Jigsaw
The thin saw blade makes a jigsaw very manoeuvrable. This machine is especially suitable for finer sawing jobs. For example, you can cut circles and round corners. Many different saw blades are available for jigsaws, and you can handle any material with them: wood, metal, plastic and even ceramic tiles. Jigsaws are available with both battery and main power. They are often equipped with options that make work easier, such as laser guidance and the possibility of dust extraction. If you are looking for a versatile saw for not too heavy jobs, a jigsaw is a good choice.
Circular saw
With a circular saw, you can make straight cuts quickly and accurately. For do-it-yourselfers, a hand model is especially suitable because it is cheaper and more flexible than a table saw. A circular saw is ideal for cutting sheet material and planks. Although a circular saw is used mainly for wood, saw blades are also available for other materials. Both battery versions exist for sale and models that work on mains power. A special version is a plunge-cut saw, where the saw blade can be lowered so that you can start sawing in the middle of the surface.
You can find more detailed information about working with a circular saw in Circular saw tips and techniques.
Tip: use a guide rail for perfectly straight cuts especially, longer cuts.
Saw table
A saw table is a circular saw that is permanently mounted on a base. Buying a saw table is only worth it when you have to saw large quantities. The table supports the workpiece and allows you to work very precisely when sawing planks and sheet materials. The disadvantages compared to a hand-held circular saw are the price and the fact that you cannot easily take a saw table with you on a job. Saw tables are usually equipped with dust extraction as standard.
Crosscut saw
A crosscut saw is intended for cutting different materials to length. With the right saw blade, a crosscut saw is an ideal tool for cutting wooden beams, aluminium or laminate with great precision. It is less suitable for larger sheet material. With a crosscut saw, you can also cut miter at any desired angle. Crosscut saws are available with and without a base.
Reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw resembles a jigsaw but is more suitable for coarser work. Applications include pruning thick branches in the garden and cutting plastic and metal pipes. With the flexible saw blades, you can also work in hard-to-reach places, for example sawing pipes that run along the wall to the nearest millimetre. Reciprocating saws work on mains power or with a battery.
Chainsaw
You need a chainsaw to cut down trees or cut firewood to size. The most important decision to make when purchasing is: should you get a petrol model or an electric or battery version? Petrol chainsaws are usually more powerful, but require more maintenance and are noisier than electric saws. Even more than with other saws, working with a chainsaw requires attention to your safety. Read more in Sawing with a chainsaw.
