Saws are indispensable tools for construction, woodworking and DIY projects, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. Whether you're a professional contractor or a weekend hobbyist, understanding the various types of saws and their applications ensures you get the best results. At Tool Chest Hire, we provide a range of high-quality saws tailored to meet diverse project needs. Here’s your ultimate guide to choosing the right saw for the job.

The Basics of Saws

At their core, saws are tools designed to cut through materials such as wood, metal and plastic. They come in two main categories: manual and power saws. Manual saws rely on physical effort, making them ideal for smaller or intricate tasks. Power saws, on the other hand, are mains, battery or petrol powered. They deliver speed and precision for larger projects. Tool Chest Hire offers a comprehensive selection of saws, ensuring there’s something for every requirement.

Popular Types of Saws and Their Applications

Circular Saws
Circular saws are versatile tools designed for straight cuts in wood, plastic and metal sheets. They are perfect for tasks such as building timber frames, cutting plywood for shelving or trimming decking boards to size. The Makita HS6601 stands out with its powerful 1050W motor, a cutting depth of up to 37.5mm and bevel cutting capability up to 45 degrees. It’s an ideal choice for construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Door Saws
Door saws are engineered for resizing or trimming doors with precise, clean edges. These are particularly useful when fitting new doors into slightly uneven frames or resizing existing doors to accommodate new flooring. The high-powered DEWALT DWS520KT 1,300W plunge saw features a 48-tooth blade, an anti-kickback function and rail adjustment providing an ideal corded solution for professionals working on trimming and plunge cutting projects..

Floor Saws
These heavy-duty tools are designed for cutting through concrete, asphalt and stone. Common applications include road repairs, creating expansion joints or cutting through slabs during large construction projects. The Husqvarna FS400 LV (Low Vibration) floor saw is a robust and versatile tool designed with operator comfort in mind, minimising vibrations while delivering excellent performance across a range of applications. Uses include small road repairs in concrete or asphalt, reinstatement work and cutting trenches for pipe laying.

Jigsaws
Jigsaws excel in making curved or intricate cuts on wood, plastics and metal. They are ideal for creating unique shapes in furniture making, crafting detailed cut-outs for DIY projects or even cutting sink holes in countertops. The Makita 4350FCT Top Handle Jig Saw delivers precision and versatility with features like a built-in LED light, variable speed control (800–2,800 SPM) and three orbital settings for cutting various materials. Its anti-vibration technology and dynamically balanced motor ensure smooth operation, reducing vibration by over 40%. 

Masonry Saws
Masonry saws are tailored for cutting bricks, tiles and stone with ease. They are indispensable on construction sites for shaping materials to fit tight spaces or cutting tiles to size for flooring and walls. The Belle BC350 is a portable brick and tile bench saw.Compatible with 14" abrasive or diamond cutting discs, it's ideal for use on all masonry materials.

Metal Cutters
Designed to cut through metal sheets, rods and pipes, metal cutters are frequently used in steel fabrication, HVAC installations and plumbing work. The Makita JN1601 Nibbler offers a 360° rotating die, a 1/4" stroke for precise cutting of corrugated materials, an ergonomic design for easy handling, a built-in thickness gauge and quick punch and die replacement for efficiency.

Mitre Saws
Mitre saws provide precision for angled cuts, making them ideal for frames, mouldings, skirting boards and other joinery work. The Makita LS1214 Compound Mitre Chopsaw (110v) delivers precise bevels and mitres for various carpentry tasks and can cut aluminium and plastic with the appropriate blade.

Reciprocating Saws
These saws are designed for demolition tasks, cutting through wood, pipes and nails effortlessly. Reciprocating saws are essential for renovation work, such as removing old wooden beams or cutting through pipes during plumbing repairs. The Makita JR3060T Reciprocating Saw (110v) is a versatile handheld tool for quickly and efficiently cutting metal and timber, mimicking a hand saw's motion without the effort.

Splitters
These devices are essential for splitting blocks and paving stones quickly and efficiently. The Matholite Manual Slab/Block Splitter is easy to use, portable with wheels, and cleanly cuts paving blocks and slabs up to 490mm long and 230mm thick with a single handle action.

Wall Chasing Machines
Used for creating grooves in walls for cables or pipes, wall chasing machines are vital for electricians and plumbers. The Makita SG1250 Wall Chaser (110v) is perfect for creating channels in plaster or brickwork for cables and conduits, featuring a soft start, constant speed, SJS for jam protection and precise grooving with coaxial diamond wheels.

Biscuit Jointers
Biscuit jointers are specialised tools for creating strong, invisible joints in woodworking. These tools are commonly used in furniture assembly, cabinet making and joinery projects. The Makita 3901 Biscuit Jointer (110v) ensures fast and precise biscuit joints with a rack-and-pinion fence, aluminium pivot stops at 0°, 45° and 90°, six depth settings, and a 100mm blade for up to 20mm cutting depth.

Routers
Routers are versatile tools for hollowing out, edge shaping or creating decorative cuts. They are ideal for detailed carpentry projects such as crafting intricate furniture designs, adding decorative edges to tabletops or creating grooves for shelving. The Makita RP2301FC Plunge Router (3-1/4 HP, Variable Speed) features a 15 AMP motor with speeds ranging from 9,000 to 22,000 RPM and electronic speed control for consistent performance under load.

Factors to Consider When Hiring a Saw

When hiring a saw, consider the following:

Material and Project Scope: Choose a saw that matches the materials you’re working with and the complexity of your project.

Power and Portability: For outdoor projects or sites without electrical access, cordless saws are an excellent choice. Tool Chest Hire offers battery-powered options with long-lasting performance.

Safety and Ease of Use: Look for models with built-in safety features like blade guards and anti-kickback systems. Our team at Tool Chest Hire can guide you in selecting the safest and most user-friendly options.

Interested in Saw Hire? Speak to Tool Chest Hire Today!

Choosing the right saw is critical to achieving the best results in your project. With Tool Chest Hire’s extensive selection, flexible terms and expert support, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect tool for the job. Visit our saw hire page to explore our offerings and make your next project a success.
Ready to get started? Contact Tool Chest Hire today on 020 8748 7912 and let us equip you with the right tools to bring your vision to life.