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If you like to do DIY jobs, you know what the best bow saw can offer. Regardless of the wood type, it is used for, a saw is a tool that must not be missing in even a small DIY workshop.
Traditionally designed for woodworking, it has a thin blade held in tension by a frame. They suspend it between two long and narrow handles called cheeks. They are supported and separated by a stretcher in the center, forming a sort of large H letter.
It holds the blade in tension with a tensioner or a twisted cable running parallel on the opposite side of the stretcher. It can also be tensioned through the special butterfly bolt placed at one end or even with a lever. The tighter the blade, the less effort it will take to send it back and forth.
Top 9 Best Bow Saw for Various Types of Wood (2021 Reviews)
If you are looking for information and reviews regarding bow saws, you are in the right place. You can find reviews, comparisons, and price analyses in our article.
To offer you a comparison of the best nine products, we have created a comprehensive overview for you. For this ranking, our algorithm analyzes sales trends, reviews, and consumer opinions.
#1 Best Bow Saw Overall – Husky Combination Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B00E69M0TU”]This 12 inch-wide bow saw is equipped with three interchangeable blades, made of high-quality steel. It makes the Husky Combination Bow Saw possible to cut a wide range of materials, such as wood, plastic, and metal.
The replacement is very simple. Users just pull the button on the handle. And it is unnecessary to tighten the screws. It covers the handle in non-slip rubber and promotes a secure grip. The saw blade has teeth on both sides that are 314mm long, 23mm wide and 0.55mm thick.
Pros
- Simple replacement with a sturdy frame
- Anti-slip and ergonomic handle
- Steel blades for high efficiency and performance
Cons
- The price is a bit high.
Husky Combination Bow Saw is a sturdy and comfortable tool thanks to the ergonomic handle that guarantees a comfortable and safe grip.
#2 Best Bow Saw for Green Wood – Bahco 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B0001IX7TW”]Bahco 30-Inch Ergo Bow Saw is very effective even with the thickest branches because it cuts in both directions. Its efficiency depends on the special geometry of the blade teeth that ensure greater control and a precise cut.
They equip the saw with a plastic guard that protects during transport or when the tool is not in use. They make it out of tempered steel for added strength, longer life, and extra sharpness. It has a lightweight steel tubular support. There is a safety device and a handle that reduces the strain of the arm and hand.
Pros
- Robust and compact design
- Safe control with a plastic guard
- Sharp blade for tough woods
Cons
- The blade is easy to lose.
Bahco Bow Saw is a very popular tool for its effectiveness, even on the most difficult green woods. The blade is high-quality, resistant, flexible, and sharp.
#3 Best Bow Saw for Dry Wood and Lumber – Stanley Garden BDS6510 Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B06XKY836L”]Stanley Garden BDS6510 Bow Saw has a 61cm long blade and weighs just under 500 grams. It is ideal for carrying out precise and effortless pruning work for dry wood and lumber. This bow saw features a hardened tooth profile. It is a design solution that allows efficient cutting of fresh and dry branches, even of a certain thickness.
The handle is ergonomic and non-slip, with a sheath that protects the fingers. It is suitable for use with both the right and left hands. You can do blade replacement quickly with no additional tools.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Robust and flexible performance
- Convenient for handling experience
Cons
- The blade is flimsy.
Stanley Garden BDS6510 Bow Saw weighs only 450 grams. So, it allows you to reduce fatigue when working.
#4 Best Bow Saw for Firewood – AB Tools-Toolzone Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B01MQEC3RP”]Looking at this tool, AB Tools-Toolzone Bow Saw seems to take a small step back in time. It has a sturdy and comfortable wooden handle that allows you to work for a long time without getting tired. The frame is made of steel and ensures high resistance.
The ergonomic design makes it easy to use, allowing you to perform even demanding tasks. No problems recorded even regarding handling, considered superior by most users. It is a sturdy and comfortable tool, thanks also to the ergonomic handle that guarantees a comfortable and safe grip for the hand not to slip.
Pros
- Ergonomic and sturdy design
- Premium materials for high resistance
- Versatile functions
Cons
- The bow saw turned out to be too small for several users who expected larger dimensions. It is only suitable for small jobs.
AB Tools-Toolzone Bow Saw also satisfied users with the handling that integrates an ergonomic handle. It is comfortable and safe because it does not slide the hand.
#5 Best Bow Saw for Cutting Trees – Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B00005LEXC”]Specific for cutting trees, Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw has a tubular steel frame, light and very resistant at the same time. The tooth of the castle blade allows you to carry out even demanding pruning jobs, without tiring the arm. The tool length is 610mm.
They make the blade out of excellent quality steel. The teeth have been designed not to jam continuously. The comfortable, resistant, and non-slip handle is one strength to make this model become the best bow saw for cutting trees.
Pros
- Lightweight and robust
- Durable blade for tough materials
- Manageable features for a convenient experience
Cons
- Not suitable for DIY works
The bow saw is 43cm long overall, but it is light with a durable blade. It also has the safety function to avoid unwanted accidents when cutting trees.
#6 Best Bow Saw for Cutting Logs – GreatNeck BB21 Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B000EARWMA”]As regards the forestry sector, GreatNeck pays particular attention to this activity. The manufacturer occupies a prominent place in the woodwork economy. The related production department offers a large catalog of products ranging from gloves and rakes to different saws and tools.
Among the various saws produced by GreatNeck, the BB21 model stands out above all. It is a 40cm long bow saw, but also available in a version with a 60cm long blade. They make both the arched structure and the blade out of stainless steel. The arch is painted to protect it from the wear of time and atmospheric agents.
Pros
- Prominent blade for cutting logs
- Extra-gigantic size for heavy-duty work
- Easy to use and storage
Cons
- Not suitable for DIY work
According to most consumers, the GreatNeck represents the best that the market offers in the sector of production of tools and utensils for forestry. Its products have excellent quality and a decidedly competitive price.
#7 Best Bow Saw for Camping – Bond BS21 Gardener’s Choice Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B000VYFKNM”]Bond BS21 Gardener’s Choice Bow Saw is subjected to ensure long service life. It has three-wire teeth with a special double-pointed profile, razor-sharp in both directions of pulling and pushing to guarantee high efficiency and ease of cutting.
The handle is covered in plastic and modeled with an ergonomic profile to make it more comfortable to use and it offers a firmer grip to the operator. The package also includes the blade cover to make transport easier and safer.
Pros
- The ultimate design for high productivity
- Easy to cut
- Ergonomic design for high comfort
Cons
- Not suitable for high precision or professional work
The Bond saw is intended only for cutting fresh wood. It is ideal for cutting branches and trunks camping.
#8 Best Folding Bow Saw for Survivalists – Agawa Canyon – BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw
[amazon box=”B01LWZ4ZLA”]Our best folding bow saw is BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw. The light and handy bow saw is ideal for survivalists. The saw can get through thick trunks and branches with no further problems. It works on both pull and pressure.
Other advantages of this bow saw are the presence not only of the grooved handle but also of protection for the hand. It offers a blade cover to be used when storing or transporting the saw. The particular arched shape allows you to cut with greater comfort even in the most difficult points.
Pros
- Effective performance and convenient design
- Resistant and capable of cutting thick materials
- The blade teeth are razor-sharp
Cons
- Too expensive
BOREAL21 Folding Bow Saw is razor-sharp and cuts in both directions, both pushing and pulling.
#9 Best Heavy Duty Bow Saw – SYWAN Multifunction Saw Set
[amazon box=”B081DZ6XKD”]Inside a handy plastic case, there is a small 27cm saw with a wheel to remove the integrated blade. You can replace it with one other supplied when needed, for example, the one for cutting stone, ceramic and glass. The thicker blade is ideal for wood and PVC, while we use the two tips for engraving tiles and glass.
There is also a blade for sharpening knives and scissors. The wheel to mark the glass that will then be broken is very practical. The small magnet inside the shape is brilliant. The various accessories are secured and will not fall off when you close them.
Pros
- High versatility and convenience
- Plastic case for easy storage
- Suitable for cutting all materials
Cons
- The instructions are misleading
In this case, we are talking about a kit with a 27cm bow saw and several interchangeable blades that ensure great versatility because they allow you to cut wood, PVC, ceramic, stone, and glass.
Features to Consider When to Choose a Bow Saw
Bow Saw Blade
Blade for Green Wood
For cutting green wood, workers can use both peg and raker blades. The peg blade can cut front and backstroke while the raker helps to pull wood shavings.
Blade for Dry Wood
For cutting dry wood, choose the peg tooth. The blade with a peg tooth is a single shape that can cut on both the front and backstrokes.
Bow Saw Frame
Triangular Bow
The triangular bow frame is efficient for removing the growth of wood pieces.
Standard Bow
With the shape of an archery bow, the standard bow frame is an ideal choice for cutting firewood
Tension Adjusters
A tension system uses a cylinder to clamp the blade. It requires an air pressure set by the operator, using a pressure regulator mounted on the machine.
The machine manufacturer usually provides a graph that shows how much blade force is generated by any air pressure. It is suitable for each type of cut that requires a specific tension. Not only saw makers but also saw blade manufacturers typically recommend a range of tensions that are best used for a satisfactory quality cut.
The high tension may not give an excellent result in straight cutting, regardless of the speed and feed pressure of the workpiece. Besides, over-tightening reduces the life of the rubber wheel bearings and the blade.
Bow Saw Length
Small bow saws usually have a length of around 35-40cm. Triangular saws are perfect for reaching those tight spots when gardening and pruning. It is crucial to consider what you intend to do with this type of tensile before purchasing one.
Handle and Hand Guard
Most bow saws on the market have an additional grip and knuckle protection. They design the knuckle guard to prevent your hands from being injured during the cut. They design the added handle to protect your hands from accidental slipping.
It is a very useful feature, especially if you use the bow saw frequently because it makes the process safer and easier. Also, if you work in rainy weather, the grip of the handle prevents the saw from slipping out of your hand.
FAQs
What is a bow saw good for?
There are many reasons to buy a bow saw. Not only can it help you do a lot of useful cutting jobs, but it can help you do a variety of tasks around the house. These are very inexpensive tools, which work well and are appreciated for their versatility.
Can you cut a tree down with a bow saw?
The largest bow saws can be up to 75cm long and are specially designed for more intensive tasks, such as cutting a dry log and cutting down a tree.
What is the best hand saw for cutting trees?
Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw is very sharp. This tool has a protective sheath. Its applications are only to cut green wood, branches, or trunks. Compared to other blades, this type is much thinner.
Therefore, it is not only delicate but also more difficult to handle. So, a little practice will be necessary at the beginning. But the result will be surprising. The cuts offer high precision that you have never seen before.
What is a gas-powered bow saw used for?
The heart of this bow saw is a motor that drives the chain saw chain on a steel guide bar via a sprocket. The bow saw is only used for sawing wood. It is ideal for pruning trees or for sawing tree trunks with stand-alone use.
Final Words
Bow saw is a light and handy tool. It is practical and inexpensive. A wood bow saw is a typical tool for carpentry. If you have little time, please do not worry. Just focus on the first two finishers that we briefly explain here.
Husky Combination Bow Saw is the best bow saw with a 12-inch blade in quality steel. It cuts even very thick branches with good precision and does it in both directions when pushing and pulling. Fiskars 7029 Bow Saw is another model that is popular for its lightness, flexibility, resistance, and comfort which is given by the Soft Touch handle.
