Saw pertains to an instrument or tool for cutting or dividing materials and substances such as wood, iron, plastic, aluminum, acrylic, melamine , etc., consisting of a thin blade, or plate, of steel, with a series of sharp teeth on the edge, which remove successive portions of the material by cutting and tearing.

There are many varieties of saws in the market, among them are stated below:

back saw - perfect for the fine, accurate cut. Includes the dovetail and tenon saw. Distinguished (from other hand saws) by a stiff length of brass or steel set over the top edge of the saw blade, providing support for the blade and preventing the blade to twist or flex.

band saw - the more versatile of the curve-cutting saws, the thin blade allows work to be maneuvered easily and accurately along a winding line of cut as well as in and out of tight corners. Able to make straight cuts such as rip, crosscut and miter and possibly bevel and compound miter (with a tilting worktable). Also excellent for re-sawing boards.

bow saw - ideal for pruning, landscaping work and sawing firewood. Tubular steel frame with blade-tensioning lever that snaps closed to form a handle.

brick saw - used in sawing bricks. Features coarse-cutting blade that cuts on both the push and pull strokes.

circular saw - a voracious tool, the portable circular saw is critical to any building or framing project because it can cut lumber quickly, with power and with accuracy.

compass saw - similar to a coping saw, but more heavy duty. A thin blade set into a pistol-grip handle, it quickly cuts curves, circles and cutouts in wood, plywood and wallboard. Useful for cutting access holes when installing pipes and electrical boxes. A smaller version is the keyhole saw.

compound miter saw - a miter box and hand saw used in conjunction to make compound-angle (45 and 90-degree) miter cuts. Also can be used with a measuring accessory for cutting frames. Basically a chop saw with a tilt mechanism added to the pivoting head. Miters are set by rotating the tool's turntable and the head is tilted for bevel cuts. A great choice for working with moldings and trim. A Sliding version has the in-and-out capability of a radial-arm saw that enables it to make most any kind of cut.

coping saw - has a narrow metal frame which supports a thin blade held in place with a hook, loop or pin on each end of the blade. Can be rotated in the frame to make intricate curved cuts. Makes a finer cut than a compass saw

crosscut saw - hand saw used to cut across the grain (the width of the material).

hand saw (also panel saw)
The most common and recognizable of all handsaws. Has a wide, tapering blade with teeth cut along one edge and a handle riveted to the wide end. Two basic types: crosscut and rip. Most effectively used to cut large, wide or thick pieces of wood.

pruning saw - excellent for trimming trees and bushes, the curved blade folds back into the curved hardwood handle for convenience.

reciprocating saw - an indispensable tool for contractors and remodelers, the "recip" saw will chew through most any cutting task. Ideal for demolition tasks, such as wall removal. Can cut through wood, metal or plastics easily. Great at cutting rough openings, cutouts for plumbing and heating ducts and can even prune tree branches.

rip saw - hand saw used to cut along the grain (the length of the material).

sabre saw - if you need the ability to follow curved or straight lines, cut metal (as well as plastic, brick, etc. with the right blade) or enclosed holes, reach for this tool. A popular tool, the unique design provides relatively-safe cutting.

scroll saw (or jigsaw) - freehand curve-cutting machine (along with the band saw) with fine-tooth blades that can cut intricate patterns and smooth edges in thinner stock. Operates with little vibration, quick blade changes and easy-to-operate clamps. Is stationary, as opposed to a sabre saw, which is portable

Japanese panel saw - although it looks like a standard Western hand saw, actually a Japanese tool. The unique tooth design helps reduce friction at the beginning of the cutting stroke while increasing the cutting action throughout the stroke.

keyhole saw - a small saw with a short, narrow blade and a tight turning radius. Smaller than a compass saw, it can also cut light metal.

log saw - designed for crosscutting logs and large timbers, it comes with 15 sets of three teeth. The teeth are separated by deep gullets that remove sawdust quickly. Cuts on both the push and pull stroke.

miter saw (also chop saw) - the power alternative to the miter box, miter saws are great for basic crosscuts for lumber and trim. Although not capable of beveled or compound-angle cuts, they are simpler to use, durable and less expensive than compound or sliding compound miter saws

nest of saws - great for homeowners, this tool is actually four saws in one. The tool comes with three interchangeable blades to handle cutting jobs around the home and yard. Features a hardwood pistol-grip handle. Quick-change wingnut and bolt hold the steel blades in place.

tenon saw - fine-toothed hand saw used to cut tenons and other wood joints accurately. Similar to a back saw, but shorter to offer greater control.

wet saw - if the job is cutting several bricks, pavers or tiles, this tool uses water to keep the blade and brick cool as well as decrease dust and flying debris.

Ref: 120737/2006-10-02


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