Types of Power Saws – Complete Guide

There are many different types of power saws on the market, but they all serve the same basic purpose: to help you cut through materials more easily. The most common type of power saw is the circular saw, which is perfect for cutting through lumber, plywood, and other materials.

Other common types of power saws include the jigsaw, the miter saw, and the table saw. Each type of saw has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the right saw for the job. For example, the circular saw is great for cutting through large pieces of lumber, while the jigsaw is perfect for cutting intricate shapes in wood or metal.

If you’re not sure which type of saw is right for you, consult a professional at your local hardware store. They’ll be able to help you choose the right saw for your needs and show you how to use it safely. Today, we’ll come through different kinds of saws and see what they are good for.

Now, we’ve compiled a list of names of saws and descriptions of saw types.

1. Table saws

How It Works?

Table saws are stationary saws that are mounted on a table or stand. The saw blade is elevated above the work surface, and the material is pushed through the blade. The table saw is perfect for cutting long pieces of lumber, and it can also be used to make angled cuts and miter cuts.

Uses of Table Saw

The table saw is one of the most versatile power saws on the market. It can be used to cut through a variety of materials, including lumber, plywood, and sheet metal. It can also be used to make miter cuts and angled cuts.

Pros of Table Saw

The table saw is a powerful tool that can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. It’s perfect for cutting through large pieces of lumber, and it can also be used to make precision cuts.

Cons of Table Saw

The table saw can be dangerous if used improperly. It’s important to always use the correct safety equipment and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Circular Saws

How It Works?

Circular saws are some of the most popular types of handheld power saws on the market and for good reason. They’re versatile, easy to use, and perfect for cutting through a variety of materials. They also are one of the 5 types of power saws on this list that are portable and perform well when being handheld.

Circular saws work by using a circular blade that spins at high speeds. This blade is attached to a motor, which powers the saw. When you activate the saw, the blade spins and cuts through the material you’re working with.

Uses of Circular Saw

Circular saws are most commonly used for cutting ceramic, lumber, plywood, and other materials. They can also be used for cutting metal, plastic, and other materials.

Pros of Circular Saw

• Versatile
• Easy to use
• Perfect for cutting through a variety of materials

Cons of Circular Saw

• Can be dangerous if not used properly

3. Miter Saws

How It Works?

Miter saws are saws that can cut angles, and they are used to make crosscuts and miter cuts. They have a circular blade that is mounted on a pivot, and the blade can be tilted to the left or right to create different angles.

Uses of Miter Saw

Miter saws are used for a variety of different tasks, including:

• Making crosscuts
• Making miter cuts
• Making bevel cuts
• Making compound cuts

Pros of Miter Saw

There are several pros of using a miter saw, including:

• The ability to make accurate crosscuts and miter cuts
• The ability to make bevel cuts and compound cuts
• The ability to work with a variety of different materials

Cons of Miter Saw

There are also a few cons of using a miter saw, including:

• The need for a lot of space to use the saw
• The need for a stable surface to work on
• The potential for accidents if not used properly

4. Chop Saws

How It Works?

Chop saws, also known as abrasive saws are one kind of saw that use an abrasive disc to cut through metal, plastic, or other materials. The saw is powered by an electric motor, and the disc is usually made of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.

Uses of Chop Saw

Chop saws are commonly used to cut metal tubing, angle iron, and other types of metal. They can also be used to cut plastic and other materials.

Pros of Chop Saw

• Chop saws are very efficient at cutting metal.
• They are very accurate and can produce clean straight cuts.
• They are easy to use and can be operated by a single person.

Cons of Chop Saw

• Chop saws can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
• They can be expensive to purchase and maintain.
• They can be difficult to transport.

5. Radial arm saws

How It Works?

Radial arm saws are one of the larger types of power saws and can be used for a variety of tasks, including crosscutting, ripping, and beveling. They work by mounting the saw blade on a pivot arm that extends from the base of the saw. This allows the saw to be easily moved around the workpiece, which is especially helpful when cutting large pieces of wood.

Uses of Radial arm Saw

Radial arm saws are most commonly used for crosscutting lumber. They can also be used for ripping lumber, but this can be a bit tricky since the blade is mounted on the side of the saw. Radial arm saws can also be used for beveling, but this is not their primary use.

Pros of Radial arm Saw

• Radial arm saws are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks
• They are easy to move around the workpiece, which is helpful when cutting large pieces of wood
• They are relatively affordable compared to other types of power saws

Cons of Radial arm Saw

• Radial arm saws are not as accurate as other types of power saws
• They can be a bit difficult to use for ripping lumber

6. Chainsaws

How It Works?

Chainsaws use a chain of metal teeth that rotate around a guide bar to cut through wood and other materials. The chain is powered by an electric motor, and the saw is typically gripped with both hands to allow the user to guide it along the material being cut.

Uses of Chainsaws

Chainsaws are most commonly used to cut through lumber and other building materials, but they can also be used for other purposes, such as:

• Cutting down trees
• Pruning trees
• Removing tree stumps
• Cutting firewood
• Cutting metal

Pros of Chainsaws

• They’re powerful and can cut through large pieces of wood quickly.
• They’re relatively portable and easy to operate.
• They’re relatively affordable.

Cons of Chainsaws

• They can be dangerous if not used properly.
• They require a certain level of skill to use effectively.
• They can be quite noisy.

7. Reciprocating Saws

How It Works?

The reciprocating saw has a blade that moves up and down on an arm. This allows the saw to cut through materials in any direction, making it perfect for tight spaces.

Uses of Reciprocating Saws

The reciprocating saw is most commonly used for demolition work, but it can also be used for cutting through metal, plastics, and other materials.

Pros of Reciprocating Saws

• The reciprocating saw is very versatile and can be used for a variety of applications.
• It’s perfect for cutting through materials in tight spaces.
• The blade is adjustable, so you can make precision cuts.

Cons of Reciprocating Saws

• The reciprocating saw is not as powerful as other types of power saws.
• It can be difficult to control the blade.

8. Jigsaws

How It Works?

A jigsaw is a handheld power saw that is used to cut intricate shapes in wood or metal. It has a reciprocating blade that moves up and down to create the desired cut and is one of the most widely used types of electric saws.

Uses of Jigsaws

The jigsaw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of applications, including:

• Cutting wood
• Cutting metal
• Cutting plastic
• Cutting tile

Pros of Jigsaws

• The jigsaw is a very versatile tool that can be used for a variety of applications.
• It has a reciprocating blade that moves up and down to create the desired cut.
• The jigsaw is a handheld power saw, which makes it easy to use.

Cons of Jigsaws

• The jigsaw is not as powerful as other types of power saws, such as the circular saw.
• It can be difficult to get a straight cut with a jigsaw.
• The jigsaw is not suitable for cutting large pieces of lumber.

9. Band Saws

How It Works?

Band saws are typically composed of a flat, horizontal surface with a blade that runs vertically through the center. The material to be cut is placed against the flat surface, and the blade is then brought down towards the material to cut it. Band saws are typically used to cut through metal or wood, and they can be used to create intricate shapes or patterns.

Uses of Band Saws

Band saws are commonly used in metalworking and woodworking shops. They can be used to cut through metal pipes, rods, and other shapes, and they can also be used to cut through wood boards and other pieces of lumber.

Pros of Band Saws

• Band saws are very versatile, and they can be used to cut through a variety of materials.
• They are relatively easy to use, and even beginners can learn how to use them effectively.

Cons of Band Saws

• Band saws can be dangerous if not used correctly.
• They can be quite expensive, so they may not be suitable for everyone.

10. Scroll Saws

How It Works?

Scroll saws are electric saws that are used to cut intricate designs in wood, metal, and other materials. They have a thin blade that moves up and down to create the desired shape.

Uses of Scroll saws

Scroll saws are used to create a wide variety of decorative items, including furniture, boxes, and lamps. They can also be used to create precision cuts in metal and other materials.

Pros of Scroll saws

• Scroll saws are very accurate and can create intricate designs with ease.
• They are portable and easy to use.
• They are relatively inexpensive.

Cons of Scroll saws

• Scroll saws can be dangerous if not used properly.
• They can be difficult to use for beginners.
• They are not as powerful as other types of power saws.

11. Panel Saws

How It Works?

Panel saws are one of the types of power saws for wood that are used to cut large pieces of wood or other materials. They are typically mounted to the wall or to a workbench, and they use a blade that moves up and down to cut the material.

Uses of Panel Saws

Panel saws are most commonly used to cut lumber, plywood, and other materials. They can be used to make straight cuts or curved cuts, and they can be used to cut through a variety of materials.

Pros of Panel Saws

• Panel saws are very versatile and can be used to cut a variety of materials.
• They are typically very accurate and can produce clean, straight cuts.
• They are easy to use and can be mounted to a wall or a workbench.

Cons of Panel Saws

• Panel saws can be expensive.
• They are not as portable as other types of power saws.
• They can be difficult to use for beginners.

12. Rip Saws

How It Works?

Rip saws are designed to cut with the grain of the wood, making them perfect for ripping boards or lumber into thinner pieces. They have a single blade that is mounted on an arbor, and they typically have a rip fence that helps you keep the material aligned while you’re cutting.

Uses of Rip Saws

Rip saws are commonly used for ripping lumber into thinner pieces, but they can also be used for other tasks such as cutting dadoes, rabbets, and tenons.

Pros of Rip Saws

• They are perfect for cutting with the grain of the wood.
• They have a single blade that is easy to replace.
• They typically have a rip fence that helps you keep the material aligned.

Cons of Rip Saws

• They can be difficult to use for cutting curves and other intricate shapes.
• They can be dangerous if not used properly.

13. Track Saws

How It Works?

A track saw is a type of power saw that uses a guide track to help you make straight and accurate cuts. The track is attached to the material you’re cutting, and the saw rides along the track to make the cut. This type of saw is ideal for precision cuts and is perfect for trimming doors, windows, and other trim.

Uses of Track Saws

The track saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including:

• Cutting lumber
• Cutting plywood
• Cutting trim
• Cutting molding
• Cutting sheet metal

Pros of Track Saws

The track saw has several advantages over other types of power saws, including:

• It’s very accurate, making it perfect for precision cuts.
• It’s easy to use, even for beginners.
• It’s portable, making it easy to transport from job to job.
• It’s relatively affordable.

Cons of Track Saws

The track saw has a few disadvantages, including:

• It can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
• The blade can be difficult to change.
• The track can be difficult to attach to curved surfaces.

14. Tile Saws

How It Works?

Tile saws are power saws that are specifically designed for cutting tiles. They work by moving a diamond-tipped blade up and down along a fixed track. This allows the blade to make very precise cuts, making it the perfect tool for cutting tiles and other stone materials. Most often this type of hand saw electric motor is fed by a cord as it needs a lot of power.

Uses of Tile Saws

Tile saws can be used for a variety of different applications, including:

• Cutting tiles for flooring or countertops
• Making precision cuts in stone or tile
• Trimming tile to fit around obstacles

Pros of Tile Saws

Tile saws offer a number of advantages, including:

• Precise cuts – The fixed track and diamond-tipped blade allow for very precise cuts, making it the perfect tool for cutting tiles and other stone materials.
• Durable – Tile saws are built to last and can withstand heavy use.
• Versatile – Tile saws can be used for a variety of different applications, including cutting tiles for flooring or countertops, making precision cuts in stone or tile, and trimming tile to fit around obstacles.

Cons of Tile Saws

Tile saws do have a few drawbacks, including:

• They can be expensive – Tile saws can be expensive, depending on the model.
• They can be heavy – Tile saws can be quite heavy, which can make them difficult to transport.
• They can be dangerous – Tile saws can be dangerous if used improperly, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully and take necessary safety precautions.

15. Flooring saws

How It Works?

And here’s last but not the least on our list of types of handheld power saws. Flooring saws are circular saws that have a very large blade, typically 24 inches in diameter. They are used to cut through large pieces of lumber, such as flooring boards or decking.

Uses of Flooring Saws

Flooring saws are used to make straight cuts in lumber, either by hand or by using a guide. They can also be used to make curved cuts, such as in the shape of a circle.

Pros of Flooring Saws

Flooring saws are very powerful and can easily cut through large pieces of lumber.
They are very accurate and can produce very straight cuts.

Cons of Flooring Saws

Flooring saws are very large and heavy, so they can be difficult to transport and store.
They are also very expensive, so they are not a feasible option for smaller projects.

FAQ

What are the different types of power saws?

There are a few different types of power saws on the market. The two most popular types are the circular saw and the jigsaw.

Circular saws are used for making straight cuts. They have a circular blade that rotates and cuts through the material.

Jigsaw are used for making curved cuts. They have a blade that moves up and down and cuts through the material.

What are the differences between circular saws and jigsaws?

Circular saws are used for making straight cuts, while jigsaws are used for making curved cuts. Circular saws have a circular blade that rotates and cuts through the material, while jigsaws have a blade that moves up and down and cuts through the material.

What are the benefits of using a power saw?

The benefits of using a power saw include the ability to make quick and easy cuts through a variety of materials. Power saws also allow for more precision and accuracy than traditional hand saws.

What types of power saws are used to cut metal stock?

There are a variety of power saws that can be used to cut metal stock. Some of the most common types of power saws used to cut metal include the band saw, the chop saw, and the circular saw.

Conclusion

There are many different types of power saws on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re not sure which type of saw is right for you, consult a professional at your local hardware store.