Saws
Saws
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE SAWS
Which handsaw should you choose?
If you are interested in traditional woodworking by hand, you will quickly find that the range of saws is extensive. You can choose between Western saws such as panel saws, frame saws, dovetail saws, fine saws and backsaws, as well as traditional Japanese saws such as Ryoba, Dozuki and Kataba. Or perhaps you are looking for a garden saw or pruning saw?
Unfortunately, there is no universal saw that can do everything. The following tips will help you choose the right handsaw:
- Define the intended use. Consider what you want to use the saw for (precise or rough cuts, material such as metal, dry or green wood, plastics, required cutting depth, etc.). This will significantly narrow down your options.
- Consider your experience. Which saws are you already familiar with? Positive or negative experiences often help define what features are important to you. Note these points and discuss them with our specialist advisors.
- Quality requirements. If you only need a saw for occasional repairs or small DIY tasks, an entry-level model may be sufficient. In this case, a saw with a quick change saw system and universal or double tooth pattern is a practical choice. This allows you to work in different cutting directions and replace worn blades easily. If, on the other hand, you plan to work more extensively with wood and produce more complex projects, it makes sense to invest in saws designed for specific cutting directions and to consider suitable power tools as well.
How do you choose the right saw blade or saw?
The following criteria apply to circular saws, jigsaws, bandsaws and hand saw blades alike:
- Cutting direction. Different tooth geometries are required for rip cuts and crosscuts. When cutting along the grain, the fibres must be separated from each other, and the tooth shape resembles that of a plane blade. When cutting across the grain, the fibres are severed, and the teeth have cutting edges on the sides.
- Material. Different materials such as solid wood, panel materials, plastics or metals require specific tooth forms and steels (e.g. tool steel, HSS) or differently hardened teeth.
- Material thickness. As cutting depth increases, the tooth pitch should also increase. The space between the teeth must be large enough to remove the chips. If it is too small, the blade will clog and cutting performance will decrease.
- Cut quality. Blades for rough cutting have a coarser tooth pitch, whereas fine-cut blades are designed for precise work such as fitting or joinery.
Always choose a blade that matches the material and the intended task. The right blade makes cutting easier, improves the result and enhances safety. We offer suitable or manufacturer-recommended blades for all machines and hand saws.
Which saws belong in a basic power tool setup?
Jigsaw
A pendulum jigsaw is a versatile machine found in many workshops. It can be used to cut strips, laminate flooring or small projects such as birdhouses. The quality of the cut depends largely on selecting the right blade for the material and the required cutting radius.
Circular saw, table saw and mitre saw
A plunge-cut circular saw with guide rail can perform many of the cuts typically done on a table saw, while requiring less space. With a handheld circular saw, you only need space for the cut itself, whereas a table saw requires additional space in front of and behind the machine.
A table saw is particularly useful when producing more complex furniture with many parts of varying dimensions. Precise adjustments and repeat cuts can be made more quickly and accurately. Smaller parts and narrow strips can also be cut more safely.
A mitre saw is ideal for crosscutting with limited cutting width. When cutting large quantities of mouldings or strips, for example in interior finishing or flooring installation, it offers significant time savings. Compared to plunge saws and table saws, however, its range of applications is more limited.
Bandsaws vs. jigsaws
These tools serve different purposes and both are useful in a well-equipped workshop. A jigsaw is ideal for cut-outs and mobile work, for example during kitchen installation. However, it can be tiring to use over longer periods due to vibration, and cutting depth is limited (typically up to half the blade length).
A bandsaw, on the other hand, allows more precise cuts and greater cutting depths. It runs more smoothly, produces cleaner edges and is less tiring to use. It is also suitable for resawing thicker solid timber, which can then be jointed and planed. Internal cut-outs are not possible with a bandsaw.
Corded or cordless?
Many handheld saws and smaller stationary machines are available in both corded and cordless versions. Corded saws can be used continuously over long periods without interruption, making them ideal for larger projects. However, the cable restricts mobility.
Cordless saws offer greater flexibility and can be used in locations without a power supply, such as on construction sites or in the garden.
Workshop considerations
When choosing the right saw, it is also important to consider the space required for both the tool and the workshop setup.
Japanese saws and Western hand saws are suitable for both workshop use and mobile work. For accurate results in the workshop, at least a small table with a clamp or, ideally, a workbench is recommended.
When using circular saws or plunge saws in the workshop, a sawing table or multifunction table is ideal. Since you need to move around the table and may be cutting larger panels, space requirements are significantly higher (panel size plus approx. 50 cm clearance on all sides). On site, sawhorses and a sacrificial board can be used as a practical alternative.
Semi-stationary saws such as underfloor pull saws are often supplied with folding stands. Dust extraction for these tools is usually handled by a mobile extractor.
For stationary machines such as bandsaws or table saws, not only the working area in front of and behind the machine must be considered, but also additional space for dust extraction systems and hose routing. Safety zones around the machines are another important factor in workshop planning.
