Saws — Types, Comparisons, and Buying Guides

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Saws cover everything from ripping sheet goods on a table saw to cutting curves with a jigsaw. Each type handles a different job, and picking the wrong one costs you time and clean cuts. This section breaks down table saws, jigsaws, and worm-drive saws by specs, price, and what actual owners say about them.

Types of Saws

Table Saws

Stationary saw for ripping long boards, crosscutting sheet goods, and making repeatable cuts with a parallel fence. A workshop staple.

Compare Table Saws

Jigsaws

Handheld saw for curved cuts, scrollwork, and cutouts in countertops, panels, and drywall. The go-to when a straight cut isn't what you need.

Compare Jigsaws

Worm-Drive Saws

Heavy-duty circular saw variant with the motor behind the blade. Preferred by framers on the West Coast for its torque and line-of-sight visibility.

Compare Worm-Drive Saws

Top Brands

DeWalt 20V MAX
Milwaukee M18 (18V)
Makita 18V LXT
Ryobi ONE+ (18V)
Bosch 18V
Craftsman V20 (20V)
Ridgid 18V Octane
Kobalt 24V MAX

Popular Comparisons

Educational Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of saws are available?

We cover Table Saws, Jigsaws, Worm-Drive Saws. Each type handles different work. Browse the sections below to find what fits your projects.

Which brands make the best saws?

DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch rank high in aggregated user reviews for durability and output. Ryobi and Craftsman hit lower price points and work well for people who use their tools a few times a month.

Should I buy brushless or brushed?

Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and squeeze more runtime out of the same battery. They cost more upfront but pay for themselves in reduced maintenance. If you use your tools weekly or more, go brushless. For occasional weekend use, brushed is fine.

How does FriendsWithTools review products?

We pull specs from manufacturer data sheets, cross-check pricing at Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's, and read through real user reviews. We do not test tools in a lab. All claims link back to their source.

How we work: specs come from manufacturer data sheets, prices from Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe's, and feedback from real user reviews on those platforms and construction forums. We do not run a test lab. Read more about our process.