What saw do I need for curved cuts?

Valerie Burge
by Valerie Burge

I'd like to start doing some basic wood-working. I have a 10" sliding miter saw, which is great for small cuts. But what would be the best saw to buy in order to do curved cuts? For example, I'd like to build a rustic vanity counter top from 2x6s and would need to cut out the hole for a sink. Would a jig saw be the best choice?

  6 answers
  • Yes, you're correct. You'll need a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and to cut the hole for the sink. I applaud you for getting started! It's so rewarding to build things yourself.

    • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Mar 12, 2019

      Thank you, Tricia! I was hoping the answer would be jigsaw, as they're a little less intimidating than some of the others! :)

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Mar 12, 2019

    There are a few types of saws that can be used. If you want to improve your hand skills you can use a coping saw. They work well and are very inexpensive. If you want to use a power saw one good choice is a scroll saw. This is my personal favorite. It can make the tightest curved cuts. A good scroll saw will cost you in the neighborhood of $150. You can use a bandsaw as another option. You can buy different sized blades and they also work very well on curved cuts. The price of a benchtop is about the same as a scroll saw. The last type is a jigsaw. This is my least favorite. The reason is that the blade cuts on the up stroke so you have to cut the wood upside down. Also...jigsaw blades tend to make a somewhat ragged cut. Any of these tools would make a nice addition to your shop.

    • See 2 previous
    • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Mar 14, 2019

      Thank you again, Zard! Very helpful!

  • Seth Seth on Mar 12, 2019

    Valerie,

    Also consider an oscillating tool. They are easy to handle and are very versatile with many attachments to do different jobs. It would be another good addition to your growing tool collection. Welcome to the club! What ever you choose, practice for a while on scrap wood until you are comfortable with what you saw does. There is an old saying about using power tools and cutting, "Keep both hands busy." In other words, never just haphazardly place a free hand down on your work with it having a purpose. You'll appreciate having all of your fingers at the end of the day. :-)

    • Valerie Burge Valerie Burge on Mar 12, 2019

      Thank you, Seth! I'll do some research on that one as well. And thanks for the tip...I'm hoping not to lose any digits with whatever saw I buy! :)

  • Louis Mallat Louis Mallat on May 08, 2020

    Hi

    Yes a jig saw is ur best tool for that. Let me know how it goes.

    Take care and be safe.

    BTW.... u r ABSOLUTELY STUNNING !!

  • Ruth Pitts Ruth Pitts on May 09, 2020

    Before buying the best tool, you would use a power tool reviews sites like 101tooladvisor to find one in your budget and suits the work you want it to tackle.