Power Saw Buying Guide

Woodworking is one of home improvement’s most difficult projects. First of all, wood can be tricky to work with, given its wide range of cut-ability and sizes. Then, with so many tools out there designed to do a myriad of possible tasks, which tool is right for you and your project?

 

Like amateur and professional woodworkers already know, a power saw can help make your larger projects much easier, and lessen the scope of the work that must be done. So, which type of power saw do you need, and what should you look for when buying one? What are the biggest differences between types? And most importantly, how do you use any of these various types of power saws?

 

Types of power saws

So, what is a power saw, anyway? It’s a tool powered by electricity or battery that’s used for cutting wood and other materials. With that said, there are a number of types of power saws available at ImprovementDirect.com:

·         Band saw

·         Circular saw

·         Chop saw

·         Jig saw

·         Miter saw

·         Reciprocating saw

·         Rotary saw

·         Table saw

 

Uses and applications

Finding just the right power saw for your job could be a little confusing. So, here’s a brief description of the different types of power saws and what each is designed for.

 

Circular saws are great for making straight cuts, including cross or angle cuts. As most of us would likely purchase a circular saw for residential applications, consider this a portable table saw. These can also be either right- or left-handed, depending on which side of the blade the motor sits. Circular saws are the most popular and most versatile cutting power saw.

 

A band saw can be used to cut curved or straight lines. They typically come in two sizes: portable and a floor-type model. These are useful for executing irregular cuts and you can accomplish some intricate curves and cuts with this type of power saw.

 

You can cut just about anything with a reciprocating saw. For cutting through lumber of nearly any size, drywall, pipes, and vinyl and aluminum siding, this is your tool. Like all hand-held power saws, a reciprocating saw has ideal portability and it comes in your choice of high-speed electric or cordless. This type of power saw is used mostly for construction or demolition jobs, and the act of cutting is achieved through a push-and-pull reciprocating motion of the blade.

 

A jig saw, also called a saber saw, can be used for cutting arbitrary curves into wood. Traditionally, this hand-held power saw is portable and lightweight and its small, thin blade (actually a reciprocating blade) is ideal for stenciled designs or other custom shapes. In fact, the first jigsaw puzzles were made using this kind of power saw.

 

A miter saw, also referred to as a chop saw, is designed to make rapid and exact cuts. A circular blade spins and is lowered down in a short, controlled motion. You’ll find miter saws are extremely useful when working with wood for framing and when your project calls for matching up corners with molding. Miter saws also come in a hand-held version.

 

Just like the name implies, table saws feature a large, flat work area and a circular saw blade. Also referred to as a bench saw, a table saw makes straight and precise cuts. There are four types of table saws: benchtop, contractor, cabinet, and hybrid.

 

A rotary saw is designed to make pinpoint accurate cuts without the need of a pilot hole in drywall, plywood, or other thin and solid materials.

 

What should I look for when I’m looking for a power saw?

With such a wide range of power saws, here are some features that are applicable to any one of them.

 

·         Cordless vs. power? Because of their reliance on batteries, cordless power saws tend to be a bit heavier than their electric counterparts. Also, cordless power saws won’t generate as much power, but they’re incredibly portable, even the larger power saws.

·         Variable speeds. One and two speeds are nice, but if you really want to fulfill the potential of your power saw, opt for something that offers more.

·         Sharp thinking. Carbide-tip blades are the preferred type of blade for most circular saws, table saws, and miter saws. Look for blades that measure 7 ¼ inches and have 24 teeth. Also, maintain these blades to keep them as sharp as possible. A dull blade can make your job harder and bog down under less-than-ideal conditions.

·         Positive stops. A few power saws (like circular saws and miter saws) feature positive stops. These are points that stop at commonly used angles (like 15, 30, and 45 degrees, for example), and help eliminate guesswork for smooth and accurate cuts.

·         Invest in the best. Let’s face it, power saws and their accessories are not cheap. And while you might be tempted to purchase something less expensive, that tack could backfire (in a very bad way) in the long run. So, if you can, shell out the extra cash for a power saw or carbide-tip blade you know will remain safe effective for years to come.

 

Beyond the above features, here are a few more to consider when shopping for a particular power saw:

 

Table saw

1.     Alignment features will help you match up the blade with your proposed cutline.

2.     Look for a table saw with easily replaceable blades and or attachments.

Jig saw

1.     A jig saw with orbital action is helpful when cutting different materials. This way, you can easily adjust your cuts for different applications.

2.     Some jig saws feature tiny dust blowers near the blade so that debris won’t block your sightline.

Miter saw

1.     Sliding compound miter saws offer more versatility. The sliding feature allows you to do longer cuts, and the compound feature means it can pivot to do bevels.

2.     Also, some models feature a laser alignment system to help guide the blade for an accurate cut.

Reciprocating saw

1.     Look for a shoe (located at the base of the reciprocating saw, opposite the handle) that adjusts and pivots with the surface you’re cutting to maintain stability.

2.     A reciprocating saw with a handle that rotates 360 degrees will allow you to use it even when you’re in a tight or hard-to-reach place.

3.     Choose a reciprocating saw with minimal vibration and a sturdy grip. You’ll need these after the minutes and hours pile up tearing down drywall.

 

How do I use a power saw?

In a word, carefully. Because of the inherent dangers (huge spinning blades, sometimes massive weight, flying debris, etc.) power saws pose, safety must always be your top priority. When operating a power saw, ALWAYS:

·         Wear eye and face protection

·         Maintain sharp blades

·         Make sure hands are kept at a safe distance from the blade while in operation

·         Cut on an even surface

·         Be wary of cutting poor lumber

 

Another significant danger to look out for is kickback. This happens when the blade catches the piece of wood (or other material) and throws it viciously back to the rear of the power saw (in other words, at you). This can be a fatal mistake, as the wood can get thrown back at tremendous speed.

 

Brands of power saws

ImprovementDirect.com carries the industry’s top brands of power saws and accessories, including Bosch, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, and Skil, and over a dozen others.

 

Power saws are a vital part of any amateur or professional woodworker’s arsenal. Trading in your old hand saw for a new power saw will help cut down on time and energy spent on your project. If you can remain safe and keep in mind that a power saw of any type is a potentially dangerous machine requiring responsible operation, projects with wood can be quick and rewarding.

Express Yourself