Woodworking Power Saws

Wood working power saws have distinct advantages over many woodworking hand tools because of their sheer power and capability but also come with a warning about proper use and the need for education about the proper way to handle them.

Why Power Saws?

Many people prefer the slow quiet method of a woodworking hand tool like a hand saw as compared to the loud and vibrant power saw. However, there are several great reasons to use a woodworking power saw.  For people without a lot of endurance or arm-strength, the power saw can cut through things with much less effort and muscle strain that a hand saw.  Although you don’t have the control a hand saw gives, you have the ability to quickly and decisively cut through wood.  Power saws are also fantastic time savers for people on a job, and offer a uniquely smooth edge and guidance power not usually afforded to a hand tool.

Types of Power Saws

Although with many woodworking hand tools there is a variety of choices, power saws come in three main types. Each one has a specific purpose and design for specialty use. Because the have different purposes, they also have different structures, blade types, speeds and accessories.

Circular Saws – The most common type of woodworking power saw is the circular saw. It contains a round metal disk covered in teeth that spins on the end of a motor. Because any power saw can be dangerous, both from the material that flies away from it and the fast action of the saw itself, a circular saw has a metal guide around the blade for the protection of the user.  The thicker the disk on the circular saw the stronger a piece of material can be cut. Circular saws leave a clear distinct and tempered line.

Sabre Saws – A sabre saw, also known as a jigsaw, has a thicker long blade that extends down from the base of the saw. Unlike the circular saw, a saber saw’s blade moves in an up and down motion offers more control to the user and allowing for fine scroll and detail work.  Sabre saws do not move with the speed of a circular saw, and have a maximum speed of 3,000 RPM.  Their chief ability is to move within or around patterns creating unique shapes.

Reciprocal Saws – This saw is very similar to a crosscut hand saw only the blade is powered by a motor and not manual labor.  The saw can cut in both directions and the blades and spacing are designed to cut through an object rather than shape or polish it. The main bonus of the reciprocal saw is its size which is much smaller than a circular saw. It is also typically lighter and easier to control. The saw can be used in places where a circular saw is too big, and offers the same sheer cutting edge as the circular saw.

A woodworking power saw is an excellent investment for anyone charged with doing some building projects.  These saws save time, energy and offer a professional sheer exterior to the work that you are doing.  Most hardware stores offer training on the proper use of the saw to ensure maximum safety while giving you the most efficient tool possible.