There are many types of saw on the market today. Below is a list of the types that are suitable for use with a mitre box. All the saws recommended have a high number of teeth per inch to provide a neat and accurate cut.For more information see, What are the different types of saw?
Tenon saw
A tenon saw has a relatively short blade and a steel or brass spine running along its back ensuring there is no flexing of the blade during the cutting process.
The blade of a tenon saw will usually have between 10 and 14 teeth per inch, which makes for a very accurate and neat finish to your work.
A tenon saw is only suitable for use on wood workpieces.
Dovetail saw
Dovetail saws are very similar to tenon saws except they tend to have thinner blades with more teeth per inch along the blade.
They are used for applications that require a very neat and precise finish.
A dovetail saw should only be used for wooden projects.
Razor saw
A razor saw is primarily used by hobbyists and for very fine, intricate applications.
The blade is very thin and there’s a high number of teeth per inch on the blade.
The steel spine helps keep the blade rigid for a very accurate cut. This saw can be used to cut wood, metal or plastic.
Junior hacksaw
A junior hacksaw (mini hacksaw) is basically a small hacksaw.
They are commonly used for cutting metal pipes and plastic tubing.
Hack saw
A mitre box and hacksaw are often used to achieve a completely straight cut on a pipe in order to ensure a leakproof joint when connecting pipework.
A hacksaw can be used to cut most types of metal or plastic.
General purpose hand saw
A mitre box and a general purpose hand saw are ideal for making roof joists where the face of the cut does not have to be overtly neat.
This type of saw should only be used for cutting wood.
Plastic pipe saw
Sometimes a completely straight cut on a plastic pipe is essential and for this situation a plastic pipe saw and a mitre box are the ideal tools.
A hacksaw or tenon saw can be used but a plastic pipe saw is easier to use and will achieve a more precise cut.
Plastic pipe saws should only be used for cutting plastic.