Prepare Your Craft Projects With the Best Wood Saws

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which saw is right for you. In this buying guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of wood saws available and what to look for when choosing one.

What to Look for in a Wood Saw

Construction material

There are two types of wood saws: those with metal blades and those with carbide-tipped blades. Metal blade saws are less expensive, but carbide-tipped models stay sharper longer and resist wear better.

Tooth count

The number of teeth on a wood saw determines how fast it can cut and how smooth the cut will be. More teeth indicate a slower, smoother cut, while fewer teeth indicate a faster, rougher cut.

Blade length

The blade’s length determines how fast the saw can cut and how smooth the cut surface will be. A longer blade makes straighter cuts more easily than shorter ones but is more likely to bind in the cut.

Type of handle

Straight or pistol grips are the most common wood saw handles. A pistol grip is more comfortable to hold for long periods, but a straight handle gives you more control.

Motor power

When it comes to woodworking, the more powerful the motor, the better. But, in some instances, a less powerful motor may be beneficial. For example, if you’re going to be doing intricate work or working with very small pieces of wood, a lower-powered motor might give you more control over your cuts.

Types of Wood Saws

Hand saw

A hand saw is powered by the user rather than an external power source. The most common type is the crosscut saw, which is used to cut across the grain of the wood.

Backsaw

Hand saws with a strengthened spine running down the back of the blade are referred to as a backsaw. This makes it more rigid than a standard hand saw and allows for a more accurate cut, which is why it’s typically used for dovetails and tenons.

Bow saw

A bow saw is a type of handsaw that has a curved blade mounted on a frame. The blade is held in place by a tensioned wire or cord, allowing it to be used for curved or circular cuts.

Pruning saw

A pruning saw is a type of hand saw that is designed for cutting or trimming live plants and trees. The blade is normally curved and has sharpened teeth on both sides. 

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a hand saw that consists of a thin, flexible blade mounted on a frame. The blade is held in place by a tensioned wire or cord, allowing it to be used for making straight or curved cuts. Hacksaws are typically used for cutting metal or other hard materials.

Circular saw

A circular saw is a type of power saw that uses a blade that spins in a circle. Circular saws are commonly used to cut wood in straight lines.

Table saw

Table saws are a type of power saw that consist of a circular blade mounted on a table. They’re frequently used to make lengthy, straight cuts in lumber or other materials.

Miter saw

With a rotating arm and a circular blade, the miter saw is one of the most used types of power saws. These are typically used for making miters, or angled cuts, in wood or other materials.

What Kind of Wood Saw Do You Need?

If you’re working with softwoods, then a handsaw or coping saw will suffice. For hardwoods, you will need a power saw such as a circular saw or jigsaw.

Consider the sort of blade you’ll need when selecting a wood saw. Some blades are better for cutting softwoods, while others work better on hardwoods. If you’re unsure about which blade to choose, check your local home improvement store for help.

How Much Do Wood Saws Cost?

There’s a lot of variation in the price of wood saws, depending on the type and size. A small handheld saw may only cost around $30, while a larger powered saw could cost over $200. If you’re looking for a specific type of wood saw, such as a carving saw, the price will also vary depending on the quality and features.