D.I.Y. by Example

The portable band saw gets its name from the blade it uses to make cuts. The saw blade is in a continuous band (like a rubber band) and it is turned by the motor inside the saw. You don’t do the cutting, the saw does. The continuous band extends the life of the blade by insuring that the cutting takes place over the entire length of the blade instead of in a small area (like a hacksaw or reciprocating saw) and keeping it much cooler.

This example is the Makita 2107F Portable Band Saw. Sold at many home improvement and tool centers for about $300. It features variable speed and quick blade changes.Portable band saws are typically used for cutting metal such as steel pipe or iron balusters. They can usually cut something as large as 4 inches in diameter.
They require a steady hand for a cut straight and to keep the blade from binding.

The reciprocating saw gets its name from the motion of the blade when the saw is turned on…it moves back and forth or reciprocates. These saws are very versatile and can be very powerful. They are typically used for demolition or cutting in tight spaces but can perform many other duties depending on the type of blade used. With the appropriate blade, they can even be used for cutting/trimming trees.

This example is the Dewalt DW304 reciprocating saw. It features a 10amp motor, keyless blade changing, variable speed and a multi-position blade clamp for flush cutting. It sells for about $100 at your local tool/home improvement center.

Reciprocating saws need to be held firmly against the material that they are cutting or the blade can stick causing the saw to reciprocate instead of the blade. With the proper blade, they can cut plastic, metal, wood, etc.

If you are looking for a smooth, clean, finished cut don’t use a reciprocating saw! They use brute force to cut through an object. But for many projects, nothing can beat their speed and versatility.

Related Links: DEWALT DW304PK Reciprocating Saw Kit

A jigsaw is a hand held saw with a small base that allows you to cut straight lines or curves.

This example is a Freud FJ85 Heavy Duty Variable Speed Jigsaw. It features a 6amp motor, variable speed, quickblade changes, vacuum port and a non-marring base. Models like this one are capable of cutting differing materials for an extended period of time. Others are designed for smaller and more delicate work and even come with features that allow them to make more intricate cuts (using one of these for heavy duty cuts can burn out the motor).

When purchasing a jigsaw, select the model with the features that best fit your needs. If you are looking for something to do delicate, intricate cutting, consider a scroll saw.

The scroll saw is used to make fine, delicate cuts in wood (sometimes metal).

This example is the Dewalt DW788 Scroll Saw (shown with optional light and stand). It features variable speed, dust blower, tool-free blade changes, 20″ cutting depth and an oversized cast iron table. This scroll saw sells for about $500 from tool stores but smaller, less expensive models are available at your local tool/home improvement center.

Here is an example of what you can accomplish with a scroll saw…