Best wood cutting tool to buy first

[packpride85]

Just moved into a new house. I don't own alot of tools but I'm slowly buying as needed. I plan on doing some wood cutting for things like siding repair (fiber cement) and landscaping timber that needs to be redone. What kind of saw would be best for those uses? Table, Mitre, Circular, etc....

I don't plan on making woodworking a hobby, just for repair purposes.

 

[Farmall450]

Circular by far, IMO. Chop saws are sweet too especially if you're working on a project not just quick cuts.

 

[tomd]

from your description of uses, I'd say a circular saw. It is portable and you can easily switch blades for variety of materials.

A table saw is very helpful, but a landscape timber won't work well.

A good circular saw is around $100 while a decent used table saw on CL will be $200 approx.

 

[LB-1911]

Corded circular saw & a speed square.

Looking for a good corded circular saw
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275449

Good Luck

eta - Circular Saw Tips and Techniques
http://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/circular-saws/circular-saw-tips-and-techniques/view-all

Plenty more @
https://www.google.com/#q=how+to+use+a+circular+saw

Good Luck

 

[crerus75]

If you have more time than money, garage/tag/rummage/estate sales are a good place to score circular saws, as is CL. I just saw an old aluminum-bodied Black and Decker circular saw advertised on Craigslist for less than $10 in working condition. I also saw an older Makita advertised for $35-40 and an almost-new Skil for the same price. My own Skil 77 worm-drive was less than $60 off eBay, and it will probably outlive me.

 

[jd_1138]

Inexpensive versions of each.
All of them will do something the others will not.
If you only have a $40 budget, there is no single saw choice.
If you have a three hundred budget, buy them all.

Contrary to popular opinion there is no shame in buying interim tools instead of the eleven hundred dollar saw.

Awesome advice. If you try to make a circular saw do what a reciprocating saw can do, and vice-versa (same with miter saw/table saw/jigsaw), the repair job will be 5x harder and probably not turn out as well. That's if you're lucky. Worst case scenario: you could injure yourself.

Best to buy the Stanley or B&D versions of a recip, circular, jigsaw, etc. saw if your tool budget is low rather than trying to make one saw do many tasks.

Used tools are not that pricey. I had a spare Ace Hardware Professional 10" chopsaw that I bought for $70 to build a shed here at my mom's new house. Neighbor guy then gave me a Hitachi one, so I sold the Ace one at the flea market for $60. Awesome tool and it made building the shed 5x easier. It would saw right through 4x4's posts even. Guy who bought it is going to build a garage with it. It's probably been passed around to 7 or 8 people in its 10 years. I would've kept it but I am driving back home to Ohio soon and have no space in my car.

I have cordless Ryobi reciprocating and circular saws -- both were probably $30 each brand new (came in 2 different kits). And then I have a corded older Skil circular saw for heavier duty stuff. That was only $15 at a yard sale. My jigsaw is an older NOS Black and Decker that I got for $15 also at a yard sale. It was brand new in its original box (probably a gift for some dad somewhere 20 years ago). So $90, and I have all the bases covered.

 

[todd_fuller]

I'll add that a circular saw is the most versatile. A few simple jigs and you can tackle a lot of projects. If you have the extra budget or find a good deal, a lot of people love their track saws.

For long rips:

To add, don't buy into the laser mark and all that. IMHO, it's worthless because ever blade has a different kerf and depending on which side the off-cut is on, it could be off by 1/8" each cut. Besides, it's better to use a guide that free hand stuff unless it's pretty rough.

 

[zkling]

Toss up between a circular saw and a large diameter miter or even SCMS. If you only could choose one the circular saw would be more versatile, just keep in mind the depth of cut on your landscape timbers. Having to cut flip cut gets tiresome when you don't have the depth of cut to get it in one pass. Same on a miter saw.

 

[packpride85]

Thanks for advice. I generally pick up tools as I need them to do a job then keep them for the long haul (for non-hobby tools). Will probably just start with the circular saw since it will fit my immediate need for what I plan on doing. If I start another project later on that would be better for a different saw type I'll then grab that one.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

In terms of versatility, I would say circular saw, however, I use my sliding compound miter (chop) saw about 20 times more often than my circular. The problem is, you can jig up your cuts to make a circular saw do most of what a chop saw can do, but the same can't be said about the chop saw....if that makes any sense.

 

[sublime68charger]

Circular saw as well is my vote the next thing is where you work on your projects due you have power to plug into? or are you gonna be on the move a lot? then you need to go with a battery setup. pick a brand and stay with it as that way your battery can change from the drill to the saw to the next tool. and get two batteries to start with and that way 1 can be charging while you use the other.

next for saw would be a sawzall if you get into the landscape timbers that the circular saw wont go all the way through you saw all the way around and have made a guide to finish off the cut with the sawzall and the long blade.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Definitely circular saw.....then get a Kreg Rip Cut and youve got a great start.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c48/saw-attachments/p79/rip-cuttrade/

I dont have a table saw.....Ive gotten by for 15+ years without one. I just cant justify giving up that much space for something I dont need that often and can do without.

 

[Parrothead]

Circular saw. Look for something with an magnesium/aluminum blade guard...they're lighter and don't bend like steel when you drop them.

Craigslist = $50 depending on your area.

 

[packpride85]

Circular saw as well is my vote the next thing is where you work on your projects due you have power to plug into? or are you gonna be on the move a lot? then you need to go with a battery setup. pick a brand and stay with it as that way your battery can change from the drill to the saw to the next tool. and get two batteries to start with and that way 1 can be charging while you use the other.

next for saw would be a sawzall if you get into the landscape timbers that the circular saw wont go all the way through you saw all the way around and have made a guide to finish off the cut with the sawzall and the long blade.

Plenty of places/extension cords for me to use on the outside so will most likely be going corded. Can also do it inside my garage.

What would you guys recommend to use as a work surface for clamping things down?

 

[theoldwizard1]

... I plan on doing some wood cutting for things like siding repair (fiber cement) ...

If you are going to be doing anything more than just a couple of cuts on the fiber cement board forget using any kind of saw. They make ENORMOUS amounts of dust very quickly and the dust is dangerous to breathe. Rent a guillotine or power sheer.

... landscaping timber that needs to be redone. What kind of saw would be best for those uses?

Reciprocating saw (a.k.a Sawsall), preferably corded. Use good quality blades.

I generally pick up tools as I need them to do a job then keep them for the long haul (for non-hobby tools). Will probably just start with the circular saw since it will fit my immediate need for what I plan on doing.

Same here ! Funny thing is the first power tool I bought was a jig saw over 35 years ago. I have probably only used it 3-4 times !

The one thing I would recommend you buy "ahead of time" is a drill. A 3/8" light duty (12v-14V) battery operated one. You will eventually need a bigger one, but you will be surprised what you can do with that little guy !

 

[sz0k30]

1st saw: a circular saw.

Most versatile saw: a circular saw.

Only saw: a circular saw

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

Good advice above. Nothing to add. Just stopped by to say Go Pack! (NCSU alum 2010)

Actually, I will add that I have a circular saw, a miter saw, and a jig saw that are all Skil brand and I have found them to be plenty adequate for homeowner DIY use. Some here will probably disagree.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Just to be different, I will say that I use my miter saw all the time as a homeowner. It was the first thing I bought (to build shelving, an entertainment center, a garden fence, etc). I love that thing. So easy to make accurate straight cuts. I recently picked up a worm drive circular saw to cut some plywood. Like a hot knife through butter, but... I still whip out the miter saw for most projects.

 

[Stuart in MN]

A couple good hand saws (one rip and one crosscut) are always good to have. They don't have batteries to wear out, you don't need a power cord, and if you're doing a single cut now and then they're probably faster since there's no setup time.

I see good quality saws like Disston, Simmons, or Simonds selling for a few bucks at swap meets all the time .

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Keep your eyes out for used stuff. I see jigsaws for less than 10 bucks all the time on cl, just saw a ryobi circ for $10, I see table saws for south of $50 often enough. Hell I got a old black and decker 7 1/4 miter saw for $5 on cl. Older black and decker stuff is great for the prices you can get them at, I got 2 drills, one 80's, one late 80's, early 80's and both work great, I use the newer one as a dedicated screw gun. Like I said the miter saw that is pre '89 is very good. sander from the '70s that is great, and even got a old corded weed wacker 15yr at least that keeps on chuggin and never fails. Used you could equip your self with a ton of stuff pretty cheap.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Nobody has mentioned a Radial Arm Saw. They are dirt cheap on c-List and will do the jobs of a table saw, chop saw, miter saw, etc. They have gone out of fashion now and that makes them dirt cheep. Seen them for $50-$75 with stand.

 

[Fugio]

Corded circular saw, speed square, and a pencil and you'll be fine.

Get one with a 7 1/4" blade and get a cement fiberboard blade for it (and a GOOD dust mask so you don't die!). And of course a good framing blade.

Make a rip fence and you won't need a table saw so much.

When money permits, get a small miter/chop saw that takes the same 7 1/4" blade so you can do 2x4 stock faster.

 

[Fugio]

Nobody has mentioned a Radial Arm Saw. They are dirt cheap on c-List and will do the jobs of a table saw, chop saw, miter saw, etc. They have gone out of fashion now and that makes them dirt cheep. Seen them for $50-$75 with stand.

They went out of fashion because they are somewhat dangerous (compared to other saws) and tool companies can't afford the lawsuits.

 

[bcradio]

I need to cut a three inch round hole for a bathroom vent in the middle of a cement siding panel.
Can I, who have no experience, use my circular saw for this?

Yes... Pics when you're done please.

 

[DIYorDIE]

Plenty of places/extension cords for me to use on the outside so will most likely be going corded. Can also do it inside my garage.

Even so, you might be interested in this recent thread by a guy looking for advice on a cordless circular saw and really on what battery/tool platform to buy:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290024&

You probably don't want to try cutting any landscape timbers with a cordless saw, but assuming you will be doing lots more other projects that don't involve wood of that thick a dimension, the cordless flexibility might be something to consider.

 

[back2class]

I will go against the grain. A jigsaw. Many blade choices. Can cut angles or straight, compounds and circles. Inexpensive. Will cut almost anything a circ saw will and many things it won't. I 100% recommend if only one saw...START WITH A JIG SAW.

 

[LordPsychon]

I will go against the grain. A jigsaw. Many blade choices. Can cut angles or straight, compounds and circles. Inexpensive. Will cut almost anything a circ saw will and many things it won't. I 100% recommend if only one saw...START WITH A JIG SAW.

So you chose to crosscut common sense, eh? I agree that a jigsaw actually is the best wood cutting tool to buy because blades are plentiful, there are a lot of good inexpensive jigsaws out there, and is finesse rather than power controlled - it's hard for a jigsaw to "run away" with you like a powerful circular saw can.

 

[83c10submariner]

Don't waste your money on buying anything else before you buy a sliding compound miter saw for somebody with little experience you can get a straight cut. This is really important when doing siding. Un straight cuts will make your life hell and gaps in siding is not good. Just make sure you have a tube of calking and a decent calking gun on hand.

 

[LordPsychon]

Don't waste your money on buying anything else before you buy a sliding compound miter saw for somebody with little experience you can get a straight cut. This is really important when doing siding. Un straight cuts will make your life hell and gaps in siding is not good. Just make sure you have a tube of calking and a decent calking gun on hand.

Provided you can find a smooth sliding miter saw, I'd concur. Dewalt, Hitachi, Kobalt, and Bosch make excellent to decent sliders - HF makes fairly sloppy ones as does Cman but even they are still serviceable if you are willing to work with them.

 

[mtnwalton]

My response would be not to overthink which saw you get first. You will slowly find they all have their place. I'd start with an inexpensive (craigslist) miter saw. Then circular, jigsaw etc.
When I began at a young age, there were no sliding, compound miter saws. You learn to compensate. About 20 years ago I bought a Porter Cable 10" miter with laser light. Last week I ordered a Bosch axial glide 12" compound miter.

 

[CNGsaves]

You'll need multiple saws . . . . . most all of which can come from garage/estate sales.

Hacksaw, circular saw, jigsaw, & compound miter saw.

What you need to research/know is which brands are good & which are junk.

Unless old, don't buy anything Black & Decker. Skil is better brand on circular saw or even worm-drive circular saw. Also, just get corded saws on the cheap as some homeowners transition to battery power.

You'll also have to have a drill or two. Corded drill on the cheap and exception to not buy Black & Decker as their drills were generally good. With massive bargains lately for 18v and 20v cordless drills, you've got to have one.

Finally, get yourself a reciprocating saw (ie sawsall) that can do lots of things, including being a chainsaw in a pinch !!

 

[ez-duzit]

I need to cut a three inch round hole for a bathroom vent in the middle of a cement siding panel.
Can I, who have no experience, use my circular saw for this?

No, you need a saber saw or reciprocating saw (Sawzall). Or you could do it with a 1/2" drill motor and a 3" hole saw.

...I plan on doing some wood cutting for things like siding repair (fiber cement) and landscaping timber that needs to be redone. What kind of saw would be best for those uses? Table, Mitre, Circular, etc....

I don't plan on making woodworking a hobby, just for repair purposes.

You'll want a Skilsaw, to start. And a Sawzall will cut landscaping timber. Later add a saber saw.

 

[Lobo74]

Definitely circular saw.....then get a Kreg Rip Cut and youve got a great start.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c48/saw-attachments/p79/rip-cuttrade/

I dont have a table saw.....Ive gotten by for 15+ years without one. I just cant justify giving up that much space for something I dont need that often and can do without.

I agree about the kreg guide. Used mine for the first time tonight and cut 2 perfect 48x24 pieces of 3/4 plywood. Set it up per instructions and it was dead on at the 24 width.

 

[winlinmac]

What's with the mixed reviews on the Kreg Rip Cut? Is it the plastic?

Definitely circular saw.....then get a Kreg Rip Cut and youve got a great start.

https://www.kregtool.com/store/c48/saw-attachments/p79/rip-cuttrade/

I dont have a table saw.....Ive gotten by for 15+ years without one. I just cant justify giving up that much space for something I dont need that often and can do without.

 

[cagullett1]

As everyone has said, circular is most people's first saw. Now that I own a table saw, miter saw, recip saw, jig saw (and i'm probably forgetting other saws I have), I don't use my circular saw all that often.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I agree you will end up with multiple saws if you do a lot of repairs. But I would, and did, start with a circular saw. Then a Sawzall and then a jig saw, then a table saw then a miter saw, then a better one of most of them. After 20+ years of home ownership and 35+ of doing projects I use them all and need them all. Your projects will dictate what you need and when.

Oh...add chainsaw to that list as well.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks!

I agree you will end up with multiple saws if you do a lot of repairs. But I would, and did, start with a circular saw. Then a Sawzall and then a jig saw, then a table saw then a miter saw, then a better one of most of them. After 20+ years of home ownership and 35+ of doing projects I use them all and need them all. Your projects will dictate what you need and when.

Oh...add chainsaw to that list as well.

 

[outdoorspace]

Another vote for sliding compound miter saw, absolute workhorse for me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Another vote for sliding compound miter saw, absolute workhorse for me.

Yes, but not as a first/only saw !

Corded circular saws are dirt cheap on CL !

 

[bczygan]

First saw?

A hand saw.

Portable, inexpensive, doesn't need electricity and builds muscles and improves your health.

Bill