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Best power tool for general wood cutting?

f121

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If I could only have one saw it'd be a sawzall no question.

Once you get comfortable it's arguably the most versatile power saw. Can cut notches, detail work and with a couple clamps & improvised fence? Even rip full 8' sheets.

Sawzall & circular get the most use. Miter saw only comes out for trim work. Jigsaw appears for detail work & rounded cuts.

Possibly one day I'll get a table saw but it's going to be a full size industrial style, not a table top toy.

It's interesting to see how different people work, I barely use my sawzall and never for wood. Circular saw all the way, although a 18v jigsaw is handy for rough cuts.

Don't dismiss a table top job site saw, the ability to take 1/2" accurately and quickly off the side of a bit of wood is a light bulb moment. My response was literally 'where has this been all my life'
 
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bugnut

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I'm with ddawg16, circular saw and table saw last. Sheet stock can be cut to size at place of purchase-also easier to transport.
Full on Ryobi for the majority of other powered tools and if you buy now lots of bonus tools/battery options.
 

ScottsGT

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When I bought my first house, Dad ran down to Sears and bought me a Craftsman circular saw first thing as a house warming gift. That was 28 years ago. I can count on both hands (maybe one hand) how many times I used it. I always used my chop saw or jig saw first. For some reason, I really disliked using a circular saw. Until I bought my Makita Track saw. Track saw takes the place of a huge table saw I don't have room for. I have a smaller Dewalt contractors saw now as well.
I did buy the Milwaukee M12 circular saw. So much easier to use than the Craftsman. It's my go-to circular saw.
Planning on giving the Craftsman to my son when he expresses the need for one.
 

cmandp

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I would definitely suggest a circular saw for what it sounds like you want to start working on. It's good for framing, cutting plywood, some basic trim (you can't do crown molding or anything like that with it.). And I would suggest a Skil 77 of some kind (aluminum or Magnisum whatever you can find that fits your budget).

A couple of hand saws too and learn to use use those as well.
 
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CC268

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Op had you listed your home town location I could have looked at your local CL and put together a nice woodworking shop for you.

Second is your budget, how much money do you want to spend?

Third what does your power source look like ? Are we talking about 120V, 220V. single phase, three phase power ?

Fourth, what do want to build ? bird houses or full blown shop cabinets?

Lots of varibles do you have any habitat places in your town, they sometimes have good deals on used power tools.

https://www.habitat.org/restores

Hi woody,

Thanks for the response. I'm kind of putting the cart before the horse here as I am not prepared to start up a workshop yet. In fact, I live in a condo as of now with a tiny little garage that fits my wife's Ford Escape and a little toolbox ha!

That said, I'd like to start buying some quality tools over the coming years so that I will have some decent tools to start with once I own a home.

I appreciate your offer to scour CL for woodworking deals, that's very kind of you.

I think at this point I would be inclined to just go ahead and spend the money on a nice worm drive circular saw (Skil 77 likely). That would give me a good base to start from and I could add a miter saw down the road.
 
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CC268

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I would definitely suggest a circular saw for what it sounds like you want to start working on. It's good for framing, cutting plywood, some basic trim (you can't do crown molding or anything like that with it.). And I would suggest a Skil 77 of some kind (aluminum or Magnisum whatever you can find that fits your budget).

A couple of hand saws too and learn to use use those as well.

Yea I'm fairly convinced the circular saw will be the way to go and I think I will just splurge on a worm drive Skil 77.

I'm glad you brought up the aluminum vs magnesium. What would be your suggestion? Just pay the extra bit and get the magnesium version?
 
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CC268

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Ok, someone had to start this..

If you're right handed, get a worm drive Skil, B&D, or Makitay Hypoid circular saw. They all have the blade on the left where you can actually see exactly where it's cutting, instead of having to lean over a sidewinder to try to see the blade guide on the other side of the blade. The handle is on the end, where it's a straight push through the work being cut- a natural extension of your arm. Sidewinders have the handle on top, you have work in a contorted position, and can't reach as far. For most users, that's the difference between being able to crosscut a 4' sheet from one side and having to re-position to finish the cut.
There is a reason most pros use a worm drive. Start off with one and you'll never want to use a sidewinder.

Thanks. I think my plan will be the Skill 77 wormdrive. Good way to start my power tool collection :)
 
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CC268

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The answer really depends on what kind of woodworking you want to do in the future, and how much you intend to spend on woodworking tools in the near future. If you're buying power tools only for the workbench you need to build now, the circular saw is probably the cheapest tool that will get you nice results. However, if you want to build more complex projects such as furniture, like another poster said, the contractor table saw is by far the most used woodworking tool in my garage. It's often the fastest and most accurate tool for most projects except for cutting down large plywood sheets, flattening or straightening lumber, or cutting curves or trims. But the cost is high enough ($500+) that I would not recommend getting a contractor table saw until you're sure you like woodworking. And many people don't recommend getting a cheap table saw since it may nullify the main accuracy benefit of getting one in the first place.

If you do choose to build your workbench with a circular saw (a good choice for sure), I would not recommend buying something too expensive. Since anything that needs accuracy gets cut on the table saw, I only use my circular saw to rough cut plywood sheets, which then get cut to specific dimensions on the table saw. For this use, I have a $13 (refurbished) Ryobi corded circular saw that gets the job done perfectly well. The only reason I can think of to buy a premium circular saw is if you are a contractor on jobsites and need the durability. For many woodworkers in a shop, the circular saw is not regarded as a tool for accuracy, so I don't see the value in paying a premium. It will still do a great job on your workbench project (which isn't fine furniture anyway).

If you think you will do a lot of home remodeling projects in the future (installing crown molding or floors, for example), a miter saw is really useful for cuts of long lumber, especially angled cuts. It would be an upgrade over the circular saw for your workbench project in speed and accuracy. Personally, I build furniture for my woodworking and don't do any home remodeling, so I haven't had a need for a miter saw and don't plan to get one. If you ever plan to get a table saw, it can do everything a miter saw can do and with greater accuracy, so you might not need both. But if you have the need, this would be a good time to get a miter saw which would make your workbench project far easier and faster than the circular saw. Hitachi makes a good, cheap and reasonably accurate miter saw for around $100, sometimes less on sale. Good luck!

Edit: I looked at the workbench plans you linked in a later post. Since you will be cutting down a large plywood sheet for the table top, the best tool choice is going to be a circular saw. Or a miter saw/table saw for the frame and a circular saw for the top, if you have the budget.

Thanks for the in depth response!
 
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CC268

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Re: Best power tool for general lumber cutting?

Coming from a family of wood workers, take this how you will.

Start with a GOOD circular saw, new or used. Dont get the cheap **** ones that are $30-40 new because you will not save anything in the long run. My dad has a corded dewalt that he uses to make a living with and loves it, I recently got the cordless version and we both like it. Corded version runs around $90 last I looked. You can do a whole lot with a circular saw, like cut boards or plywood.

As PugetDude said, build work bench and get a miter saw for finish cuts across the grain.

DO NOT cross cut with a table saw until you are comfortable using one, jig or not. Depending on what you wish to do, table saw would be my next purchase after the miter.

Sawzall is nice to have. You can get a cheap one from harbor freight, and upgrade later if you start using it more.

Jigsaws are more of a specialty tool and you'd probably end up rarely using it.

Never underestimate the versatility of a hand saw and hand plane.

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Thanks! I'm definitely going to go for the circular saw first.
 

jonshonda

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Thanks. I think my plan will be the Skill 77 wormdrive. Good way to start my power tool collection :)

haha...I like how you went right to the top w/ the saw. Worm drive will be more then you will need but there is nothing wrong with that.

If you plan on building a work bench, you will need to learn how to process sheet stock (4x8 plywood), and cut straight lines on large sheet stock.

My suggestion is a circular saw and a 12" miter saw (both corded) with a nice portable/collapsible miter saw stand that can handle 8' lumber. Having the miter saw on a stand really is a must imho. Just makes life soooo much easier. Unless you have a large area and large out feed tables on a table saw, 4x8' sheets are a real hand full and much easier to manage w/ a circular saw.

First order of business is to build some nice saw horses to cut 4x8' plywood on. Nothing fancy. When cutting straight lines w/ a circular saw you can utilize a few methods, but I prefer to use a nice straight 8' 2x4 clamped down to as a guide for the saw.

I prefer a drill and driver kit for fastening (rough carpentry). Drill w/ drill bit for pilot holes, and impact driver for screws. The impact driver is so nice compared to a drill, your wrist will thank you!
 

pat9198

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A good circular saw and this video and you're good to go


Essential Craftsman "Circular Saw Basics"

 

Davefr

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Re: Best power tool for general lumber cutting?

Alright, don't make fun of me too much, but I never learned how to do much woodworking growing up. The only power tool I own right now is a little 12V drill ha.

Is a circular saw the best cutting tool to buy if I want to build some wooden work benches? Or is a table saw more useful for that?

Thanks

:bowdown:

Circular saw or miter saw for boards and a table saw for sheet goods.

A circular saw with a Swanson speed square is a "poor mans" miter saw. Add an edge clamp and you have a "poor mans" table saw.
 

jgromada

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I started out with a jig saw back in the day. You can cut a 2x4 with the proper blade and trim stuff like plywood panels. I survived with that for years.

I think if i were starting out today I would still go that way. A circular saw would definitely be next. You can get a reasonable circular saw for $50 or so. Someone else mentioned saw horses and I think that is a good idea especially if they can be set up to cut a full sheet of plywood.

Beyond that it is the particular needs defined by the project at hand that would determine what tool I would get next.
 

jd_1138

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The full size circular saw and a compound miter saw are the best general tools for cutting wood. Reciprocating saw is good for rough cuts, demolition, and can be used for metal stuff too.

A great tool that many overlook is the compact circular saw. Perfect for cutting sheet goods, plywood, trim, 2x4's. I have the corded Rockwell 4.5 inch model that was all of $55 brand new. It's so small and light that you can use it with one hand, and it's easy to stay on your cut line. Less tiring to use than a full size one.

Also, a multi tool is great for making small, precise cuts. I think I paid $26 for my corded Ryobi oscillating multi tool.

I'd get all these tools if I wanted to explore the world of woodworking.
 

lilredex

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Start with a circular saw. You can turn it into a table saw. Watch all his videos for other inspiring DIY tools.

 

LandofRath

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A good corded circular saw and a straight edge will do a LOT if your on a limited budget.
And for starting out that would be the best bang for your buck in ability to get stuff done. I would start with a corded one mainly because its crazy annoying when your battery dies in the middle of a cut, and by you asking this I assume your on some sort of budget at the moment and extra batteries jump the price up a lot. (Yes I own a lot of cordless)

Most other tools are not "Needed" they just make the job much more efficient. I have built complete kitchen cabinets with a skilsaw and a straight edge where cuts matter.
After that it really depends what kind of projects your wanting to do.

Curved and other odd cuts :Jigsaw
Long rips, lots of plywood, Dado cuts: Tablesaw with a sled
Cutting lots of longer boards to length Miter saw all the way
Although I have and feel I need a sawzall it does not get used nearly as often as my others devices, its far from a precision cutter and mainly reserved for cutting out sheathed over windows and door frames or when I need to demo or cut into something where a nice clean cut isn't important.
 
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CC268

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You've been given a lot of good advice in this thread, and some questionable. This above is the best answer, in my opinion.

A corded worm drive skillsaw is the best investment in versatility and capability someone with no other tools can make. It will cross cut wood up to 2 inches thick, rip wood, miter, bevel, and with guides and jigs can do some very precise work.

it's not the best tool for all the different things, but it's the most versatile. It will cross cut and rip dimensional lumber, cut up sheet goods (arguably better than a table saw) make plunge cuts (with care) and do many of the cuts a miter saw will (not as well).

Even once you get other tools, it will still be used for a lot of things that they won't do as well. You get a table saw, you might want to cut up full sheets of plywood with the skillsaw and then cut them more precisely on the table saw. You can miter or cross cut a piece of wood in place, where you obviously couldn't get a mitre saw to work. You can frame a house with a skillsaw, making lots of cuts that would be tedious to take the wood over to the miter saw. It will cut straight and true, where a jigsaw or reciprocating saw won't. It will do plunge cuts safer and more precisely than a reciprocating saw will, and can do controlled depth cuts. It can slice off a small wafer of wood off the end or edge of a board, where a reciprocating saw or jigsaw will bend the blade and cut crooked. You can notch wood, and with a jig, rough plane wood to smooth out a twist or warp or bulge.

I have every other type of saw available, and I still use a worm drive skillsaw more than any other saw.

Would buying the Skilsaw 77 and pairing that with a Ryobi miter saw be a decent way to go?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1...Saw-with-Laser-Stand-TSS120L-RMS10G/302916402
 

Davefr

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You've been given a lot of good advice in this thread, and some questionable. This above is the best answer, in my opinion.

A corded worm drive skillsaw is the best investment in versatility and capability someone with no other tools can make. It will cross cut wood up to 2 inches thick, rip wood, miter, bevel, and with guides and jigs can do some very precise work.

it's not the best tool for all the different things, but it's the most versatile. It will cross cut and rip dimensional lumber, cut up sheet goods (arguably better than a table saw) make plunge cuts (with care) and do many of the cuts a miter saw will (not as well).

Even once you get other tools, it will still be used for a lot of things that they won't do as well. You get a table saw, you might want to cut up full sheets of plywood with the skillsaw and then cut them more precisely on the table saw. You can miter or cross cut a piece of wood in place, where you obviously couldn't get a mitre saw to work. You can frame a house with a skillsaw, making lots of cuts that would be tedious to take the wood over to the miter saw. It will cut straight and true, where a jigsaw or reciprocating saw won't. It will do plunge cuts safer and more precisely than a reciprocating saw will, and can do controlled depth cuts. It can slice off a small wafer of wood off the end or edge of a board, where a reciprocating saw or jigsaw will bend the blade and cut crooked. You can notch wood, and with a jig, rough plane wood to smooth out a twist or warp or bulge.

I have every other type of saw available, and I still use a worm drive skillsaw more than any other saw.

Great advise!! I'd just add a recommendation to pay the extra to get the Magnesium version of the Skill 77. Your arms will thank you.
 

clarence35

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Ryobi has this nice Miter saw and stand for a great price.

There's no one right way to plan tool purchases, but if I were in your shoes, I would save money by skipping the Skil wormdrive and get a cheap circular saw. And I would put that money towards a better miter saw, like a Dewalt if possible. I personally wouldn't buy Ryobi for a miter saw or table saw where accuracy matters, but I have their cheap corded circular saw and it's fine for that purpose. As a DIY/homeowner, I've found it's more cost effective in the long run to spend more on the saws I need to be accurate and less on the fast/rough cutting saws. But of course, your tool needs may be different than mine and it depends on what your future projects will look like.
 
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CC268

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The 77 is the industry leader/workhorse, hard to go wrong with it. I have 2 of them; have had one for over 30 years. There's lighter and more expensive and more gimmicky ones out there that may be better, but this one is the standard others are compared to.

The Ryobi looks to have good features, and would probably be a decent homeowner saw. I suspect it a bit because of the brand and cost, but my needs aren't yours; I have a more robust, but much more expensive saw. This one would outperform my older Makita for features, but wouldn't last as well. Unless you intend to use it a lot, I think it would be very sufficient.

The skillsaw and the miter saw will give you a LOT of capability to do woodworking, without taking up a lot of space. A table saw would be nice for ripping wood, but it takes up a huge amount of space in proportion to how much additional capability it gives you. It, a panel saw, and a planer, are probably the most space intensive vs capability machines out there. A skillsaw and a reciprocating saw are the most versatile vs space intensive saws. A miter saw is in the middle of that range.

Thanks for the help. Yea you can spend a ton of a miter saw, which doesn't make sense for me unless I was doing tons of woodwork. The Ryobi has excellent reviews.
 

doublearon98

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Thanks for the help. Yea you can spend a ton of a miter saw, which doesn't make sense for me unless I was doing tons of woodwork. The Ryobi has excellent reviews.
For a homeowner the ryobi should be fine. Get a good blade though.

How much is that skilsaw?

Aslo what do you intend to be making. Soft wood - pine or hardwood - oak, walnut, etc.

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CC268

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For a homeowner the ryobi should be fine. Get a good blade though.

How much is that skilsaw?

Aslo what do you intend to be making. Soft wood - pine or hardwood - oak, walnut, etc.

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Skil 77 is $200.

I'm not sure yet.
 

cmandp

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I should add that I was really thinking about the Skil 77 being bought used when I recommended it. It's quite expensive new... If you want new than any name brand side-winder will be fine.
 

Davefr

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I should add that I was really thinking about the Skil 77 being bought used when I recommended it. It's quite expensive new... If you want new than any name brand side-winder will be fine.

Skill 77 is definitely a classic that's survived the test of time.

I see gobs of them out there at g-sales, flea markets, estate sales, pawn shops, etc for pennies on the dollar. I don't know if these saws ever wear out.
 

JoeMcGov

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Yea I'm fairly convinced the circular saw will be the way to go and I think I will just splurge on a worm drive Skil 77.

I'm glad you brought up the aluminum vs magnesium. What would be your suggestion? Just pay the extra bit and get the magnesium version?

:thumbup::thumbup:

I still have my 1981 Skil Model 77 worm drive. It still soldiers on. Oh. And aluminum? Magnesium? Sh!t. My Skil is 100% PURE STEEL. A beast by any other name. You'd need a 10 key with paper tape to count how many times it's taken a long dive onto concrete. And like the Energizer bunny.......

But it's now 2018. I must say that my DeWalt 60 volt cordless worm drive is in many ways The Beez Kneez.
 

ssdave

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I'd respectfully disagree with the advice to get a sidewinder saw as a homeowner's only saw. The wormdrive is superior in accuracy and usability, and if it is going to be used as a substitute for several other saws, it is increasingly important to have that precision and usability. A professional with other tools, especially a house framer, can make do with a sidewinder saw, because they have other tools to fall back on where the sidewinder is deficient. Someone using the circular saw as a multi-purpose tool will be much better served with a better featured one, which the worm drive is. It does plunge cuts much easier and safer, cuts a straighter line, and is much easier to use on sheet goods. For beveling and guided work, it beats the sidewinder all to hell. Just the safety aspect of the better alignment of the wormdrive and less kickbacks and binding makes it worth it to me. The sidewinder is a cheap expedient for those that don't want to spend the funds to buy a better tool, or who only need to cut dimensional lumber for framing.

If you're trying to save money, you can buy the aluminum skil for about $150 if you watch for sales and factory refurbs, or buy a used one as others have suggested.
 

doublearon98

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I'd respectfully disagree with the advice to get a sidewinder saw as a homeowner's only saw. The wormdrive is superior in accuracy and usability, and if it is going to be used as a substitute for several other saws, it is increasingly important to have that precision and usability. A professional with other tools, especially a house framer, can make do with a sidewinder saw, because they have other tools to fall back on where the sidewinder is deficient. Someone using the circular saw as a multi-purpose tool will be much better served with a better featured one, which the worm drive is. It does plunge cuts much easier and safer, cuts a straighter line, and is much easier to use on sheet goods. For beveling and guided work, it beats the sidewinder all to hell. Just the safety aspect of the better alignment of the wormdrive and less kickbacks and binding makes it worth it to me. The sidewinder is a cheap expedient for those that don't want to spend the funds to buy a better tool, or who only need to cut dimensional lumber for framing.

If you're trying to save money, you can buy the aluminum skil for about $150 if you watch for sales and factory refurbs, or buy a used one as others have suggested.
I respectfully disagree with that statement. A good sidewinder is perfect for a homeowner. The "benifits" a worm drive provide are in my opinion not worth the cost especially for a homeowner. If you can cut a straight line get a straight edge. The saw type doesnt determine your ability to properly use the tool.

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MarvinBerry

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It's interesting to see how different people work, I barely use my sawzall and never for wood. Circular saw all the way, although a 18v jigsaw is handy for rough cuts.

Don't dismiss a table top job site saw, the ability to take 1/2" accurately and quickly off the side of a bit of wood is a light bulb moment. My response was literally 'where has this been all my life'

My background is in carpentry & cabinetry not metal work and yeah, sawzall gets a workout here. Easily my favorite & most used saw.

I've certainly made thousands of cuts with it that people have been like, are you sure about that??! Not for everyone but if I could only have one on site it'd be my pick.

I have buddies with those table top saws and they'd never work for what I'd want to do - throw up full sheets of 3/4 finish birch and build cabinets. Right now if I need that I have a friend with all that stuff who leaves his barn unlocked... just gotta ask if he's using it and drive over.

Not sure I'd recommend a worm drive circular for a beginners first saw.

More accurate? Powerful yes. But generally also heavier and harder to control. I've done a bunch of decks and framing with a standard saw & never wanted or needed anything more.

I'd also go corded rather then cordless. Never met a cordless that had staying power... maybe for a handful of cuts but nothing I could wail on all day without running back to the charger.
 

doublearon98

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My background is in carpentry & cabinetry not metal work and yeah, sawzall gets a workout here. Easily my favorite & most used saw.



I've certainly made thousands of cuts with it that people have been like, are you sure about that??! Not for everyone but if I could only have one on site it'd be my pick.



I have buddies with those table top saws and they'd never work for what I'd want to do - throw up full sheets of 3/4 finish birch and build cabinets. Right now if I need that I have a friend with all that stuff who leaves his barn unlocked... just gotta ask if he's using it and drive over.



Not sure I'd recommend a worm drive circular for a beginners first saw.



More accurate? Powerful yes. But generally also heavier and harder to control. I've done a bunch of decks and framing with a standard saw & never wanted or needed anything more.



I'd also go corded rather then cordless. Never met a cordless that had staying power... maybe for a handful of cuts but nothing I could wail on all day without running back to the charger.
Agree 100%

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NickTheGreat

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I agree that a table saw is the most versatile saw for a fellow starting out.

But if I were building benches I'd want a miter saw of some sort. I guess I don't picture a fellow needing to rip much material for a bench, but a whole lot of cross cuts.

Maybe a circular saw next. Between a miter and a circ you can do almost anything. :thumbup:
 
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CC268

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Hmm so some folks say any circular saw will do while other say go with the worm drive. I suppose we'll never know which way to go!
 

snickers muncher

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ssdave gives good advise. Personally I'd go with a cheaper circular saw and use the money for a few irwin quick clamps and a combination square if you don't have one. For the one time use of building those benches the miter saw wins hands down, but then you have to think about space and storage which it sounds like you don't have much of. The versatility of the circular saw really shines with just a few guides you can make yourself along with a speed square. I built most of my kitchen cabinets and a huge bookcase using a circular saw and homemade cutting guides.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QUZ16A/?tag=atomicindus08-20


A large table saw can do most of what a miter saw can do---often with greater accuracy---but it sounds like a large, more costly one isn't what you're looking for.

The bench I use the most is almost identical to the one you mentioned except I put the front stretcher on the inside so I don't hit my shin and added a leg vise.
 

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Seatltle WA
Re: Best power tool for general lumber cutting?

I got my first house about 7 years ago. And shortly after bought a cheap circular saw. And a fine tooth Diablo blade. After a while wife needed a new bed so I bought a sliding mitre saw. Both saws have limitations and I still have both. I recently put tile in my bathroom of second house. Put a tile blade on the circular saw and was able to cut the 10-15 tiles I needed to cut nice and clean without having to buy or rent a wet saw. Now all this time I wish I had a worm drive circular saw. And also a table saw. But a normal circular saw if the motor is strong enough can get lots of work done without a large investment.

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doublearon98

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
676
Location
Hamton, Arkansas
Re: Best power tool for general lumber cutting?

A 15amp circular saw will not have any trouble cutting anything

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