Saws and planers are used to cut and shape a variety of materials. Both tools are most commonly used for woodworking, however, there are also saws designed to cut through plastic, metal, ceramic and concrete.
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Different types of saws and planers
Each saw is designed for a different purpose or application, here’s more information on their different uses:
- Hacksaws – these feature a C-shaped frame which keeps the blade in place using tension. They’re mainly used to cut metal and plastic, especially pipes. The blade can be easily changed if the teeth become blunt.
- Coping saws – these tools have a thin, narrow blade, and are generally used for making curved cuts, meaning they’re often used by carpenters and plumbers, as well as furniture makers. They have interchangeable blades which can be used with both metal and wood. The blade can be removed and threaded through a drilled hole to cut inside profiles.
- Pad saws – also known as keyhole saws, these tools are used to cut holes in softwood or drywall.
- Hacksaws and blades – hacksaws have a fine-tooth blade fixed into a hacksaw handle. They’re lightweight, versatile and can cut through wood, metal and plastic using specific blades.
- Hand saws – these hand tools are used for cutting through a range of materials, most commonly wood, and are available in a variety of blade lengths.
- Rodsaw blades – these are the blades used in rodsaws, and are commonly used for cutting out recesses and holes in materials such as limestone, carbon fibre and fibreglass.
- Smoothing plane – these are used in woodworking to smooth a piece of wood. They’re designed to shave wood, and are available in two different types; low angle and standard. It’s designed to remove thin shavings of wood from a larger piece to leave a smooth finish. They’re often used in carpentry and furniture making.
What are manual saws and planers used for?
Some saws are intended for general purpose tasks, such as traditional hand saws, as they can cut both hardwood and softwood, plastic and non-ferrous metal. Other types of saw, for example a keyhole saw, are designed for specific purposes.
Planers are hand tools designed to shape and shave wood, rather than to cut through it. These tools aren’t generally intended for use with materials such as metal, and are more commonly used for carpentry and furniture making.
