying larger versions will prove expensive in the long run.
The eight-inch models are designed to be used for working on smaller tasks, such as cutting wood to size or even making intricate cuts for moldings.
3) Portability
Another reason why you might consider purchasing an eight-inch table saw is because of its portability. This is a very important benefit since you will want your new tool to be easy to transport from one place to another so that you can use it in different locations without too much hassle. The fact that eight-inch models are generally lighter than ten-inch tools means that they can often be carried around by just about anyone who wants a table saw for their home workshop.
In addition, these tools usually have removable legs so that they can easily fit into tight spaces if needed. If you do not have a lot of space in your workshop then this will be an important feature to look out for when shopping around for a new saw.
4) Cost
The final reason why you might opt for an eight-inch table saw is that they tend to be cheaper than their larger counterparts. If you are on a budget and want a suitable tool for doing some household tasks, such as cutting molding or making intricate cuts, then there is no need to spend extra cash on one that has more features than you actually need.
In fact, the quality will still be quite high with these tools so there is really no point in spending more just because it says ten inches instead of eight. That being said, if you plan on using your equipment for heavier tasks then it is probably best that you purchase a more powerful and durable machine.
What are the benefits of each size?
There are several benefits associated with both table saw sizes, but for the most part, it will come down to what you plan on using your new tool for. If you want something that is small enough to be able to carry around in your car or truck then an eight-inch model may be a better option. However, if you need something more powerful and durable, such as one that can cut through hardwoods with ease then you should opt for the larger ten-inch model.
An eight-inch model is generally recommended for people who want to use their table saw around their home or workshop for simple tasks such as cutting wood and moldings. However, ten-inch tools may be a better choice if you need something that can handle more demanding jobs and will provide years of reliable service.
Whether you choose to purchase an eight-inch or a ten-inch table saw it will depend on what kind of projects you plan on using it for around your home. If you want something lightweight and portable then it may be worth considering the smaller version since they are easier to carry from one place to another without too much effort required. The large versions tend to weigh in at close to 100 lbs, so this could become quite cumbersome, whereas an eight-inch model will usually be no more than 40 lbs.
Which size is better for beginners?
Both eight and ten-inch model table saws have their advantages, but for a beginner, it’s important to find a tool that is easy to use. In this case, an eight-inch model will be more than adequate as they are much simpler to set up and will provide plenty of cutting power for those small projects around the house. A larger machine may prove too difficult to handle initially since they tend to be quite heavy.
This will make them harder to control over longer periods of time compared to the smaller models that only weigh a few pounds at most. On top of that, an eight-inch version is usually much cheaper than a larger saw which means you won’t need as much money upfront if you’re on a tight budget.
What are the drawbacks of each size?
The primary drawback with an eight-inch model is that they are often not quite powerful enough to cut through thicker pieces of wood. This means that it can be a bit of a waste if you purchase a saw of this size and then end up having to buy a larger one in the near future because it cannot handle the kind of tasks you were hoping to accomplish with it. Due to this, it’s probably best if you splurge a bit more cash to buy a larger model that can handle anything you might need for your home projects.
Safety Rules
Safety should always be a top priority when using any type of power tool and the same goes for table saws. However, there are some rules that must be followed more stringently if you opt for a larger model since they can cause more damage than an eight-inch one. For example, you must ensure that you properly attach a guard system to the blade if you purchase a ten-inch version.
Failure to do so could lead to serious consequences as they can cause more harm than an eight-inch model and this is something that cannot be stressed enough.
Conclusion
So, which is the best table saw for you? The answer to that question depends on your needs and what you plan to use the saw for. If you need a table saw that can handle larger projects, then the 10-inch model is probably a better choice. But if you’re looking for something more portable that can be used for smaller projects, the 8-inch model would be a better option. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one is right for your needs. Thanks for reading!
