Panel Saws vs. Table Saws: Which is Right for You?

For many woodworkers, the debate of panel saws vs. table saws comes down to the type of projects and materials involved. Both machines are invaluable in a workshop, but they serve different purposes. In this guide, we’ll compare panel saws and table saws to help you understand their differences and decide which is right for your business.

What is a Panel Saw?

A panel saw is a large woodworking machine designed specifically for cutting big sheet materials like plywood and MDF. Panel saws come in two main styles: sliding panel saws (which have a sliding table to move the panel through a stationary saw blade) and vertical panel saws (where the panel is stood upright and the saw unit moves through it). The key benefit of a panel saw is that it allows a single operator to cut full-size sheets accurately and with ease. They are commonly used in cabinet and furniture manufacturing, and other operations that process large boards regularly.

What is a Table Saw?

A table saw is a versatile woodworking saw consisting of a circular blade mounted under a flat table surface, with the blade protruding from the top. To cut wood, the operator pushes the workpiece into the spinning blade, usually guided by a fence for straight cuts. Table saws are staples in both hobbyist and professional workshops because they can perform a variety of cuts on smaller pieces of wood and sheet goods. They excel at ripping lumber and making crosscuts on boards, and the blade can be tilted for angled cuts. Table saws range from portable jobsite models to large industrial cabinet saws, but even the biggest table saws handle smaller sheet sizes than panel saws.

Panel Saw vs. Table Saw – Key Differences

Handling of Large Panels: Panel saws are purpose-built to handle full-size sheet goods with ease. By contrast, cutting a large 8x4 foot panel on a table saw is cumbersome – it often requires extra support or a second person, and maintaining accuracy is difficult. For big panel cuts, a panel saw is far more efficient and safer.

Footprint and Space: Sliding panel saws have a large footprint, needing plenty of floor space to move big sheets. In contrast, a vertical panel saw mounts the sheet upright against a wall and uses much less floor space. Table saws generally take up less floor area than sliding panel saws. In a small workshop, a table saw might fit better. But in a high-volume shop cutting large sheets daily, dedicating space to a panel saw is worth it.

Types of Cuts and Versatility: Panel saws are highly specialised for straight cuts on sheet materials. Generally, they are used for straight line cutting. Table saws, on the other hand, are very versatile. With the right blades and jigs, a table saw can perform rip cuts, crosscuts, angle cuts and grooves on a variety of materials. (Panel saws cannot do many of these specialised cuts, focusing instead on straight cutting only.)

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between a panel saw and a table saw ultimately depends on your workflow. If your work primarily involves large sheet materials, a panel saw is likely the better choice. It will save you time and improve accuracy when sizing big panels. Conversely, if you mostly work with solid wood and varied cuts, a high-quality table saw may serve you better. Many professional shops that regularly cut sheet goods find that investing in a panel saw pays off, as it is purpose-built for tasks that would be cumbersome on a table saw.

For personalised advice, talk to our experts at J & C O’Meara. With over 30 years of experience supplying woodworking machinery, we understand the needs of different workshops. We can recommend the ideal solution – whether that's upgrading to a panel saw for greater capacity or selecting a top-quality table saw for versatility. Our team will ensure you get the right equipment to boost your productivity.