Most of your home improvement projects will require a saw to cut long pieces of material in a short amount of time. At the same time, you may need a hand saw to make more precise cuts or designs. In the end, there isn’t a single saw that covers all uses, but you can find the one that best suits your needs. Let’s look at some of the best saws you’ll need for home remodeling.
Band Saw
A highly versatile tool, band saws can cut straight, curved, or irregular lines through metal or wood. A band saw uses a long, thin looped blade that runs between two wheels to offer the user control over the cutting process. For more delicate work, stationary pre-owned options will do the trick, but there are benchtop or portable band saw models you can find for cheaper.
Cordless/Corded Circular Saw
A circular saw has a spinning, toothed blade that is specifically used to cut through wood, even against the grain. Dedicated DIYers who plan on creating a deck or doghouse need to use one of these at some point. Both corded and cordless varieties are portable and can cut for long periods, but a cordless circular saw is much heavier and has a limited battery capacity. You can find the best circular saw under $150 and $75 from woodedwire.
Manual Miter Box and Saw
While a manual saw and miter box combo seem old-age at this point, they are exceptionally cheap and easy to work with. Both pieces are often sold together because the miter box helps to guide your cut at multiple angles. Miter boxes and manual saws are the best option for very precise cuts, especially for trims, as power saws may split or move the wood when used.
Compound Saw/Electric Miter Saw
Another staple of woodworking projects, an electric miter saw can offer perfect crosscuts, miter, and bevel cuts. All these cuts are used frequently when cutting baseboards, cabinets, crown molding, and decorative trims. You’ll need to use this saw frequently for its 45-degree cuts. If you’re going to invest in any saw for your home improvement project, pick the compound saw.
Oscillating Multi-Tool Saw
An oscillating multi-tool will come in handy for projects that require precise holes or circular cuts. Most multi-tools come with multiple attachments, including saw blades for undercutting door jambs or nipping off nails. They can even be used for stripping off paint if you attach a sandpaper tool. An oscillating multi-tool can also perform fine plunge cuts or spiral saw cuts.
Jab Saw or Reciprocating Saw
Both the jab saw and reciprocating saw use similar blades, but the jab saw is manual. Since reciprocating saws can be difficult to control, a jab saw is a great alternative. Regardless of what you choose, they are often used for making rough cuts and are a trusted ally in demolition. Their coarse teeth are perfect for drywall work, creating holes for boxes, or cutting foam insulation.
Twin Blade Saw
A twin-blade saw is a circular saw with two blades next to each other. They turn in opposite directions, making them perfect for plunge cuts, creating grooves in wood, and working with difficult materials like metal. Twin blade saws are extremely powerful and can cut through anything, but they’re only appropriate for large projects, imprecise cuts, and expert handlers.Â
Wet Tile Saw or Snap Tile Cutter
At some point, you may need to cut through artificial stone (veneer) or tile (ceramic and porcelain) for a bathroom or kitchen. A wet tile saw will come in handy here, as the continuous flow of water keeps the blade cool and takes care of dust. Snap tile cutters basically function the same, but they don’t use water to prevent overheating and are used for small projects.
