Saws are some of the most versatile tools available to homeowners, construction workers, and handymen alike, but that doesn’t mean they’re all created equal.
There are several types of saws with unique features, uses, and limitations, so it’s important to know the differences to make the right choice when you need to cut through wood or other materials.
To help you choose the right saw for your next project, we’ve created this list of five different types of saws and what makes them unique from one another.
22 Types of Saws for Everyday Use
1. Reciprocating Saw
When you need a saw to cut wood, tile, or plastics and need to go around tight corners, a reciprocating saw is your best bet. Reciprocating saws have a battery, motor, and blade all in one unit that attaches to an electrical cord. They are fairly affordable and are sold at most home-improvement stores.
There are two basic types: corded and cordless. Cordless versions can be used anywhere without worrying about finding an outlet nearby (but there are usually weight restrictions on their size).
While both saws can be used for everyday tasks like cutting holes in drywall or ripping out tile, they also work great with demolition work and remodeling jobs because they can be used in tighter spaces than other saws.
2. Circular Saw
The circular saw is a small table saw usually powered by electricity. You’ll likely use a circular saw if you have a big project, such as creating lumber from long planks. It can cut through many different materials and has no trouble slicing through 2x4s or similar pieces of wood at an accurate 90-degree angle.
However, it’s probably not going to work well on carpet or other soft materials; if your Job requires cutting materials that aren’t solid wood (and sometimes even if they are), you’ll want to look at other types of saws instead.
3. Traditional Handsaw
The traditional hand saw is, well, just that-a handsaw. They can be used to cut wood or PVC pipe and come in various sizes, like 16 and 28. On average, they are relatively cheap, and their blades can be sharpened (when they become dull) with just a few strokes on a whetstone.
Despite their limitations (noisy, slow cutting, hard to control), you may want to consider using a saw like these if you only need them infrequently or if you will only be cutting thin materials. If you choose to go with one of these saws, make sure it has comfortable handles with rubber grips for safe use.
Consider choosing a model with an enclosed blade guard for jobs where blade exposure could pose a safety hazard. Other popular models include ones with extended handles for extra reach or quick-release mechanisms, so you don’t have to remove the blade from the handle each time you need to change positions.
4. Hacksaw
This small hacksaw has a thin blade and is designed to cut materials that are slightly harder than wood, such as plastic or metal. For example, you can use a hacksaw to make quick work of aluminum siding on a house if you have an urgent situation where removing it’s more practical than waiting until you can get help.
Remember that when working with hard materials like metal, you won’t be able to apply much force against your saw’s handle. It’s also important to keep both sides of your saw blade sharp; if one side dulls too quickly, it could cause kickback. Do not try and resharpen a saw after every cut; wait until each side is completely dull before resharpening.
5. Miter Saw
This saw has a large, flexible blade that can be tilted to make diagonal cuts. Because it is generally used with materials like wood or plastic, it doesn’t need to be particularly sharp in order to cut effectively.
Miter saws are portable and designed so that they can be easily adjusted to any angle; they’re handy when you need more control over your cuts than a circular saw will allow. If you use your saw primarily at home, then a miter saw is likely your best bet-and may even be all you ever need.
The downside? It isn’t suitable for making fine adjustments. It won’t do as well with metals or other materials requiring a sharp blade.
6. Band saws
A band saw is a power tool that uses a blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal to cut various materials. Band saws are used for woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering tasks. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs.
The most common type of band saw is the portable band saw, which is used for cutting lumber and other materials in construction and home improvement projects. There are also stationary band saws, which are often found at machine shops or in industrial settings.
There are many types of blades that can be used with a band saw, including those with straight or spiral teeth and diamond-shaped teeth. The more teeth per inch on the blade, the smoother it will cut; some blades have up to 60 teeth per inch.
7. Keyhole saws
A keyhole saw is a small hand saw that’s great for making quick, precise cuts in wood. It’s often used for cutting doorways and other small openings in walls. If you’re looking for a versatile saw that can handle a variety of tasks, a keyhole saw is a good choice.
They are lightweight, compact, and have narrow blades. For this reason, they make clean cuts without splintering the surface or leaving an unsightly kerf mark. The blade is curved on one side, so it stays parallel to the work surface as it moves back and forth. Keyhole saws have 12-inch blades with 1/4-inch teeth spaced 3/8 inch apart.
The term keyhole has nothing to do with any actual keyholes; instead, it’s because these tools can be easily inserted into tight spaces where a regular-sized saw might not fit.
8. Hand Miter Saw
A hand miter saw is a small, handheld saw that’s great for making quick, precise cuts in small pieces of wood. It’s perfect for trimming door and window frames, molding, and baseboards. Plus, it’s easy to use and maneuver, making it a great choice for DIY projects. It’s also one of the most affordable types of saw on this list.
9. Table Saw
A table saw is one of the most versatile and widely used saws in woodworking. It can make long, precise cuts, rip lumber, crosscut boards, and cut dadoes and rabbets. If you’re serious about woodworking, a table saw is an essential tool. However, there are many types of table saws to choose from.
The main difference between them lies in their motors. Electric table saws use electricity to power their motors and require extension cords to operate at full capacity; cordless tables don’t need power cords but are generally more expensive than electric models; hybrids combine the two designs for efficiency, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Table saws also come with various blades which have different cutting capacities.
Blades are available in thicknesses of 1/2, 3/4, and 1. Thickness determines how deep the blade will cut into the board (1 is the deepest). For accurate work, using thin blades allows you to guide the blade along your line of sight while keeping it close to your desired cut line. Most table saws also come with other helpful features, such as push sticks and feather boards, which help keep material firmly against a fence for more accurate cuts.
10. Chop Saws
A chop saw is a great all-purpose saw that can be used for a variety of tasks. It’s perfect for cutting through wood, metal, and plastic. Plus, it’s easy to use and relatively inexpensive. A chop saw is a way to go if you’re looking for a versatile saw that can handle just about anything.
However, because this type of saw has so many teeth on its blade, it takes longer to cut materials than other types of saws.
This saw isn’t designed for precision cuts or finishes; it’s meant for large cuts such as in construction or demolition work.
A rip cut is also possible using a chop saw if you change the angle of your blade before cutting. That said, don’t forget safety goggles and ear protection when using this type of power tool.
11. Belt Sander saw
A belt sander saw is a handheld power tool that uses an abrasive belt to sand down the wood. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as removing paint or varnish, shaping wood, and even sanding down metal. A belt sander saw is a great option if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile saw for your home workshop.
12. Scroll Saw
A scroll saw is a type of saw that is used to create intricate designs in wood. Scroll saws have a thin, narrow blade that is mounted on a scroll-like frame. The blade is moved up and down by a motor, and the speed can be adjusted to suit the needs of the project. Scroll saws can be used to create delicate curves and shapes and are often used in woodworking and carpentry.
For example, they’re commonly used to make windowsills or frames for mirrors. However, they are not meant for cutting thick materials like plywood or hardwoods. If you need to cut through something like this, you’ll need an electric chain saw instead.
13. Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting wood to trimming metal. It’s a must-have for any workshop or garage. If you’re going to invest in one power tool, this should be it.
14. The Tandem Saw
A saw is a tool that’s used to cut through materials like wood and metal. There are many different types of saws, each designed for a specific purpose. The Tandem saw is a type of saw that’s two-handed and has two blades that are connected at the handle. This saw is ideal for cutting long boards or sheets of material.
It is a perfect choice for when you need your work done quickly and efficiently. By running two circular blades in opposite directions on either side of the material you are cutting, the Tandem Saw creates an incredibly fast cut with less effort than you would expect.
15. Crosscut Saw
A crosscut saw is a type of saw that is used to make cuts across the grain of the wood. Crosscut saws come in various sizes and can be used for various tasks, from cutting lumber to trimming branches. Both professionals and amateurs alike can use crosscut saws. Sawyers will use them as their primary tool, while carpenters might only need one occasionally.
16. Bow Cut Saw
A bow-cut saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting branches to trimming hedges. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a saw that can do it all. The blade is curved and sharpened on the inside so it can easily cut through wood and plants without damaging them.
A keyhole saw has a thin blade with an asymmetrical tooth pattern that makes it ideal for precision cuts in tight spaces like when installing crown molding or installing insulation in your home.
17. Fret Saw
A fret saw is a small, handheld saw that’s great for making precise, delicate cuts. It has a very thin blade that’s tensioned in a frame and can make curved or straight cuts. Fret saws are perfect for cutting intricate wood, metal, or plastic designs.
18. Pruning Saw
A pruning saw is a small, handheld saw that is great for making quick, clean cuts on small branches. It is important to have a good pruning saw if you want to keep your plants healthy and looking their best. The blade should be made out of strong steel, and the handle should be long enough so that it doesn’t get in the way when you are trying to cut down a branch. I recommend using an electric or chainsaw for heavier-duty jobs because they will do the job much faster than a manual pruning saw.
19. Camping Saw
A camping saw is a small, handheld saw that is great for cutting through small branches and twigs. They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for camping trips. There are many different types of camping saws on the market, so it is important to choose one that is right for you.
20. Bone Saw
A bone saw is a type of saw that is specifically designed to cut through bone. These saws typically have very sharp teeth that are set into a metal blade. Bone saws can be used for a variety of purposes, such as butchering meat or cutting through bone for sculpting.
21. Panel Saw
A panel saw is a type of saw that is used to cut large pieces of wood or paneling. It can be used to cut plywood, particle board, and even some types of metal. Panel saws are very versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. If you are working on a project that requires cutting large pieces of wood, then a panel saw is the perfect tool for the job.
22. Oscillating Saw
An oscillating saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting pipes, trimming wood, and even removing grout. It’s a must-have for any serious DIYer. A table saw is ideal for many projects, but it might not work with tight spaces or odd angles.
An oscillating saw will be your best bet if you’re working on something like those things. While you’ll need to keep the blade perpendicular to the object you’re cutting through at all times (as opposed to simply running it over the surface), this type of saw allows you to easily cut through shapes in multiple directions without needing to stop and rotate the object.
What to Look for in a Good Saw?
The first thing to look for in a saw is how it will fit into your lifestyle. If you are going to be using it frequently, you want something that’s going to be convenient.
While having a good strong motor is important, so is taking care of that saw once you have it.
The better you take care of your tools, the longer they’ll last and make tasks easier for you. Here are some guidelines on what to look for when choosing a new tool
- Personal needs- There are five types of saws for everyday use. They all have different features that can help with specific jobs, and all work differently based on personal needs.
- Strength- For example, if you need to cut through thick logs or branches regularly, then getting a saw with an 8-inch blade would work best as opposed to one with a 6-inch blade. However, if you need something more lightweight or smaller for detailed projects, get one with a 6-inch blade instead of an 8-inch one because this will keep the weight down and not require as much force when cutting through material like plywood sheets.
- Accessibility- Having a saw with ergonomic grips is also very helpful for people who have difficulty holding onto objects and gripping them.
- Safety- Safety should always be at the forefront of any person’s mind when purchasing a new tool because different precautions should be taken depending on which type of saw you’re purchasing.
- Price- Generally speaking, the price range is dependent on what type of quality you’re looking for and the extras that come with it, such as warranties, add-ons, etcetera. It’s usually recommended to buy higher quality items rather than lower quality ones even though they may cost more money upfront; this saves time in the long run because these products tend to last longer than cheaper versions (which means less frequent replacements).
Saw: Safety tips
While saws might look dangerous, they’re actually incredibly easy to use. However, if you want to avoid injury, it’s important to remember a few safety tips.
First and foremost, read through your tool’s manual and get acquainted with how it works before attempting any projects; just because it looks easy doesn’t mean you can get away without reading up on proper safety protocol.
Next, you’ll want to make sure your workspace is cleared of clutter and everything that isn’t necessary is moved away from where you’ll be working; after all, accidents happen.
Conclusion
While saws can seem complicated, they’re actually one of the most simple tools you can buy. Depending on your needs, you can choose a hand saw, compound miter saw, or even a specialty tool like a jigsaw. The key is to choose a tool that meets your specific needs and cuts with precision and accuracy.
Also read: https://thegeartools.com/best-hole-saws-for-aluminum/
