Miter Saw vs. Table Saw

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pennsy-gg1

Wouldn't a Radial Arm saw be the most flexible and offer the most comprehensive solution? It covers all bases doesn't it?

It is a matter of doing many jobs not quite so well.

[pennsy-gg1]

Wouldn't a Radial Arm saw be the most flexible and offer the most comprehensive solution? It covers all bases doesn't it?

[SpaceMouse]

I would go with the miter saw. I used them all professionally. The miter saw will be used the most and by far save you the most time. I have a table saw, but I use my circular saw to rip plywood. I can get a near perfect cut by clamping a straight edge to the plywood and running the saw along the straight edge. I can control the circular saw on the plywood much better than I can control plywood on a table saw.

[CP5170]

I have most of the saws available and I think that you would be happiest with a tablesaw. It offers you the most versatility. I use mine to rip plywood to a consistent width for benchwork and for ripping pine for spline.

Hope this helps...Ken

[2021]

I understand your dilema since it's nice to have both. My suggestion is if you can only get one, you need the Table saw since you can rip and cross cut. I have table saw, miter saw and circular saw. I use the miter saw the most and like it best. You can use a circular saw to rip plywood, but to rip 2x4's safely, you need a table saw. Hope this helps.
Ron K.

[Anonymous]

I am looking to delve back into the model railroading hobby. I haven't done it in 25 years since I was a teenager. This time, I have two daughters to work with.

My dilema is whether to purchase a table saw or a miter saw to help me with the benchwork (along with other small jobs that might pop up around the house). Each saw type can do things the other can't do. However, it strikes me that a table saw might be more useful as it can do things like rip 2"x4"s down to 2"x2"s and cut boards wider than 2"x6". Of course, price is a factor; so, I am not going to consider an extended miter saw.

I would appreciate any thoughts that folks can give me on this. Thank you.