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22 Different Types Of Saws and their variations (with Pictures)

Scooping up a cool home workshop can be intimidating and time-consuming as well. You require the best workshop tools for home use, woman to use ,plus a knowledge of the tools themselves. When it comes to different types of saws, very few of us know how diverse they are. Additionally, saw types are increasing due to tool enthusiasts’ efforts trying to create new saw types. 

Different saws have different uses, and they are an essential tool for all wooden and metal projects. Basic chopping and cutting works can also be a pain and can aggravate if you don’t have the right types of saw. 

Reading below, you will grasp ideas about different saws, uses, the picture of saws, and everything in between. You are sure to succeed in any wood or metal project, having proper ideas on saws. Turns out, we have covered all of them, and you just have to take a tour below. 

Basic Saw types, Examples, Uses, and more

For your home or workshop, there are just two groups of saws. The general hand saw group and mechanical power saws group. You can put all the other saw types in these general categories. Now, let us check the uses of these different types of saws and their uses. 

Hand Saws

hand saws

Hands saws are the most basic type of saws you can have. Before the invention of power tools, hand saws were the only option for cutting, chopping, etc.
Handheld saws can last decades when the user provides proper care to them. Turns out, hand saws have more than 50 variations, but we will cover the most used archetype. So, let us begin.

Crosscut Saw

The crosscut saw, or the thwart saw, is a design marvel meant for cutting wood across its grains. In other words, these types of hand saws can easily bit off small chunks of wood and provide a clean cut. A crosscut blade has alternating teeth angle pattern, making it a perfect choice for perpendicular cuts.

Crosscut Saw

The saw performs great for slicing huge pieces of lumber, removing tree branches, whole trees, and so on.  A traditional crosscut saw has a curved handle, allowing comfort during cuts. With a saw sharp enough, you can cut through plastic, wood, and even some soft metals. 

Types of Crosscut Saw

Depending on the handle count, a crosscut saw is of two types. 

  • 1-Man Crosscut Saw.
  • 2-Man Crosscut Saw.

Note: There are different types of saws that look similar to a regular crosscut saw. But the key difference is the thickness and the way it is used. The crosscut saw tends to be more rigid towards the edge and less likely to break with pressure. You can also check the label of the saw in its product description. 

Hack Saw

hack saw

The hack saw is more of a metal cutting machine than a woodcutter. These saws operate purely on manual pressure, and you have to go back and forth through metal surfaces. The hacksaw blade has fine teeth bounded in an up and down position, making a perfect metal slicer. The fame of the handheld saw is turned a little, giving it a C-shaped form. The best part of this saw is, you can replace the blades whenever you feel the edge slightly off. The blade’s length can be from 10 inches to 15 inches, depending on the work you want to do. Different metal works need variations in the blade size to function properly. 

Note: A flexible hacksaw frame can adjust any blade shape into its pin and wing nut adjuster. However, it tends to cost a little more than the fixed blade saw. 

Rip-Cut Saw

The rip cut saw is somewhat similar to a regular crosscut saw, but not perfect for against the grain cuts. It has the same handle shape, body structure, etc. which makes the saw easy to handle in cutting conditions. However, the rip-cut saw also has more teeth count proportionally to the body size. 

rip-cut saws

A rip saw has an edge angle of 8-degree, making it perfect for push and down strokes movement. The orthogonal cutting edge angle stops small saw bits from entering your eyes. 

Japanese Saws

A Japanese saw is a pull saw, which means the saw has good potential for pull strokes. In Japan, the carpenters call it “Nokogiri” which comes from the mount Nokogiri in Japan.

type of japanese saws

The saw depends mostly on pull strokes, leaving a narrow cut width. Sadly, Japanese saws work for softwood only. Its thin blade can’t handle the stress from hardwood like oak or maple. 

The saw needs proper care even when you keep them idle. Hanging it is the best way to prevent all types of bending of the Japanese saw blades.  

Keyhole Saw

types of kobalt saw

When you want to cut interior circles and other smaller shapes, a keyhole saw is just what you need. The saw has a comfortable handle or pad, which firmly holds the blade. Often people confuse it with pad saws. However, the keyhole saw has a handle similar to a cross cutter saw, having a wider cutting blade.

Most of the time, a keyhole saw has a single handle feature, which helps adjust the blades. To help drill tiny holes in soft material, a keyhole saw has a narrow and pointy end. However, the saw lacks a tough coarser blade, rendering it useless for tougher materials. 

Pruning Saw

type of Pruning Saws

Pruning is the practice of selectively removing a specific part of the plant. A pruning saw with its outer curved design can reach tree places where branches are tangled up. If you are a bonsai fan, a pruning saw will provide detailed cuts in mere minutes. It has a 13-15 inch curve blade, making angled cuts possible. Having a wide and coarse blade length gives the saw an extra edge in cutting both directions. If you want your lawn trees beautiful, the pruning saw will indeed come in handy.

Veneer Saw

If you need to work on thin veneer slices, even thinner than 4 mm, a veneer saw gives the finest results.

types of veneer saw

The saw is small with two edges on both sides, making cuts on both sides possible. A veneer saw can help you curve straight and clean lines on your veneers.  

The 3-4 inch veneer saw blade precisely cut flush with a surface.

Wallboard Saw

A Wallboard Saw helps in creating small interior holes, which are a couple of centimeters thick. Being a hybrid of the Japanese saw and a keyhole saw, the wallboard saw provides detailed pull cuts.

types Wallboard Saw

It has a short but wide blade with fewer teeth proportionally. If you want to puncture holes through drywall and paneling, a Wallboard saw will create the perfect starting hole. 

Coping Saw

types of coping saw

When you need a clean cut on your wood or metal surfaces, a coping saw is what you need.A chopping hand saw is somewhat similar to a hacksaw but produces finer cuts. The thinner blades of a coping saw make it ideal for thinner and finer cuts.

A coping saw can slightly bend, allowing you to make fine circles. 

Powered Saws

A power saw is a sawing machine, which uses an energy source to power it. If you happen to be a tech lover, different types of power saws will indeed impress you. You can do whatever you like with a Powered Saw, but with a better edge. 

Every modern sawmill needs power saws to finish its tasks efficiently. Now let us take a tour and know the uses of types of powered saws. 

Types of Saw list in Powered Saws

Chainsaw

A chainsaw churns out as a heavy beast in the industry. It can cut big lumps of wood and even whole trees. A chainsaw is portable and can operate on battery, electricity, gas, and so on. The pointy teeth of the chainsaw blade can move in a rotating manner, making wood chopping easier.

types of chainsaw

If you happen to be a wood seller, a chainsaw will indeed be an excellent axe replacement. The rotating chain slices through the wood as if it was butter. A traditional saw can do as little as cutting a whole tree in sixty minutes. However, a chainsaw with its powerful motor and rotating blade can do the job in five minutes top. 

Nowadays, chainsaws use electricity, which powers their motor. In parts of the world where electricity is scarce, a gasoline engine can also power this beast. anyhow, the basic mechanism of the chainsaw is always the same, no matter the power unit type. 

Precautions and safety tips

A chainsaw is often dangerous, and you need to wear a protective suit before handling it. Never hold the machine in one hand as you won’t be able to control it. Checking the chain tension is also necessary because a loose chain can cause some serious damage. Try using the chain brake when the chainsaw is not functional. 

Jigsaw

If you want to shape and curve the wood, a jigsaw can be excellent support. The saw has a narrow blade, making it easy for thin and accurate cuts. Industrial workers use a jigsaw to cut steel, fiberglass, and sometimes the thick walls.

types of jigsaw

The blade’s sharpness and cutting capacity depend on the number of teeth per inch. A higher TPI is often needed for smoother cuts and the perfect curving angle in DIY projects. 

A jigsaw man bends up to 45-degrees from its blade position, making it perfect for detailed cuts. The motor is small and is powered using electricity. Changing the type of blade will help you adjust to the material density. Inserting a harder blade can slice through concrete, carpet, countertops, metal, and so on. 

Types of Jigsaws

Depending on the cutting formation, jigsaws are of two types. 

Straight-Reciprocating Jigsaws. (Cuts Up and Down)

Orbital-Reciprocating Jigsaws (Slightly tilt forward upstroke)

Band Saw

The Band Saw presents as a stationary type of power saw, having a long and powerful blade. Being locked in a single position, the band saw provides a fine cut every time.

types of band saw

Band Saws, with its thick and sharp blade, can pass through all types of metal. The saw has a uniform cutting action, making it an ideal nimble saw. 

When working with multiple materials, you can change the saw blades for better efficiency. The longs blades of the saw give it extra care, beating those rough bite marks. If you want curved or straight cuts, having a band saw will indeed do the trick. Then again, you can cut jigsaw shapes, where other sewing machines are useless. 

Note: The size of the Jigsaw blade depends on the size and the material you are cutting. If you happen to work with strong metal, try using the longest blade for band saws. The blades have varying saw teeth and provide clean cuts on any surface. 

Types of Band Saws

There are about 6 types of band saws in the market. 

They are,

  • Metal band saw.
  • Portable band saw.
  • Wood band saw.
  • Meat band saw.
  • Vertical band saw.
  • Horizontal band saw.
  • The bench-top band saw.

Circular Saw

types of circular saw

The circular Saw is a single man-machine saw, having a round blade below. The blade of the circular saw revolves around an axis, making it best for building projects. However, the saw requires good balance and precision. The circular saw is about 9.85 pounds, making it is easy to carry. Sometimes the weight of the saw can be more depending on the outer shell and battery size. If you want to slice through wood, plastic, and even metal, a circular saw is up to scratch. 

All Types of Saws for Circular Saws

  • Cold Saw circular saw
  • Cordless circular saw
  • Corded circular saw
  • Worm Drive circular saw
  • Compact and Mini circular saw
  • Sidewinder circular saw
  • Hypoid circular saw
  • Cordwood Saws circular saw
  • Track Saw
  • Abrasive Saw circular saw

Wet-Tile saws

A Wet-Tile saw with its efficient cutting features is the cream of the crop for tile constructors. Its efficient blades make it easier to slice through all types of ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles.

types of wet tile saw

The wet-tile saw prevents uneven cuts, leaving you with a smooth and uniform finish. In a traditional scratch cutter, you will see bumpy edges, and the results are often unpredictable. 

The saw’s water pump regularly sprays water onto the tiles during cuts. The entire process stops the smallest chipping or cracks while cutting your tile pieces. Sharp rotating blades make quick works on a large scale possible. The saw can cut circles in every ½ inch, making it ideal for all specialty cuts. 

Safety features of Wet-tile saw

Like the different types of power saws, a wet-tile saw needs some guidelines. Though accidents barely occur, you can still get seriously hurt. Check out the safety measures below. 

  • Before starting the saw, find a GFCI protected outlet. Try plugging in the saw in it.
  • Wear a specific safety suite, for example, protective glasses, hearing protection, etc. 
  • Always use both hands while inserting the tiles into the saw. 
  • Finally, try keeping a distance between your fingers and the blade. 

Miter Saw

A Miter Saw has a rigid circular blade to provide the best angle cuts. The blade of the Miter saw pivots left or right, providing precise slits. The saw pulls down on the material while cutting and protects you from flying saw bits. If your Miter saw blade is not sharp or flexible enough, you can indeed use a table saw blade. 

types of miter saw

A miter saw has detents at 90, 45, and 22.5-degrees, making all sorts of cuts easy. If you want precise angles, trims, and crosscuts, a miter saw is the crown prince in these types of saw list. All Miter saws are made of carbon steel, making them last for the year to come. The 12-inch size miter blade slices and dices any material as if it was ice-cream. When you want angled cuts, adjusting the dial pad or calibrating it fully will do the trick. 

Miter Saw safety

Similar to all the other saws, a miter saw requires some safety measures. Primarily you will need safety glasses and hear-protection wear. If your cutting is over, don’t lift the blade immediately and wait for the spinning to stop. Turns out, you don’t need full suit protection to work with a miter saw. 

Pole Saws

A pole saw with its long pole structure makes clean trims every time. Gardeners use it to cut off unwanted branches, twigs, and sometimes fruits. A non-pole saw can’t reach places where there are too many blocks. Turns out, you don’t need to hire a pro trimmer if you have a pole saw with you. 

types of pole saw

The long pole provides extra flexibility in cleaning undergrowth and other ground covers. You can decorate your tree the way you like it and improve its growth through fine trimming. A pole saw can help remove dead branches effectively, keeping the safety intact. 

If you are a beginner, you should consider the safety features first before holding a pole saw. A pole saw can turn out dangerous when it falls suddenly. Wear protective glasses and a tough suit for sudden falling saw bits. 

Types of Pole saw

Scroll Saw

A scroll saw is similar to a hand coping saw or a fretsaw but can give more precious cuts. Its pedal operation design gives users maximum control over cutting surfaces.

types of scroll saw

With its fine blade, you can make intricate curves in all materials, including metal sheets. Its pivoting table allows you to create curve edges without breaking the bit edges. 

A scroll saw needs initial holes and make interior cutouts. A scroll saw has a light source on top, giving you a brighter area to work on. The best part is all forms of dust or saw bits would just fly away in the air thanks to the dust blower nozzle. Finally, you will get table-tilt support, a variable-speed button, and changeable blades for perfect cutting angles. 

Types of Scroll Saw blades

For precious curves, a scroll saw uses seven distinct types of blades. The blades are,

  • Skip-Tooth Blades.
  • Standard Tooth Blades.
  • Precious Ground Blades.
  • Reverse Skip-Tooth Blades.
  • Double-Tooth Blades.
  • Crown Tooth Blades.

Reciprocating Saws

types of reciprocating saw

A reciprocating saw’s push and pull motion helps provide accurate blade cutting action. The recipe saw, or the hog-nose saw blade, somewhat resembles a jigsaw’s one.There is a handle orientation behind the saw, giving you comfortable cuts in vertical surfaces. The saw has a foot below the blade where you can rest the saw, preventing all push or pull reaction. 

Among all power saw types on hand, the reciprocating saw has the most range of features. Its has variation in power, speed, blade size, features, and many more. The saw also has an oscillating orbital feature, giving it better control during back and forth movement. In general, a reciprocating saw is a group of saws resembling any oscillating movement in curving. 

Types of Reciprocating Saw

The different saws, which are reciprocating saw are,

  • Mini Reciprocating Saw.
  • Cordless Reciprocating Saw.
  • Pneumatic Reciprocating Saw.
  • Compact Reciprocating Saw.
  • Plumbing Reciprocating Saw.
  • HVAC Reciprocating Saw.
  • Corded Reciprocating Saw.

Table Saw

A table saw, or a saw-bench is a non-portable saw and usually comes with a circular saw blade. An electric motor powers the blade either directly or with the help of gear belts.

types of table saw

The blade rotates on the table-top, giving you maximum support while cutting wood or other materials. Table saws make fine depth possible with their blade protruding up and down. 

Though stationary, a table saw can outwit any power-saw when it cuts the hardest material in mere seconds. The blade of the saw pivots on an axis, giving you speed and depth support. If you want, you can slice through multiple materials at the same time by simply adjusting the blade height. 

Different kinds of the Saw bench

Due to the features and sizes, table saws are of eight types. They are,

  • Sliding Table Saw.
  • Job-site Saw Bench.
  • Bench-top Saw. 
  • Hybrid Bench Saw.
  • Compact Table Saw.
  • Contractor Table Saw.
  • Cabinet Saw-Bench.
  • Mini and Micro Table Saw.

Hole Saw

A hole saw is a unique drilling saw, which burrows deep into a surface and creates a perfect circle. The blade of a hole saw is kinda like a ring, giving it its name hole saw. A hole saw blade consists of tough edges, and you can attach it to any drilling machine.

type of hole saws

A hole saw has a pilot drill bit, making it stable while cutting your perfect circles. 

The drilling depth on the hole saw depends on the drill cup of the blade. If you want to make variations in your cuts, putting different or adjustable blades will do the trick. You don’t have to make pre-drills with a hole saw and use different blades to get your desired results. Just kick the speed up a notch and drill hundreds of holes in mere mins. 

Hole Saw blades

Different kinds of Saws depend on the variation in features and functions to be truly diverse. However, a hole saw is just one type of saw, having different blades. Replacing one blade with the other will give us varying results in our holes. Some blades are,

  • Carbon Steel hole blade.
  • Single Tooth Hole Cutters.
  • HSS Hole Saws.
  • Bi-Metal Hole.
  • TCT Hole Cutters.
  • Triangular Hole Cutters.
  • Adjustable Hole Cutters.
  • TCT Hole Saws.

FAQs-Different Types of Saws

What is the best all-around saw?

What is the best all-around saw?

A miter saw has all the features of sawing, chopping, cutting holes, etc., making it the best all-around saw. The saw specializes in cutting a variety of angles, keeping a fine vibe in the end. You can cut holes, door frames, window casings, and anything you can think of with a miter saw.

How many types of saws are there?

Generally speaking, there are two basic types of saws. One type of saw is hand-saws, and the other is power-saws. Both of them have their distinct uses, and you can’t consider one better than the other.

What is the most versatile type of saw?

With its different cutting ways and safety features, a miter saw is the most versatile type of saw at present. The saw can cut through tough metal rods, wood, and any other material you through at it. Making perfect circles on tiles is also not an issue for the miter saw.

What are the different types of saw blades?

Depending on the shape, grind, and teeth, a saw blade are of four types. They are,
Flat top grind (FTG)
Alternate top bevel (ATB)
Alternate Top Bevel with Raker blades (ATBR)
Triple-chip grind (TCG)

What is the safest saw?

The safety feature of a saw depends on how you work with it. Having a pointy blade edge, all saws can be quite dangerous. But the safest of them is the handsaws or the non-powered saws.

What is the most dangerous tool?

he most dangerous tool is most likely the power saws. Power saws have a pointy spinning edge, making them highly dangerous if not used properly.

What Type of Saw Do You Need to Cut Molding?

There are a few different types of saws that can be used to cut molding, but the best type of saw to use is a miter saw. A miter saw can make clean, precise cuts and is relatively easy to use. Other types of saws that can be used to cut molding include a jigsaw, hand saw, or circular saw.

Endnote

Saws are the crown of the crop when it comes to industrial works and DIY projects. If you want to cut wood, plastic, metal, etc. you need a suitable form of saw. In this article, you will find different types of saws with pictures, which will aid in choosing the best one for you. 

If you have any questions on this topic, please let us know. The best thing about saws is that you can create your own version, combining different saw designs. Bye for now. Have a good day. 

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Hi! I'm James D. Miller, a professional pro woodworker, have 10 years of experience as a woodworker and 12 years of expertise as a saw user. I've revealed this power saw review site for you guys who have a genuine interest in power tools. Thanks for showing your affinity for the review blog. Find me on Twitter here. Happy reading.

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