The Types Of Saws Every Woodworker Should Own: Our Expert Guide

Most woodworkers end up owning several saws, because each type does a different job. If you are new to woodworking, start with the projects you want to build, then pick the saws those projects need. Here are the main types:

1. Band Saw

A band saw uses a continuous loop blade that cuts downward toward the table. It is ideal for curves, resawing thick boards into thinner ones and cutting small parts. With the right blade, it can also cut plastic and some metals.

Our Recommendation: SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw

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This is an affordable benchtop band saw for beginners.

It comes with a rip fence and a 6-TPI (teeth per inch) blade, a general-purpose blade for wood. As a small benchtop saw, it has limited cutting depth and power, so serious resawing calls for a larger saw.

This product comes complete with an articulating LED work light for improved visibility when working in low-light conditions. The included dust port allows you to keep your work area free from dust and debris.

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2. Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw cuts with a fast push-pull stroke. It is a demolition and rough-cutting tool, and with the right blade it cuts metal, pipe and wood with nails in it.

Our Recommendation: Worx Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw with Orbital Mode

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This cordless tool converts between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw, so one tool covers both jobs.

It is light, which reduces fatigue, but it is a compact homeowner tool rather than a heavy demolition saw.

Blade changes are tool-free. With the matching blade type, it can cut wood, PVC and thin metal.

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3. Tile Saw

A tile saw is a wet saw with a diamond blade for cutting ceramic, porcelain and stone tile.

Our Recommendation:SKIL Wet Tile Saw

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This compact 7-inch wet saw has a rip fence and miter gauge and suits tiles up to about 12 x 12 inches.

A water reservoir cools the blade. The water also keeps silica dust down: OSHA says applying water to the blade substantially reduces dust when cutting materials that contain crystalline silica. Plug any wet saw into a GFCI-protected outlet. This SKIL is a good fit for small tiling jobs on a budget.

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4. Chainsaw

You need a chainsaw for outdoor cutting work such as cutting trees, limbs and firewood. Chainsaws come in gas, corded and battery-powered models.

Our Recommendation: Dewalt Cordless Chainsaw

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This compact cordless chainsaw suits small to medium jobs such as limbing and storm cleanup. It has a brushless motor, and runtime depends on the battery.

Check chain tension often; this model adjusts without tools. Keep the chain sharp with a specialized chainsaw sharpening tool, and keep the bar oiled.

Battery saws need no fuel mixing and are quieter than gas saws, but gas saws still win for long, heavy cutting.

Chainsaws can kick back toward the user. Wear eye, ear and leg protection and gloves, and keep both hands on the saw.

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5. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a fine-toothed hand saw in a frame, made for cutting metal, pipe and plastic. Electricians and plumbers use them constantly, and woodworkers use them for hardware and bolts.

Our Recommendation: Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hack Saw

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This inexpensive hacksaw takes standard 12-inch blades.

Its high-tension frame keeps the blade tight for straighter cuts, and the blade can be mounted at more than one angle for awkward or near-flush cuts.

The solid metal frame holds up to regular use.

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6. Track Saw

A track saw is a plunge circular saw that rides on a guide rail. It makes straight, splinter-free cuts in plywood and other sheet goods, often good enough to skip a table saw for breaking down panels.

Our Recommendation: Dewalt DWS520K Track Saw Kit

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This DEWALT kit pairs a plunge saw with a guide rail for straight, clean cuts. It cuts about 2-1/8 inches deep at 90 degrees.

It has an anti-kickback feature on the rail and a soft start. Because it plunges into the work, the blade stays fully enclosed when not cutting.

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7. Circular Saw

A circular saw is a handheld saw with a round blade. It is the most versatile portable saw for crosscutting lumber and cutting plywood, and it is often a beginner’s first power saw.

Our Recommendation: SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw

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This budget saw has a 15-amp motor, plenty for DIY projects.

A spindle lock makes blade changes easier. Pair this circular saw with a folding hand saw for more efficiency and portability.

Its lower guard covers the blade and retracts as it enters the cut. OSHA requires portable circular saws to have a lower guard that returns automatically, so never pin it open.

A laser guide helps you follow the cut line.

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8. Table Saw

A table saw is the go-to tool for ripping boards to width and making repeatable, accurate cuts. If you have the budget and the space, it is the center of most woodshops. Learn how to prevent kickback before you use one.

Our Recommendation: Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Table Saw

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This 10-inch jobsite saw handles ripping, crosscutting and bevel cuts.

It comes with a wheeled stand, so you can move it between shop and job site.

Soft start brings the motor up to speed gradually, which reduces the startup jolt and the inrush of current.

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9. Miter Saw

A miter saw makes fast, accurate crosscuts and angle cuts. It is the best tool for trim, molding and framing cuts on long boards.

Our Recommendation: Hitachi C10FCH2 Miter Saw

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This 10-inch compound miter saw suits hobbyists and pros, and this miter saw will not fail you on everyday trim work. Hitachi Power Tools is now called Metabo HPT. The saw has a 15-amp motor and a laser market system (a laser marker) that shows the cut line. You still need to measure and mark.

The table swings for miters, and the head tilts for bevels, with positive stops at common angles.

A cop saw is similar to the miter saw: a chop saw makes only straight 90-degree cuts, while a miter saw also cuts angles.

If you’re getting one, we suggest you also get a miter saw stand to provide support for your tool

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Conclusion

Visit our homepage for more woodworking reviews. We can help you find the right tools that will help you create professional-looking woodworking projects.

Sources

• Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), OSHA
• Silica, Crystalline: Construction, OSHA