Buying Guide for Different Types of Saws

They say a bad workman blames his tools, but a good workman always knows the right tool for the job. When it comes to buying power saws, that’s more important than ever. You’ll need to take into account the type of material you’re using and whether you’re looking to make a straight or shaped cut. For heavy-duty, specialised woodworking you’ll want the best power saw you can buy for your budget. Here’s our guide to the different types of saws available and how they can enhance your woodworking.

Wall Saws
If your workshop has limited space, then a wall saw – also known as a vertical panel saw – is ideal. Standing just 1 metre from the wall, a wall saw can break down a large board quickly and efficiently and their ease of use and in-built safety features make them ideal for training new operators.

Band Saws
If you only invest in one piece of equipment for your shop, make it a bandsaw. This vital piece of equipment doesn’t just handle wood but is also the smart choice for cutting plastic, metal and other materials. Bandsaws can cope with straight and shaped cuts and are available in a wide variety of wheel sizes – the larger the wheel the higher the capacity in terms of depth.

The versatility of this type of saw is further enhanced by using blades with different gauges, widths and teeth settings to meet the requirements of any job. Guides at the top and bottom of the blade ensure accuracy while the fence in the tilting table mount lets you make precision straight cuts with ease.

Beam Saws
If you cut a lot of plastic materials then you’ll need a high-quality beam saw. Choose a front loader if you need to save space or a rear loader if you’d prefer to automate the cutting of several sheets at a time. Both types of saw hold the material static with a pressure beam while the saw moves in its carriage and makes its cuts. Beam saws are often software controlled to optimise the yield from each sheet of material.

Panel Saws
If you have the room for a horizontal panel saw you’ll find it another versatile piece of equipment. Capable of ripping through wood, plastic, MDF and chipboard it cuts easily and accurately. An aluminium fence and stop system ensure precision sizing while the rip fence is ideal for smaller work. With quick set up times, incredible accuracy and a range of safety features, a panel saw is ideal for breaking down large panels with speed and precision.

Interested in investing in new equipment for your workshop? Contact us and our experienced and knowledgeable team will be happy to help you make the right purchasing decisions.