Cutting saws should be selected according to the material type and the task to be performed. Each type of saw has its own purpose, may be available in a variety of sizes, and may offer varying safety and convenience features depending on its manufacturer, style, and application. There are a variety of saws available for masonry and mechanical applications, some of them specific to certain trades or tasks.
Many stationary saw models are used in the carpentry trades, however portable saw models are also used in plumbing, electrical, and other construction and facility maintenance trades. As is the case with many hand tools and accessories, many of the saw types have become known by industry workers as common trademarks, brands, or model names.
- Circular Saw – With an appropriate blade, circular saws can be used to cut a wide variety of construction materials. Circular saws come in a variety of sizes that can be chosen according to the project. If you are cutting 1′′ x 4′′ or 1/2′′ plywood, you may only need a cordless trim saw with a blade length of 5-3/8′′, but if you are cutting beams, you will need a saw with a blade length of 21′′.
- Miter Saw – These saws are designed for making angled cuts, compound angles, and bevels for mouldings, trim work, rafters, and other general carpentry applications. Miter saws can also be used to make straight cross cuts, which is why miter saws are an integral part of a professional carpenter’s arsenal as well as the toolkit of DIYers.
- Table Saw – Having a saw blade integrated into a flat table is known as a table saw. The blade will protrude through a slit in the table and be circular. A motor will be located beneath the table that allows the blade to be raised below or above the table’s top surface to facilitate cutting.
- Sabre Saws and Scroll Saws – Using a scroll saw, you can make curved cuts, and the blades are either T-shanks or U-shanks. A scroll saw can cut intricate patterns and shapes that include curved lines and complex designs.
- Reciprocating Saw – A reciprocating saw is a handheld tool used for rough cutting, demolition, and remodeling. It can be used to cut through a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and nails.
- Band Saws – A bandsaw is a power saw that has a long, sharp blade made of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two wheels for cutting materials. They are primarily used in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but can cut a variety of materials.
- Tile Saws – Wet tile saws are small, stationary power saws used to cut ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles. Wet tile saws work similarly to small table saws and radial arm saws, in that a stream of water keeps a diamond-encrusted cutting blade cool as it cuts through hard materials.
- Block Saws – The diamond cutting saws used to cut brick pavers and concrete blocks belong to the diamond cutting saws family. Brick cutting saws usually use a diamond blade 10″ in diameter and can cut up to 3.75″ in depth. Block saws can also be used to cut granite or bluestone rocks.
- Masonry Saws – Blades used for tile, cement, brick, and asphalt are usually diamond coated or abrasive. Masonry saws can also be used dry or wet.
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