32 Different Types of Saws and Their Uses

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 where you live.

Back saws are a favorite among cabinet and furniture makers because their wider brace provides better control for precision cutting. Further precision comes from the thin, fine-toothed blade. Despite having a thin blade, the thick spine ensures back saws are still easy to control.

2. Bow Saw

Bow saws are designed primarily for outdoor tasks. Their large teeth make short work of trees and logs. Their shape means the teeth remove material when you push and pull, so they are ideal for cutting thick limbs off trees.

They are very effective at cutting but they are not precision tools. Bone saws should be used for cutting through thick wood but they are unsuitable for carpentry projects if you want a smooth finish.

3. Coping Saw

A coping saw makes precision cuts. It can be used for intricate tasks such as trim work, scrollwork, and anything else that requires a clean, precise cut.

The blade is thin and the body of the saw is arched, allowing you to cut through wider materials. The blade can also rotate to provide better control when cutting in awkward locations.

Coping saws are favorites of carpenters and can also be found in the tool kits of plumbers and toymakers. They will cut wood, plastic, composite materials, and even some metals, depending on which blade you use.

4. Crosscut Saw

Like bow saws, the crosscut saw is best suited to the outdoors. It is a wide-toothed saw that cuts effectively in both directions across the wood’s grain. It is the go-to choice for cutting lumber, especially the larger two-handled version.

If you choose a one-person model, it is still an ideal tool for pruning, trimming, and tidying up branches. These saws can be very useful when you are camping in the wild.

5. Fret Saw

The fret saw resembles a coping saw and is from the same family. It has a deeper arched frame, meaning it is ideal for cutting through wider objects.

Fret saws are used to make intricate cuts. However, unlike coping saws, the blade is fixed in place and can’t be rotated, so it can be difficult to achieve the same level of precision when making awkward cuts.

6. Hacksaw

Hacksaws are very versatile cutting tools. They can cut through metal pipes, wood, plastic, and various other materials. Whatever material you are cutting, you should be able to find a blade that is suitable for the job.

These saws are very effective due to the high number of teeth on their blades. There are typically between 18 and 32 teeth per inch, which makes them among the densest saw types.

7. Japanese Saw

The Japanese are renowned for creating some of the finest blades in the world, and their saws are no exception. These saws consist of a long thin handle and a protruding cutting blade. They can reach places that other saws can’t, making them more accurate than a back saw.

These saws can cut soft and hardwood and are available in three varieties; Dozuki, Kataba, and Ryoba.

8. Keyhole Saw

If you need to cut and fit drywall, a keyhole saw is an ideal tool. It has a rounded handle and a long, tapered blade that is perfect for cutting small circles and patterns. This makes it invaluable when cutting drywall to fit into specific openings or removing sections to accommodate pipework.

You can often use power tools for these tasks, but this won’t always be the case. Using a keyhole saw is much safer when working near power cables or pipework. You can also use your keyhole saw for small, quick tasks and avoid having to set up a power saw.

9. Pole Saw

A pole saw, or pole runner as they are sometimes known, is the best tool for pruning branches that are otherwise too high to reach. It has a long, extendable pole with an 8-inch cutting blade. The pole typically extends to 16 feet, but longer models are also available.

These saws are a gardener’s dream as they allow you to cut high branches without needing to climb a step ladder, making them far safer and more convenient.

10. Pruning Saw

Pruning saws are a gardener’s best friend and are often used to remove small branches from trees.

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.

As a pruning saw only has a short reach, it is most suitable for lower branches or ones that you can safely reach from a stepladder.

11. Rip Cut Saw

Rip-cut saws are a staple of any carpenter’s tool bag. They are available in various sizes and, as they can cut with precision, they are ideal for framing work. The blade has relatively few teeth per inch (usually around five). However, they are very sharp and designed to remove as much material as possible with each movement.

These saws are often simply referred to as “hand saws”. This is likely the first design you will think of when someone mentions a saw.

12. Veneer Saw

The veneer saw is one of the few saw types that cannot be used for other tasks. It is used exclusively for precision veneer work. It has a rounded handle with a short, double-edged blade. Each cutting edge has about 13 teeth per inch.

Highly skilled woodworkers’ tool kits will often include a veneer saw, especially if they are cabinet makers. However, you are unlikely to need one at any point during general DIY work.

13. Wallboard Saw

A wallboard saw strongly resembles a keyhole saw but there are some subtle differences. Wallboard saws have shorter, wider blades and fewer teeth per inch. As the name suggests, they are used for cutting holes in wallboards. They are often used to create starter holes for power saws.

These saws are available in single-blade and double-edged varieties.

14. Wire Saw

This unique type of saw is a length of industrial-strength wire between two hoop handles. It functions similarly to a band saw and is used for tasks that require precision cutting.

As the wire is very strong, it can be used to cut hard materials such as rocks into neat blocks.

15. Band Saw (Stationary)

A stationary band saw is a common sight in the workshops of woodworkers. It is an upright cabinet-style saw, with pulleys above and below that move a fine blade up and down. It is ideal for cutting intricate shapes and curves, and it will cut through most materials.

This includes cutting tubes, pipes, and PVC. Band saws are excellent for making precision cuts as you can move the material around the saw, which is easier than the conventional method of moving the saw back and forth.

One common use of band saws is resawing, which is the process of slicing lumber into thinner pieces.

16. Band Saw (Portable)

A portable band saw is ideal for working on-site, which is why contractors and carpenters often use them on projects. They cut in the same way as a stationary band saw, but on a smaller scale due to their reduced size.

This tool can also cut pipes and tubes of various materials, making it a favorite of plumbers and metalworkers. Portable band saws are available in vertical or horizontal designs.

17. Chainsaw

If you want a powerful cutting tool, a chainsaw is tough to beat. It is the trusty tool of every forestry worker and many homeowners. It functions by spinning a chain around a protruding arm at great speed. The chain has multiple teeth designed to tear away parts of the material you cut, so they are not very precise.

The chainsaw is part of the band saw family and is a must-have tool for anyone living in a heavily wooded area. They are available in both petrol and electric varieties, although petrol chainsaws are generally more powerful.

18. Chop Saw

A chop saw is also known as an abrasive saw. It has 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 which version you have.

Masonry chop saws typically have a waterline connection to prevent dust from spreading when cutting concrete. They might also be called concrete saws or cut-off saws.

19. Circular Saw

Unlike chop saws, circular saws have a spinning toothed blade, usually between 7-¼ and 9 inches in diameter. They are significantly smaller than chop saws.

Circular saws are the most common type of power saw. Their interchangeable blades mean they can be used to cut various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and masonry.

You might also see this saw type referred to as a buzz saw. Mini or compact models are also available.

20. Compound Miter Saw

Compound miter saws are very versatile cutting tools. They can make various precise cuts, such as bevel, compound, straight, and miter cuts. This makes them the ideal choice for scrollwork, trims, crown moldings, window frames, and door frames. This versatility makes them one of the most popular tools among carpenters.

A compound miter saw is portable, so it is suitable for working on-site. It can also be mounted on a stand or table to make it a permanent fixture in your woodshop.

21. Flooring Saw

A flooring saw is another highly specialized tool, designed to cut engineered and hardwood flooring. It is portable, so you will be able to complete tasks quickly on-site. It replaces the miter saw, the jigsaw (which is less precise), and circular saw as a means to cut flooring.

A flooring saw only has one purpose, so you are unlikely to need one unless you are a professional builder or experienced DIYer.

22. Jigsaw

A jigsaw is a power tool designed for cutting curves and other intricate lines that aren’t straight. It has a fine, narrow blade that cuts by rapidly moving up and down.

Jigsaws are compact and versatile, making them a staple in the tool kits of DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

They are available with power cords or cordless with rechargeable lithium battery packs. Jigsaws can be very useful for anyone that needs to cut boards into unusual shapes, as they are simple and safe to use.

23. Miter Saw

Miter saws are portable, sit on a flat surface, and are excellent for making precise miter and bevel cuts. The saw has a circular blade mounted on a pivoting arm that allows you to set the desired angle.

A miter saw looks similar to a chop saw but a miter saw can be rotated, whereas a chop saw cuts in straight lines.

Miters saws are the go-to tool for creating crown moldings, picture frames, and door and window frames. If you require an accurate angled cut, a miter saw will provide the best results.

24. Oscillating Saw

Oscillating saws are sometimes referred to as multi-tools, given how many attachments you can fit onto the base.

This saw resembles a grinder because the handle is short and thick. You can change the blade based on your current task, making an oscillating saw one of the most versatile power tools available.

It grinds, scrapes, files, sands, and gouges out filler and decorators caulk.

25. Panel Saw

The panel saw is closely related to the table saw. Both vertical and horizontal versions are available and can be used with a sliding feed or by manually maneuvering the material toward the blade. They are ideal for larger stock, and for cutting sheet panels.

Panel saws are a favorite tool of cabinet makers and signmakers.

26. Radial Arm Saw

Radial arm saws resemble miter or chop saws. However, the motor and blade are suspended from an arm that extends out over the surface of the material you are cutting. The arm gives the saw a greater cutting surface but you can still cut accurate miters, compound cuts, and many more.

The blades are interchangeable, depending on which material you are cutting.

27. Reciprocating Saws

A reciprocating saw resembles a more powerful and maneuverable version of a jigsaw. It uses the same up-and-down blade action as a jigsaw. However, unlike a jigsaw, which has a flat base to glide across the surface of the material, a reciprocating saw is used freehand. Reciprocating saws are used to make small or rough cuts.

These saws are powerful machines. The robust blade can cut through wood, metal, and even nails. This makes it an ideal tool for cutting through floors and wooden joints.

They are popular with window fitters and construction workers. Emergency services sometimes use a specialist version during rescues.

28. Rotary Saws

The rotary saw is a mechanized version of a keyhole saw. It is best used for creating small openings in drywall and other panels. This tool’s versatility makes it a favorite of plumbers, electricians, and construction workers.

Like a reciprocating saw, the blade uses an up-and-down motion to cut. It has numerous uses and can cut a wide range of materials including tubing, pipework, plastic, and wood.

29. Scroll Saw

A scroll saw is similar to a jigsaw, except a scroll saw is stationary, and the wood is fed toward the blade. Both will complete the same general tasks, and a jigsaw will provide a good enough finish in most cases. However, a scroll saw provides far more precise cutting.

It is intricate and can cut extremely thin pieces of material, which makes it a firm favorite of toy makers and people who want to create decorative finishes.

Many carpenters use scroll saws to achieve a level of detail that is impossible with most other types of saw.

30. Table Saw

As its name suggests, a table saw has a flat surface with a slot cut into the middle, and a circular saw blade mounted in the hole. Table saws are very powerful and can make rip-cuts in thick pieces of material.

They can also make angled cuts using a miter gauge and will significantly speed up otherwise slow projects. A table saw is a must-have tool for all woodworkers, cabinet makers, and amateur carpenters.

31. Tile Saw

The tile saw is another specialist tool, this time for tiles. A tile saw is similar to a table or miter saw, but it has a diamond-coated blade and a water-cooling system to prevent the tile and blade from overheating. It has a circular saw blade mounted on a portable tabletop.

Tile saws can cut porcelain and other ceramics, and even glass if an appropriate blade is used.

32. Track Saw

A track saw is a circular saw mounted on a track system that enables you to make long, straight cuts. You can add pieces to the track system to lengthen it or remove them to shorten it, depending on the piece you need to cut.

The difference between a circular saw and a track saw is that a track saw’s blade doesn’t protrude as far. You use the track to achieve an accurate cut instead of relying on your line of sight. Some people prefer to guide a saw by eye rather than setting up a track system.