Difference between filtering range and table - vba

Question

Can someone explain why there is a difference between filtering a range and a table? I get the difference between the two, but I dont see why a range filter cannot filter the underlying data when its formatted as a table.
I've been having issues filtering files due to the difference. I am consolidating x number of user files with the same headers. However, some people (thanks a lot, Charles across the hall) decide to format as a table which is causing issues.
Is there a universal way (or more effective way) to filter data that is independent of the format? As an example, I am trying to filter for text "NORAM" in Col A, and then copy/paste visible cells elsewhere.
Do I need to do something like this?
If Range("A1") is range Then
Filter Range("A1") with range method ("NORAM")
Copy Visible Cells
Paste to Destination
Else
Filter Range("A1") with table method ("NORAM")
Copy Visible Cells
Paste to Destination
End If
Or is there a way to do something like this, which is independent of range or table?
Range("A1") filter range regardless of format ("NORAM")
Copy Visible Cells
Paste to Destination
I do not need help copying or pasting data. The above are just generic steps. I'm hoping to see the most effective way to filter a range, a table, and hopefully a way to filter both regardless of format.

Answer 1

I'm not sure what error you're getting but here's a quick filter, tested on both a table (Sheet1) and a range not formatted as a table (Sheet2).
Option Explicit
Private Sub FilterTableOrRange(ws As Worksheet)
Dim lastRow As Long, lastCol As Long
With ws
lastRow = .Cells(.Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
lastCol = .Cells(1, .Columns.Count).End(xlToLeft).Column
.Range(.Cells(1, 1), .Cells(lastRow, lastCol)).AutoFilter _
Field:=1, Criteria1:="NORAM"
End With
End Sub
Sub Master()
FilterTableOrRange Sheets("Sheet1")
FilterTableOrRange Sheets("Sheet2")
End Sub
If this is not helpful, then please specify the exact issues you've had.