Help a newb pick a saw

[The English Hacker]

I'm looking for a saw that will be both versatile and portable. Presently I only have hand saws. I have little experience with woodworking but would like to change that.

Is a circular saw a good choice for me? I understand that I can rip and crosscut with this type of saw.

Thanks.

 

[signcrafter]

There are a ton of different saws and depending on what you are going to be doing with them will tell what kind you need. The circular saw is probably one of the most used and basic saw. It's pretty much just for cutting straight cuts. There are jig saws that will do curved cuts. Sawzalls that can get into places no other saws can, really handy for home remodeling. Oscillating saws that are nice and can do things no other saws can. Miter saws for accurate cuts and really ice for doing trim work. The list goes on and on.