When you need to make a quick and precise cut, there’s no better tool for the job than a power saw. But with all the different types of power saws on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? This power saw buying guide will help you narrow down your options so that you can find the best saw for your needs.
A larger project will require a more powerful saw. However, if you only plan on using the saw for smaller projects around the house, then a less powerful model should suffice. Third, take into account the safety features that are important to you. If you use a handheld saw for your DIY projects, this power saw buying guide impels you to switch to a power saw.
Now you may ask- why should I use a power saw instead of my portable handheld saw?
The reasons behind it are:
- The handheld one drains all of your energy to work with and handle
- It eats up a lot of time to complete a task
On the other hand, using an electric cutting saw, you can efficiently cut every type of material quickly with top precision.
But the heck is- different types of power saws are available out there. And not every one of them will be equally designed to cut materials like wood and plastic. Besides, how to use a power saw and how it is easy to use also matter a lot.
In this in-depth power saw guide, we cover everything you need to know related to the power saw. You don’t want something that is going to be difficult to operate or require special tools for maintenance. Choose a model that is user-friendly and easy to care for.
So, let’s get started right here.
Power Saws Overview
A power saw is a cutting machine used to cut different materials including, wood, plastic, bricks, and tiles. Generally, it consists of a blade, chains, set of teeth, and other accessories. Different types of power saws like circular, table, small, and large are available on the market. But the key to using a power saw is to cut materials with precision in different shapes.
Every saw is designed to cut specific materials like wood or plastic. Also, some saws can cut multiple elements. So, choosing the best power saw for your need depends on what you are going to cut.
In the below chapter, we review some saws, their features, and the pros & cons of them. So, let’s go for the next.
For more intensive jobs or if you’ll be using the saw frequently, opt for a higher-powered corded or cordless model. Cordless models offer more flexibility and maneuverability but require frequent recharging; corded models have unlimited runtime but can be cumbersome to move around.
When it comes to power saws, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before making your purchase. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right power saw for your needs. First, you need to decide what type of material you will be cutting most often.
What Type of Power Saw Should I Buy First?
There are many types of power saws on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one to buy first. Here is some information to help you choose the right power saw for your needs. Whether you use a wood saw for DIY projects or commercials, you should know the power saw types. Various types of saws are designed to do different cutting workflows. And which one will be best for you depends on the materials you are going to cut.
Below the reviews on different wood saws will help you to pick the best saw you need.
1. Circular Saw
A circular saw is a powerful cutting machine to straight cut any type of wood with top precision. It comes in different size and interchangeable blades that allows you to cut materials like wood, brick, and concrete. However, this power saw is specially designed to cut wood materials.
2. Jig Saw
The handheld electric cutting machine we used on different materials for a curved cut is called a JigSaw. As this saw comes with narrow blades, you can use it for cutting bent and awkward shapes. For its interchangeable blades, you can cut various materials. However, a jigsaw is specially designed for shape cuts.
3. Miter Saw
A miter saw is a type of cutting device to make accurate cross-cut on the materials with precise angles. For creating woodworking frames, you can use this miter saw with a blade size of 8-12-inch.
4. Table Saw
A table saw is an electric saw driven by a motor that comprises a circular saw blade, mounted on the arbor. Besides, controlling the angle of the cut is effortless by adjusting the depth of the blade.
How Do I Choose a Power Saw?
When it comes to choosing a power saw, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first is what kind of material you’ll be cutting. Power saws come in different sizes and with different blade types designed for specific materials.
Brand
To avoid choosing from a large number of options, consider the brand to get the best power saw that fits your needs.
Stihl, Echo, Makita, and Dolmar are some of the best brands that offer industry-standard saw. Among them, Stihl is the best as it is durable and offers superior cutting efficiency.
Saw Size
For light DIY woodworking projects (if cut is 6” or less), an electric saw or a 30cc will be the best bait for you. On the other hand, to cut hardwood (typically 24”) at the base, then you need to go for a 55cc or 60cc saw with a 20” bar.
Bar Size
How efficiently you can operate a saw to cut materials depends on its bar size. Most of the manufacturers recommend getting a wood saw with a long bar. But in reality, a shorter bar of a saw is more convenient and safe for the operator. Besides, an extended bar needs more power to pull the chain compared to the shorter one.
You can opt for a 16″, 18″, and 20″ bar for a 50cc or 60cc saw to cut materials quickly but precisely.
Class of Saw
Generally, saws come in four classes, including DIY, farm & ranch, semi-professional, and professional.
For handling DIY projects, a wood saw less than 50cc will be your go-to option as you cut light materials. On the other hand, farm & ranch saw is typically designed to do a more robust cutting workflow compared to DIY. Besides, it is sturdy and the weight of the saw is greater than the homeowner saw.
And lastly, semi-professional and professional saws are designed to cut different materials with top precision and accuracy. Besides, they are built-in with more magnesium and aluminum. So, both power and weight are more than DIY or farm saws. Therefore, the built-in cases of the pro saw are made to provide easy cutting service.
Power
The most important feature you should consider before buying a saw is- its power. The higher the motor power will be, the better you can cut wood or other precisely and accurately. And the motor power of a saw depends on how much wattage the motor draws.
Depth Adjuster
Getting a saw with a depth adjuster will be your ideal pick for cutting the materials of various thicknesses. It lets you cut the element with ultimate precision.
Handles
For well-controlled, safe cutting, and comfortable use, choose a saw that comes with both rear and front handles.
Blade
After motor power, the next thing you must consider is the blade of the saw. For cutting different materials, the types of blades will vary.
Always pick a blade that comes with more teeth, which will be responsible for finer cuts. Also, the construction element of the blade matters a lot as it ensures the durability of it. Choosing a blade made of tungsten carbide tipped will be your best bait.
Dust Extraction
Dust extractor of power saws for cutting wood helps to prevent spreading cutting residue around your workspace. In return, the workstation will remain neat & clean.
Safety Features
Cutting materials with a power saw is quick, effortless, and fun. But a small error may fall you in great danger, it may even cut your finger. Here are some safety precautions you need to take to keep yourself safe.
- Make sure you cut with a sharp blade
- Make sure you set the blade guard and works correctly
- Put on safety long pants
- Wear safety glass so that sawdust doesn’t go into your eyes (you don’t want to stop yourself in the mid-way through your cut)
- Keep anything out from the blade, except the material you are cutting
- Make a nice and thick line by using a carpenter’s pencil
- According to the thickness of wood, set the blade depth
- For starters, it would be best to cut with a circular saw with a sharp blade. If you concern about the kickback, start with a cross-cut blade
Power saws for cutting logs
A bow saw will be best to cut logs. But a power saw will save a lot of time and take minimum effort for cutting logs.
Here are some saws for cutting logs.
How Many Amps Should a Circular Saw Have?
A circular saw is a handheld power tool that is used to cut materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. It consists of a motor that drives a blade which rotates at high speed. The blade is usually mounted on an adjustable arm so that the depth of cut can be adjusted.
The size of the motor in a circular saw is measured in amps. Most Circular Saws have motors that range from 4-15 amps. The amperage will usually be listed on the body of the saw near where the cord attaches.
The amount of power (measured in amps) that a saw has will affect two main things: the speed of the blade and the size of material it can cut through. In general, higher amp models will have more power and can cut through tougher materials than lower amp models. When choosing a circular saw, you should consider what types of materials you will be cutting most often.
If you plan on cutting mostly softwoods like pine or cedar, then a lower amp model should suffice. However, if you plan on cutting harder woods or man-made materials like plywood or composites, then you’ll need a higher amp model. Another thing to consider when choosing a circular saw is whether you need portability or not.
Cordless models obviously offer more portability since they don’t require an outlet to operate; however, they also tend to have less power than their corded counterparts due to battery limitations.
Saw Blade Teeth Guide
When it comes to saw blades, the teeth are what do all the work. So, it’s important to choose a blade with the right type and number of teeth for your particular project. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best blade for the job at hand.
Type of Teeth There are three main types of teeth on saw blades: flat top, alternate top bevel (ATB), and combination. Flat top teeth are just that – flat across the top with no bevel.
They’re typically used for rip cuts (cutting along the grain) in softwoods like pine or fir. ATB teeth have alternating angles on the top, which helps them cut both with and against the grain. They can be used for cross cuts (cutting across the grain) or rip cuts in hardwoods like oak or maple.
Combination blades have both types of teeth – ATB in front and flat in back – so they can handle just about any type of cut you need to make. Number of Teeth The number of teeth on a blade also affects its cutting ability.
In general, fewer teeth mean faster cuts but rougher edges; more teeth mean slower cuts but finer edges. That said, there are other factors that come into play as well, such as kerf (the width of each tooth) and plate thickness. For example, a 10-inch blade with 24 teeth will have a different cutting profile than an 8-inch blade with 24 teeth even though they both have the same number ofteeth per inch(tpi).
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the best all-around saw?
As professional woodworkers, we recommend the following power saws that let you cut different materials accurately.
- Makita 5007MGA Circular Saw
- Stihl MS-261
- Husqvarna 550XP
- Milwaukee M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Stanley 20-526 15-Inch Hand Saw
2.What is the most versatile power saw?
The best way to get the most versatile saw is to rent a power saw and test whether it meets your requirement or not.
After using several saws for DIY and professional projects, we recommend the following saw for wood cutting.
- DeWalt DWS780 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
- Makita 5007 Circular Saw
- Ryoba 9-1/2inch Double Edge Razor Saw
3.What does a power saw do?
A power saw is used both in DIY and professionals projects by cutting different materials. Using them, you can cut wood or other materials precisely at minimal effort compared to a handheld saw.
4.What is the best power saw?
Based on saw types, cutting efficiency, ease of use, and price, we recommend the following power wood saws.
5.When should I buy power tools?
Any random weekends, Christmas Day, Father’s Day, and any weekdays of spring will be the best time to buy power tools. These days, you will get exclusive tools for special prizes.
6.What Should I Look for When Buying a Circular Saw?
When buying a circular saw, the most important thing to look for is the size of the blade. The blade should be at least 7-1/4 inches in diameter, and it should have a minimum of 40 teeth. You also want to make sure that the saw has a good motor.
Look for a saw with at least 15 amps of power. Lastly, you’ll want to consider the price. A good quality circular saw can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
Conclusion
We believe this power saw buying guide will give all the answers to your question: How do I choose a power saw?
This buying guide doesn’t only include what you should consider before buying a saw for cutting wood. Indeed, you can also learn about the types of saws available out there.
Therefore, you also know what safety considerations you should consider before working with a saw.
There are many types of power saws on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. This power saw buying guide will help you choose the right saw for your needs. The first thing to consider when purchasing a power saw is what type of material you will be cutting most often.
If you are only going to be cutting wood, then a standard circular saw should suffice. However, if you plan on cutting other materials such as metal or stone, then you will need a more powerful saw such as a band saw or chop saw. Next, consider the size of the material you will be cutting.
If you only need to make small cuts, then a handheld power saw would be ideal. For larger projects, however, you will need a table-mounted or stand-alone power saw. Finally, think about the safety features that are important to you.
Some power saws come with built-in safety features such as blade guards and kickback brakes while others do not. Choose thesaw that offers the level of safety that you are comfortable with.