Power saws are handy tools, but with so many different types available, deciding which is best for your application can be overwhelming. The vast array of categories and subcategories only adds to the confusion. Therefore, this article is a comprehensive guide to help users understand the diverse world of power saws.
Power saws come in three different types – those with rotating blades, think table saws, those with reciprocating blades, jig saws, and those with circulating blades, band saws.
1. Table saw
The table saw is an essential tool in any garage or workshop and is frequently used by home DIYers and professionals. I think it is challenging to envision a woodworking or carpentry shop without one.
The table saw is a straightforward tool that involves spinning a circular saw blade at high speeds in a fixed position, with the wood being pushed into the blade by the operator. Although the blade can be swapped to suit various needs, the table saw remains simple and efficient.
The circular blade on the table saw’s arbor rotates at high speed, and the cut is made by pushing the workpiece into the blade.
A table saw finds extensive usage in the woodworking field. It can efficiently slice through wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plastic, and even soft metals like aluminum.
One can easily make various cuts using a table saw, including ripping wide boards, crosscutting, and cutting at an angle with the help of a miter gauge. Some models may also allow for bevel cuts by tilting the blade, and using the correct blade facilitates the creation of dados.
The table saw has some downsides, such as being bulky and not very portable, which can take up considerable room in a workshop. It’s not recommended for miter cuts and resawing; safety is a significant issue. Due to the high number of accidents reported, the table saw is regarded as one of the most hazardous tools. Always adhere to safety rules when operating the table saw to avoid getting hurt.
2. Circular saw
Circular saws are widely used in professional and DIY workshops, similar to table saws. Their high portability makes them a versatile tool. Their primary function is cutting soft materials like wood, making them portable versions of table saws.
With a suitable circular saw blade, one can cut challenging materials such as metal using this saw. The cutting technique employed by a circular saw differs from that of a table saw.
A Circular Saw functions by operating as a manual power tool involving a spinning blade moving across the workpiece to make cuts. Hence, the workpiece must remain still while the circular blade of the saw rotates to complete the cut.
Pros:
Benefits of using a circular saw.
- A highly versatile power saw with which you can make various cuts.
- Highly portable and requires significantly less storage space.
- You can slice through long pieces of wood and workpieces that cannot be loaded on a table saw.
Cons:
Guide rails or straight edges are necessary to make a Circular saw a precision tool.
3. Miter saw
Although they are specialized, miter saws are quite prevalent, particularly in professional workshops. Their name indicates that they are created to execute a specific cut called miter cuts.
Miter cuts refer to cuts made on wood along its length or width at angles other than 90 degrees. Although miter saws can perform 90-degree crosscuts with ease, their primary use is for making angular cuts since crosscuts are better executed on a table saw. The cutting process involves positioning the workpiece on the miter saw table, after which a large circular saw blade fixed to a swing arm is utilized to make the cut. For precision, the workpiece is held flush against the saw’s fence to ensure it is perpendicular to the blade.
Use of Miter Saw:
- You can do crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel, and compound cuts on wood, plastic, plywood, and several other soft materials.
- Miter saws are essential in woodworking and carpentry because they are helpful when building complicated things like furniture, cabinets, frames, etc.
- Dual bevel miter saws are also widely used for trim jobs such as trimming crown molding.
Various models of miter saws are available, ranging from the basic ones to compound and sliding compound versions.
If you’re unsure which tool to prioritize, consider comparing a table saw, and a miter saw. Most individuals find a table saw a highly versatile piece of equipment.
4. Chop saw
A particular type of saw has been created to slice through durable substances. Despite their resemblance to a miter saw, chop saws have a distinct purpose. In contrast to miter saws that effortlessly cut through wood, chop saws are used for harder materials including metal, brick, concrete, and masonry.
Professional workshops are where chop saws are predominantly found since DIYers typically don’t encounter the need to cut through challenging materials frequently. Nevertheless, chop saws may still serve a purpose to DIYers, which is why they can sometimes be spotted in home workshops and garages.
A swing arm feeds an abrasive disc rotating at high rpm onto the workpiece held on the table, making the chop saw’s working principle resemble that of a miter saw.
Nonetheless, the primary distinction separating the two saw variations is that a chop saw utilizes an abrasive disc as its cutting apparatus. At the same time, a miter saw employs a toothed steel blade. For a more thorough analysis, visit the miter saw vs. chop saw page.
Applications: Chop saws are mainly utilized for making crosscuts on rugged materials such as metal. The metal-cutting chop saw is extensively employed in the metalworking and construction sectors. Although chop saws can make angle cuts, they are not as precise or accurate as a miter saw.
5. Radial arm saw
A distinctive type of saw is the radial arm saw, where the blade is fixed to a movable arm instead of being connected to the table. In contrast to a table saw, the cutting tool and blade head move in a straight line along the arm while the workpiece stays still on the table.
The carpenter is utilizing a radial arm saw to trim the wood accordingly. Radial arm saws are multi-functional cutting saws that can create a wide array of cuts, such as crosscuts, miter cuts, and compound cuts.
In the past, radial arm saws were widely used but have now been replaced mainly by miter saws due to safety concerns. Additionally, a sizeable radial arm saw is often unnecessary for making miter cuts. The advent of sliding compound miter saws has made it easy to cut wider workpieces.
6. Band saw
Closed steel bands that rotate on pulleys make up band saws, with long, sharp metal blades featuring teeth that run on a continual blade between wheels. These saws take up less room than table saws and are relatively simple to operate, making them ideal for cutting thick wood pieces. They are instrumental in creating intricate shapes and cutting curves.
A tool that uses a reciprocating blade to cut irregular curves and shapes is known as a jig saw.
The jigsaw is among the most widely utilized of all the woodworking power saws that can be held by hand. It has a saw blade that moves back and forth is powered by an electric motor and is outfitted with a soleplate. It can be operated by a cord or be cordless. The jigsaw is optimal for cutting miter joints and 45° angles. Its dimensions and weight make it perfect for creating straight lines, bevel cuts, curved lines, and plunge cuts. When cutting intricate shapes and curves, the jigsaw is an excellent choice.
A saw utilized for intricate and detailed cuts is known as a scroll saw.
Although there are limits to the depth and width of the cut, scroll saws are the favored choice for intricate tasks. These saws employ narrow blades which move vertically.
The Scroll saw is a power tool that is both user-friendly and safe. Some models come equipped with dust blowers to maintain a tidy work area. Additionally, for added security, the foot pedal allows the saw to cease operation in under one second if required.
A saw that moves back and forth in a straight line is called a reciprocating saw, commonly called a sawzall.
The reciprocating saw stands out as an excellent piece of equipment for woodworkers engaged in renovation projects. It is typically utilized to tear down drywall during demolition. Being light in weight, it is also a suitable option while working on overhead construction.
The reciprocating saw operates through its electric-powered blade’s back-and-forth movement, resulting in its cutting action.
To achieve the best results when using a reciprocating saw, the woodworker must be knowledgeable in applying pressure to the saw, controlling the speed of the blade, and understanding the cutting-edge geometry to ensure precise cuts.
The tool for cutting wood and other materials with a motorized rotating chain is known as a chain saw.
Portable power tools are known as chain saws utilize a guide frame to rotate a chain of blade teeth. For the cutting to occur, the engine or motor will start at a high speed that, in turn, activates a centrifugal clutch.
This easy-to-use device serves several purposes, such as pruning, bucking, and felling trees. Although gas chainsaws are more suitable for heavy-duty tasks, there are electric saws available that are either corded or battery-powered. Nonetheless, most chainsaws are gas-powered and useful for sawing rough timber or creating intricate wood sculptures using a chainsaw.
11. Track saw
For tasks that require lengthy, precise, and straight cuts, you have the option of using a table saw, circular saw, or track saw. However, if you require a more affordable device to hold in your hand, your selection is limited to a track or circular saw. A track saw features an extended path and a complete range of 360° angle.
A lengthy metal guide and a plunge-cut mechanism allow the track saw to cut through more extended materials effectively. When aiming for precise and accurate cuts on long plywood sheets, track saws are the preferred tool. Wood, plastic, and metal are all materials that a track saw can effectively handle.
12. Pole Chainsaw
The pole pruner, also known as the pole chainsaw, is the ideal tool for pruning trees and branches in a garden that requires regular pruning. Its unique shape allows for precise cuts in areas that are difficult to access.
Pole chainsaws operate using either gas or electricity. While gas-powered pole chainsaws can be costly and generate much noise, they offer greater independence and adaptability to the user than electric pole chainsaws.
13. Flooring saw
The purpose of a flooring saw is to slice through various types of flooring, such as wood, vinyl, and laminate. This circular saw is securely fastened to a guide rail and supported by a metal foundation.
Installing flooring is a complicated task that involves using various saws to make cuts of different kinds. A flooring saw can simplify the job by ensuring accurate rip, cross, and miter cuts.
Additional Remarks
In summary, power tools can speed up woodworking tasks, but it is crucial to prioritize safety measures to prevent potential hazards. Consequently, whether electrically driven or not, wear personal protective equipment when utilizing any form of woodworking equipment.
Ensure that the cord does not obstruct your work, and inspect the raw material for screws or nails that may cause harm to the tool. Lastly, wait for the motor to halt before withdrawing the blade from the wood.
