Saws That Cut Wood & Steel

Hacksaw

• A hacksaw is a manual saw made up of a thin metal blade about 1/2-inch wide stretched tight on a pipe or bent metal frame. The tension of the blade is adjustable with a wing nut on the end of the saw. Unlike other hand saws, the hacksaw blade cuts on both the down and up strokes, making it very efficient. The frame of the hacksaw limits the depth of the cut to between 3 and 6 inches, depending on the saw. It can be used to cut small lumber, steel rods and steel pipe.

Reciprocating Saw

• Much like a powered hacksaw, the reciprocating saw works with a fine tooth metal blade. Different blades are available for different tasks. Everything from a 12-inch coarse tooth wrecking blade to a 3-inch long bi-metal blade can be used. The saw blades are mounted in a holder at the end of the saw, and move in and out rapidly to make the cut. Reciprocating saws are ideal for rough cutting, but difficult to handle when precision matters. They are capable of cutting almost any building material, except concrete and hardened steel.

Circular Saws

• A standard circular saw can be used to cut most lumber and wood sheet goods and light gauge steel. Use an abrasive wheel for cutting solid steel stock, such as bolts and rods. Turn a fine tooth plywood blade around, so that the teeth are backwards to cut thin metal sheeting, such as siding and roofing panels. Circular saws have a tendency to throw hot bits of metal as they cut, so safety glasses and gloves are a prerequisite.

Jigsaw or Band Saw

• A jigsaw has a thin bayonet blade much like a reciprocating saw, only smaller. Both wood and metal cutting blades are available. Clamp your stock in place, as the jigsaw has a tendency to vibrate considerably. The jigsaw works best on thin sheet goods, such as metal siding or plywood. A band saw has a similar thin blade that turns on two wheels in a band. Unlike the jigsaw, which is steered through the cut, the material is steered through the stationary band saw blade. It is good for curve and detail cuts on most lumber and precision cuts on steel.