The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Saw for Your DIY Projects

In the cornucopia of tools, the saw is an ever-present fixture. Indispensable in most DIY projects, saws will cross-cut, rip, and shape our workpieces. They allow us to create amazing items from seemingly useless hunks of wood. From framing houses and building decks to creating cabinetry and comfortable furniture, saws do the job. In this guide, we will look at how to choose the right saw for your DIY project. For more assistance on saw selection, stop at Rough River Hardware, and one of our associates will be happy to help.

Understanding Different Saws Types

Different saws have different purposes and produce different results. Properly applied, a saw can open endless creative possibilities. Let's explore the different saw types and their best uses.

Hand Saws

Hand saws are manual tools powered by human muscles. For the most part, powered options are available for most, if not all, hand saws. So, in modern times, they are geared toward those who love the nostalgia and hands-on nature they provide. Hand saws come in various shapes, sizes, teeth per inch (TPI), and uses. Some standard hand saws are the rip saw, the crosscut saw, the drywall saw, the keyhole saw, the coping saw, the hacksaw, and the Japanese dovetail saw. Most of these names describe their use, but readers can research each for more in-depth information.

Circular Saws

Colloquially known as ‘skill saws’ (from the brand SKIL), circular saws are power tools for swiftly cutting lumber and sheet goods. They come in corded and cordless models. Often used for cross cuts, circular saws can also rip lumber, plywood, and other materials. There are a variety of blade types suitable for different tasks and materials. Circular saws come in various sizes, from mini 4½” diameter units to standard 7¼” saws and up to the jumbo 16 ^5/16” versions for timber framing. The dimensions stated above signify the diameter of the blade.

Jigsaws

Jigsaws are power tools for cutting arcs, curves, and other irregular shapes. Corded or battery-operated with various grip styles, these tools are indispensable to DIY enthusiasts. Jigsaws accept different sizes and types of blades, allowing them to cut through materials of varying thicknesses. Jigsaws are an excellent choice for cutting wood, metal, and plastics.

Scroll Saws

Like jigsaws, scroll saws excel at cutting curves in various materials. However, they provide greater intricacy and accuracy and are typically used for fine, detailed work. Unlike jigsaws, scroll saws are benchtop power tools. They consist of a vertical blade that moves up and down, with a small table to rest the workpiece on while the blade cuts.

Reciprocating Saws

Sometimes known as a “sawzall,” this power tool does just that. With various tool sizes, power, and blade sizes and types, this saw will cut through almost anything. Not known for their precision, reciprocating saws are great for rough cuts, demolition applications, and even light tree trimming. In a home construction or renovation environment, they excel at cutting away plywood that covers rough openings in windows and doors.

Table Saws

Table saws are large power tools for ripping lumber and sheet materials, although more experienced users will also understand how to use them for other tasks. They are an indispensable item in the DIYer toolkit and ideal for creating multiple uniform cuts quickly. If set up and used correctly, table saws provide high accuracy and precision unmatched by other saws. Table saws come in various sizes and functions, from small portable job site units to large stationary shop units with sliding tables. Higher-priced models will have additional features like foldable stands. Due to their design and inherent power, safe operation is of utmost importance. Most makes and models have safety features like blade guards, riving knives, and feather boards. However, if tool safety is paramount, some tools have additional built-in features to protect your valuable digits.

Band Saws

Similar to table saws, band saws excel at ripping wood. Unlike a table saw, however, band saws are not limited by blade diameter and can rip through large and thick lumber. As the name suggests, these saws use a band-like blade – a continuous loop of toothed metal running between two or more wheels. In addition to ripping wood and other materials, band saws can cut irregular shapes and curves.

Miter Saws

Another essential tool for the DIY enthusiast is the miter saw. Unparalleled in accuracy, these saws provide precision angled and beveled cuts. Miter saws are versatile tools for various tasks, from framing to trim work and cabinetry. They come in several sizes, 10” and 12” being the most common. Due to these standard blade diameters, the tools are fairly large, especially if they come with a stand. Different makes and models will have different angles and bevel combinations, so know the tool’s purpose before purchase. Similar to table saws, higher-priced models will have additional features like foldable stands, slide-out supports, and detents (positive stops at commonly used angles) for cutting items like crown molding.

Tile Saws

Also known as wet saws, tile saws are power tools that use a grinding blade and water to cut through various tiling materials. Depending on the make and model, they may resemble a table saw or miter saw in look, but they all share the common feature of a water reservoir and pump. When cutting, the spinning blade creates a lot of dust, so the water coats the blade to keep the dust out of the air. Wet saws are ideal for cutting porcelain tile, natural and artificial stones, and ceramic materials.

Saw, Conquered, Crafted: the Right Tool for DIY Success

In the realm of DIY projects, selecting the right saw is crucial for achieving the desired results. Each type of saw has its capabilities, from the versatility of a circular saw to the precision of a miter saw. With the insights from this guide, you can confidently choose the tool best suited to your project needs. For additional assistance in navigating the array of options, our team at Rough River Hardware is ready to provide expert advice tailored to your project requirements.