Different Types of Saws & Their Uses (with Pictures)

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Different types of saws by toolscritics.com

Any woodworking project cannot be complete without a saw. In other words, a saw is the most popular or vital tool in the woodworking field.

Different types of saws are available on the market, which saw do you have back in your workshop? A jigsaw? Maybe you have a crosscut saw. Whichever it is, you must attest that it is very valuable equipment in your arsenal. But did you know that there are over 20 types of saws out there? You probably haven’t heard of some.

Luckily, we will be covering some of them in this article. Let’s explore them together, shall we?

Categories of Saws

Different Types of Saws

Before we go deep into the multiple saw types, let’s shorten them for a better understanding. Generally, saws are divided into

Two Major Categories

  1. Handsaws (manual). 
  2. Power saws (automatic).

Handsaws are saws that are handheld and they rely on the effort and power of the operator for them to cut through the workpiece. They are operated manually.

Power saws are also handheld, but they run on a motor that requires less of the operator’s effort and power. You will push them to cut or trim the workpiece, or you will push the workpiece towards the blade of the power saw.

All Different Types of Saws & Their Uses

Now, let’s go deeper with them;

Category 1: Hand Saws

These are also called panel saws, and they come in different types. Here are the types of handsaws that you should know about;

1. Back Saw or Tenon Saws

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This saw comes short in size, and it features a narrow blade reinforced along the upper edge. They are mostly used along with miter boxes or if the workpiece requires a fine and straight consistent cut.

It’s Activity

  1. To make straight cuts.
  2. To cut straight in large pieces of sheet-wood.
  3. To crosscut for sawing plywood by It’s fine tooth.
  4. To cut small pieces of wood.
  5. To cut small pieces of most joints.

2. Hacksaw

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You probably already know about the hacksaw. This saw is best suited for cutting tubing and pipes. Thanks to their lightweight and overall versatility, the hacksaw can cut through almost any material. You just have to use the right blade, which is easily changeable.

It’s Activity

  1. Made for cutting metal.
  2. Also cut various other materials.
  3. Can cut plastic and wood.
  4. Example plumbers, plastic pipe & plastic

3. Veneer Saw

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This one comes with a short dual-edged blade that features 13TPI (teeth per inch). Specifically, this saw is used for precision veneer work.

It’s Activity

  1. To cut hardwood veneer.
  2. Curved blade ensure precision work.
  3. It helps to cut flush with a surface.
  4. To cut pieces of wood into different shapes easily.

4. Pole Saw or Pole Runner

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(See our pick for best cordless pole saw)

This saw features an extendable pole that can reach up to 16 feet based on the model of the saw. It comes with a 6 or 8-inch blade that is specifically used for tree pruning. Today, you can find gas or electric-powered pole saw.

It’s Activity

  1. To Clearing Brush.
  2. Can Pruning trees.
  3. To clear out the undergrowth and other ground covers.
  4. Helps to remove dead, dying, or obstructing branches.

Types of Pole Saws

  1. Cordless pole saw.
  2. Gas pole saw.
  3. Electric pole saw
  4. Manual pole saw.
  5. Rip-Cut Saw or Hand Saw

A rip cut saw is mostly used for framing projects. It comes with less TPI, but every tooth on the blade is sharp enough to easily eat through wood.

5. Keyhole Saw

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(See our pick for best hole saw kit)

This saw comes with a round handle, along with a blade that extends from the top of the handle. Usually, it is used for making patterns or circles in wood pieces. They are mostly used for drywall, mostly if only a small part is needed to be replaced or removed.

It’s Activity

  • Helps to cut interior circles.
  • Use with wood, plastic & drywall.

6. Wallboard Saw

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This saw comes with an almost similar design to a keyhole saw, but they are shorter in length with a wide blade and fewer TPI. Too often, the wallboard saw will come in a double-edge option. The design of a wallboard saw allows it to puncture through drywall and paneling. Mostly, this saw will be used to make starter holes for power tools.

It’s Activity

  1. To cut drywall, wood, plywood.
  2. Steel blade for strength while cutting.
  3. The cutting job will go smoother.

7. Crosscut Saw

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This is another common type of handsaw that comes with a fairly thick blade with large and beveled teeth. They are specifically used to rough cut wood pieces. Back in the days, a 2-man crosscut saw was used for felling trees. It had a handle on both ends and was designed to be used by two people.

It’s Activity

  • Helpful for woodworking or large for coarse work.

8. Pruning Saw

Pruning saws come with a blade of around 15 inches, which extends from the handle. The blade is wide with coarse teeth that can cut in either direction. They are mostly used for landscaping.

9. Japanese Saw

This one comes with a single handle and a thin cutting blade that extends out. The Japanese Saw can reach places most saws can’t. They are used to cut both soft and hardwood perfectly.

10. Coping Saw

A coping saw features a thin and narrow blade that allows it to be used for scrolling, trimming or any other project that needs intricate and precise cuts.

11. Fret Saw

This one almost looks like a coping saw, but the blade is thin and long. The frame is longer and larger than a coping saw. It is also used for making intricate cuts.

12. Bow Saw

The bow saw comes with a long blade with several crosscut teeth, which makes it ideal for cutting logs, pruning, or trimming trees. It can also be used to making other rough cuts.

Category #2: Power Saws

Power saws are more of an advanced version of hand saws. They are meant to make work easier by enhancing the efficiency and delivery of woodworking projects. With power saws, they can either be electric or gas-powered. Electric power saws can be cordless (battery-powered) or corded (electricity-powered).

Here are the common types of chain saws;

13. Chain Saw

This type of power chain saw comes with a chain that is linked with several ripping teeth. A chain saw is in the same category of band saws, and they are mostly used for felling trees. They can also be used to cut massive logs.

Type of chain saws

14. Circular Saw or Buzz Saw/Skilsaw

This is another popular type of power saw, which was made popular by the brand, Skilsaw hence the name. They come with a toothed blade that is around 7.25-inch to 9-inch in diameter. A circular saw can be used with blades that can rip through masonry, plastic, metal, wood, or any other material.

Circular saws come in various categories including the following;

15. Chop Saw or concrete saw/abrasive saw/cut-off saw

This is a type of circular saw that is made in both masonry and metal cutting versions. With the masonry cutting chop saws, they will come with a water line connection to minimize dust as it is cutting. All chop saws will come with toothless blades that come with special abrasives that will cut through the specific material.

16. Flooring Saw

This is a portable power saw that is meant for re-sawing flooring of any material to fit. Thanks to its portability, the flooring saw allows you to have an easy time when cutting flooring. You don’t have to remove the materials from the floor.

17. Band Saw-Stationary

A stationary band saw is tall in size and is meant to stand on the floor. It features large pulleys above and below the cutting table. These pulleys will move a continuous band with fine teeth to cut through different materials. They are best used for intricate cutting of curves into wood pieces, tubes, PVC, and piping. You can also use a band saw for re-sawing, but it needs some skills.

18. Band Saw-Portable

This is a portable version of the stationary unit, which comes smaller in size. It can deliver the same functions of a stationary band saw. However, they can only cut through pipes of 3-4 inches in diameter. Most metalworkers, welders, and plumbers can use it to make straight cuts too.

Other types of band saws include the following;

19. Jigsaw

This is a handheld power Jigsaw that comes with a short and fine-toothed blade that moves up and down at adjustable speeds. It is specifically designed for cutting non-straight lines and curves in wood pieces.

Type of Jigsaw

20. Compound Miter Saw

This power saw is used for making straight, miter, and compound cuts on workpieces. Unlike the miter saw, the compound miter saw comes with a blade mounted on the arm that is adjustable if you want to make complex angles. They are the best for trimming out windows or adding crown molding.

21. Panel Saw

The panel saw comes with horizontal and vertical alignments. They are almost similar to table saws and are meant for cutting large panels. With the horizontal model, they come with a sliding feed table. On the other hand, a vertical model panel saw allows you to either have a blade moving through a stationary panel or feed the material to the blade.

Mostly, panel saws are used in sign making, cabinetmaking, and other similar projects.

22. Oscillating Saw

This type of saw looks almost like a grinder, but it features an oscillating attachment at the end. You can change the attachment based on your project. The saw can also be used for grinding, scraping, or removing grout.

23. Rotary Saw

This one comes with a fixed blade and a screwdriver-type handle that is small in size. They are usually used in construction projects. However, they are best in cutting into walls for repairs and access. You can also use the rotary saw for drywall or paneling.

24. Miter Saw

The miter saw is almost like a hand saw that is perfect for use in trimming or other projects that need accurate angle cuts or measurements with its Good blade. They can be used along with a miter saw table for cutting long mitered ends.

Type Of Miter saw

25. Radial Arm Saw

With a radial arm saw, it comes with a motor and blade that are placed on an extended arm over the cutting table. This way, you can use it to make similar compound cuts, miter cuts, and more. Some radial arm saws allow you to use a circular saw blade on them.

26. Reciprocating Saw or Sawzall

The reciprocating saw comes with a blade that moves back and forth rapidly. The original manufacturer of reciprocating saws was Sawzall, the brand. Which is why they are also called a Sawzall. Mostly, they are used for cutting wood, plastic, and tubing. They can be used for cutting beneath wood or wall joints since their blades can easily cut through nail too. 

Mostly, reciprocating saws are used for demolition work. The common types of reciprocating saws include the following;

27. Track Saw or Plunging Saw

This saw can be attached to a long gliding rail, and it almost looks like a circular saw. They are highly portable and are used for making long and precise cuts in the woods.

28. Scroll Saw

These saws can work with a band, reciprocating, or continuous blade and they look like a coping saw. They are used for making spiral lines, patterns, or intricate scrollwork.

29. Tile Saw

This tile saw looks like a miter saw, and it is also called a wet saw. It features a diamond-coated blade and a water cooling system that allows you to cut through tiles with less dust and effort.

30. Table saws

Table Saws are also common, and they include compact/Beginner, benchtop, Jobsite, contractor, cabinet, sliding, mini/micro, as well as hybrid table saws. The Blade is also much durable.

Always ensure that you find a durable and fully functional saw that will perfectly handle your project.

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