Reciprocating Saw
The reciprocating saw has become an indispensable tool in the home remodeler’s workshop. Once known only by the trademark of Milwaukee Tools’ Sawzall, the reciprocating saw is now produced by virtually all toolmakers, in both corded and cordless models.
Uses
Reciprocating saws are excellent for making rough cuts. You cannot use a reciprocating saw for cutting precise lines in a piece of trim, but it is a trusted ally in demolition and even some moderately precise work.
Pros
Makes fast, powerful cuts
Cons
Will not make plunge cutsCan be difficult to control
Electric Compound/Miter Saw
An electric miter saw, also called a compound saw, uses an electrically powered single circular blade to make angled cuts.
Uses
You can use your electric compound/miter saw as much for rough chop-off work as for fine 45-degree angle cuts on crown molding. Make room for it on your workbench and keep it plugged in at all times. Your electric miter saw will find its way into so many of your home projects.
Pros
Precise cutsFast
Cons
Uses up a lot of space on your workbench
Manual Miter Box and Saw
A miter box and saw is a mated combination (often sold together) for making angled cuts in smaller pieces of work material such as trim.
Uses
Miter boxes and their accompanying miter saws are often ignored in this world of fast, powerful, and cheap electric miter saws. But miter box/saw combinations are even cheaper. Sometimes you need that precise touch when cutting a piece of delicate trim. This tool set is a great way to hold your work and ensure a nice 90-degree angle cut.
Pros
Precise cutsEasy to transport
Cons
Limited number of anglesThe saw can wobble within miter box frame
Corded Circular Saw
A corded circular saw is a saw with a single rotating circular blade. It is powered by regular household 120V current.
Uses
A corded circular saw is exactly what you need to rip through two-by-fours and greater sizes with ease, when cordless won’t do it.
Pros
Heavy cuttingCuts well for long periods without giving out
Cons
Cord can be bothersome
Cordless Circular Saw
Cordless circular saws use lithium-ion batteries to provide power to turn the saw blade. Other than the cordless aspect, these saws work the same as their corded companions.
Uses
Use cordless circular saws for exterior work where it can be difficult or bothersome to run extension cords.
Pros
No cord to get in the wayExpands the radius of your work far beyond electrical outlets
Cons
Heavier due to the attached batteryPower capacity is limited
Oscillating Multi-Tool (Saw Attachment)
Oscillating multi-tools have a vibrating (oscillating) head that can accept any number of attachments for different uses.
Uses
Oscillating multi-tools usually come with a few saw blades, good for undercutting door jambs when installing flooring, nipping off nails close to the surface, and even stripping paint.
Pros
Best way to make fine plunge cuts for trimMultiple uses beyond saw cuts
Cons
Blades wear down quicklyGood only for minimal cuts
Jab Saw
A jab saw is a hand saw with coarse teeth on one side of the blade.
Uses
Jab saws are used almost exclusively for drywall work: to create holes for boxes. It can also be used to cut rigid foam insulation.
Pros
InexpensiveBest hand tool for cutting drywall
Cons
Coarse blade rips drywall paperCreates much drywall debris
Twin Blade Saw
A twin-blade saw is a circular saw with two blades next to each other that turn in opposite directions, facilitating plunge cuts.
Uses
You can use a twin-blade saw to create grooves in wood, make plunge cuts for windows or doors, or to cut difficult materials like metal.
Pros
PowerfulOpposing blades keep saw steady
Cons
A limited-use toolCreates wide cuts
Spiral Saw
A spiral saw is like a router and jigsaw, combined. Unlike a router, it will cut slim lines. Unlike a jigsaw, it will plunge into the material and it does not require you to turn the tool as you go around the lines.
Uses
Use the spiral saw for cutting holes into tile for faucets or for plunge-cuts into drywall for electrical boxes, among many other uses.
Pros
SmallFastMakes quick plunge cuts, just like a drill
Cons
Kicks up a lot of debrisDifficult to control
Wet Tile Saw
If you want to cut tile or artificial stone, a wet tile saw is a great help. The continuous flow of water holds down dust and keeps the blade cool. For small amounts of tile installation, you can even get by with the much cheaper snap tile cutter.
Uses
Use a wet tile saw for cutting ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as manufactured veneer stone.
Pros
Dust-freeStraight cuts
Cons
A limited-use sawRequires steady flow of water
