If you like to cut shapes out of wood, you need to have a reliable tool you can depend on to cut precise shapes. You want to create circles, squares, triangles, and all sorts of beautiful, complex, and intricate patterns and figures out of wood. My favorite is the Shop Fox Scroll Saw because of it’s cast iron construction and cutting capacity. Check it out at Amazon.
Using a mediocre saw will result in a mediocre shape, not to mention the money you wasted on it. If you are in the market for a saw, you need to learn about the three different types of saws you can use to create shapes out of wood. They include:
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Jigsaw
- Cuts different types of materials, including wood.
- It can use various blades depending on the type of material you want to cut.
- Use it to cut letters, circles, and curvy shapes.
Scroll Saw
- Use it to cut circles and curves.
- Creates delicate and detailed cuts.
- Ideal to create complex designs.
- Makes accurate cuts.
- Minimal sanding required after cutting.
Band Saw
- Use it for woodcutting, metalworking, and lumbering.
- Cuts clean curves and irregular patterns and shapes.
- Use it to create common and specialty cuts.
- It can cut larger materials.
- It offers speed and accuracy while cutting.
- It can cut at odd patterns and angles.
Hand Saw
- Cuts small pieces of wood and joints.
- Choose from a tenon saw or panel saw depending on the type of cut you want to create.
Now, that you know the difference between the three, let us tell you about the best saw for cutting shapes. After reading customer reviews and seeing the rating, we created this list. You can choose one or more of the following saws depending on the types of shapes you want to cut out of wood:
1. Bosch Jigsaw
- STURDY 6.0 AMP MOTOR: delivers up to 3,100 strokes per minute
- VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL: includes a dial for max speed and accelerator trigger to control operating speed
- MULTIDIRECTIONAL BLADE CLAMP: for the superior grip of T-Shank blades (does not accept U-Shank blades)
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Bosch JS260 120-Volt Top-Handle Jigsaw can cut wood effortlessly, making your job easier. The manufacturer has equipped the premium quality jigsaw with a 6 AMP motor. Use the trigger to control the speed of the jigsaw while cutting shapes and patterns.
The product’s 4 orbital action settings allow you to create a variety of different shapes, which need different blade strokes. It also has an adjustable dust blower, which ensures the cutting remains clear throughout the process.
When you are cutting a shape out of wood, the cutting line will always be visible to you, thus allowing you to make decisions on the direction you want to cut. With it, you receive a heavy-duty gauge steel footplate, clamping system, and a tool-less blade change system.
When you use this jigsaw the first time to cut wood, you will love its ability to cut into a wide range of wood. Since it is a fast tool, use it with T-shank type blades. You can even cut smoothly into hardwood using this jigsaw.
You can also buy a jigsaw that comes with a 6.5 amp motor and 7.0 amp motor. The manufacturer provides you with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you do not like it and a one year warranty on it.
2. Shop Fox Scroll Saw
- 1/8HP, 1.2-Amps, 110-Volt, 60Hz motor
- 16-Inch maximum cutting width
- Includes a gooseneck work light, dust blower and dust port
- No load speed: 550-1700
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Shop Fox W1713 Scroll Saw is built to last and offers users with several different features. With it, you receive a variable speed control, cast iron construction, and additional cutting capacity. You also get a work light to help you see what you are cutting, a dust blower, and a dust port.
You also get a large 45-inch tilt table with it. Changing the blades of the scroll saw is easy and convenient. The table tilt component allows you to cut at various angles from 0 to 45 degrees. You can tilt the table using the table lock knob and tilt scale, hence allowing you to make horizontal cuts with ease.
You can minimize the mess by connecting the scroll saw to the dust port. This will prevent the debris from the wood from collecting under the table insert. You can add pin-end blades or standard plain blades to the jigsaw.
Use the adjustable hold down shoe feature to stop the wood from rising up with the pressure of the blade while the air nozzle emits at the site of the cut to keep the debris at bay and away from the cutting line.
3. WEN 10″ Band Saw
- 3.5 amp motor creates cuts up to six inches deep and 9-3/4 inches wide
- Uses 72-inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2 inches in size
- Spacious 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch work table bevels up to 45 degrees
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
WEN 3962 10″ Band Saw has several different features, which include an adjustable fence, sliding miter gauge, beveling table, three in one dust collection port, 25-inch stand, flexible work light with independent power switch, onboard measuring guide, and ball bearing operation.
The band saw’s three-in-one dust port can fit several different hose sizes for dust collection. Its two-speed operation can run the blade at both 1520 and 2620 feet per minute, thus allowing you to adjust the speed of the blade for the type of project you are working on accordingly.
You also receive a large variety of blade options to choose from. You can use 72-inch blades from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch depending on the details you want to create on wood. You can create bevel cuts on wood up to 6 inches. Bevel the table up to 45 degrees to the right.
You can cut wood that is up to 6 inches thick. When you combine this with the 9 to 3/4 inch throat, you can easily cut wood that is up to 10 inches thick. You will also receive several useful accessories with the band saw.
You can use the work light to see the cutting line and the material you are cutting. A sturdy fence to create straight cuts. Use the miter gauge to cut specific angles. You also receive a 25-inch stand to elevate the band saw.
4. Stanley Cross Cut Hand Saw
- SharpTooth Saw Technology of the hand saw uses three cutting surfaces to cut 50% faster than conventional STANLEY Hand Saws
- Induction-hardened teeth of the handsaw stay sharp up to 5 times longer than standard teeth
- Thick, ergonomically designed grip helps reduce slipping and adds comfort
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Stanley 20-045 Fat Max Cross Cut Hand Saw is one of the most reliable hand saws for cutting shapes out of wood. You can several different types of shapes using this hand saw. You can use it for woodwork and carpentry.
Made up of a thick steel blade, it has sharp peaks, which are tilted in one direction, are smooth, and slightly thick on the other end. It is fitted with the handle, which gives you more control over your movements. You can cut any type of wood using this hand saw.
In comparison to straight hand saws, cutting wood with this one is much faster. You can cut hardwood and cut wood up to two to three inches thick. You will not get tired of holding the hand saw either because the manufacturer has added a rubber grip, which also ensures your hand does not slip while sawing.
For quick measuring, use the reverse side of the blade. It allows you to mark angles of 45 degrees to 90 degrees. However, you cannot cut firewood or extremely thick logs with it. You will have to sharpen it if you use it several times.
Which saw did you like best? You can choose a saw based on your requirements. If you create more complex shapes, a band saw is perfect for you. If you take on simple projects, which do not require a lot of woodcutting, a hand saw will be right for you. Choose the best saw for cutting shapes and get to work on creating your masterpiece.
