When you start your first DIY project, it can be very daunting.
When you are new to this activity, you usually don’t have all the tools that you need, and this can make the whole process harder.
Thankfully, there are lots of people who are extremely experienced with DIY.
These people can be a real help when you are new to DIY as they know which tools are helpful, and which aren’t.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at 7 types of saw that every DIYer should get to know – regardless of your skill level or experience.
So, if you want to find out more about which tools to invest your money in, keep on reading!
What Is A Saw?
As we have said, in this guide, we will be focusing on saws that could be really handy to you as a DIYer. So, before we dive in, let’s quickly take a look at what a saw is.
Well, as you probably already know, a saw is a tool that consists of a tough blade with a hard toothed edge.
Occasionally, a saw might also use a tough wire or chain instead of a tough blade too depending on the type of saw that you are using.
The saw itself is designed with one purpose, and that is to cut through something.
Most commonly, saws are used to cut through wood, but they can be used to cut through other materials too.
Now that we have established that, let’s take a look at 7 different types of saws that you should get to know as a DIYer.
7 Types Of Saw Every DIYer Should Get To Know
Saws come in all different shapes and sizes, and different saws will be more suitable depending on the task that you are completing.
If you complete a lot of DIY, then over time, you will probably find yourself purchasing a number of these different types of saws.
So, if you are looking for a new saw to add to your collection, check out this list.
1. Handsaw
One of the first saws that people tend to purchase is a handsaw. Handsaws are the traditional type of saw that you will think of when you hear the word “saw” mentioned.
Before you even start any DIY work, it is probably a good idea to purchase a handsaw because there are so many situations where one could come in handy.
Handsaws are completely controlled by the person using them.
It is your own muscle that determines how hard and fast the handsaw penetrates the material that you are cutting, so it is hard work to use one.
However, for smaller jobs, a handsaw will easily be able to cut through most materials.
When it comes to DIY, it is often best to start with a handsaw, and then you can work your way up from there.
2. Hacksaw
Handsaws are generally used to cut through wood because the back and fore motion is able to penetrate the wood and eventually cut through the entire piece.
Hacksaws work a little differently, and this is generally why they are used for cutting through metal.
Just like handsaws, hacksaws are powered by the individual using them. However, the shape of a hacksaw is completely different to a handsaw.
Hacksaws are designed in the shape of a “D”, the body of the saw makes up the circular part of the “D” and the flat edge is created using the blade.
Generally hacksaws tend to have a fairly thin blade.
Hacksaws generally use small-toothed blades. It is these teeth that give the blade the strength to be able to penetrate through whatever it is that you are cutting.
Most of the time this will either be cutting metal or plastic piping.
3. Jigsaw
The last two saws that we have looked at are manual, but a jigsaw is usually a power tool.
Jigsaws look completely different to the other two saws that we have looked at, and are often used to cut through wood and metal, or to cut stenciled designs.
These power saws are a mixture between a reciprocating saw blade and electric motor.
Jigsaws have narrow blades that are attached to the main body of the tool using a spring-loaded clamp.
Using this clamp, the blade is securely locked in place and it will remain there while you cut through the material that you are using the jigsaw for.
Hacksaws and handsaws are great for cutting straight lines, but if you have a DIY project that requires you to cut a curved cuts or edges or angled cuts, you should use a jigsaw instead.
4. Circular Saw
The name circular saw might have you thinking that this is the perfect saw for cutting through rounded edges, but this isn’t actually the case.
As we have just said, it is the jigsaw which is best for curved edges, so what are circular saws used for?
Well contradicting its name, the circular saw is perfect for cutting straight lines.
In particular, a circular saw is great for cutting straight lines through materials that are multidimensional thanks to the circular blade.
So, for things such as plasterboard and plywood, or bevel cuts, a circular saw would be the best saw for the job.
A circular saw differs from some of the other saws that we have looked at as it has a different blade depending on the material that you are cutting through.
These saws have a circular saw blade. So, before you get started, you need to check that you have the right saw at hand.
5. Coping Saw
Of all the different saws that we have looked at in this guide, the coping saw is most like the hacksaw.
These two different saws are fairly similar in terms of shape, so what makes them different to one another?
Even though these saws both have a “D” shape frame, the purpose behind these saws is different and this is possible because of the blades.
Hacksaws are great for cutting straight lines, whereas coping saws are perfect for creating beveled edges.
While they look similar to each other, the coping saw is much smaller and this is part of what makes it suitable for these intricate jobs.
6. Chainsaw
Chainsaws are the complete opposite of coping saws as they definitely aren’t used for intricate jobs.
In contrast, chain saws are generally used for cutting through very large things, in particular, trees.
When it comes to DIY projects, you will likely only need a chainsaw if you plan on cutting through very large chunks of wood.
On this basis, we would say that this is likely one of the last saws you will add to your collection.
7. Miter Saw
Finally, we have the miter saw. A miter saw is designed for creating clean cuts thanks to the circular saw blades, particularly cross-cuts, for framing and strips.
They are a totally different shape to the other saws that we have looked at, and come with a very large basis.
Compound miter saws can even produce bevel cuts and angled cuts against the wood grain. For more precise cutting, opt for a miter saw.
Miter saws are incredibly versatile so it is definitely worth investing in one. Especially if you plan on completing lots of DIY projects in the future.
Summary
In short, in this guide, we have taken a look at 7 different types of saw that every DIYer should have, including everything from a handsaw to a chainsaw.
So, if you want to find out more about saws, check out our guide above.
Thank you for reading!