The hand saw may look ordinary but it’s one of the most important cutting tools in your woodworking tools collection. There are many types of handheld saws, some of these you may have come across in your woodworking projects while some probably unheard of. Here’s a list of the types of handheld saws along with colorful pictures.
1. Back Saw
One of the most popular types of handheld saws is the back saw. It is short with a very narrow blade that’s supported on its upper edge. A woodworker uses a backsaw with a miter box to create fine and straight cuts. Another name for backsaws is the tenon saw or miter saw. The name depends on the design of the saw, its use, and the place where it originated from.
2. Bow Saw
Image Source: https://tolsen.com.ph/products/bow-saw
The bow saw is one of the types of crosscut saws and is mostly used by outdoorsmen and those working on trees, foliage, and gardens. Bow saws have long blades with a row of crosscut teeth. This saw is used to remove different materials as it pushes and pulls wood. This saw is useful in trimming thick foliage and trees, cutting logs, pruning, and also for making tough cuts.
3. Coping Saw
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A coping saw has a very thin blade that’s held by two clamps. A thick handle holds the saw and this helps produce smaller cuts. You can cut different kinds of materials using a coping saw, not just wood, and is one of the most common tools among carpenters, toymakers, plumbers, hobbyists, and many more.
4. Crosscut Saw
Image Source: https://www.flinn-garlick-saws.co.uk/acatalog/Champion-Tooth-One-Man-Crosscut-Saw-597.html
This type of saw is designed to make rough cuts. A crosscut saw has a thick blade with large, beveled teeth. There are crosscut saws that are meant for two people to hold as these are used to make perpendicular cuts on timber. There is also a one-man crosscut saw used to trim tree branches and limbs and for cutting lumber.
5. Fret Saw
Image Source: https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/handsaws/what-is-a-fret-saw
This saw looks like a coping saw but the blade is longer and thinner which can make very intricate cuts. The frame is also longer and thus, you can make cuts even from the farthest edges. You cannot use a fret saw on scrollwork as the blade cannot be rotated.
6. Hacksaw
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This type of saw is used to cut pipes and tubes. This is a very common saw because it’s very versatile. It can be used to cut through plastic, wood, metal, and many more. You must choose the specific blade that will work for a particular kind of material. Hacksaw blades are available from 18 to 32 inches.
7. Hole Saw
Image Source: https://www.directindustry.com/prod/alfra-gmbh/product-19772-47112.html
A hole saw is a type of saw that’s attached to a drill. This is used to make perfect holes in all kinds of material including metal, steel, wood, plastic, concrete, and more. The blade can depend on the type of material you want to cut. There are bi-metal hole saws but there are also carbide or diamond-coated teeth saws which are perfect for cutting more strong materials.
8. Japanese Saw
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/SUIZAN-Japanese-Saw-Dozuki-Woodworking/dp/B071SCVBG1
This saw has a thin yet strong blade. The saw is very precise compared to a backsaw and can be used to reach very high places. Japanese saws come in three types: ryoba, kataba, and dozuki. You can use these different types of Japanese saws on all kinds of woods.
9. Keyhole Saw
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A keyhole saw is used to cut small circles or minute patterns. This saw has a single blade and is mostly used to cut small sections of drywall. You can also use a keyhole saw to cut interior sections of a wall when you are unable to use power saws.
10. Pole Saw
A pole saw is also called a pole runner. This type of saw has an extendable pole so that it can reach a height of 7 to 16++ feet. There are heavy-duty pole saws used to cut tall branches of trees. Most pole saws are gas or electric-powered, almost looking like a chainsaw.
11. Pruning Saw
Image Source: https://www.tooled-up.com/bahco-pruning-saw-for-25mm-pruning-poles/prod/149895/
A pruning saw has a long 13 to 15-inch blade with a curved shape. The grip looks like a pistol and is held as such. The saw blade is wide with very coarse teeth and can cut in different directions for easy removal of material. Pruning saws are used by gardeners, landscapers, homeowners, and tree surgeons.
12. Rip-Cut Saw
Also called the traditional hand saw, is very useful for all types of carpentry work including framing. It has few teeth but each one is very sharp enough to remove rough edges of the wood. Rip cut saws are available in varying lengths, sizes, and styles.
13. Veneer Saw
Image Source: https://www.rockler.com/veneer-saw
This type of saw has a double edge blade with 13 teeth/ inch. This is designed for veneer work and is not adaptable for other cutting jobs.
14. Wallboard Saw
Image URL: https://www.jensentools.com/stanley-15-556-wallboard-saw-with-6-blade/p/wwg1c073
The wallboard saw looks a bit similar to a keyhole saw but has a shorter yet wider blade and only a few teeth for every inch. This hand saw has a double edge and is used to cut through drywall or wall panels. You can use this to puncture holes before using a power saw.
15. Handheld Power Saws
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There are also handheld power saws that will provide many times the power and convenience compared to a handheld saw. Power saws are available in three categories: continuous band, circular blade, and reciprocating blade.
The most common handheld power saws are stationary band saws, portable band saws, chain saw, chop saws, circular saw, compound miter saw, flooring saw, jigsaw, miter saw, oscillating saw, reciprocating saw, radial arm saw, and panel saws. Power saws can be battery, gas, or electric-powered and come with compatible parts and accessories.
Find the right type of handheld saw that will meet your needs. It’s important to use the right kind of saw to ensure safety and efficiency when working with all kinds of projects. If you’re unsure as to what type of handheld saw works for your particular project, talk to an expert woodworker or contractor.
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