Cutting Tools
Handsaws
Crosscut saw
Used for: Cutting boards and lumber to length. Designed to cut across the grain of wood with alternating teeth.
Rip saw
Used for: Ripping boards into narrower pieces during woodworking. Designed to cut parallel to the wood grain.
Coping saw
Used for: Cutting intricate shapes in wood, plastic, and soft metals. Designed for detailed curved cuts.
Miter box and backsaw
Used for: Cutting trim, molding, and other materials at accurate angles. The miter box guides the backsaw to make precise angled cuts.
Hacksaw
Used for: Cutting metal pipes, rods, bolts, and tubing. Designed specifically for cutting metal.
Powersaws
Miter saw
Used for: Cutting trim, framing lumber, and boards to precise lengths and angles. Designed to make fast, accurate crosscuts and angled cuts.
Circular saw
Used for: Cutting plywood, dimensional lumber, and other building materials. Designed to be handheld, with a rotating circular blade for straight cuts.
Band saw
Used for: Cutting curves, irregular shapes, and resawing wood or metal. Designed to be stationary, with a continuous loop blade for smooth, controlled cuts.
Reciprocating saw
Used for: Demolition, remodeling, and cutting through wood, metal, or piping. Designed to be handheld, with a blade that moves back and forth.
Jigsaw
Used for: Cutting curves, circles, and intricate shapes in wood, plastic, and thin metal. Designed to be handheld, with a narrow reciprocating blade for detailed work.
Saw accessory
Jigs
Used for: Provides guidance for a blade or tool to follow a specific cutting path.
Other cutting tools
Bolt cutters
Used for: Specialized heavy-duty cutters designed for cutting metal bolts, chains, and rods.
Wire cutters and strippers
Used for: Specialized tools used to cut wire and remove insulation from electrical wires.
Axes
Used for: Chopping, splitting wood, and demolition work.