Electric saws, also called power saws, are heavy-duty cutting tools designed to cut across various materials in multiple applications. These power tools involve an electrically powered mechanism that moves the blade rapidly, precisely cutting materials at high speeds. An electric saw can significantly speed up tasks compared to manual saws and provides cleaner and effortless cuts through metal, wood, plastic, drywall, concrete, aluminium, and masonry. Power saws comprise sharp blades with different cutting depths and diameters for cutting at different angles. Additionally, electric saws can be a corded or cordless electric saw tailored for specific applications and environments.
Popular Types of Electric Saws
Electric saws are categorised into various types based on their specific tasks, shapes, or materials. Some of the most common electric saw types include:
- Circular Saws – A circular saw is a versatile handheld saw with a round blade that spins in a circular motion. It is used to make straight cuts in a variety of materials, including masonry, lumber, metals, plastics, and plywood. Circular saws can be either corded or cordless circular saw, ensuring high-performance levels in various domains.
- Mitre Saws – A mitre saw, also called a chop saw, features a circular blade that drops down on the material to make accurate crosscuts and mitre cuts. These saws allow tilt or rotate blades to cut at different angles precisely, making them ideal for professional applications. They come as a compound mitre saw and a sliding mitre saw.
- Jigsaws – These are handheld saws that feature a reciprocating thin blade moving up and down to make intricate (straight and curved) cuts. It's used for cutting curves and detailed patterns in wood, metal, and plastic. They are widely used to make holes and shapes on flat surfaces, such as kitchen worktops.
- Table Saws – Table saws comprise a circular saw blade mounted on an arbour that protrudes through the table surface, which provides support for cutting materials. They are stationary saws commonly used in woodworking or other materials for making straight cuts. They are available in corded, cordless table saws, as well as bench-top table saws for compact and easy transport requirements.
- Alligator Saws – An alligator saw features two blades that resemble the alligator's jaws and can cut thicker branches and logs, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The blades move in opposite directions, providing clean and effortless cuts in various industrial applications.
- Bandsaws – A band saw features a continuous looped blade running around wheels. It can be used for intricate cuts, resawing wood, and cutting curves.
- Chainsaws – Powered by either electricity or gas, this saw is used for cutting trees, logs, and larger wood chunks. It has a chain with sharp teeth that rotates around a bar.
- Reciprocating Saw (or Sawzall) – Also called oscillating saws, these cutting tools consist of a blade that moves back and forth rapidly. It's commonly used for demolition work and cutting through materials quickly.
Typical Applications of Electric Saws
Electric saws find versatile applications in a range of industries and environments, depending on the power saw types. Some of the typical applications of electric saws include:
- Woodworking and Metalworking
- Construction
- Carpentry and Cabinetry
- Automotive
- Landscaping
- Home Improvement
- Demolition
- DIY Projects.
Note: Electric saws are incredibly useful and powerful, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly.
