Using Different Kinds of Power Saws

by DoItYourself Staff

Portable Saw Safety Tips

Always wear eye protection. Chips from material can fly into your face, or the blade can break.

Avoid loose clothing, jewelry and anything that could get caught in the saw. Tie back long hair.

Use both hands on the saw and make sure you are in full control of it. Avoid cutting above shoulder height.

Always make sure you are using the proper blade for the material you are cutting.

Make sure the workpiece is secure before cutting. Never hold a workpiece in your hand or across your lap.

Don’t overreach. Keep a stable footing.

Double-insulated saws do not require a three-wire grounding cord and the user is protected in the event of an electrical short.

Always unplug the tool before changing blades.

Beware of kickback when using a circular saw, which is when the blade becomes pinched and the saw lifts up out of the workpiece and toward the user. To prevent kickback, make sure the blade is sharp and clean, do not let it overheat, support large panels so they will not pinch the blade, beware of knots or sap in the wood and never remove the blade from the material while it is cutting. Release the switch immediately if the saw stalls or binds.

Always make sure the cord is out of the way and not in the line of the cut.

Do not leave plugged-in tools unattended, especially if there are children nearby.

Sidewinder Circular Saw

Designed to make straight cuts on materials that are difficult to cut with a handsaw.

Can make cuts on a variety of materials, and different types of materials generally require different blades.

Requires less maintenance than worm-drive saws and does not have an oil-filled crankcase.

More compact than a worm drive saw. Has the motor mounted on the side of the blade.

The size of the saw tells you what is the largest size blade that you can use with it. Generally, blade sizes range from 5-1/2” to 10” in diameter. 5-1/2” and 7-1/4” are the most popular. The larger the blade, the thicker material it will cut.

Rated by amperage. Better tools have higher amp and rpm ratings.

Cordless models are popular, but offer less speed and power than corded models.

A popular feature is an ejector chute that directs dust away from the work and a tilt base that allows the user to cut a variety of angles.

Worm Drive Circular Saw

Designed to make straight cuts on materials that are difficult to cut with a handsaw.

Can make cuts on a variety of materials, and different types of materials generally require different blades.

The motor is inline with the handle and at a right angle to the blade arbor. It also has an oil-filled crankcase.

The worm gear style of power transmission means this saw has plenty of torque, which keeps it from stalling in wet or pinched lumber.

Quieter operation than sidewinder saws, but heavier, usually 14 to 19 lbs.

It has better sightlines than a sidewinder style saw

Most common blade size is 7-1/4”. Also available are 6-1/2” and 8-1/4” blades.

Beam Saw

A circular saw with a high capacity, usually with blades 10” and larger. Can cut through 4” material.

Used for cutting heavy timbers or for crosscutting or mitering angles on large, thick stock.

Trim Saw

Small circular saw used to cut sheet goods, moldings and trim.

Designed to make straight cuts on materials that are difficult to cut with a handsaw.

Can make cuts on a variety of materials, and different types of materials generally require different blades.

Some models can adapt to cut glass and ceramic tile

Cordless Saw

Most portable of all saws. Cordless versions of circular, sabre and reciprocating saws are available. Very popular among both pro and consumer customers.

Operate off of a rechargeable battery, which is available in a wide range of voltages.

Used for finish work and the larger capacity batteries have sufficient power for large framing or carpentry jobs.

Usually feature an electronic brake to stop the brake instantly and avoid accidents.

Sabre Saw

Also known as a jig saw.

Cuts with an up and down motion and is ideal for cutting curves and irregular lines.

Usually can cut through 1” hardwood and 1-1/2” softwood. More powerful models can cut up to 2-3/4” thick in wood and 3/4” in aluminum and some can cut thin steel.

Quality machines operate at approximately 3,000 strokes per minute.

Generally, better machines also have longer strokes, often 1”.

The scrolling feature on some saws allows the user to turn the blade by means of a knob on the top of the tool instead of turning the whole tool.

Good quality jigsaws will also have features on the base that allow them to cut at an angle. An antisplintering insert is a removable plastic piece that sits in front of the blade and reduces the splintering of the material.

Another quality feature is a blade guide. This is a disk that sits behind the blade and supports it, keeping it on a straight path and resisting deflection. It provides for a more accurate cut and helps prevent blade bending and breaking.

Better models have orbital action for more aggressive cutting.

Bayonet Saw

Operates similar to a sabre saw.

Some models have a worm gear and a large blade orbit to make it suitable for metals, plastics, thin wood and laminate.

Reciprocating Saw

Commonly used for demolition, framing and rough-in work. Good for cutting in tight quarters.

Used on a variety of materials, depending on the type of blade used. Some blades can cut through wood and metal, which is ideal when cutting through wood that might have nails in it.

Uses a straight blade that operates with a back and forth motion. Some saws may have an orbital action, and some models may let you choose between orbital and linear action. A third option is a swing action, which offers a smoother and faster cutting action.

Blade action usually goes to about 2,000 strokes per minute, but some pro models go higher