Power saws are one tool that make handywork so much easier. While you can rent or borrow one off a friend when you need one, it’s good to have your own on hand especially if you like to do DIY or odd jobs around the house.

Not all power saws are created equal though, so it’s good to have an idea of what you should be looking for. Also, keep in mind that these saws are sharp tools, and they can be quite dangerous if handled incorrectly. Safety should always be on your mind when using them. Wearing glasses and cut-resistant gloves (such as those at unigloves.co.uk) should be standard procedure. Now, with that out of the way, this post will walk you through some of the features as well as explain a bit more about each type of power saw.

Features to consider

As technology advances, so does the features that we can find on modern power saws. Some of the more important features that are worth looking out for include:

Portability: A smaller saw that takes up little space is useful if you don’t have many storage options in your home. Portable also usually means lightweight too.

Speed options: If you are going to be cutting different kinds of materials, it’s useful to have a saw with variable speeds for greater versatility.

Dust extraction: Some saws are able to be connected to a dust extractor, which certainly comes in handy when trying to keep your home or garage tidy and healthy.

Cut precision and quality: Smooth cuts will make life a whole lot easier for your DIY work, so look for a saw that promises precision cutting.

Different Types of Power Saw

There are basically three types of power saw that you can choose from, with each having a different purpose.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is a handheld tool with a toothed disc or blade that is commonly found on a building site. It can cut different kinds of materials and is often used for things like cutting doors, frames or roofs. My friend owns a metal circular saw which I lend from time to time when doing some serious work to my home, it was very handy when fitting new doors.

Features:

• Corded or cordless options available
• Dust extraction is an option
• Portable
• Precision cutting

Plunge Saw

If you’re looking for a saw that makes only straight cuts, then a plunge saw is what you need. It’s often used for carpentry and joinery as well as cutting full sheets and panels. Accuracy is generally pretty spot on thanks to its guide rails that can also be secured with clamps (sold separately).

Features:

• Precision cutting
• Dust extraction
• Different speed options

Compound Saw

A compound saw is very versatile in that it can cut an assortment of materials, and can be used for joinery, construction and carpentry as well as cutting larger board pieces. It can make different kinds of cuts such as accurate crosscuts and handle various material thicknesses.

Features:

• Different speeds
• Portable
• Precision cutting
• Can buy a dust extractor as an accessory

What Type of Power Saw Will You Choose?

With there being different kinds of power saws to choose from, it’s definitely worth really thinking about the types of jobs that you will be doing and the features that you need first. You may find that you need more than just one to ensure that you can have much more versatility when it comes to your DIY or renovation work.