No workshop is complete without a saw. And in this day and age, woodworkers no longer own just one saw. There is now a myriad of saws, each with their own specifications and purposes to make quick work of cutting wood and a variety of other materials. If you are a novice woodworker and you are wondering which of the saws out there you should add to your arsenal, you should first determine what kind of projects you want done. Since the types of saws out there perform differently, you should get the ones that will help you accomplish your projects. But for starters, choose from these saws:
1. Band Saw
You can start building your arsenal with this power saw. Its long sharp blades continuously work in cutting materials. This saw has a lot of versatility and it enables you to work with a variety of lumber materials. If you want a saw that is capable of cutting any kind of material you will use for your future projects, add this to your must-have list.
Our Recommendation: SKIL 3386-01 Band Saw
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SKIL makes some of the most reliable woodworking tools out there but without the high price tag. You can always rely on them to create quality tools without breaking the bank. This one is not an exception. It is affordable, ideal for novice woodworkers who don’t want to spend too much on just one tool.
It can cut accurately, thanks to its rip fence and saw blade made from 6-TPI material. Use this to cut through different types of materials, thick or thin. It is very versatile, great for when you advance your skills. There might not be a need to upgrade your materials because this will work for you even when you improve your woodworking skills.
This product comes complete with an articulating LED work light for improved visibility when working in low-light conditions. The included dust port allows you to keep your work area free from dust and debris.
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2. Reciprocating Saw
It’s called reciprocating because of its push and pull action. Although it doesn’t look like anything like the other saws with a table, this one is actually quite powerful since it can cut through different materials, even metal. It can cut through wood embedded with nails as well.
Our Recommendation: Worx Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw with Orbital Mode
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It’s hard to go wrong with this one – a reciprocating saw that also doubles as a jigsaw. Just shift the circular button, so it can go from jig saw to reciprocating saw and vice versa.
This saw is hand-held but it doesn’t weigh a lot. It weighs just a little over 4 lbs, which gives it just enough heft to be stable but not too heavy that it causes hand fatigue.
Everything about this tool is seamless. The dust blower has been built-in, so it’s not in the way when you are working. It ensures you get maximum visibility of your work area.
It is also beginner-friendly. You can change the blades without using additional tools. It can accommodate any kind of blade, so this should give your workshop a lot of versatility. You can get blades specifically meant to cut wood but you can also insert a blade that can be used to cut PVC, fiberglass, tile and even copper. That is how versatile this tool is.
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3. Tile Saw
Like what its name suggests, this is used to cut tiles. It’s a great addition to the tools of DIY enthusiasts. Professional tile installers must have one in their arsenal to make quick work of cutting tiles and customizing them to fit the needs of the house.
Our Recommendation:SKIL Wet Tile Saw
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Perform neat and precise cuts on tiles all the time with this tile saw that has a rip fence that comes with a miter gauge. Cut it directly, no need for pre-marking. The top of the saw is capable of supporting tiles as big as 12 x 12 inches. It is also durable. Its material seems to be impervious to damage, particularly in corrosion. It can last for a long time without looking old and corroded.
There is a water reservoir that you can use to cool down the blade. This prevents damage to the blade and imperfections in the cut. The water used to lubricate the blade can also minimize dust formation. If you are doing small tiling jobs and you need a tile saw to help you perform your tasks without spending a lot of money, set your eyes on this one from SKIL.
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4. Chainsaw
You need a chainsaw if you do major wood cutting work such as cutting trees and lumber. The important thing about chainsaws is that it is powerful enough to cut through thick pieces of lumber. It should have sharp blades that will make quick work of turning big lumber into smaller pieces. You can find different types of chainsaws today. Some are operated with fuel while others function with the help of batteries.
Our Recommendation: Dewalt Cordless Chainsaw
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We think this chainsaw is just the right size and price for small to medium-size cutting jobs. It comes equipped with a high efficiency brushless motor that ensures it can run continuously and without interruptions.
Occasionally, you will have to calibrate it. That shouldn’t be too difficult since it has a chain tensioning system that does not require the use of additional tools. Just keep the blades sharp with a specialized chainsaw sharpening tool.
It is quite the handy tool as well. Many chainsaws out there are too heavy to carry, much less wield, but this one is just right with its weight of 8.8 lbs.
This thing runs on batteries. It’s a significant improvement to the fuel-operated ones. You never have to stop to refuel your chainsaw. It also reduces spills and mess.
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5. Hacksaw
The versatility of hacksaws knows no end. It can be used to cut through any kind of material, not just wood. Use it to cut through plumbing materials, thin metal and steel and plastic. The list goes on and on. This is why it’s not just a must-have for woodworkers. It’s also a staple in the tools of electricians and plumbers.
Our Recommendation: Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hack Saw
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It’s a good thing this hack saw is inexpensive. You can instantly make your basic woodworking arsenal more efficient because this tool is in it. With its 12-inch blade, it is long enough to work with thicker and longer materials. It can cut through materials less than 5 inches in width.
Hack saws are generally more flexible because of their thinner blades, but this one offers you two different adjustable settings – 90 and 180-degree settings. You can use these angles to make flush cuts.
The blade arrives sharp, so you can use it right away. It feels stable and has a good tension as well. The frame is made from a durable metal material that will not succumb to damage even when you use this a lot.
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6. Track Saw
A track saw has many uses. In general, it is used for rough cutting materials before they are passed to other saws that will do more intricate cuts. Unlike other types of saw with a similar purpose, a track saw provides better accuracy. It also produces cleaner results.
Our Recommendation: Dewalt DWS520K Track Saw Kit
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Get precise and straight cuts all the time with this saw. It can create the smoothest cuts, so you don’t have to deal with splinters. It has been equipped with a 13000W motor, so it is capable of cutting through tough hard wood of up to 2 1/8-inch thick.
To make this easier and more comfortable to use, it has an anti-kickback mechanism. It starts fluidly, so there are no errors when using it. The blade guard sits lower than those you can find in other saws, so it is ideal to use even in small workshops. If you don’t have enough space in your workshop, this should be an ideal choice.
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7. Circular Saw
Circular saws are often confused with table saws and track saws. This one is different. It continuously cuts, so that once it makes a stroke, it creates another one. If you do a lot of cutting work, get a circular saw.
Our Recommendation: SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
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Get this circular saw with premium features but without the premium price. Its 15-amp motor is just right for hobbyists and woodworkers as it is capable of cutting through thicker materials at a greater speed compared to others.
Change your blades without much fuss, thanks to its spindle lock. It doesn’t require fancy tools to replace the blade. It is also well-made. All the parts feel stable. The blade stays in place even when you cut tough materials. Pair this circular saw with a folding hand saw for more efficiency and portability.
This thing only weighs 6.95 lbs. It isn’t overly heavy but it still has a good amount of weight that will not make you feel like it’s going to break any time. It also comes with a lower guard to prevent the blade from snagging in the material. This is helpful when doing narrow cut-offs.
The laser guide is also a nice feature. You can make accurate cuts without having to use multiple tools.
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8. Table Saw
A table saw is recommended if you frequently work with hardwood and you want precise and intricate cuts. It works fast and easily cuts through even the thickest material. If you have some more room in your budget and you have a space in your workshop, this can be a good addition to your tools.
Our Recommendation: Bosch Power Tools 4100-10 Table Saw
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Whether you are a professional or just a hobbyist, you can benefit from this power tool. It has a powerful motor that is capable of doing a variety of cuts. You can do cross cutting, ripping and rip cutting with the help of this fine table saw.
Included in your purchase is a stand with casters. If you use the same table saw in your personal workshop and your woodworking business, you might want to consider this. The casters make this easier to transport.
The soft start feature is newbie-friendly. It still allows you to adjust it to your preferences, so you won’t end up ruining precious wood. This feature also ensures that there is proper flow of electricity. That way, it won’t inadvertently trip your breaker. It is also compact and portable and has a good response.
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9. Miter Saw
Another type of saw that will allow you to get more precise cuts is the miter saw. You can make DIY projects at home using this saw. It’s different from other saws in such a way that it allows you to make different angles. With other saws, you might have to switch to another tool to get the cutting angle you want. This one saves you from going through all that trouble.
Our Recommendation: Hitachi C10FCH2 Miter Saw
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Recommended for both professionals and hobbyists, this miter saw will not fail you no matter what project you are working on. It has a powerful motor that can accommodate commercial and industrial needs. Hitachi also incorporated a laser market system that enables users to achieve optimum accuracy. No more manual measuring that can lead to human errors.
You can adjust it to different angles. Use the bevel stops to ensure you are getting the right size of cuts.
Even if you work with it all day, it won’t cause fatigue. That is because it doesn’t vibrate as much as other miter saws. It can also accommodate bigger loads because of its larger table and surface. Everything about this miter saw feels sturdy. It doesn’t wear down easily and the parts remain stable and tight. A cop saw is similar to the miter saw.
If you’re getting one, we suggest you also get a miter saw stand to provide support for your tool
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Conclusion
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