If you are a DIYer then obviously heard about the standard 10-inch table saw, but do you know some brand has shrunk their blade size due to some benefit that a shorter blade can give? Nowadays, 8 1/4 inch table saw is also becoming important to many DIY hobbyists.
You can get confused about what will you choose over 8 1/4 vs 10 tables saw as blade size matters. So, I have tried to figure out their advantages and disadvantages of them in this article.
Table Saw 8 ¼ inch
The size of the blade is 8 ¼ inch and having this size blade in the table saw, gives some benefits for woodworkers. Its 8.25 inches blade has greater RPMs and provides impressive ripping capacity but this size blade cannot cut more than 2.5-inch cut.
Moreover, these table saws are very portable and durable because of their high manufacture.
Table Saw 10 inch
Same as the 8 ¼ inches, 10-inch represents the blade size of the saw, it is the standard size of the blade because of its availability. Most 10-inch table saws run on a 110 power supply which gives them more portability as it is easy to plug in wherever needed.
Similarities Between 8 ¼ and 10 Inches Table Saw
There are quite similar features that can be found in both the table saw the size, they are:
- Both table saws are found in compact and lightweight, that is why they are quite portable.
- Both of them have high-power motors and can provide high performance even on hard, wet, or frozen wood.
- Safety features, it’s not just found in 10 and 8 ¼ inches, as using a table saw needs more carefulness, all the table saw come with high protective features. Both have a blade guard which ensures work safety.
- Another thing that is common about them is, that the blade depth is adjustable. The two can be adjusted with 45 to 90 angles.
8 1/4 vs 10 Table Saw! Detailed Comparison
The main difference between 8 ¼ and 10 inches is the different diameters of the blade but they can have the same number of teeth. And for this unparalleled diameter, they have little differences in them though isn’t significant but still worth mentioning.
Have a quick glance at the comparison table below:
Cutting Capacity
How deep will the table saw is cut depends on the diameter of the blade. As the diameter is the distance from one extreme point to the other of the circular surface and the blade rotates at its center point; so, it should cut as deep as its radius.
But it’s not true. The 10-inches saw’s cutting depth is 3.5 inches on the contrary, the 8 ¼ inches table saw cuts to max 2.2 inches. However, this depth of cutting can vary due to the blade adjustment and both the saw can rotate from 0 to 45 degrees.
So, the 8 ¼ inch table saw cannot give a deep cut like ten inches.
RPMs of the Saw
400;”>The RPM (Revolutions per Minute) of the table saw depends on the blade size, the bigger the rpm this theory is completely wrong for the table saw. This tool gives higher RPMs on the lower blade size and most of them run in the 3000 to 4000 rpm range. But you can decrease the rpm by increasing the size of the arbor pulley to 2 ½”.
That is why 8.25 inches table saw rotates with more RPMs than its counterparts and higher RPMs give high-level torque. Moreover, higher RPMs combined with the high torque can create a straighter cut quickly.
Rip Capacity
As their blade diameter is different, they cannot give the same ripping capacity. For example, if you look at DeWalt dw745 and DeWalt dew7485, you will see to the right part of the blade Dw745’s ripping capability is 20 inches; whereas dwe7485 offers up to 24 ¼ inches though both have the same rip off 12 inches to the left side of the blade.
But the fact is, the ripping capacity mostly depends on the price factor, the expensive the tool whatever it’s the size it will give more ripping capacity.
Dado blade compatibility
Dado blade is usually found in 8 inches, so for being compatible with this blade the table saw’s size should be more than the dado. For this reason, the 10-inch blade is quite compatible with the Dado blade whereas the 8.25 cannot get Dado cut.
Who should use 8 ¼ inches table saw?
If you don’t need a deeper cut and prefer to have quite a light table saw then for woodcutting you can choose any suitable 8 ¼ inches table saw. These size table saws are mainly suitable for less heavy work.
Who should use a 10-inches table saw?
Greater depth with lower RPMs if it is perfect for your DIY project or if you want some heavy-duty work, 10-inches can be better.
What Are the Best 8 ¼ Inch And 10 Inch Table Saws?
While reading the 8 1/4 vs 10 table saw comparison article, you may search for the best ones to buy in 2022. For your convenience, I have picked the best product for each category table saw, check out them.
1. DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10 Inch! Heavy-duty and Portable
In our opinion, the DEWALT DWE7491RS table saw is one of the best table saws in 10 inches blade size category due to its capacity and durability. DeWalt the well-known brand offers impressive quality features, with the 32.5-inch rip capacity and 22 inches to the left dew7491RS can break down plywood sheets or other wide boards.
The 15-amp power motor it can cut a depth of 3.125 inches at 90 degrees angle and 2-1/4 inch at 45 degrees which is standard for pressure-treated lumber and hardwoods.
Moreover, it is compatible with a dado set and it is a big plus point for DIY hobbyists. Another stand-out feature is the built-in rack and pinion fence system which makes fence adjustments fast, smooth, and accurate. Then its 2-1/2 inches dust collection port helps for efficient dust extraction.
The 26-1/4-inch X 22-inch table provides superior material support and its onboard storage system provides easy access to the Site-Pro Guard components and push stick when not in use.
So, you can use this saw for heavy-duty work like cabinet installers, trimming carpenters, deck building, or framing bookshelves.
Gears for DEWALT (DWE7491RS) 10 Inch
2. SKILSAW SPT99T-01 8-1/4″ Durable and Affordable
Besides, you can do a straighter cut with it as this model has 5300 RPMs combined with higher torque which makes the application quicker and easier. It gives 2-5/8” depth cut and a 25 inch rip capacity to slice up to 3x.
SKILSAW also features a rack and pinion system that makes fast, smooth fence adjustments for any type of cut you want. The lightweight, weighing less than 45 pounds allows it to place on any flat surface and you can move it by yourself.
Again, another component is the anti-kickback device which is included in the guard system and provides extra safety with the prevention of possible damage. You can work harder and longer with it as its Dual-Field Motor remains cool for a long time.
Extra Gears for SKILSAW SPT99T-01 8-1/4
FAQs
Can I put an 8 1/4 inch blade on a 10-inch table saw?
Yes, it is possible to replace 10-inch by 8 ¼ inch blade. As you can see the famous DeWalt brand incredibly shrinks the blade size of its table saw for making more RPMs.
Can a 10inch table saw cut a 4×4?
No, a standard 10-inch table saw cannot cut 4×4 in one pass, it can cut a maximum 3-¼ inch depth. For making 4×4 cut in one pass, you will need a high-end table saw with a 12-inch blade as its maximum cut is of 4-inch.
Is 8 ¼ inch table saw compatible with a dado blade?
As dado blades usually come in the size of 8 inches, so it would be dangerous to use an 8-inch dado on an 8 ¼ inch table saw.
Conclusion
Both types of table saws have proven to be excellent for both professional masters and DIYers. These two saws offer great performance combined with reliable safety systems and the products of these blade sizes are quite similar to each other.
However, there is also such an argument over rip and cut capacity, rotation, and dado compatibility, so keeping those in mind decide on which blade size will you take.