8 ¼ Inch vs 10 Inch Table saw – Which One Should I Choose?

The 8 ¼ -inch and 10-inch table saws’ working performances are impressive, and the safety system is also reliable. However, because of the size difference, one has more advantages than the other.

The RPM of the 8 ¼-inch saw is higher, and for such a small diameter, it ensures excellent and smooth cutting while remaining compact and cost-effective. In contrast, the 10-inch saw is powerful, cuts deeper and thinner wood, and has a higher rip capacity and availability.

Let’s get a comparison between 8 ¼ Inch vs 10 Inch Table saw and explain their benefits and drawbacks so that you can pick one easily according to your project and budget.

Comparison Table Between 8 ¼ Inch vs 10 Inch Table saw

Pros & Cons Compare to 8 ¼-inch and 10-inch Table saw

8 ¼-inch Table saw

The 8 ¼-inch saw uses 15 AMP high-torque motors that accept conventional plugs to cut lumber and hardwoods with tremendous pressure. It is compact and lightweight and even offers a cordless version for easily carried anywhere.

10-inch Table saw

Like the 8 ¼-inch, the 10-inch saw also uses 15 AMP high torque motors, but with the bigger blade, it spins slower but ensures a deeper cut, better rip capacity, and Dado compatibility.

Differences between 8 ¼ Table saw vs 10 Table saw

Weight and Size

The 10-inch table saw is larger and heavier than the 8 ¼-inch table saw in comparison. 

However, both saws are stationary tools and not designed to be much portable. But for its lightweight and compact size and having a cordless option, the 8 ¼ inch table saw is more portable and suitable for outside working places.

RMP

A table saw blade usually spins around 3000–4000 times per minute. Here, the motor power of the 8 ¼  and 10 table saws is the same, but as the 8 ¼  table saw uses smaller blades than the 10 table saw; for that, it spins at a higher and faster RPM and increases torque rate; it runs around 5800 RPM on no load. 

In contrast, a 10-table saw spins around 4800 RPM on no load with a low torque rate.

Blade size

The blades on the 10-inch table saw are longer than those on the 8-1/4-inch. As the name the 8 ¼  table saw uses an 8 ¼  inch blade. On the other hand, the 10-table saw uses a 10-inch blade.

Cutting depth

As the 8 ¼  inch uses a smaller blade for that reason, it cuts less deep than the 10-inch table saw. A 10-inch table saw can cut up to 3-1/2in. at 90 and 2-1/4 in. at a 45-degree angle. 

In contrast, the 8 ¼ inch table saw can cut up to 2-1/2 in. at 90 and 1-3/4 in. at a 45-degree angle.

Cut capacity

As for the smaller size, the rip-cutting capacity is less in the 8 ¼ inch table saw. For example, you can rip cut up to 24 inches on the 8-1/4-inch table saw. In contrast, on the 10-inch table saw, you can rip cut a max of 22 inches to the left of the blade and 32-1/2 inches to the right of the blade.

Thinner woodcut or Dado blade

A thinner woodcut is less preferable in the 8 ¼ -inch table saw as it is incompatible with Dado blades. To use a Dado blade in a table saw, you need a longer blade-supported table saw than the dido blade.

As the 10-inch table saw uses bigger blades than the dado blades for that reason, you can attach dado blades to it and can cut thinner wood.

Availability

Availability could be an essential point to compare while choosing between 8 ¼ -inch and 10-inch. 8 ¼ -inch has less availability than the 10-inch as fewer companies make it.

Three companies only make the 8-1/4-inch table saw; DeWalt, Skil Saw, and RYOBI. In contrast, the 10-inch table is only made by a wide range of companies; DeWalt, Skil Saw, BOSCH, RYOBI, Delta, and more.

Price

The 10-inch table saw is comparatively more expensive than the 8 ¼ -inch. A good quality Corded 8 ¼ -inch will cost around $300, and a cordless one will cost around $600.

In contrast, A good quality 10-inch will cost around $500 to $1000. But for heavy-duty work, spend more than $2000.

Which One should I choose: Dewalt 8 ¼ -inch or Dewalt 10-inch Table saw

The working performance of both these 8 ¼ -inch and 10-inch saws is impressive, and they have a reliable safety system.

Keep these things aside; if you need a smooth and excellent cutting saw that cuts fast, weight, and size less for easy storage and portability, and the main thing is budget-friendly, then choose the Dewalt 8 ¼ -inch Table saw. Also, best for getting smaller projects done.

Note: The same featured Dewalt 8 ¼ -inch Table saw is also available in cordless versions that are tremendous for portability but cost like the 10-inch table saws. If you want an 8 ¼-inch and also have the budget, then you can consider this Dewalt cordless 8 ¼ -inch table saw.

If you need a powerful saw that cuts thicker wood as well as is compatible with dado blades for thinner wood cutting with better rip-cut capacity and availability, then choose Dewalt 10-inch Table saw. Also, the 10-inch Table saw can be used instead of the 8 ¼ -inch Table saw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The main thing is that the 8 ¼ -inch is compact, cut fast, budget-friendly, and best for smaller projects, and the 10-inch is powerful, cut deep, has max rip capacity, and is available everywhere.

I hope I have discussed every possible perspective; now you have to choose which is preferable according to your project need and budget. Thank you.