Power has been used to help us cut building materials for centuries. For most of their history, though, power saws were only used in industrial or large-scale commercial applications, because they were tied to their source of power -- usually water. Once electricity became commonly available, job-site and home use power saws for cutting everything from framing timbers to pipe started to appear. Now, with the increasing availability of cordless saws, we aren't even tied to an outlet where we're working.

Decide What You Want to Cut

For cutting wood, a circular saw is usually the first choice. Cutting a lot of panels or sheets may be done more easily with a panel saw or a radial arm saw. Trim pieces are usually easiest to cut with a miter saw. Metal pipes and tubing are often easiest to cut with a reciprocating saw. Masonry and plastic can be cut with all of these saws, using the appropriate blade.

List the Kinds of Cuts You Need to Make

Radial arm saws, power miter saws, most circular saws and some jig saws can be set to cut a bevel - an angle from the line of the cut. A reciprocating saw will cut in whatever direction you hold it. Trim pieces are usually easiest to cut with a miter saw. Jig saws as well as scroll saws can cut scrollwork; those jig saws with scrolling heads make that work easier. Coping is usually best done with a coping saw, although it can be done with a jig saw with a tilting base plate, if handled carefully.

Determine the Power You Need

Corded saws are, in general, more powerful than cordless ones. That's why they are usually the tools of choice for cutting heavy lumber, masonry or thick metal. Certainly, they can cut indefinitely without losing power.

Decide on the Portability You Want

For portability, cordless tools are in a class by themselves. I used my reciprocating saw all day today without an extension cord or even a receptacle nearby. Tonight, I will recharge the batteries and I will be able to do the same thing tomorrow. Plus, there's no cord to cut. Within corded tools, a circular saw or a miter saw is much more portable than a panel saw or a radial arm saw.