7 Different Saw Types Every DIYer Should Get to Be aware of

[Avelina Atilano]

Get familiar with the saws and their functions so that any DIY you do is bound to stand out from all the others.

Whether you want to create a rustic bench, install trim molding, or plumb an entire sink, the chances are that you'll need to cut some material to size--and there's a saw out there waiting to assist you with that. The following seven types of saws can be used in a variety of DIY scenarios, from wood to metal. Familiarize yourself with which specialties each has and then you'll be able to tackle any project you may want to tackle.

It's All About the Teeth

When you are adding tools to the toolbox and workshop, you'll notice that most saw blades are measured by the number of teeth per inch (TPI). These numbers range from 2 to 32. Blades that have lower TPI numbers will cut quickly but produce rougher cuts. The higher TPI ratings will make smooth, precise cuts in wood and similar materials.

TYPE OF SAW Traditional Handsaw

No workshop for woodworkers is complete without a traditional handsaw, with its large blade and strong handle. Although the handsaw is 100 percent muscle-powered, it steps into action when a powersaw will not do the job the job, for example, when you need to cut through a post that's too heavy for a circular saw blade. Choose the type of handsaw that is traditional depending on the cut you intend to make and the TPI required to complete it.

If you have to cut wood (or cut wood lengthwise with its grain) pick a cut saw with large, angled teeth as well as the average 5 TPI.

The cutting of the grain of the wood is done with the help of a handsaw that is crosscut that has between 10 and 12 TPI and shorter teeth than a rip saw.

Looking for a do-it-all compromise? The dual-cut (or "hybrid") handsaw is averaging of 6 to 8 TPI. It is able to rip wood and cut through the wood grain.

The type of saw: Hacksaw

With interchangeable, thin blades that range from fourteen to 32 TPI, the C-shaped hacksaw is most often employed to cutting metal pipes. Its range of TPI options, though, makes it efficient for cutting sheet metal, PVC, and conduit as well--simply change the blades from 10-to-12 inches that are secured with screws on both ends. Hacksaws also come with the tension nut, which allows you to extend the blade for easier sawing. Depending on the thickness material (metal or other) that you're cutting you could also change the hacksaw's tooth pattern:

Small teeth on the hacksaw set raker are arranged in three sets to allow simple cutting of standard steel pipes.

An standard set blade for a hacksaw includes teeth that are positioned next to one another without spaces, but every other tooth is angled in differently either backward or forward. It's intended for cutting soft metal and other substances such as PVC.

When using a Wavy Set Blade the teeth are positioned close to each other however the tooth pattern features the appearance of a slight wave moving from one side to the other. This type of blade is ideal for cutting thin metals, for example, ducting.

Type of Saw The Coping Saw

The U-shaped coping saw has only one purpose that is coping, as well as "back-beveled" cuts for trim installation around inside corners. While it is similar to and operates similar to a hacksaw coping saw's frame is lighter in weight and the blade is shorter, usually 6-1/2 "-long and anywhere from 10 to 32 TPI. The tiny blades make it possible to cut curves backwards and make precise joints when making crown molding and other types of trim.

Type of Saw: Jigsaw

A multi-purpose saw that is ideal for DIYers It can make straight lines similar to circular saws (see below) but its true claim to fame is the capability cutting curves. Considered one of the safer electric saws Jigsaw comes with the largest flat base known as"shoe. "shoe," which rests flat on top of the material being cut and surrounds the blade and gives some protection. A majority of jigsaws have an adaptable shoe which can be tilted and allows you to cut at an angle when you need to.

These types of saws can cut virtually any type of wood by using blades with a TPI between 8 and 10. Teeth on a typical jigsaw blade point upward, so the saw cuts on the upstroke of the blade. Reverse blades, which cut on the downstroke, are available for cutting materials with a finished surface, such as a laminate countertop. Blades come in various lengths, the width will depend on the curve. Choose one that's 1/4-inches wide for cutting tight curves, and 3/8-inch-wide blades for cutting standard curves.

Type of Saw: Circular Saw

Designed specifically to make linear lines in the dimensional lumber or plywood, rigid foam board, and even concrete circular saws are an extremely popular saws for framing and can substitute on the jobsite for sawingexperts tables saws. It has an enclosed circular blade with a broad base that can be positioned in a flat position against the materials that you're cutting. It can also be the blade can be it can be adjusted to change the depth of the cut.

Circular saw blades can be labeled by the kind of material they're made to be cut with: Wood blades slice plywood or lumber, masonry blades cut the joints in concrete sidewalks and so on. Circular saws come in variety of sizes, determined by the diameter of the blade they employ. While the most common circle saw's blade size is 7 1/4 inch (suitable for the majority of construction projects) There are saws that have blades as small as 4 inches for light woodworking projects , or as big as 12 inches to cut heavy wood.

TYPE OF SAW: Miter Saw

The principal function of miter saws is to create precise crosscuts when framing, putting up molding, or even creating siding pieces. Miter saws of today create cut angles that follow the same principles that the manual "miter box" counterparts, however, they can make more intricate cuts. A miter saw's heavy steel base is able to be placed on a workshop table for stability. A steel guideline along its back side known as a "fence," aligns the material to be cut. The actual blade is housed in a large disk that is mounted on an arm that can be raised and lowered as well as swiveled from side to side to cut almost any angle.

While all miter saws create cut that are angled, a compound miter saw has the ability to tilt to make slanted cuts addition to cut angles. With a sliding miter saw it is possible to have the arm moved forward when the saw is in operation and allows you to cut larger strips of siding or boards. Some miter saws that are of high-end quality have laser guides that allow for more precise cuts. Miter saws are available in sizes of 10-inch and 12-inch and cost from around $100 to over 600 dollars, based on the quality. The larger 12-inch size is typically reserved for use in commercial settings.

Type of Saw Chainsaw

The chainsaw is built to cut tree limbs and fell whole trees by using its numerous sharp teeth that move in the direction of the guide bar. Guide bars are 14 inches in length (for small cutting and pruning) all the way to 36 inches long (for use by lumberjacks) and can be swapped on certain models of chainsaws. For the majority of DIYers the chainsaw that has an 18-to-20-inch guide bar is sufficient. Be aware that a 16-inch chainsaw bar can cut down a tree 32 inches wide by cutting systematically all around the branch of the tree. While some corded, smaller chainsaws work for trimming and pruning near the house, most are fuel-powered and are able to be transported into remote areas for harvesting wood for firewood. Prices start under $100 for lightweight electrical models and can reach thousands for commercial-grade chainsaws.