Choosing the right table saw for your woodworking can be pretty daunting.
I understand how hard it can get for you to understand the differences between all the other tables I saw on the market.
Which one is better: 8¼” vs 10″ table saws?
If you want a budget-friendly option that is lightweight and less time-consuming, then opt for the 8¼-inch table saw. If you need a heavy-duty table or saw that can cut through thick wood, go for the 10-inch table saw.
Still not sure about the differences? Let’s get into the in-depth guide I’ve compiled for your ease!
8¼“ vs 10“ Table Saws: Quick Comparison
The 8¼” and the 10″ are a type of table saw at the end of the day. So they tend to be pretty similar. However, there are some crucial differences between the two. The summary of these differences has been compiled down below:
| 8¼“ Table Saw | 10“ Table Saw |
| It has an 8¼-inch blade | It has a 10-inch blade |
| Can cut up to a 2.2-inch thickness | Can cut up to a 3.5-inch depth |
| Comparatively less expensive | Comparatively costs more |
| The RPM is more | The RPM is less |
| This one is comparatively lightweight | Relatively heavyweight |
| Not easily available | It is available everywhere |
| Dado blades cannot work with an 8¼-inch table saw | Dado blades can efficiently work with a 10-inch table saw |
Now that we’ve got a brief idea about the differences let’s get into the broader explanations.
8¼“ vs 10“ Table Saws: Detailed Comparison
To make your decision easier, you must look into all the nitty-gritty differences between the eight ¼ and 10 table saws. The comparison might seem intimidating, but it’s nowhere near as complicated as the differences between Purdy and Wooster.
With that being said, let’s start by comparing the blade size.
Blade Size
The difference between the two table saws can be seen in the blade sizes. The blade’s length defines many components of a table saw. So taking this into account is essential.
8¼” Table Saw
As the name suggests, the blade of an eight ¼” table is eight ¼ inches long. It’s a comparatively shorter version of the standard size.
The small size of this table saw enables it to cut more precise shapes. So it’s perfect for woodcarvers. Because of this reason, this size was introduced in the market.
10″ Table Saw
The length of the 10“ table saw is 10 inches. This is the standard size available on the market. This length has been in use for an extended time.
Due to its extended length, it can easily cut through a lot of wood quickly. As a result, this table saw is very efficient and practical.
Cutting Capacity
Cutting capacity refers to the extent of the depth of wood a table saw can cut through. The fundamental purpose of a table saw is its ability to cut wood. So the cutting capacity plays a huge role in the decision-making process.
Let’s say you desire to build a stair riser. In that case, you must first select the wood for stair risers. After that, you also need to look into a table saw with a higher cutting capacity.
8¼” Table Saw
An eight ¼” table saw can cut up to a 2.2-inch depth. As the length of the blade is small, an eight ¼ table saw cannot cut more than 2.2-inch depth.
Compared to the 10-inch table saw, the depth is shallow. This type of table saw is mainly used to cut small things.
10 Table Saw
Now coming to the 10-inch table saw, it can cut up to 3.5-inch depth. Which is more than double the thickness of the 8¼“ table saw.
These types of table saws are used to cut heavy-duty wood. With a 10-inch table saw, you can achieve thicker cuts.
Cost
When choosing between two products, price takes a lot of ground. So before taking any decision, a precise cost breakdown is necessary.
8¼” Table Saw
The eight ¼“ table saw is new on the market. This is the smaller version of the standard 10″ table saw.
As this is the smaller version, its price is also less. A good quality eight ¼“ inch table saw usually costs around $300.
So compared to other table saws on the market, it’s relatively more affordable. If you’re looking for a cheap table saw that does the job, then the eight ¼ inch table saw should be your pick.
10″ Table Saw
The size of a 10-inch table saw is particularly substantial. It is also a heavy-duty saw that is used to cut tough wood. So most of the time, only professionals use this.
Considering all this, the price of a 10“ table saw is also high. A general 10-inch table saw costs around $500 – $600.
This is almost double the price of the 8¼ inch table saw.
RPM Of The Table Saw
RPM stands for revolutions per minute. The revolving bit of the table saw usually revolves around 3000-4000 times per minute.
The more revolutions per minute, the faster a table saw can cut through wood. As a result, RPM plays a significant role in the selection process of a table saw.
8¼” Table Saw
As the length of an 8¼-inch table saw is small, the circular bit can revolve much faster. So the RPM of an 8¼-inch table saw is way higher than the average 3000-4000 per minute.
With a high RPM rate, the rate of torque also increases. As a result, you can get a straighter cut quickly after combining the power of torque and RPM.
10″ Table Saw
The length and size of a 10-inch table are much bigger than its 8¼-inch counterparts. As a result, it cannot move as fast as an 8¼-inch table.
The RPM of a 10-inch table saw is the standard 3000-4000 per minute. Thus, it also doesn’t have much torque. So, it can take a handful of additional time to cut wood using this table saw.
Weight
Weight is a significant factor when deciding which table saw to go for. You may prefer a lightweight table saw that is easy to carry, but someone else can prefer heavy-duty table saws.
You must also figure out whether your table saw needs a deck or wood screws.
8¼” Table Saw
An 8-inch table saw is comparatively lightweight. It is easy to transmit. So you can take it anywhere you need to.
Due to its lightness, it provides a hassle-free experience for the person carrying it. It’s also very compact.
However, it is lightweight and can break easily if much force is applied. So keep that in mind.
10″ Table Saw
A 10-inch table saw, on the other hand, tends to be very heavy. It’s a heavy-duty table saw, after all.
It’s not as easy to carry as the 8¼ inch table saw. It’s also not as compact.
But it’s immune to damage. It can tolerate a lot of tension and force. So you can effortlessly utilize it for rough use.
Here are some of my curated picks for 10-inch table saws that are not too heavy:
| DEWALT 10-Inch Table Saw | Check Current Price |
| SKIL 15 Amp 10 Inch Table Saw with Stand | Check Current Price |
Availability
The availability of the table saw is an essential aspect to look into. Sometimes you may like something but can’t get it because it isn’t available near you. In that case, it’s a bummer.
So before selecting a particular table saw, check for the availability of that specific table saw in shops near you.
8¼” Table Saw
The 8¼“ table saw was inaugurated on the market. As a result, it’s pretty challenging to locate an 8¼ inch table saw in shops near you.
Here are some 8¼“ table saws that are usually available in stores:
| Skil SAW 8-1/4 Inch Portable Table Saw | Check Latest Price |
| DEWALT 8-1/4 Inch Table Saw | Check Latest Price |
10″ Table Saw
The 10-inch table saw is the most common type of table saw on the market. It has been in use for a lengthy time. As such, you can easily find a 10-inch table saw near you.
Compatibility With Dado Blade
The Dado blade is an additional blade that is sometimes attached to a table saw to cut thinner wood.
So depending on your need, you must know whether a dado blade can be attached to your table saw. In the meantime, you also need to choose the appropriate type of dado blade.
8¼” Table Saw
The length of the dado blade is 8 inches. To attach a dado blade with a table saw, the blade of the table saw must be significantly longer than the dado blade.
So, dado blades cannot be attached to an 8¼“ table saw.
10″ Table Saw
The difference in length between a dado blade and a 10“ table saw is tremendous. As such, dado blades can be easily attached to a 10-inch table saw. By attaching the dado blade, the 10″ table saw can be cut into thinner wood.
Final Verdict: Which One To Choose?
After all of this discussion, you can finally see that both the products have advantages and disadvantages.
It comes down to your priorities. If you want a budget-friendly option that is lightweight and less time-consuming, then opt for the 8¼-inch table saw.
On the other hand, if you need a heavy-duty table saw that can cut through a thick wood, go for the 10-inch table saw.
FAQs
How thick can an 8¼“ table saw cut?
Generally, an 8¼“ table saw can cut up to 2.2 inches.
Can I use a larger blade on a circular saw?
No, it would be best if you didn’t use a larger blade on a circular saw, as it’s a safety hazard.
Why is my 10“ table saw turning off?
Your 10“ table saw may be turning off due to overworking. So look out for that.