The are numerous techniques to making cuts in wood. Knowing which tool, knowing how to use the tool, and keeping it properly sharpen goes a long way towards fine craftsmanship.

Professional Cuts From Inexpensive Tools?

You certainly can get acceptable results with inexpensive tools. I know some amazing artists and woodworkers that produce mind-blowing quality, without the help of higher end tooling. It comes down to sharp blades, properly tuned tools, and solid techniques.

Making Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw

Once you've got a table saw, who needs a circular saw? Well, truth is, we all do. A circular saw is perfect for slicing up plywood and other sheet goods so they're safer to maneuver over a table saw. A re-saw is basically a very large band saw. A band saw can be found in home hobby shops or at Sears. They basically have a long relatively narrow saw blade that goes over two wheels, one on the top and one on the bottom, and are used sometimes to cut small intricate parts.

Cutting a Circle on the Table Saw

I cut my homemade lazy Susan disks on the table saw. Yes, I have a router with jigs, a band saw and all. Tried them, but keep coming back to the table saw because it leaves edges so smooth you hardly have to sand them at all. After struggling with his band saw fence, blocks, clamps, and a re-saw guide, I decided to design his own band saw re-sawing guide. You can build one just like it by gathering up some scrap stock and following the illustrations below.

Circle Cutting with the Router

So you are working a project that needs to have some circles cut. I was faced with an interesting dilemma when starting work on a child's table top. Cutting a perfect circle in a piece of wood can be a daunting task if you don't have a lot of tools. There are basically three choices.

Cutting Curves in Woodworking

Square or angled woodworking projects are easier to make than round or curved items. The majority of woodworking tools are geared to making straight cuts and angles. Band saws and scroll saws are two pieces of equipment that will cut curves but the curves are limited to the throat depth of the saw.

Saw Cuts

Basic descriptions of sliding table saws, miter saws, re-saws, and related saw equipment used in wood shops and other wood cutting tips. A re saw is basically a very large band saw. A band saw can be found in home hobby shops or at Sears. They basically have a long relatively narrow saw blade that goes over two wheels, one on the top and one on the bottom, and are used sometimes to cut small intricate parts.

The Three Kinds of Saw Cuts

If you have ever been disappointed by your results when hand sawing a joint, the problem could be that you are going about the task in the wrong manner. While sawing requires practice, it also is helped along by a few clever and quick tricks. Years ago I read an English woodworking book that separated all sawing into three kinds of cuts: first-, second- and third-class saw cuts. Each type of cut has a different purpose. Third class sawing is for removing material with little regard for accuracy or appearance. Second class sawing is for cuts that require accuracy, but the final appearance of the cut isn't critical. And first class sawing is for situations in which the appearance of the completed kerf is paramount.