Saws are among the most fundamental tools in any woodworker's kit, but with so many types available it can be hard to know which one to reach for. This guide breaks down the most common woodworking saws and when to use each one.
Understanding the Two Basic Cuts
Before choosing a saw, it helps to understand the two main types of cut:
- Rip cuts — cutting along the grain of the wood (with the grain)
- Crosscuts — cutting across the grain
Different saws are optimised for one or both of these cuts, which is why having a small selection covers most situations.
The Most Useful Woodworking Saws
1. Panel Saw — The General Purpose Workhorse
A panel saw (or hand saw) is the classic large-format saw for breaking down sheet material and rough-cutting timber to length. Most have crosscut teeth, though rip-cut versions are available.
If you're only buying one large saw, a good quality crosscut panel saw covers the majority of tasks.
Best for: rough crosscutting, breaking down sheet goods.
2. Tenon Saw — The Joinery Essential
A tenon saw has a stiffened back (hence also called a back saw) which keeps the blade rigid for precise, controlled cuts. It's the go-to saw for cutting joints — tenons, dovetails, and housing joints. Available in various lengths; a 250–300mm tenon saw is the most versatile size.
Best for: joinery, cutting tenons, dovetails, and accurate crosscuts.
3. Dovetail Saw — The Fine Joinery Specialist
Smaller and finer-toothed than a tenon saw, the dovetail saw is designed for the delicate work of cutting dovetail joints and other fine joinery. If you're into furniture making or box making, this is worth adding to your kit.
Best for: dovetails, fine joinery, and detail work.
4. Coping Saw — The Curve Cutter
With its thin, replaceable blade held in a U-shaped frame, the coping saw is used for cutting curves, shapes, and internal cut outs. It's also used in joinery for removing the waste between dovetail pins.
Best for: curves, shapes, and internal cuts.
5. Japanese Pull Saw — The Precision Alternative
Unlike Western saws that cut on the push stroke, Japanese pull saws cut on the pull stroke. This allows for a thinner blade and a finer, more precise kerf. They're increasingly popular with woodworkers who want clean, accurate cuts with less effort.
Best for: fine crosscuts, flush cutting, and precision joinery.
Which Saw Should You Buy First?
For most beginners, start with:
- A crosscut panel saw for breaking down timber
- A tenon saw for joinery and accurate cuts
From there, add a coping saw and a dovetail saw as your projects demand them.
Tips for Buying a Woodworking Saw
- TPI (teeth per inch) — more teeth = finer cut, fewer teeth = faster but rougher cut. Crosscut saws typically run 7–10 TPI; dovetail saws 15–20 TPI.
- Hardpoint vs. sharpenable — hardpoint saws stay sharp longer but can't be resharpened. Traditional saws can be re-filed when dull.
- Handle comfort — you'll be using it a lot, so try the grip if you can. A well-balanced saw reduces fatigue.
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