Types of Saws

Believe it or not, there's more than one type of saw to get the job done for your next project. Different types of saws are designed for different purposes in carpentry and woodworking. Some projects require a simple handsaw, while others require a heavy-duty power saw. Choosing the right saw for the job helps ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety. Below, we'll take you through the most common handsaws and power saws and their uses.

Handsaws

Crosscut Saw

A crosscut saw has fine teeth designed to cut across the wood grain. The alternating set of the teeth prevents the blade from binding in the kerf (the area of the wood being cut). An eight-teeth-per-inch blade allows faster, rougher cuts, while a 12-teeth-per-inch blade creates a smoother cut but requires more effort. Crosscut saws are extremely versatile for all woodworking tasks and are commonly used for cutting wood at a 90-degree angle.

Rip Saw

A rip saw has larger, chisel-shaped teeth designed for cutting along the wood grain. The straight set of teeth enables the saw to cut straight lines for ripping lumber and removing waste wood. Though labor-intensive to work with, a sharp rip saw is essential for hand-cutting wood panels and boards.

Coping Saw

A coping saw features a thin, flexible blade secured in a metal frame in the shape of a bow. This saw is excellent at making curved, interior cuts.

The blade can fit tight spaces other saws can't access. Coping saws are used for cutting intricate shapes and patterns in woodworking and trim carpentry. They enable delicate scrollwork difficult with other saw types.

Hacksaw

A hacksaw has a thin, fine-toothed blade secured in a frame. This saw isn't used for woodwork — it's designed for cutting metal like pipes, rods, and sheet metal. The frame keeps the blade rigid under pressure. A 24-teeth-per-inch blade works best for cutting tubing and pipe, while a 14-teeth-per-inch blade suits cutting sheet metal.

Backsaw

Backsaws have reinforced spines opposite the cutting edge to ensure straight cuts. They have fine teeth — typically 14 to 16 per inch. The small blade offers control and accuracy for delicate woodworking like joinery and miter cuts. Backsaws enable exact, smooth cuts when high precision is required.

Compass Saw

A compass saw, also known as a keyhole saw, has a narrow, tapered blade for cutting curvilinear shapes and holes. These saws are commonly used in spaces where a normal saw wouldn't fit.

The pointed tip allows plunging directly into material without a starter hole. Compass saws are commonly used in demolition and remodeling.

Bow Saw

A bow saw consists of a metal frame shaped like an arch with a crosscut blade. The design enables cutting branches and small logs up to six inches thick. The coarse teeth quickly cut green wood. Bow saws are essential for pruning trees and cutting firewood. Coping saws and hacksaws are also considered bow saws because of their structures.

Power Saws

In addition to handsaws, woodworkers rely on power saws for accurate and efficient cuts. They need less effort and strength to operate and provide a finer finish compared to a handsaw. While more expensive than handsaws, power saws are an essential tool and a great investment for any woodwork enthusiast. Here are common power saws:

Table Saw

Table saws have circular blades that protrude up through a table and are mounted on arbors (motor shafts). This enables feeding material into the spinning blade for precise rip cuts and cross cuts. Table saws are ideal for ripping boards, joinery, and tasks needing repeatability and straight cuts.

Miter Saw

A miter saw has a circular blade on a swinging arm. You pull the arm down to cut through the piece of wood you're working on. The pivoting blade allows angled miter cuts.

Miter saws are useful for trim carpentry, molding, framing, and tasks needing precise angles. They provide more control than a handsaw for delicate trimwork and are less expensive than table saws.

Circular Saw

A circular saw has a spinning round blade protruding from the bottom. You hold and guide the saw along the material to make straight or angled cuts. These portable saws are versatile for construction, remodeling, and woodworking. We recommend wearing safety glasses and watching your hands near the sharp blade when operating this saw.

Jigsaw

Jigsaws have narrow blades moving rapidly up and down to cut tight curves and shapes. Similar to a circular saw, you guide the tool along the piece being worked on. The slim blade can make intricate cutouts other saws can't.

Jigsaws are ideal for countertops, joints, cement, and scrollwork. From our experience, the blade sometimes deflects as it cuts, so keep a firm grip.

Band Saw

On a band saw, the cutting edge is a continuous looping metal band with teeth rotating on wheels. This allows you to cut gentle curves and resaw thick lumber into thinner boards. The thin kerf minimizes waste. Band saws are versatile for detailed, delicate cuts not possible with other saws. Don't reach into the blade path while cutting — let the machine do the work.

Saw Blades

After many uses, it's time to replace your saw’s blade or upgrade the blade for a new project. The replaceable blades in saws come in many sizes, shapes, tooth configurations, and materials for specialized cutting jobs. Matching the right blade characteristics to your task will optimize cutting action and blade life. Consider factors like:

Tooth geometry (crosscut vs. rip)
Teeth per inch
Abrasive material for metal cutting
Coarseness for green wood
Tooth sharpness, including saw blades with carbide tips

With the huge variety of blades available, you're sure to find the right option to cut cleaner and faster and have your saw perform at its best.

So, Are Different Saws Necessary for Carpentry?

For professionals, woodworkers, and DIYers, having various handsaws and power saws is highly advantageous. The specialized designs excel at tasks difficult or unsafe with other saws. Quality table, miter, jig, crosscut, and other saws enable working faster with precision, safety, and versatility. With practice, you can use the right saw skillfully for each application.

FAQs About Saws

What are some safety tips for saws?

Always wear eye protection. Avoid loose clothes and tie back long hair. Secure the workpiece before cutting, and let blades of power saws reach full speed before starting cuts. Use steady, even pressure — don't force saws through material. Unplug power saws when changing blades. Keep hands clear of blades and use push sticks when needed.

How do I choose the right blade?

Consider the material’s thickness and hardness. Thicker materials need more teeth for smooth cuts. Harder woods or metals require fine teeth to prevent jamming. Cut direction also matters — crosscut and rip blades have different teeth. Match the blade teeth per inch and design to the application.

Why do saws bind up or twist sometimes?

Binding happens when the blade squeezes the kerf. Ensure wood is supported near the cut. Too much pressure can also pinch the blade. Try a narrower blade or adjust the tooth set. For power saws, reduce the feed rate. Lubricating also helps prevent binding.

How can I extend blade life?

Proper care is key for longevity. Keep blades clean, removing pitch buildup with solvent. Store safely to prevent dulling. Inspect for damage like cracks or missing teeth. Sharpen a blade regularly as needed — don't wait until completely dull. Apply wax to lubricate and protect, and replace blades when too worn to sharpen.

What maintenance is required?

Inspect saws before each use and tighten loose parts. Lubricate moving joints and clean the body, removing sawdust and debris often. Confirm all shields and guards are secured. For power saws, replace damaged cords and keep vents clear. Follow manufacturer maintenance instructions. Proper care maximizes performance and safety.