Craft saw for wood

Types of craft saws for wood

A craft saw for wood comes in many types.

• Coping saw

  The coping saw has a thin and narrow blade that cuts internal curves and intricate designs. Because of its unique design that allows the user's hand to work within the frame, it is ideal for cutting moldings and shapes. This hand saw for wood also permits the maker to cut joints and elaborate details in a tight fit or coped manner. Furthermore, because of its thinness, it can easily navigate and produce precise cuts.

• Jigsaw

  When it comes to versatility and control, the electric jigsaw reigns supreme. It comes with a straight and curved cutting features, and can make intricate interior cutouts and curves. The blade of the jigsaw is mounted on a vertical arm that moves up and down as it cuts. Also, the speed control and orbital action of the blade can be adjusted. This allows it to cut through a variety of materials and be usable for a large number of applications. Among others, some common uses of a jigsaw are cutting rough shapes, making fine detailed cuts, and even scrolling.

• Scroll saw

  The scroll saw is ideal for cutting incredibly complex details. It is powered by either a reciprocating or an oscillating motion. It can make straight cuts, internal cuts, and curved cuts on softwoods, hardwoods and plywoods by using its thin blades. One great jigsaw benefit is the ability to make cuts without producing large amounts of waste. This is ideal when working on small wooden pieces. Furthermore, the machine provides excellent control and precision. This makes it a great choice when working on delicate and intricate wooden workpieces such as marquetry, masonite, or inlay.

• Band saw

  Generally, the band saw is used to cut irregular shapes and resaw with precision. It comes in a large wheel mounted vertically or horizontally, with a long blade that runs on its wheels. It can make straight cuts, complex cuts and curved cuts. The machine is usually used for cutting logs into planks and cutting out intricate patterns on wood. It is also used in high volume production to cut the same pattern on a large number of workpieces. The band saw has the advantage of cutting large and thick wood pieces quickly and accurately. It also produces less waste and control. It is therefore ideal for large scale projects and work involving difficult and time consuming wooden work.

Specification and maintenance of a craft saw for wood

Some important specifications of a wooden craft saw are as follows.

• Working Capacity

  Coping saws usually have a blade length of about 12-15 inches. This allows them to cut curves in relatively thick materials. The cuts' depth also depends on the tool's frame. The scroll saw works with the capacity of the table. This generally varies from 14-22 inches.

• Motor Power

  Craft saws for wood, such as jigsaws, band saws, and scroll saws, come in different motor powers. These powers are usually between 0.1 to 0.5 horsepower. Higher horsepower equals greater cutting strength. But greater strength also means more noise and speed.

• Cutting Speed

  Cutting speed for craft saws is measured in strokes per minute. It usually ranges from 2,500 to 3,500. The frame of the saw decides the speed at which it cuts. For instance, a jigsaw has multiple speed settings. A lower setting is for cutting through softer wood. A higher setting is for harder wood. Applying the correct speed protects the blade and the material being cut.

• Cutting Capacity

  The cutting capacity measures the height and width of the material a saw can cut. For example, band saws have a cutting capacity of 10 to 12 inches. That allows them to cut the width of meat waste produced during butchering. They also have a cutting height of 10 to 12 inches, which allows them to cut through large carcasses.

• Blade TPI

  TPI stands for teeth per inch. Different types of wood saws have varying TPI ratings. A coping saw has around 10 to 12 TPI. It produces smooth cuts in hardwood and softwood. Band saw blades can range from 2 to 24 TPI. Lower TPI bands cuts faster but less smoothly. Higher TPI bands are slower but produce smoother cuts.

Unplug an electric craft saw before cleaning it. Use a clean dry cloth and soapy water to clean it. Avoid using any solvent. The moving parts such as the bearings and pivot points need lubrication. Apply a small amount of oil to them. Wipe off any excess. Any rust parts can be cleaned with rust remover and a cloth. After cleaning, make sure to remove the excess rust remover as it may damage the saw.

The saw blade also needs regular cleaning. Unplug the craft saw to avoid any accidents. Wipe the saw blade gently with a dry cloth. In case of a lot of accumulated debris and dirt, clean it with soap and water. Once finished cleaning, dry it thoroughly before putting it back inside the saw.

Occasionally, check all the parts of the craft saw to see if anything is damaged or worn out. First, look at the frame for cracks. Damaged frames need immediate replacement to prevent the risk of injury. Second, inspect the saw teeth for sharpness. Dull teeth produce rough cuts. If any teeth are broken, replace the blade immediately. Third, adjust the tension of the blade while it's running to achieve a smoother and straighter cut.

Regularly, remove the dust buildup from the dust ports using a vacuum or a brush. Once done, hold the dust port cover and tap it a few times on the floor to remove any remaining dust.

Scenarios of using craft saws for wood

Normally, the usage scenarios of a woodcraft saw can be categorized based on the type of saw and its application in various industries and fields. As a result, the following scenarios are split according to the types of craft wood saws and their applications.

• Scroll saws

  They are usually used in scenarios involving intricate cuts and detailed work. They are perfect for cutting curved and complex shapes. Also, they are excellent for piercing cutouts. What is more, scroll saws enable making delicate and precision cuts. Additionally, they are also useful for crafting decorative masks and designs. Finally, they can also be used when making inlays and intarsia projects.

• Band saws

  In most cases, band saws are used in scenarios that involve resawing and curve cutting. They excel at cutting thick stock to yield thinner pieces. Additionally, the saws are used in cutting straight and irregular shapes. More so, band saws are used in metal cutting and meat processing industries. Finally, the saws are suitable for creating rounded and contoured shapes.

• Jig saws

  In most cases, jig saws are used in scenarios involving straight and curved cutting. They are mostly used when cutting wood, plastic, and metal. Also, the saws are suitable for making precise cuts when working on cabinets, countertops, and flooring. More so, jig saws are creatively used to trim trees and shape landscaping features.

• Handsaws

  These are mostly used in scenarios that involve finish and rough cutting. Hand saws are commonly used in carpentry, cabinetry, and woodwork projects. More so, they are applied when cutting lumber to required lengths and stripping.

• Coping saws

  Normally, coping saws are used in scenarios that involve intricate and delicate cutting. They are useful when cutting irregular shapes and inside cuts. Coping saws are often used in jointing, especially when coping joints to fit intricately. Additionally, the saws are ideal for making decorative cutouts and patterns on furniture pieces.

• Ripsaw

  Normally, power ripsaws are used in various lumber and woodworking industries. They are commonly used in ripping boards to width in rough carpentry and making structural components. Also, power ripsaws can be used in cutting veneers and laminated materials. They are applied in scenarios to yield thinner sheets from thicker stock.

How to choose a craft saw for wood

There are several important factors to consider when choosing the right wood craft saw for a project. These include type, blade, size and depth of cut, ease of use and safety features.

• Type

  The type of saw chosen will depend on the intended use. Jigsaw and scroll saws are great for curved and intricate cuts on thin wood pieces. The coping saw is an affordable alternative but requires more manual effort. On the other hand, the band saw excels at cutting through thicker wood.

• Blade

  Wood craft saws have different types of blades that are suitable for different types of wood. They come in various sizes and tooth patterns. It is important to consider what kinds of projects will be worked on before purchasing a wood saw. As noted earlier, jigsaws and scroll saws are great for intricate cuts on thin wood. The band saw works best on thicker material. Select a saw with a blade that is well suited for the kinds of projects that will be worked on.

• Size and Depth of Cut

  Depending on the kind of projects to tackle, it is important to go for a saw that has a maximum size and depth of cut. Larger saws with a greater depth of cut are difficult to use and more expensive.

• Ease of use

  The best wood craft saw for the job is one that is easy to use. Look for features like an ergonomic design and tool-less blade change mechanism. It should also have an adjustable speed control to easily handle different types of materials.

• Safety features

  Go for a craft wood saw with safety features like blade guards and electronic brakes. They help to minimize the risk of accidental injuries. Also, ensure it has a sturdy stand that holds it securely in place. Depending on the type, the wood craft saw should be easy to use and have safety features that prevent accidental injuries.

FAQ

Q1: How does a wood saw handle different types of wood grain?

A1: When cutting wood, the direction of the wood grain must always be considered, especially when using a hand saw for crafts. This is crucial for saws like the panel and crosscut saws. Always cut along the wood grain for smoother and neater cuts. Try to achieve this especially when working with softer woods. Cutting against the grain will cause the wood to splinter uncontrollably.

Q2: Does temperature affect how a wood saw cuts?

A2: Generally speaking, most craft wood saws are not affected by temperature. This is because wood is a natural material. Its temperature fluctuates as it absorbs and releases moisture. When this happens, it expands and contracts. Therefore, the saw cuts may be affected when dealing with substantially large pieces of wood. Besides, temperature may affect the rate of sap in the tree. Generally, higher temperatures may result in quicker cutting speeds and less resistance.

Q3: Can a craft wood saw cut other materials besides wood?

A3: Some saws, like the band and circular saws, have interchangeable blades that can cut different materials. This includes metal, plastic, and even hardwood. However, the wood saw blades must be suited for the specific material to be cut.

Q4: What are the safety precautions one should take when using a craft wood saw?

A4: Different saws require different safety precautions. However, some common precautions apply regardless of the type of saw in use. This includes wearing safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying debris. One may also need earmuffs to protect the ears from loud noise. Other common precautions include securing the material being cut to prevent unexpected movements and using the proper saw for the job.