Which power tool would you use to make curved or irregular cuts in a piece of wood?

A jigsaw (also called a saber saw) uses a narrow, reciprocating (up-and-down) blade that allows it to cut curves, circles, and irregular or intricate shapes in wood and other materials. Its thin blade can turn corners that a circular saw's large round blade cannot. A circular saw is for straight cuts, a bench grinder sharpens and shapes metal, and a belt sander smooths surfaces. Selecting the right saw for the type of cut — jigsaw for curves, circular saw for straight lines — is a common Shop Information distinction.