When you start a project around the house there are many tools that you will end up needing. Besides the basics you will also need power tools. One of the most overlooked power tools that you will need is the power saw. If you need to cut a piece of wood for a bookshelf there is nothing better than a power saw.



There are several power tools available. The basic types fall under three different categories, circular saws, sabre saws, and reciprocal saws. Each type of saw has its own purpose and design.

The most basic out of all the power saws is the circular saw. They usually fit tempered blades between the sizes of 5 ½” up to 10”. There are also other specialty sizes made depending on what job needs to be done. The average operating speed for a circular saw is around 5,000 rpm which is fast enough to do most any job.

Sabre saws are more of a specialized saw. They have thin blades that use an up and down motion while cutting. These saws prove a lot harder than the average circular saw to keep in a straight line and only cut around 3,000 rpm. You can also buy specialty blades for these saws that allow you to cut through metals, plastics, and other materials besides wood. A platform is even available for angled cuts.

A reciprocal saw works like the old hand saws did by using a back and forth motion to cut. However, the reciprocal saw has been motorized to make it easier to use. There are different blades of different sizes for this saw but they are mostly all long pieces of metal with a serrated edge on one side.

The most typical type of power saw uses a 110 volt power supply that you plug directly into your wall outlet. Looking around you can also find cordless versions of power saws but they are generally weaker and don't have the power that most people prefer.

Varity is not a problem when it comes to power saws. There are many different brands that carry power saws for all needs. Some of the most popular brands of power saws include DeWalt, Craftsman, and Bosch. Pricing on a saw can run anywhere from $120 to a few thousand depending on the application it will be used for.

With so many saws it may be hard to decide which one best suits your needs. After you decide what you are planning to do with your project ask a professional handyman what he would recommend you buy. For simple tasks however a good circular saw just can't be beat. Remember to always wear protective gear around the saw and practice with it. Nobody is perfect when they start out using a power saw.