How, then, do you find the right saw for the task in hand? Before buying an electric saw and getting started on your DIY project, ask yourself the following questions:

• What type of cuts do you need?
• What materials are you going to be cutting?
• What kind of quality do you want for the end result?

Different saws produce different types of cuts. The results you’ll get depend mostly on the tool’s design:

• Short, straight cuts: These can be done with practically every saw.
• Long, straight cuts: Hand-held circular saws are best for long, precise cuts thanks to their large rotating saw blade. They’re also ideal for mitre and bevel cuts up to a 45-degree angle. Long, straight cuts can also be done with a jigsaw – just remember to use a guide rail for best results.
• Curved cuts: With its slim blade, a jigsaw is perfect for cutting curves and circles. Tighter curves require a narrower blade. For rougher, less precise work, a reciprocating saw can also be used.
• Plunge cuts: In theory, plunge cuts can be done with any saw. For best and easiest results, however, we recommend using a NanoBlade saw.
• For use in the garden: Reciprocating saws are the best gardening companion, since their long, narrow blade provides easy access to hard-to-reach places around your garden. From pruning trees to cutting firewood, reciprocating saws can handle a variety of outdoor tasks – and they’re resistant to dirt! You can also use NanoBlade saws for many gardening jobs.

If you’re looking to buy a paint sprayer, you should think about what it is you want to spray. When selecting a specific model, consider the following criteria:
•  Spray substance: If you’re looking to use your paint spray system for different projects, you’ll likely need a universal spray gun that can apply a range of different substances. This way, you won’t encounter problems when switching between thin varnishes and thick paints.
•  Operating mode: Corded devices require constant access to a socket, whereas battery-operated spray guns can be used anywhere. These cordless paint sprayers need recharging every so often – the frequency of which depends on the battery and model.
•  Delivery volume: This measures how much paint is sprayed from the nozzle. A high delivery volume gives a quicker and more saturated paint application on large surfaces.
•  Paint application: This measurement indicates how quickly a surface can be painted or varnished.
•  Container volume: The larger the container volume, the longer you can work in one sitting. A high container volume is particularly beneficial for larger surfaces and bigger projects.
•  Hose length: For floor-standing models, a longer hose provides greater range of movement, but this factor is less important for portable machines.
•  Available accessories: Most paint sprayers come with a set of nozzles, a couple of containers and a cleaning brush. There are also additional accessories for sale, such as extra paint containers and spray guns.

Another important factor to consider when selecting a saw is the quality of the cut. Do you need fine-tuned, clean-cut edges? Or will rough cuts be enough? Precise work is particularly important in interior design, sculpting, and building furniture, so it’s certainly worth comparing saws if your projects involve any of these disciplines.

The cutting depth of a saw depends on the length of its blade. Given the variety of saws out there, it’s worth choosing the one that best suits your requirements in terms of depth and material thickness. Bosch saws can achieve different maximum depths depending on the material and design:

• Reciprocating saws have a maximum cutting depth of 200mm in wood, and 20mm in steel.
• Jigsaws have a maximum cutting depth of 100mm in wood, and 10mm in steel.
• Hand-held circular saws have a maximum cutting depth of 66mm.
• NanoBlade saws have a maximum cutting depth of 65mm.