Today, there are many types of saws to choose from. And the kind of saw you need depends on what it does and the specific job you’re undertaking.
You can get hand saws, jigsaws, power saws, and hacksaws. The list is almost endless! If you have a niche project, there is a saw designed for the task.
But negotiating the maze of products can be confusing, especially with so many to choose from. That’s why we’ve put together this convenient list so that you can find the perfect type of saw for whatever project you’re working on.
32 Types of Saws Explained
1. Back Saw
Back saws are typically used for miter cuts. They have a short blade and a reinforced spine, hence the name. They are sometimes known as miter saws or tenon saws, depending on which region you come from.
Back saws are a favorite of cabinet and furniture makers because the wider brace gives them better control for precision cutting. The precision comes from the thinner, fine-toothed blade. Coupled with the thicker spine, back saws are also easier to control.
- Great for fine cuts.
- Better control thanks to the wider brace.
- Cuts miters.
- The wide spine means the blade cannot pass through the cut.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood |
Price | $ |
2. Bow Saw
Bow saws love the outdoors. You use a bow saw, with its large teeth, to make light work of trees, logs, and general pruning. The design means the teeth remove material when you push and pull, so it is ideal for chopping thicker limbs off trees.
That said, they are not a precision tool. While they make easy work of more substantial material, they should not be used on your woodwork projects if you want a professional finish.
- Cuts in both directions.
- Great for the outdoors.
- Cuts wet wood.
- Makes light work of thicker logs.
- Not a precision tool.
- It only has one purpose.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Logs, Pruning trees |
Price | $$ |
3. Coping Saw
The coping saw makes precision cuts. It is intricate, and ideal for trim work, scroll work, and anything else that requires detail.
The blade is thin, and the body of the saw is arched, meaning that it can cope with wider materials. The blade can also rotate for better control in the tightest spots.
It is a firm favorite with furniture makers, and can even be found in the tool kits of plumbers and toymakers. It cuts wood, plastic, composite materials, as well as some metals, depending on the blade you use.
- Ideal for scroll and trim work.
- Rotating blade.
- Great for close-up detail work.
- Precision.
- Specialist saw. Not suitable for general work.
- Only suitable for small jobs.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composites, Metal |
Price | $ |
4. Crosscut Saw
Like the bow saw, the crosscut saw is best suited to the outdoors. This is a wide-toothed saw that makes efficient cuts in both directions across the grain of the wood. It is the go-to choice for cutting lumber, especially the larger two-handles version.
If you choose the one-person variety, it is an ideal tool for pruning, trimming, and tidying up branches. This saw is also useful when you are camping in the wild.
- Cuts in both directions.
- Makes light work of trees and branches.
- Comes as a two and one-person saw.
- Great for camping.
- Only useful for outdoor work.
- Lacks precision.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Logs, Pruning trees |
Price | $$ |
5. Fret Saw
The fret saw resembles the coping saw and is from the same family. It has a deeper arched frame, meaning it is ideal for working on wider projects.
However, the fret saw is used to make intricate cuts. But because the blade is fixed and doesn’t rotate, it can be more laborious to achieve the same results as the coping saw.
- Best for fine detail sawing.
- Deep arched frame for bigger width material.
- Only useful for smaller detailing.
- Not fit for general sawing
- The blade is fixed, unlike the coping saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composites |
Price | $ |
6. Hacksaw
Hacksaws are extremely versatile cutting tools. They slice through metal pipework, wood, plastic, and lots of other materials besides. Whatever you are cutting, make sure you use material-specific blades for the job.
What makes this saw so effective is the high tooth count of the blades. Typically, there are between 18 and 32 teeth per inch.
- Versatile.
- High teeth count on the blade.
- Cuts metal, wood, and plastic.
- Lacks finesse.
- Not a precision saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Composites, Plastic, Metal |
Price | $ |
7. Japanese Saw
The Japanese are masters of creating the finest blades in the world, and this saw is no different. It consists of a long thin handle with a protruding cutting blade. It reaches places that other saws cannot, meaning it is more accurate than a back saw.
These saws cut soft and hardwood and come in three varieties; Dozuki, Kataba and Ryoba.
- Long handle for increased reach.
- Reaches places other saws can’t.
- Highly accurate.
- Three style options available.
- Specialist cutting tool.
- Not as common outside of Japan.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Hardwood, Softwood |
Price | $ |
8. Keyhole Saw
If you fit drywall, a keyhole saw is the perfect tool to use. It consists of a rounded handle with a long, tapered blade expert at making small circles and patterns. So, if you have some drywall that needs shaping, or a section to be removed to accommodate pipework, this saw is invaluable.
And remember, it isn’t always possible to use power tools when working inside. Maybe the drywall is close to power cables or pipework? The keyhole saw helps to solve that problem.
Also, there are times when you need a quick solution. Using a keyhole saw saves you the bother of setting up a power tool for the job.
- Makes small holes and cuts.
- Perfect for drywall.
- Useful for cutting unusual shapes.
- Only useful for small detailed work.
- Specialist tool only.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Composite, Drywall, Wallboards |
Price | $ |
9. Pole Saw
Now we are back in the garden again. The pole saw, or pole runner as it is sometimes known, is the best tool for pruning branches that are too high to reach. It consists of a long, extendable pole with an 8-inch cutting blade. The pole typically extends to 16 feet, but longer reaches are available.
These saws are a gardener’s dream because it means you don’t have to climb a step ladder to reach the branches you need to chop.
- Extended reach.
- Ideal for use in the garden.
- Makes light work of hard to reach branches.
- Only useful for outdoor work.
- Not a precision tool.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Logs, Trees |
Price | $$$ |
10. Pruning Saw
Pruning saws are a landscaper’s best friend. You will also find them in the tool kits of keen gardeners.
A pruning saw has a curved blade, usually 13 to 15 inches long. The handle is similar to a pistol grip, and the teeth cut both ways when you push and pull. This speeds up the cutting process and removes more material.
Like the pole saw and the bow saw, a pruning saw works better when used on lower branches that are within reach.
- Cuts both ways.
- Better for lower branches and small logs
- Ideal for the garden.
- Can’t reach higher branches.
- Only for use in the garden.
- Specialist cutting tool only.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Trees, Branches |
Price | $ |
11. Rip Cut Saw
Rip cut saws are common fixtures of any carpenters tool bag. They come in varying sizes and because they cut with precision, they are ideal for framing. The blade has relatively few teeth per inch (around five). However, they are incredibly sharp and designed to remove the maximum amount of material.
Rip cut saws are generically referred to as “hand saws.” Most inexperienced woodworkers would choose them as the classic hand saw design and shape.
- Extremely sharp teeth.
- Designed to remove the maximum amount of material.
- Classic shape and design.
- Excellent for cutting frames.
- Low teeth count on the blade.
- Generic saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood |
Price | $$ |
12. Veneer Saw
The veneer saw is one of the few varieties that cannot easily adapt to other uses. It is used explicitly for precision veneer work. It consists of a rounded handle with a short, double-edged blade. Each cutting edge has around 13 teeth per inch.
Highly skilled woodworker’s tool kits will often feature a veneer saw, especially if they are cabinet makers. It is not something the average DIY enthusiast or hobbyist would be familiar with.
- 13 teeth per inch.
- Double-edged blade.
- Precision veneer cuts.
- It cannot be adapted for other uses.
- Specialized use only.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Veneer |
Price | $ |
13. Wallboard Saw
A wallboard saw resembles the keyhole saw in many ways, but there are some subtle differences. Wallboard saws have a fatter, shorter blade, and fewer teeth per inch. As the name suggests, it is used for cutting holes in the wallboard. Typically, it makes starter holes for power saws.
These saws are available in the single blade and double-edged varieties.
- Great for making starter holes in the wallboard.
- It comes as double and single blade options.
- Not suitable for general sawing.
- Not as versatile as a keyhole saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wallboard, Drywall |
Price | $ |
14. Wire Saw
This type of saw consists of a length of industrial-strength wire attached to a hoop handle on either end. It operates in a similar way to the band saw and gets used in environments that require precision cutting.
Also, because the wire is strong, it can cut harder material like large rocks into neat blocks.
- Cuts masonry.
- Precision cutting.
- Industrial-strength wire.
- Not for general use; only suitable for professional use.
Additional Specs
Type | Hand, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Masonry, Wood |
Price | $ |
15. Band Saw (Stationary)
The stationary band saw is another staple of any woodworkers woodshed. It is an upright cabinet-style saw, with pulleys above and below to move a fine blade. It is ideal for cutting intricate shapes and curves, and it caters for most materials.
You can even cut tubes, piping, and PVC. Band saws are also great if you want to make precision cuts because you work the stock around the saw rather than the traditional way of working the saw over the material.
One common use of a band saw is resawing, which is the practice of slicing lumber into thinner slabs.
- Ideal for resawing.
- It cuts a wide variety of materials.
- It cuts intricate shapes.
- Not portable.
- Expensive to buy.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Fixed |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Metal, Tubing, Plastic, Pipes |
Price | $$$ |
16. Band Saw (Portable)
The portable band saw is ideal for working on-site. So, contractors and carpenters will likely have this saw in their arsenal of tools. It does everything the stationary band saw can, but the difference is in the limited cutting capability because of its size.
This tool also cuts piping, tubing, and other materials, making it a favorite with plumbers and metalworkers. Portable band saws are available in vertical or horizontal varieties.
- Portable.
- Suitable for on-site work.
- Cuts pipes, tubing, metal, and wood.
- Great for professional contractors.
- Restricted to cutting smaller material.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Metal, Tubing, Pipes, Plastic |
Price | $$$ |
17. Chain Saw
If you want a powerful cutting tool, the chainsaw is pretty hard to beat. It is the go-to tool of every forestry worker and, in some cases, homeowners. It works by spinning a chain link around a protruding arm at speed. The chain link has ripping teeth, so it is not a precision saw.
The chain saw is part of the band saw family and is a must-have tool for anyone living in heavily wooded areas. They are available in both petrol and electric varieties, although the most common are petrol chain saws.
- Powerful cutting action.
- It tackles almost anything.
- Rips through thick logs.
- Real workhorse.
- Not a precision tool.
- Requires skill to use.
- Highly dangerous.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Logs, Trees |
Price | $$$ |
18. Chop Saw
The chop saw is also known as the abrasive saw. It consists of a toothless spinning disc mounted on a support arm. It is the largest of the circular saw family and is used to cut metal and masonry, depending on the version you have.
The masonry chop saw typically has a waterline connection to reduce dust when cutting concrete.
Chop saws are also known as concrete saws and cut-off saws.
- Cuts metal and masonry.
- Interchangeable blades.
- Waterline connection for reduced dust.
- Not suitable for general sawing.
- Replacement blades are expensive.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Masonry, Metal, Wood |
Price | $$$ |
19. Circular Saw
Unlike the more substantial chop saw, the circular saw has a spinning toothed blade, roughly 7-¼ and 9 inches in diameter. It is much smaller than the chop saw.
Circular saws are the most commonly found power saw. The interchangeable blades cater to numerous materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.
You might also know this type of saw as a buzz saw. Mini or compact models are also available.
- It cuts many different materials.
- Interchangeable saw blades.
- Efficient cutting action.
- Lightweight and portable.
- It only cuts in one direction.
- It is only suitable for straight cuts.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Metal, Plastic, Masonry |
Price | $$$ |
20. Compound Miter Saw
Compound miter saws are incredibly versatile tools. They make several complex cuts, such as bevel, compound, straight, and miter cuts. This saw is the perfect choice when working with scroll work, trims, crown moldings, window, and door frames. Carpenters love this saw for its flexibility.
A compound miter saw is portable, meaning it is perfect for working on-site. It can also be mounted on a stand or table to make it a permanent fixture of your woodshop.
- Versatile.
- Great for scroll, moldings, and door frames.
- Portable.
- It can be mounted on a stand.
- It is only suitable for smaller materials.
- It can’t make rip-cuts.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composites |
Price | $$$ |
21. Flooring Saw
The flooring saw is another highly specialized tool, designed to cut engineered and hardwood flooring. It is portable, meaning that you can work through your tasks quickly on-site. It replaces the miter saw, the jigsaw (which is less precise), and the circular saw as a means of cutting flooring.
Take Note
- Suitable for hardwood and engineered flooring.
- Can resaw floorboards.
- Portable.
- Only fit for one task.
- Other tools are more versatile and do the same job.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Engineered, Wooden flooring |
Price | $$$ |
22. Jigsaw
A jigsaw is a power tool designed for cutting curves and intricate non-straight lines. It consists of a fine, narrow blade that moves up and down at speed.
Jigsaws are compact, making them a staple of most DIY enthusiasts tool kits, as well as professionals alike.
They come in corded or cordless versions, with rechargeable lithium battery packs. Jigsaws are simple to use and extremely versatile.
- Easy to use.
- Great for cutting unusual angles and curves.
- Portable.
- Versatile.
- Difficult to cut straight lines.
- Makes rough cuts.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composite |
Price | $$ |
23. Miter Saw
Miter saws are portable, sit on a tabletop, and are excellent for making accurate miter and bevel cuts. The saw consists of a circular blade mounted on a pivoting arm that allows you to select the desired angle.
Know the Difference
Miters saws are the go-to tool for producing crown moldings, picture frames, and door and window frames. For anything that requires an accurate angled cut, use a miter saw for the best results.
- Portable.
- It makes bevel and miter cuts.
- It cuts crown and base moldings, as well as frames.
- Limited on the size of the material.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composite |
Price | $$$ |
24. Oscillating Saw
Oscillating saws are sometimes described as multi-tools, given the number of attachments you can fit onto the base.
This saw looks like a grinder because the handle is short and thick. The blades can be changed depending on the task in hand, making the oscillating saw one of the most adaptable power tools available.
It grinds, scrapes, files, sands, and gouges out filler and decorators caulk.
- Interchangeable blades.
- Adaptable.
- Easy to use.
- Difficult to control.
- Not as accurate as a circular saw.
- Not as neat as a miter saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Masonry, Plastic, Drywall, Wallboard |
Price | $$ |
25. Panel Saw
The panel saw is the brother of the table saw. They come in either vertical or horizontal varieties and work by either a sliding feed or by you maneuvering the material towards the blade. They are ideal for the larger stock, and for cutting sheet panels.
Panel saws are a favorite tool of cabinet makers and signmakers.
- Great at cutting more substantial material.
- Easy to master.
- Cuts sheet panels.
- Ideal for cabinet makers.
- The saw moves in one direction.
- It can’t make angular cuts.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable, Fixed |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Sheet materials, Plastic, Composites |
Price | $$$ |
26. Radial Arm Saw
Radial arm saws resemble miter or chop saws. However, the difference is that the motor and blade suspend from an arm that extends out over the surface of the material you are cutting. The arm gives the saw a greater cutting surface. Still, you retain all the advantages of being able to cut miters, compound cuts, and many more.
The blades are interchangeable, depending on the material you are cutting.
- Greater control of the saw.
- More angle and position choices.
- The saw extends over the workpiece and can be maneuvered.
- It can be dangerous to use.
- The blade has a tendency to “crawl” towards you.
- It’s not as accurate as a miter saw.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Composites, Plastic |
Price | $$$ |
27. Reciprocating Saws
A reciprocating saw is a bit like a more aggressive and agile version of a jigsaw. The blade action is the same up and down motion. Unlike the jigsaw, which has a flat base to glide across the surface of the material, a reciprocating saw is held freehand. You would use a reciprocating saw to make small or rough cuts. These saws are powerful machines.
The robust blade can chop through wood, metal, even nails. This makes it an ideal tool for cutting through flooring and wood joints.
It is popular with window fitters and construction workers. The emergency services even use a variant in their rescue missions.
- Robust blades.
- Cuts through metal.
- Highly maneuverable.
- Variable speed of the blade.
- Not very accurate.
- Mostly suitable for heavy-duty use.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Drywall, Wallboards, Metal |
Price | $$ |
28. Rotary Saws
The rotary saw is a mechanized version of the keyhole saw. It’s best used for making small openings in drywall, and panels. Plumbers, electricians, and construction workers love the versatility of this tool.
Like the reciprocating saw, the blade motion is the same up and down movement. It has a host of uses and can cut a variety of materials from tubing, pipework, plastic, and wood.
- Effective at cutting small openings.
- It cuts pipework, tubing, plastic, and wood.
- Versatile.
- It has specific uses only.
- Hand versions are just as effective.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Drywall, Wallboards |
Price | $ |
29. Scroll Saw
A scroll saw is similar to a jigsaw, except a scroll saw is stationary, and the wood gets fed towards the blade. Both will do the same job, and if you want an okay result, use the jigsaw. However, a scroll saw takes finesse in cutting to a whole new level of accuracy.
It is intricate and can cut extremely thin bits of material, making it a firm favorite with toy makers and people who like decorative finishes.
Many wood crafters use scroll saws to get a level of detail that other saws struggle to reach.
- Ideal for intricate cutting.
- Very precise.
- Relatively safe to use.
- An ideal saw for woodwork hobbyists.
- Has specific uses.
- Only effective at cutting smaller workpieces.
- It requires a degree of skill to use.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable, Fixed |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic |
Price | $$$ |
30. Table Saw
Imagine a table with a slot cut out of the middle, and a circular saw blade mounted in the hole. That’s a table saw. It is precisely what the name suggests; a saw mounted in a table. The beauty of a table saw is that it can make rip-cuts, and handle large pieces of material.
It also makes angled cuts using a miter gauge, and it makes light work of heavy workloads. It is the must-have saw for all woodworkers, cabinet makers, and hobbyists alike.
- The workhorse of the woodshop.
- Extremely versatile.
- Cuts angles.
- Makes rip-cuts.
- Makes light work of large pieces.
- Not as accurate as other saws.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable, Fixed |
Difficulty | Beginner, Intermediate |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Sheet materials, Metal, Plastic, Composites |
Price | $$$ |
31. Tile Saw
This tile saw is another tool for the specialists. A tile saw is similar to a table or miter saw, and it utilizes a diamond-coated blade and a water-cooled system to keep the tile and blade from overheating. It consists of a circular saw blade mounted into a portable tabletop.
Tile saws can cut porcelain and other ceramics, and with the correct blade, even glass.
- It has a waterline cooling system.
- Cuts most ceramics.
- Enables precise cuts.
- Great for awkward angles.
- A one-use saw.
- It takes time to master the skills.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Tiles, Ceramics |
Price | $$$ |
32. Track Saw
A track saw essentially is a circular saw mounted on a track system to perform long, straight cuts. You can either add or remove pieces from the track system, depending on the size of the cut you want.
The difference between a circular saw and a track saw is that the track saw has a less protruding blade. You use the track to give accuracy to the cut rather than relying on a line of sight. Some people prefer to guide a saw by eye rather than placing their trust in a track system.
- Cuts extended straight lines.
- Extremely accurate.
- Great for rip-cuts.
- Portable.
- Not suitable for confined spaces.
- The track needs a flat surface.
Additional Specs
Type | Power, Portable |
Difficulty | Intermediate, Advanced |
Best for Cutting | Wood, Plastic, Composites |
Price | $$$ |
Final Thoughts
If you’re a woodworking novice, our advice is to get a bunch of reliable, good quality hand saws that cover a multitude of uses. The rip cut saw is the most commonly used. Then add to your collection with the back saw, the hacksaw, and the coping saw. You won’t need all the saws featured to complete your tasks.
However, if you have experience with saws, then you will know which tool is best for you.
When it comes to power tools, start with the jigsaw, the miter saw, and the table saw. That should see you through any DIY project with ease. Then, as you learn, graduate to more sophisticated power saws.