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Saws are every workman’s favorite. Not only are they extremely handy, but they have also been in existence for ages. Due to their popularity and ability to be put to a different use, saws have undergone several upgrades to meet the myriad needs of consumers across the globe. Take a look at some of the different types of saws that we have today.
Different Types of Saws and Their Uses
Our write-up today entails a vast array of saws and their uses so that you can make the right choice depending on your needs. Before we proceed, it is also worth noting that the shape of the saw, as well as the number and shape of the teeth, can easily tell a saw’s intended use.
Additionally, the saw you choose should at all times depend on the project you are working on and the anticipated result.
Types of hand saws
Hand saws are simple multi-purpose tools that are used manually. Most people prefer hand saws mainly because they provide a personal touch that automated tools cannot. Below are a few types of hand saws that you can choose from;
Hand saw
A hand saw is a must-have for most home toolboxes. Hand saws are the simplest version of saws. Hand saws can cut wood, cardboard, dry wood, and fiberglass with so much ease, but without precision. If you need precision, then you have to upgrade your toolbox.
Hacksaw
If you will be cutting materials harder than wood, a hack saw will come in handy. Hacksaws can be used to cut just about everything; from metal, plastic, metal piping, wood, and even frozen bone.
Featuring 32 teeth, a hacksaw’s blade uses a C frame for support. Also, a hacksaw is easy to use and manipulate as it is not heavy and is quite versatile. Another factor that makes it an ideal saw to have is the fact that it entails cutting blades that are designed to cut specific materials effortlessly.
Crosscut saw
A crosscut saw, also known as a lumberjack saw is a lengthy proliferated saw designed to be used by two persons. It is best suited for cutting big chunks of wood/logs into sizeable pieces.
It features a handle on each end as it is meant to be used by two persons, a blade of medium thickness, and huge beveled teeth which disqualify it from precision cutting mainly because it wobbles while you cut. While there are also one-man crosscut saws, the two-man crosscut saws are more popular.
Pruning saw
Ideal for cutting low-hanging branches, pruning saws feature a long curved blade of around thirteen to fifteen inches that protrudes from a pistol resembling handle.
Pruning saws are best adapted for their function as they feature wide serrated teeth that are designed to cut in opposite directions thus enhancing its speed and efficiency.
Since it prides itself on good length, it makes it easy for its users to reach and trim quite a distance. Its pistol resembling handle makes it somewhat ergonomic as most people can manipulate it without breaking a sweat.
Bow saw
The bow saw is a member of the crosscut saw family. It is named after a bow due to its striking resemblance to a bow.
The bow saw is a perfect example of a home outdoorsy tool as it is mostly used to trim trees, cut logs, and even prune. Since it is not a precision cutter, the bow saw can also be used on other materials for rough cuts.
Having a bow-shaped frame helps hold the blade firmly in place, ensuring that it does not wobble or even move at all while you cut. Another good thing about the bow saw is it allows for both straight and curved cuts.
Fret saw
The fret saw is often confused with copping saw due to their close resemblance. The fret saw features a long slender blade for making delicate cuts.
This saw also has a long big frame that accommodates cutting away from outer edges. However, due to its physical appearance, fret saw blades cannot be rotated. This makes cutting with it quite tedious and difficult to assume hard cutting positions, especially when making precision cuts.
With a slim blade and high back which enables it to make curved or angled cuts into thin pieces of wood with ease, the fret saw is one of the best and most efficient saw that a woodworker can ever lay their hands on.
When using this type of saw, it is highly recommended that you steer clear of using it on thick or dense pieces of wood.
Veneer saw
Another highly specialized saw is the veneer saw whose design features a short double-sided blade that comprises thirteen teeth per inch allowing for precision cutting.
As its name suggests, the veneer saw is solely used for veneer jobs that require precision, while its short blade bars it from versatility as it cannot be used for most other cutting jobs.
Veneer saws are best suited for small, speedy jobs. This is so because, the size of its blade limits the extent of work that it can do, but to make up for its shortcomings, it works speedily within its range, thus achieving smooth end results.
Lastly, the veneer saw has an offset handle which makes it possible for it to work in difficult angles.
Coping saw
Coping saws are among the most flexible and strong saws in the market. Not only can they cut bone and wood with ease and finesse, but they can also cut soft metal quite effortlessly.
A coping saw has a D-shaped frame with a slim narrow blade with super fine teeth attached to it.
Due to the nature of its blade, the coping saw is best suited for trimming jobs, scrolling, and cutting that requires high levels of precision and delicate cuts.
Coping saws are definitely a must-have for carpenters, plumbers, and toy manufacturers due to their precision and ability to make intricate cuts, as earlier stated, as well as their ability to engross details into materials.
Youtube Video Credit Stewart Productions
Types of Power Saws
Power saws, unlike their manual counterparts the hand saws, are battery or electricity-powered. This is a plus on their part as it makes them a lot less strenuous to use as compared to hand saws and gives them the opportunity to do more work. Below are a few types of power saws that you can choose from;
Miter saw
Miter saw is a powerful tool that is designed to enable carpenters to make accurate cuts. They allow the user to make angled cuts with great precision. A miter saw can be mounted on a working surface or used using a suitable stand. This is the saw you need for crosscuts while working.
Circular saw
A circular saw is a prominent tool that is used to cut across materials using a circular-shaped blade. A circular saw can be mounted on top of a working surface and also be handheld. The blade rotates to cut wood. They are used by carpenters to make different wood products.
Table Saw
Table saws are perfect for large jobs. And as the name suggests, table saws are usually placed on a table and are stationary. Once powered, the operator pushes wood through the blade for cutting. The table being stationary and firm enables the operator to make precise cuts.
This blade, however, is not ideal for cutting metal, nor is it portable, thus you need to be stationed in one place. Caution should always be exercised when using the table saw since the operator’s fingers tend to get too close to the blade while the saw is in use.
Lastly, remember to always turn the saw off when not in use.
Reciprocating Saw
The reciprocating saw is a handheld power saw with a blade that moves in a back and forth motion. It cuts a wide range of materials from wood, concrete, plastic, tubing among others.
It is efficient, high powered and has a high level of endurance, and as a result, is the preferred saw when it comes to demolition works as it can cut through a majority of materials quite easily.
Reciprocating saws come in two versions; a corded version and a cordless one, it is up to you do pick the one that is most preferable for your needs. If you settle for the cordless version, it is highly recommended that you charge the saw before you head out with it.
Chainsaw
A chainsaw as the name suggests uses a chain that enables the saw to rotate as it cuts. Chainsaws are ideal for felling trees and large branches.
Due to their popularity, there are plenty of chainsaw brands and models to choose from in the market.
Pole Saw
A pole saw is one of the best well-thought-out power saws. This is because you need not climb a tree or go up a ladder to cut branches that are high up the tree or even deep bushes. It provides extra reach for you since it is designed to elongate up to sixteen feet and more.
The good thing about pole saws is that it provides the operator with plenty of control and safety mainly because the extra reach allows for them to stand firmly on the ground far from any falling branches.
It is powered by electricity, batteries, and gas engines.
Flooring Saw
The flooring saw is designed to specifically deal with any flooring cuts. In other words, it cuts flooring materials such as bamboo and hardwood among others.
A good thing about flooring saws is that it is portable, allowing for the operator to bring it along wherever the flooring works happens to be. Any contractor will tell you for free that the flooring saw is a necessity especially for them.
Masonry Saw
Last but not least, is the masonry saw. It is specifically tailor-made for cutting tough building materials such as brick and concrete among others.
It is big, strong, and tough enough to cut even the largest pieces of materials. The only downside about the masonry saw is that its big size makes it an impractical task to transport to the worksite.
Band saw
A band saw is one of the best tools that you need in your workshop. It is great in cutting curved shapes, ripping wood, and performing crosscuts. Carpenters interested in curved and artistic carpentry a band saw is the best tool. They have suitable stands for perfect use and comfort.
Final Verdict
Depending on how you want to use the saw, you have a list of different types of saws that can suit your job. Make sure the type of saw you buy meets your needs so that you can get the most from it.
Relevant Resources
- Miter Saw Vs Circular Saw in 2021 – Are You Confused Which One To Pick
- Chop Saw Vs Miter Saw – Think First Before Taking The Decision
- Table Saw Vs Miter Saw-Which one is Better for Your Woodworking Jobs
Hand saw
A hand saw is a must-have for most home toolboxes. Hand saws are the simplest version of saws. Hand saws can cut wood, cardboard, dry wood, and fiberglass with so much ease, but without precision. If you need precision, then you have to upgrade your toolbox.
Hacksaw
If you will be cutting materials harder than wood, a hack saw will come in handy. Hacksaws can be used to cut just about everything; from metal, plastic, metal piping, wood, and even frozen bone.
Featuring 32 teeth, a hacksaw’s blade uses a C frame for support. Also, a hacksaw is easy to use and manipulate as it is not heavy and is quite versatile. Another factor that makes it an ideal saw to have is the fact that it entails cutting blades that are designed to cut specific materials effortlessly.
Crosscut saw
A crosscut saw, also known as a lumberjack saw is a lengthy proliferated saw designed to be used by two persons. It is best suited for cutting big chunks of wood/logs into sizeable pieces.
It features a handle on each end as it is meant to be used by two persons, a blade of medium thickness, and huge beveled teeth which disqualify it from precision cutting mainly because it wobbles while you cut. While there are also one-man crosscut saws, the two-man crosscut saws are more popular.
Pruning saw
Ideal for cutting low-hanging branches, pruning saws feature a long curved blade of around thirteen to fifteen inches that protrudes from a pistol resembling handle.
Pruning saws are best adapted for their function as they feature wide serrated teeth that are designed to cut in opposite directions thus enhancing its speed and efficiency.
Since it prides itself on good length, it makes it easy for its users to reach and trim quite a distance. Its pistol resembling handle makes it somewhat ergonomic as most people can manipulate it without breaking a sweat.
Bow saw
The bow saw is a member of the crosscut saw family. It is named after a bow due to its striking resemblance to a bow.
The bow saw is a perfect example of a home outdoorsy tool as it is mostly used to trim trees, cut logs, and even prune. Since it is not a precision cutter, the bow saw can also be used on other materials for rough cuts.
Having a bow-shaped frame helps hold the blade firmly in place, ensuring that it does not wobble or even move at all while you cut. Another good thing about the bow saw is it allows for both straight and curved cuts.
Fret saw
The fret saw is often confused with copping saw due to their close resemblance. The fret saw features a long slender blade for making delicate cuts.
This saw also has a long big frame that accommodates cutting away from outer edges. However, due to its physical appearance, fret saw blades cannot be rotated. This makes cutting with it quite tedious and difficult to assume hard cutting positions, especially when making precision cuts.
With a slim blade and high back which enables it to make curved or angled cuts into thin pieces of wood with ease, the fret saw is one of the best and most efficient saw that a woodworker can ever lay their hands on.
When using this type of saw, it is highly recommended that you steer clear of using it on thick or dense pieces of wood.
Veneer saw
Another highly specialized saw is the veneer saw whose design features a short double-sided blade that comprises of thirteen teeth per inch allowing for precision cutting.
As its name suggests, the veneer saw is solely used for veneer jobs that require precision, while its short blade bars it from versatility as it cannot be used for most other cutting jobs.
Veneer saws are best suited for small, speedy jobs. This is so because, the size of its blade limits the extent of work that it can do, but to make up for its shortcomings, it works speedily within its range, thus achieving smooth end results.
Lastly, the veneer saw has an offset handle which makes it possible for it to work in difficult angles.
Coping saw
Coping saws are among the most flexible and strong saws in the market. Not only can they cut bone and wood with ease and finesse, but they can also cut soft metal quite effortlessly.
A coping saw has a D-shaped frame with a slim narrow blade with super fine teeth attached to it.
Due to the nature of its blade, the coping saw is best suited for trimming jobs, scrolling, and cutting that requires high levels of precision and delicate cuts.
Coping saws are definitely a must-have for carpenters, plumbers, and toy manufacturers due to their precision and ability to make intricate cuts, as earlier stated, as well as their ability to engross details into materials.
Youtube Video Credit Stewart Productions
Types of Power Saws
Power saws, unlike their manual counterparts the hand saws, are battery or electricity-powered. This is a plus on their part as it makes them a lot less strenuous to use as compared to hand saws and gives them the opportunity to do more work. Below are a few types of power saws that you can choose from;
Miter saw
Miter saw is a powerful tool that is designed to enable carpenters to make accurate cuts. They allow the user to make angled cuts with great precision. A miter saw can be mounted on a working surface or used using a suitable stand. This is the saw you need for crosscuts while working.
Circular saw
A circular saw is a prominent tool that is used to cut across materials using a circular-shaped blade. A circular saw can be mounted on top of a working surface and also be handheld. The blade rotates to cut wood. They are used by carpenters to make different wood products.
Table Saw
Table saws are perfect for large jobs. And as the name suggests, table saws are usually placed on a table and are stationary. Once powered, the operator pushes wood through the blade for cutting. The table being stationary and firm enables the operator to make precise cuts.
This blade, however, is not ideal for cutting metal, nor is it portable, thus you need to be stationed in one place. Caution should always be exercised when using the table saw since the operator’s fingers tend to get too close to the blade while the saw is in use.
Lastly, remember to always turn the saw off when not in use.
Reciprocating Saw
The reciprocating saw is a handheld power saw with a blade that moves in a back and forth motion. It cuts a wide range of materials from wood, concrete, plastic, tubing among others.
It is efficient, high powered and has a high level of endurance, and as a result, is the preferred saw when it comes to demolition works as it can cut through a majority of materials quite easily.
Reciprocating saws come in two versions; a corded version and a cordless one, it is up to you do pick the one that is most preferable for your needs. If you settle for the cordless version, it is highly recommended that you charge the saw before you head out with it.
Chainsaw
A chainsaw as the name suggests uses a chain that enables the saw to rotate as it cuts. Chainsaws are ideal for felling trees and large branches.
Due to their popularity, there are plenty of chainsaw brands and models to choose from in the market.
Pole Saw
A pole saw is one of the best well-thought-out power saws. This is because you need not climb a tree or go up a ladder to cut branches that are high up the tree or even deep bushes. It provides extra reach for you since it is designed to elongate up to sixteen feet and more.
The good thing about pole saws is that it provides the operator with plenty of control and safety mainly because the extra reach allows for them to stand firmly on the ground far from any falling branches.
It is powered by electricity, batteries, and gas engines.
Flooring Saw
The flooring saw is designed to specifically deal with any flooring cuts. In other words, it cuts flooring materials such as bamboo and hardwood among others.
A good thing about flooring saws is that it is portable, allowing for the operator to bring it along wherever the flooring works happens to be. Any contractor will tell you for free that the flooring saw is a necessity especially for them.
Masonry Saw
Last but not least, is the masonry saw. It is specifically tailor-made for cutting tough building materials such as brick and concrete among others.
It is big, strong, and tough enough to cut even the largest pieces of materials. The only downside about the masonry saw is that its big size makes it an impractical task to transport to the worksite.
Band saw
A band saw is one of the best tools that you need in your workshop. It is great in cutting curved shapes, ripping wood, and performing crosscuts. Carpenters interested in curved and artistic carpentry a band saw is the best tool. They have suitable stands for perfect use and comfort.
Final Verdict
Depending on how you want to use the saw, you have a list of different types of saws that can suit your job. Make sure the type of saw you buy meets your needs so that you can get the most from it.
