18 Types Of Saws: Selecting The Right Cutting Tool

The right saw can make all the difference in quality cutting for woodworking, metalworking and a variety of projects both professional and DIY. 

Precision, ease of use and versatility are key factors when choosing tools for any project. Saws are essential tools that have been around seemingly since time itself, evolving from simple stone blades to the sophisticated cutting tools that we use today. 

Among the wide array of saws available nowadays, designs inspired by Japanese craftsmanship have been gaining popularity with woodworkers worldwide.

We'll cover different types of saws, their specific uses, and the reasons behind their growing appeal. Our aim is to help you understand which tools might best suit your projects and working style, enhancing your woodworking experience and results.

Using the “measure twice, cut once” axiom, this information is designed to help you save you time, effort and frustration. First we’ll explore the main saw categories and their unique features. We'll start with hand saws, move on to power saws, and finish up with some specialized tools that might come in handy for your next project. 

Hand Saws: Simple, Precise Tools With Timeless Trust

Hand saws have been trusted tools for centuries, valued for their simplicity and precision. 

Let's look at some common types you might encounter.

Rip Saws: Go with the Grain

A rip saw is designed to cut wood along its grain. It features large, sharp teeth that are angled slightly forward. The rip saw design allows the saw to efficiently remove material as you push it through the wood. Rip saws are ideal for tasks like cutting boards lengthwise or trimming down larger pieces of lumber.

Crosscut Saws: A Rebel Against the Grain

Unlike the rip saw, a crosscut saw (like this one from Gyokucho) is made to cut across the wood grain. Its teeth are smaller and more numerous, typically filed to a beveled edge on both sides. This configuration helps the crosscut saw slice through the wood fibers cleanly, resulting in a smoother cut. You'll often use a crosscut saw for trimming branches or cutting lumber to length.

Back Saws: Solid, Sturdy Cutting Tools

Back saws are recognizable by the stiffening rib along the top edge of the blade. This reinforcement keeps the thin blade straight and prevents it from bending during use. Back saws excel at making precise cuts, particularly in joinery work. They're frequently used with a miter box for accurate angled cuts in molding or trim work.

Coping Saws: Masters of the Curve

Need to make intricate curved cuts in wood? Reach for a coping saw. It consists of a thin, narrow blade held in tension by a C-shaped frame. The blade of a coping saw can be rotated in the frame, allowing you to cut at various angles. Coping saws are particularly useful for cutting ornate shapes in molding or creating decorative woodwork.

Hack Saws: Cutting Through Metal, a Strong Tool Warrior

Moving away from woodworking, the hack saw is designed for cutting metal. It has a fine-toothed blade held under tension in a C-shaped frame, similar to a coping saw but more robust. Hack saws can cut through pipes, bolts and other metal materials, making them indispensable for plumbing or metalworking projects.

Bow Saws: The Rough Cut Kings

For outdoor work or rough cuts in larger pieces of wood, consider a bow saw. This large, manual saw has a long blade stretched between the ends of a bow-shaped frame. Bow saws are often used for pruning trees, cutting firewood or making rough cuts in lumber for construction projects.

Power Saws: Faster Cutting Process, Improved Precision

As technology advanced, power saws emerged to make cutting tasks faster and often more precise. 

Here's a rundown of some common power saws you might encounter.

Circular Saws: Spinning Blade for Straight Cuts

A circular saw is a versatile power tool featuring a toothed blade that spins rapidly. It's designed for making straight cuts in various materials, including wood, plywood and even thin metal or plastic when fitted with the appropriate blade. Circular saws can be handheld or mounted under a table, offering flexibility for different cutting scenarios. A handy circular saw guide, such as this one from leading Japanese brand Tajima, is a vital addition in your tool arsenal.

Table Saws: Stability & Precision for Your Woodworking Shop

A table saw consists of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor and protruding through the surface of a table. This setup allows for precise, straight cuts, particularly when working with larger pieces of material. Table saws are staples in woodworking shops, used for ripping boards, crosscutting and even some dados and grooves with specialized blades.

Miter Saws: Power Tools for Precise Cuts

For accurate crosscuts and angled cuts, a miter saw is hard to beat. This power tool features a mounted circular blade that can be pulled down onto the workpiece. Many miter saws can be adjusted to cut at various angles, making them ideal for tasks like cutting molding, picture frames or any project requiring precise angled cuts.

Jigsaws: It’s No Puzzle Why Pros & DIYers Trust These Tools

A jigsaw is a versatile power tool that excels at cutting curves and intricate shapes. It uses a reciprocating blade to cut through various materials, including wood, metal and plastic. Jigsaws are popular for both DIY projects and professional work, especially when you need to make cutouts or follow a complex pattern.

Reciprocating Saws: Rough Cut & Demo Stalwarts

Often called a "recipro saw" or "sawzall," this tool is a workhorse for demolition and rough cutting. It uses a push-and-pull motion to drive its blade through materials. Reciprocating saws can cut through wood, metal, plastic… even masonry with the right blade. They're invaluable for remodeling projects or any task that requires aggressive cutting in tight spaces.

Band Saws: Your Versatile Power Cutting Tool

A band saw uses a continuous loop of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels. It's an excellent tool for cutting curves and resawing lumber. Band saws can handle both wood and metal, depending on the blade. These invaluable tools are often used in woodworking for tasks like cutting veneers or shaping wooden parts.

Scroll Saws: Craft & Trade with a Thin Blade

For intricate, detailed cuts in thin materials, a scroll saw is the tool of choice. This speciality cutting tool uses a very thin blade that moves up and down rapidly, allowing for tight turns and precise curves. Scroll saws are popular among craftspeople for creating delicate wooden objects, puzzles and decorative pieces.

Chain Saws: Hear the Buzz, Experience the Power

You can just hear the buzz of this ever-popular tool just by someone saying “chain saw,” right?! Primarily used for cutting trees and large branches, chain saws feature a strong, sturdy chain with sharp teeth that rotates around a guide bar. While most common in forestry and landscaping, smaller electric chain saws are also used for light pruning and DIY projects.

Track Saws: Furniture & Cabinetry Heroes

A track saw is like a circular saw that runs along a guide track. This design allows for extremely straight, precise cuts, especially in sheet goods like plywood. Track saws are often used in cabinetmaking and furniture construction where accuracy is crucial.

Specialized Saws: The Right Cutting Tools For The Right Jobs

Some cutting tasks require tools designed for specific materials or situations. 

Let’s go over a few specialized saws you might encounter.

Keyhole Saws: Drywaller’s Sharpest Tool in the Shed

Also known as a drywall saw, this hand tool has a long, tapered blade that comes to a point. It's used for cutting small, awkward shapes and holes, particularly in drywall or other soft materials. Keyhole saws are handy for electrical work or any project requiring precise holes in walls.

Flooring Saws: Manual or Power Tools Laying Down the Law

As the name suggests, a flooring saw is designed specifically for cutting flooring materials. It can make quick, clean cuts in hardwood, laminate or vinyl flooring. Some models are manual, while others are powered for faster work.

Tile Saws: Superb Reno & Construction

Cutting ceramic, porcelain or stone tiles requires a specialized tool. Tile saws use a diamond-coated blade and water cooling to make clean, precise cuts without cracking or chipping the tile. They're essential for any tiling project, from bathroom renovations to kitchen backsplashes.

Japanese Saws: A Cut Above The Rest

While we've covered a wide range of saws, it's worth noting that Japanese saws hold a special place in the world of woodworking. That’s especially true when it comes to pruning.

Known for their precision and efficiency, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke rather than the push, allowing for thinner blades and more control.

If you're interested in exploring the world of Japanese saws, check out our articles on "7 Great Types of Pruning Saws & Why You Need Them” (as well as the two aforementioned linked articles). These guides can help you understand the unique benefits of Japanese saws and how they might fit into your toolkit.

Looking for a quality Japanese replacement saw blade? Check out our collection! 

Choosing The Right Saw For The Job At Hand

With so many types of saws available, selecting the right tool for your project can seem daunting. 

Plan ahead for the material you'll be cutting, the type of cuts you need to make and factoring in your level of experience. Remember, the correct tool choice can make all the difference in achieving clean, accurate cuts and enjoying your woodworking or DIY projects.

Having a solid understanding of different saw types can help you work more efficiently and achieve better results. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these tools, and don't hesitate to ask for advice when starting a new project. 

With the right saw in hand, you'll be ready to tackle whatever cutting task comes your way.