Different Types of Saws and When To Use Them (with Pictures)

A handsaw is often used for general cutting, while a circular saw is ideal for more accurate cuts. A table saw can be used to cut large boards while a miter saw can also be used to make quick, accurate cuts on workpieces that are set up in a vise. A chainsaw is made for cutting trees. And the list goes on.

Let’s review one by one and their uses

LIST OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAWS

Hand Saw

A hand saw ( view more)  is a cutting tool consisting of a frame with a sharp flexible blade, the blade is set in the frame so that it makes a right angle to the frame. It is used in carpentry for making cross-cuts and other finer cuts that require accuracy, or when there’s not enough room for a power saw.

Best Use for To cut wood by hand.

hand saw image

Hacksaw

HackSaw is a product that is making all kinds of sawing jobs easier, including when you are working on framing projects. HackSaw helps you cut through tough materials like steel studs, laths, hardwood flooring, drywall, and roofing material-you name it! With this saw in hand, there’s no job too big or small.

We recommend this Hacksaw

Best use for: Cutting metals and plastics

hacksaw

Coping Saw

These saws are specifically designed to be used on large curved surfaces like staircases and fireplaces.

They have a long blade with a narrow, pointed shape which is easy to navigate in hard-to-reach places.

We recommend this Coping Saw

Coping saws are typically smaller than other types of power saws but the blade can still cut through wood very quickly with minimal effort.

Best use for: Professional looking inside corner joints

coping saw view

Jigsaw/Reciprocating Saw

They are also called Sawzall.

These saws can be used for many different tasks. They are mostly used for cutting through wood, metal, and even bone with great ease.

We recommend this Jigsaw

The reciprocating saw or jigsaw is an extremely versatile power tool that is often carried by rescue squads, police SWAT teams, fire departments, and paramedics.

Best use for A cutting curve in the wood

jigs aw picture

Chainsaw

Chainsaws are a type of power saw used in various environments, from large-scale commercial to small-scale residential.

Chainsaws have been extensively used in forestry, cutting firewood, and trimming trees, It is also used for clearing light brush and other vegetation as well as cutting firebreaks during bushfires.

We recommend this chainsaw

Chainsaw is a word that describes the action of the blade as it cuts through the wood by means of repeated contact with the wood surface via chain.

Best use for Trimming trees and cutting firewood

Chainsaw lay on wood

Circular Saw

It is one of the most versatile power tools in a carpenter’s arsenal.

It can cut through any material, from sheet goods to dimensional lumber, and it can be used for everything from cutting a few boards to building your deck or garage.

We recommend this Circular Saw

Many types of circular saws are available. However, the most popular circular saws are

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

Best use for Cutting wall studs, rafters, joists, and sheathing.

man cutting with circular saw

Miter Saw

A miter saw is one of the best tools you can have in your corner for any kind of construction. This tool is used to cut wood at precise angles and since these cuts are so precise, it’s the perfect tool for trimming molding or cutting a straight edge on a piece of plywood.

We recommend this Miter Saw

A miter saw has a horizontal blade that spins at a high speed and is housed inside a metal frame with two arms that help you make accurate cuts.

Best use for When cutting angles for framing and finishing carpentry.

man cutting with miter saw

Band Saw

There are many different types of saws that can be used in the workshop, but none are quite as versatile as the band saw.

A band saw is capable of cutting through wood, metal, and even plastic with relative ease and accuracy.

Band saws also excel at cutting curves and intricate patterns which make them perfect for all sorts of projects around the house!

We recommend this Band Saw

Long blades are used in the saw. Material is fed into the blade manually. Band saws are among the most precise and accurate cutting machines for straight and curved cuts.

There are several types of bandsaws

  • Horizontal band saw
  • Vertical Band saw
  • Meat band saw
  • Benchtop band saw
  • Wood Band saw

Best use for: curved and straight cut

band saw

Table Saw

A table saw is a specific type of power tool that is designed to make crosscuts in large pieces of wood. The blade can be lowered and raised to different height settings, which makes it very versatile for a variety of projects. Table saws may look complicated but they are relatively easy to operate and worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of woodworking.

We recommend this Table Saw

Table saws are available in various types. The most popular types are listed below.

  • Cabinet
  • Jobsite
  • Mini and micro
  • Hybrid
  • Contractor
  • Compact
  • Sliding 
  • Benchtop
table saw picture

Pole Saws

From pruning branches to cutting tree limbs, a pole saw is one of the most important tools for any property owner.

Before purchasing a pole saw, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure you purchase the best pole saw for your needs.

There are several different types of pole saws;

Electric, gas-powered, and battery. Each type offers its own set of features and capabilities, so you should decide which one will be the best fit for your needs before making a purchase.

We recommend this Pole Saw

Another important factor to consider is the type of job you need the pole saw for. Electric and gas-powered pole saws are the most powerful, but battery-powered versions are best for smaller branches and limbs. This is because they offer less power, making them better suited to lightweight jobs.

  • Gas pole saw
  • Electric pole saw
  • Cordless pole saw
  • Manual pole saw

Battery-powered models are also much quieter than electric or gas-powered versions. These types of pole saw can make quite a bit of noise while in use, making it unsuitable in some situations.

Different types of pole saws have their own advantages and disadvantages, but the best type for you will depend on your needs and preferences. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to always wear protective gear such as boots, gloves, and goggles while using a pole saw to prevent any injuries from occurring.

pole saw man cutting brushes

Wet-Tile saws

A wet tile saw is a type of power tool that is primarily used for cutting ceramic or porcelain tile. They are mostly used by professionals, but if you are doing some renovations at home it can be very useful to have one around

We recommend this Wet Tile Saw

wet-tile-saw-man-cutting-tile

Scroll Saw

A Scroll Saw is a cross-cutting machine that is used for woodwork and crafts to cut intricate shapes and patterns. You can create beautiful things like wooden puzzle boxes to intricate furniture pieces, all with the help of this handy tool!

We will go for this Scroll Saw

Scroll Saw picture

Fret Saw

A fret saw is a versatile tool you can use to cut intricate curves and shapes. It’s ideal for cutting moldings, frames, chair backs, and more!

You should check this Fret Saw

fret saw image

Bow Saw

A bow saw is a power saw that has a long blade mounted to the end of a curved metal arm.

The curved metal arm can be rotated in order to make cuts at different angles
Bow Saws are most commonly used in construction, carpentry, and forestry.

You should check this Bow Saw

Crosscut saws 

Crosscut saws are a type of wood saw used to cut straight, horizontal and vertical lines in the face of a piece of lumber. They are primarily used in carpentry for roughing out shapes or cutting across the grain.

Check this on Amazon

cross cut saw image

Hole Saws

They can be used as a woodworking tool for boreholes, as well as for other applications like metal-cutting and general maintenance. Hole saws make it easier to create holes in many

materials quickly and cleanly, so they are often among the tools found in workshops, factories, or construction sites.

Check Hole Saw kit on Amazon

hole saw man pushing it

Track Saw

A track saw is a perfect tool for your big cutting jobs. It’s safe, accurate, and versatile capable of ripping through sheet goods, thick boards, and deep cuts with precision. This remarkable tool will make all your projects go faster and smoother than ever!

We would go for this Track Saw

track saw

Radial Arm Saw

Radial Arm Saw is a popular choice for those looking to make precision cuts.

These saws are great for cutting through the toughest materials and were first developed in the late 1800s by a man named Carl R. Pilsbury.

We will go for this Radial Arm

Radial arm saws have many different attachments, blades, and safety features that allow them to be versatile and reliable, even for those who work with heavy-duty lumber on a regular basis.

radial arm saw picture

Rotary Saw

Rotary saws are best used in production applications, where they can be used for cutting and shaping. Rotary saws excel at ripping through wood and other soft materials quickly, but they can’t withstand the high-pressure water used to cut metal.

You should definitely check this Rotary Saw

They’re also limited by the material they can cut; rotary saws cannot cut steel or cast iron without overheating.

rotary saw image

Tile Saw

Tile saws are a powerful tool used to cut through tile and stone, as well as other materials like brick, concrete, and terrazzo. They are best for those working with large tiles or projects that require cutting outside of the shop.

You should check this one

tile saw picture

Panel Saw

A panel saw can be used for a variety of purposes. A panel saw is a type of machine that uses a reciprocating motion to cut through large pieces of plywood, particleboard, and other materials. The blade moves back and forth while the conveyor belt moves the material into place, allowing you to make more precise cuts on larger surfaces.

Have a look at this Panel Saw

panel saw picture

Oscillating Saw

Oscillating saws are the perfect tool for construction projects.

It can be used for straight or curved cuts on any material and offers a variety of accessories that includes jigsaws, sanding discs, grinding wheels, and more.

We highly recommend this Oscillating Saw

With all the different options available, it’s no wonder so many people are using these tools to cut wood quickly and efficiently!

oscillating saw

Chop Saw

Chop Saw is designed for cutting any type of material, such as wood, plastic, aluminum, and more. It’s great for DIYers and hobbyists looking to get into carpentry.

We will go with this Chop Saw

Chop Saw can cut through a variety of materials quickly and easily with its high-performance blade and powerful motor. Chop Saw is ideal for any work you need to do around the house or in your garage

chop saw image

Pruning Saw

A pruning saw is one of the best tools you can use when it comes to trimming trees and bushes. It’s a lightweight tool that features a sharp blade that requires less effort, making it easier to reach hard-to-get spots.

You should check this one

pruning saw image

Wire Saw

A wire saw is a saw with a metal blade, mounted on the end of a hand-grip cable which can be uncoiled and rewound for use in tight spaces. Wire saws are able to cut through metal and other hard materials such as bone and concrete. They are often used in the cutting of steel pipes, but they also work well when cutting logs or wood.

Check it on Amazon

wire saw

Japanese saw

The Japanese saw has been around since the 16th century and is still widely used today. The saw can be used in woodworking, carpentry, and architecture to cut various materials such as metal, plastic, balsa wood, and more!

We recommend this one

Japanese saw picture

Bone Saw

A bone saw is a saw with a thin blade used to cut hard materials, such as bone. The blade of the saw is rigid and sharp, meaning it can cut through hard surfaces without bending or breaking. These tools are often used in medical procedures to help surgeons get through their work more quickly and effectively.

We will go with this Bone Saw

bone saw

Razor Saw

The Razor Saw is the perfect tool for those of us who are always on the go. This saw is portable and offers a fantastic precision blade that will cut through anything you throw its way. Whether you’re camping or making your way from this site to that, this Saw gets the job done in an instant!

We recommend this one

razor saw

Wallboard Saw

The saw is used to trim wallboard around obstructions like pipes and wires. It can also be used on drywall, plasterboard, rock wool insulation boards, and other types of sheet materials. The blade of the saw is very thin and flexible, making it possible to cut under or around these obstructions.

We would recommend this Wallboard Saw

wallboard saw

Frame Saw

A-frame saw is a type of reciprocating saw in which the blade is mounted in a rigid, rectangular frame. The name “frame saw” comes from the fact that it has longitudinally-mounted metal or wooden frames on either side of the blade. It’s very much like a table saw, but without a motor and powered by hand.

Check this on Amazon

frame saw

Masonry Saw

A Masonry Saw is a saw designed for cutting bricks, stone, and other masonry materials. The blade is made of high-carbon steel or carbide tipped and it’s usually clamped into a frame that encloses the saw teeth.

We highly recommend this Masonry Saw

When the blade contacts the surface of the brick, it bites into it with tremendous force and proceeds to rock back and forth until it cuts all the way through.

masonry saw

Abrasive Saw

Abrasive saws are used for cutting concrete, steel, and other hard materials. The saw works by shaving off small pieces of the material it is cutting with a blade that is pushed against the surface by a slowly rotating wheel. Larger versions of this type of saw are often called disc grinders or cut-off machines.

Check this on Amazon

abrasive saw

Alligator Saw

This alligator saw is made from a plastic bottle, duct tape, and the metal scraper from a paint roller. The scraper blade was cut to size using tin snips and wrapped in duct tape to prevent any sharp edges. The handle is just the right length to wrap one’s hand around it comfortably, while also being able to grip it securely. This homemade gadget works great for cutting wood or other materials even when there are no power tools around!

This is one of the best alligators saw

alligator saw

Cold Saw

Cold saws are used in the construction industry to cut large pieces of material.

They are capable of cutting through steel, aluminum, and other metals without any heat or noise. Cold saws can be used for the commercial and residential construction industries as well as in metal fabrication shops to cut through large sheets of metal.

We highly recommend this one

cold saw

Jamb Saw

This hand saw is often used for cutting wood in the construction industry and can be used in many different ways. 

We recommend this Jamb Saw

jamb saw

Saber Saw

The Saber Saw has become a staple for woodworkers. It’s often viewed as the most versatile of all saws and is able to cut through large pieces of wood quickly with its thin blade. The Saber Saw’s thin blade also means that it is best suited for cutting only one type of material at a time, so be sure you’re cutting what you need before you start!

Highly recommended this Saber Saw

saber saw

Chain Beam Saw

The Chain Beam Saw is a well-designed, durable, and high-quality product. This saw has many features that make it superior to other products like the autocycle, the worm drive, or even electric saws. With its well-balanced design, sturdy construction, and tough motor gearbox, this chainsaw specializes in doing heavy-duty work with little to no need for maintenance!

We would go with this Chain Beam Saw

chain beam saw image

Folding saw

Folding saws are primarily used for cutting wood and other materials such as metal and plastic, but they can be used for whatever project you might need!

This is one of the best Folding Saw

folding saw image
greg mitchell

About The Author

I’m Greg, who is behind this site Saw ProTips. I have been working in the trades since I was in high school, where I developed my passion for woodworking. This site was created to act as a library of skills, facts, and tricks that I’ve learned throughout my life.