You won’t find another tool that matches the versatility of the saw. It’s used in all sorts of places – around the garden, in workshops, in timber mills, on construction sites, or anywhere where there is the need of cutting into thick materials. Of course, you’ll use a different type of saw in each case, and with so many types around things can get a bit confusing. Read on to find about the different types of saws, their main features and which saw to use in your next job.
Hand Saws
Before everything got a helping hand with electricity, saws and all other tools were powered by sheer strength. Hand saws are cheap types you can still find today. They’re used in all carpentry tasks, for cuts into bulky timber to fine, curved cuts in thinner pieces of wood. Different types of cuts and finishes are achieved with different blades. Hacksaws and rips saws are efficient for coarse cuts, backsaws provide deep clean cuts, and dovetail and coping saws are used in detailed curved cuts. Besides wood, you can use hand saws to cut into almost any type of material. Hacksaws cut into various metals, keyhole saws puncture in tubing and pipes, jab saws make easy work of plasterboard, fret and pull saws are ideal for cutting plastics.
Powered Saws
Powered saws can be handheld or large units with some heft. There are portable and light benchtop saws aimed at DIYers, larger ‘compact’ saws and job site saws bought by carpenters. Stationary units are larger, built of cast iron, have induction motors and belt-driven blades. Cabinet saws are the largest and most robust and can cut into almost anything.
Handheld powered saws come as either corded or cordless saws. Well-known brands like Makita, Bosch, and DeWalt offer an extensive range of both types. Cordless saws are becoming more powerful with some types preferred over the corded variants due to their mobility, lightweight and good power output. Popular types of both corded and cordless saws include the circular saw, able to cut into metal, wood, plastics and ceramics using a sharp-toothed blade spinning at high speeds.
Mitre saws work in a similar way, and are used to cut pieces of wood or metal at an angle. Handheld bandsaws are good for shaping metal items and are used by metalworkers and plumbers. Chainsaws use chains to cut into wood and are commonly found at timberyards. Reciprocating saws have a push-pull mechanism used to operate a small blade in cutting metal pipes or thick pieces of wood. Jigsaws are versatile saws for making straight, curved or angle cuts in timber, plywood, tiles, plastic and metal.
Jigsaws
Jigsaws are tools that you’ll use often. Whether you’re patching up furniture, kitchen cabinets, or doors, cutting thick plastic or metal pipes, or replacing bathroom tiles, this is the tool to use. The blades that fit into jigsaws will cut into almost any material, and in the shape you need.
There are different blades to cut in different materials. Look for T-shank blades as they are the most common ones used with cordless jigsaws. Blades can have a different number of cutting teeth. Those with fewer teeth will produce coarser but faster cuts and are best suited for wood. Blades with a higher number of teeth will cut slower and get you a smoother finish. They’re suitable for harder materials like metal or ceramics.
The blades are made of various materials. Most often you’ll see HCS or high carbon steel, good for cutting softer woods, hybrid blades with carbon and high-speed steel for hardwood or softer metals, and tungsten grits used for fibreglass and steel.
Types of Cuts with Jigsaws
Jigsaws have the advantage over other saws since they’re small, comfortable and easy to use. With the blade set straight down you’re ready to get into the job, literally. This allows you to get different types of cuts. The most basic is the straight cut. Floorboards and walls are the classic examples here. Jigsaws will get you perfect rectangular or square shapes as long as you have a steady arm. Look for cordless jigsaws with rollers for straight, smooth lines.
Jigsaws can do what most other saws can’t - make curved cuts. To get round edges in benchtops and tables, or to make cutouts in different shapes or even letters, you’ll need a jigsaw. With adjustable speeds, you can negotiate the cut. The HCS blades help since they’re flexible and durable. Other cuts include bevel or angled cuts, with the blade tilting to your desired angle. Plunge cuts, or cutting holes of any shape into the interior of thicker materials can also be done with a cordless jigsaw. Depending on the depth and hardness you might need to also use a drill here. Jigsaws can also make precision ‘flush’ cuts in wood, where excess wood is cut off to form joints or wedges. You’ll need a flush cut blade for this purpose.
Buying Saws and Jigsaws
There’s a huge variety of saws available. All take different types of blades to make assorted cuts in various materials. One of the most versatile saws is the jigsaw, since it cuts almost everything with the right blade and into the shape, angle and size you want. Cordless jigsaws and all other saws are sold in respected hardware stores.
