The first power saws were powered by steam — the same stuff that makes your teapot whistle.
These saws significantly increased productivity, enabling large-scale lumber processing to meet the rising demand for timber during industrial expansion.
Steam technology dominated the sawmills until the early 20th century when electric power replaced it.
Edmond Michel of New Orleans created the first electric power saw in 1927. His circular saw revolutionized the construction and woodworking industries, allowing for faster and more precise cutting.
Over time, power saws have evolved into specialized tools for various tasks. They can be electric, battery-powered, or gas-driven.
Types of Power Saws & Their Uses
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular power saws and their applications for DIY enthusiasts, woodworking beginners, and professionals.
1. Circular Saw
A circular saw has a round, toothed blade and is best suited for straight cuts.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- More compact than table saws.
- Has a round, toothed blade
Uses
- Cutting wood, metal, masonry, or plastic sheets into straight lines.
- Framing carpentry, roofing installation or repair, and deck construction.
- Making clean, straight cuts and rip cuts.
A circular saw has a round, toothed blade and is best suited for straight cuts.
2. Jigsaw
A jigsaw has a thin blade with an up-and-down reciprocating motion for cutting curves and irregular shapes.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Up-and-down reciprocating blade motion
- Can make bevel cuts
Uses
- Cutting wood, metal, ceramic tiles, or plastic sheets into curves and irregular shapes.
- Creating holes for fixtures like sinks or electrical outlets.
- Making internal cutouts for furniture construction.
A jigsaw has a thin blade with an up-and-down reciprocating motion for cutting irregular shapes.
3. Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw has a long, straight blade that moves back and forth to create rough cuts through various materials.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Longer and bulkier than jigsaws.
- Holds a wide range of blades for different materials.
Uses
- Cutting wood, metal, tile, or plastic sheets
- Slicing through tree branches, roots, and bushes in landscaping projects.
- Demolition work on walls, pipes, or wires.
4. Table Saw
A table saw is a stationary tool with a circular blade protruding from the table’s surface to make precise cuts.
Characteristics
- Stationary
- Blade protrudes from the table’s surface.
- Can make bevel cuts.
Uses
- Cutting large pieces of wood into smaller sizes for furniture construction.
- Making clean and accurate rip cuts or crosscuts.
- Creating joints, miters, and bevels for intricate woodworking projects.
5. Miter Saw
A miter saw is a stationary tool with a circular blade that pivots to make angled cuts accurately.
Characteristics
- Stationary
- Blade mounted on an arm that pivots from side to side.
- Can make bevel cuts and crosscuts.
Uses
- Cutting and joining wood or molding pieces at precise angles for furniture making or trim work.
- Creating joints for frames, window casings, baseboards, crown moldings, or picture frames.
A miter saw is a stationary tool with a circular blade that pivots to make angled cuts accurately.
6. Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw is a specialized version of the standard miter saw that can tilt and rotate to make angled cuts in two planes at once.
Characteristics
- Stationary
- Blade mounted on an arm that can be tilted and rotated.
- Can make bevel and compound cuts.
Uses
- Cutting crown molding, decking boards, or fencing pieces for precise angles and bevels.
- Creating picture frames, doorframes, or staircase railings with complex joints.
A compound miter saw is a specialized version of the standard miter saw.
7. Scroll Saw
A scroll saw has a thin blade that makes intricate cuts without tearing the material.
Characteristics
- Stationary
- Thin reciprocating blade motion
- Ideal for delicate and detailed work.
Uses
- Creating intricate curves and designs on wood, metal, or plastic sheets.
- Crafting decorative items like puzzles, toys, or ornaments.
- Making internal cutouts for furniture construction projects.
A scroll saw has a thin blade that makes intricate cuts without tearing the material.
8. Band Saw
A band saw’s long, looping blade runs between two wheels to make straight and curved cuts through thick materials.
Characteristics
- Stationary
- Wide blade for making bold cuts.
- Can be used on various materials.
Uses
- Cutting shapes into wood, metal, foam, plastics, fiberglass, or rubber pieces.
- Resawing thick boards into thinner ones for veneer or laminating work.
A band saw’s long, looping blade runs between two wheels to make straight and curved cuts.
9. Tile Saw
A tile saw has a diamond-coated blade designed to cut through ceramic tiles without cracking.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Can make bevel cuts
- Uses water to reduce friction and prevent chips or cracks.
Uses
- Cutting ceramic, stone, or glass tiles for flooring, backsplashes, countertops, or shower walls.
A tile saw has a diamond-coated blade designed to cut through ceramic tiles without cracking.
10. Concrete Saw
A concrete saw has a large blade made to cut through concrete and masonry materials like bricks, blocks, or pavers.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Gas-powered
- Water can be used to reduce dust and cool the blade.
Uses
- Cutting through thick concrete slabs in construction projects.
- Creating control joints or decorative patterns on concrete surfaces.
A concrete saw has a heavy blade made to cut through concrete and masonry materials like bricks.
11. Chainsaw
A chainsaw is a powerful tool with teeth attached to a rotating chain that cuts through wood, ice, or other natural materials.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Gas-powered
- Larger and heavier than other saws.
Uses
- Cutting down trees, trimming branches, or splitting firewood.
- Carving sculptures from logs or ice blocks.
- Ice fishing to create holes in frozen lakes.
A chainsaw is a powerful tool with teeth attached to a rotating chain.
12. Pole Saw
A pole saw is a chainsaw mounted on the end of an extendable pole to reach high tree branches.
Characteristics
- Handheld
- Extendable Pole
- Can be gas, battery-powered, or manual depending on the model.
Uses
- Trimming high tree branches without the use of a ladder.
- Cutting overgrown or damaged trees in landscaping projects.
- Clearing brush or vines in hard-to-reach areas.
A pole saw is a chainsaw mounted on the end of an extendable pole.
Pros & Cons of Corded Saws vs. Cordless Saws
Corded Saws
Pros
- Consistent and unlimited power, ideal for heavy-duty or extended projects.
- Typically more powerful than cordless saws, making them better for cutting through dense materials.
- Generally lighter since they don’t include a battery.
- Often less expensive than cordless models.
Cons
- Require access to a power outlet, limiting portability and range.
- Cords can be cumbersome, prone to tangling, and pose a tripping hazard.
- Not practical for remote worksites without electricity.
Cordless Saws
Pros
- Highly portable, allowing greater flexibility and maneuverability, especially in remote areas.
- No cords, eliminating tripping hazards and improving convenience during use.
- Ongoing battery advancements provide more power and longer operation times.
Cons
- Limited by battery charge, requiring additional batteries or charging breaks for longer projects.
- Generally heavier due to the battery’s weight.
- Often more expensive than corded models.
- May lack the power and endurance for highly demanding tasks.
FAQs: Types of Power Saws
Q: What’s the best power saw for beginners?
A circular saw is great for beginners due to its versatility and ease of use.
Q: Can one power saw do everything?
No single tool can do it all. If you’re working with different materials and projects, consider having a mix of tools like a circular saw, jigsaw, and miter saw.
Q: How do I choose the right saw blade?
Consider the material you’re cutting—wood, metal, or plastic—and select a blade specifically designed for it.
Q: Are cordless saws as powerful as corded ones?
Cordless saws offer more convenience but may not deliver the same consistent power as corded saws, especially during heavy tasks.
Q: How do I maintain my power saw?
Regularly clean the tool, replace dull blades, and store it in a dry place to avoid rust.
Q: Are power saws dangerous?
When used correctly, power saws are safe. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, wear protective gear, and maintain your tools.
Q: Is it worth investing in a professional-grade saw for DIY projects?
If you’re serious about woodworking or DIY, investing in mid-to-high-quality tools can save you time and money in the long run.
Q: What’s the average cost of a power saw?
Prices range from $50 for a basic jigsaw to $1,000 or more for professional-grade tools like table saws.