There are many types of power saws available on the market today, each with different structural designs and serving distinct purposes. They are indeed precise and efficient.
However, you might feel confused about which one to choose among a wide selection. This article covers both common power saws and less frequently used specialized ones. It may help you make that decision.
Common Power Saw Types
The common electric saw types include table saw, circular saw, miter saw, bandsaw, jigsaw, oscillating saw, reciprocating saw, chainsaw, and track saw.
Here is a post on different types of woodworking cuts. Before reading this section, understanding the ways of cutting will be helpful.
Table Saw
The table saw is the king of versatility in woodworking cutting. Whether it’s cross-cut, rip-cut, bevel-cut, miter-cut, or grooving, it can handle it all. A table saw primarily consists of a fixed table, an adjustable saw blade, and a powerful motor.
Among these, the most critical component is the saw blade, which is used to cut different materials. Before working, ensure that you have installed the correct blade. During use, you can adjust the saw blade's height to achieve different thicknesses for material cutting.
Table saws deliver exceptional accuracy and stability, making them ideal for cutting larger materials and handling batch processing. The right table saw accessories are essential for achieving perfect cuts and enhancing the versatility of your table saw.
However, table saws are bulky and heavy, making them relatively expensive and lacking in portability. A table saw may be dangerous, so it is essential to thoroughly read the user manual before operation and wear safety equipment during use.
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Circular Saw
The circular saw is a highly versatile handheld cutting tool capable of processing a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, stone, and metal. It’s typically used to make straight cuts, including cross-cut and rip-cut. Some circular saws can achieve bevel cuts by adjusting the blade angle.
Circular saws offer high portability, are suitable for a wide range of materials, and come at a very affordable price. These advantages make circular saws extremely popular. Circular saws are available in cordless and corded versions. You can select the right one from them.
However, they are not perfect. Cutting straight lines with a circular saw requires much skill from the user. Furthermore, part of the blade is completely exposed, posing certain safety risks during operation.
(Image from LOWE'S)
Miter Saw
The core purpose of a miter saw is to allow for faster and more convenient bevel cuts and miter cuts on materials. It delivers precise cutting, particularly when crafting doors, windows, crown molding, and other projects requiring 45° miter joints. Moreover, it can also make cross cuts. Some models, like compound miter saws, can even perform compound cuts.
Typically, the miter saw consists of a stationary base that turns left and right, a motor, and a saw blade that can be lowered. Some models also feature a sliding rail that moves forward and backward to enhance working capacity.
It excels in precision for angled cuts, delivering smooth, clean surfaces. Pre-set common angles like 45°and 30°enable rapid cutting. However, it is not ideal for working with larger materials, and its weight limits portability.
Related Read: Table Saw vs Circular Saw vs Miter Saw: Select the Right One
Bandsaw
The previous power saw types are all used for cutting straight lines, while a bandsaw can handle curved lines and resawing. A band saw blade is a continuous toothed metal loop stretched taut between two or more wheels. The ability to cut wood or metal depends on the blade.
Due to its structure, a band saw can process thicker materials. The narrow kerf of the band saw results in less material waste, reduced cutting resistance, and greater material stability. However, be cautious when using a bandsaw to keep your hands away from the blade.
(Image from ROCKLER)
Jigsaw
Similar to a band saw, a jigsaw can cut curves and irregular lines in wood or metal. Additionally, you can make bevel cuts by adjusting the jigsaw. The primary components include a motor, top handle, base, and a thin saw blade with an up-and-down reciprocating motion.
Its compact and lightweight design enables intricate pattern cutting on workpieces while enhancing portability. However, the thin blade demands skilled operation and precise control. The jigsaw is not suitable for high-volume production or heavy-duty tasks, making it a better fit for DIYers.
Oscillating Saw
An oscillating saw, also called a multi-tool, features a blade that can oscillate rapidly. You can attach different types of blades and accessories to achieve various purposes, including cutting, sanding, scraping, polishing, and removing tile, grout, and masonry.
Its compact size allows effortless cutting in tight, hard-to-reach spaces. You can cut precise grooves without removing the workpiece from its fixed position. This is useful when laying flooring along a skirting board. As you cut the skirting, the flooring can slide underneath, resulting in a clean, flush finish.
Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw, also known as a sawzall, is a handheld, small power saw. It employs a motor to drive the saw blade in a reciprocating motion, enabling material cutting. This tool can effortlessly handle diverse materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and even hard concrete.
However, it still has drawbacks. Its machining precision falls short of other electric saws, it lacks good stability, and it carries a certain degree of risk. Moreover, the noise generated by the blade's vibration is loud, making it unsuitable for prolonged use.
Chain Saw
As the name suggests, a chainsaw features a sharp saw chain as its cutting component, typically used for cutting trees and branches. The toothed chain is driven by an electric motor, rotating at high speed around a piece of steel to swiftly cut through wood.
You can choose from corded chainsaws, cordless chainsaws, and gas-powered chainsaws. Their high portability makes them ideal for outdoor work. However, they require regular, timely maintenance. Otherwise, issues like chain jams or breakage can easily lead to safety accidents.
Track Saw
The last common power saw is a track saw, also called a plunge saw. The track saw combines the strengths of both table saws and circular saws, retaining the precision of a table saw while offering the portability of a circular saw.
It features a long guide rail to direct the movement of the saw blade. This design enables exceptionally straight and precise cuts, particularly when working with sheet materials like plywood. Consequently, it is commonly used in cabinetry and furniture manufacturing.
Other Power Saws
After learning about the nine common types of power saws mentioned above, you should also be familiar with some types of electric saws that are more specialized.
Panel Saw
If you need to cut large sheets of panels like plywood, plastic panels, or MDF, a panel saw is the ideal choice. Available in both horizontal and vertical models, they can cut these materials quickly, precisely, and effortlessly into perfect parts.
Chop Saw
A chop saw, also called a cut-off saw or abrasive saw, looks similar to a miter saw but serves a different purpose. It can only make vertical cuts. The blade of a chop saw has no teeth. Instead, it features abrasives for cutting various tough materials such as concrete, tile, metal, masonry, etc.
Scroll Saw
A scroll saw is specifically designed for detailed woodworking and cutting small workpieces, such as inlay and fretwork. Unlike a bandsaw, it features a worktable and an extremely fine blade. The blade works by moving up and down in a reciprocating motion. This saw is suitable for professionals due to its extremely high fineness.
Tile Saw
The tile saw features a water-cooled diamond blade for cutting various types of tiles without cracking. During cutting, water flow cools the high temperatures and reduces dust. Additionally, the water acts as a lubricant, ensuring accurate cuts.
Flooring Saw
A flooring saw is a compact power saw specifically designed for cutting flooring, making it suitable for home flooring installation sites. It features a small-diameter, thin blade operating at high rotational speeds. This saw can make rip cuts, cross cuts, and miter cuts.
Choose the Right Type for Your Task
In general, choosing the right chainsaw requires considering your needs, usage scenarios, and budget. Additionally, the saw's functionality, portability, safety, and precision are essential factors. Finally, consider whether your workshop is large enough to accommodate the saw.
If you have any questions about the power saws or their uses, please leave a comment below with a valid email address. We will reach out to you as soon as possible. Hope you can learn something from us. We will appreciate it if you can share this article with your friends by clicking the buttons at the end.
FAQ About Types of Power Saws
#1. What are the different types of power saws?
The different types of power saws mentioned in this post are: table saw, circular saw, miter saw, bandsaw, jigsaw, oscillating saw, reciprocating saw, chainsaw, track saw, panel saw, chop saw, scroll saw, tile saw, and flooring saw.
#2. What is the most common power saw?
A circular saw is the most common power saw. It features versatility, portability, and ease of use. Therefore, most woodworkers opt for it.
#3. What is another name for a reciprocating saw?
Another name for a reciprocating saw is a Sawzall. This is the generic trademark for reciprocating saws under the Milwaukee brand, but it has gradually evolved into a common, informal term to describe such tools.
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