Father Son Projects-Need tool advice

[Jsf721]

Over the last few months I have gotten my 17 year olds attention and he has been very interested in helping me fix things around the house and building simple projects.

I purchased 10 cases of Gladiator Gear Wall and need to install it. I have never purchased a saw. I own a circular saw but its not the right tool for this. I need to buy/rent a chop saw, or sliding miter saw. I have never used this type of tool before and I am sure I can figure it out. I just want to know if I buy what brand is worth it what safety features.

thanks

 

[jkwilson]

What are the dimensions of what you need to cut?

 

[Shiftless]

What are the dimensions of what you need to cut?

I think those individual panels are only 6 inches wide. How many of them need cutting?
A chop saw would be the best tool but you could get by with your circular saw and a metal guide. If you and your son do projects around the house like molding or shelves, a chop saw will come in handy. Get a high quality blade. Even a second hand saw will be fine if you get the proper blade. Often the ones that come on brand new saws are not very good.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Put your 17 yo to work with a handsaw. it will tire him out and he'll learn something.

 

[Shiftless]

Put your 17 yo to work with a handsaw. it will tire him out and he'll learn something.

(Hopefully you are joking)

Or discourage him so much that he never touches carpentry again.

 

[ruffryder]

(Hopefully you are joking)

Or discourage him so much that he never touches carpentry again.

Only if the dad isn't right along with him cutting boards too.

 

[UpNorther]

Aren't those Gladiator Gear 12" wide ?
If so you'll definately want a sliding miter.

Nothing wrong with a little skil saw practice for him either. Could just use a square, draw a line, and have your son cut it with the skil saw.

 

[Richard Cranium]

clamp a framing square to your board and use your skill saw to cut the boards.

 

[gdocktor3]

clamp a framing square to your board and use your skill saw to cut the boards.

I agree. It doesn't sound like you do a lot of carpentry work so don't bother buying a miter saw. Plus, if I'm understanding correctly, a skil saw is the correct tool for the job anyways, not a miter saw.

 

[MaineGuide]

Miter saw is useful (I'm currently without one), but I get by very well by using a speed square as a guide for my circular saw. I just set it 1.5" from my cut line (the offset of the blade from the saw base on my circular saw) and get very good, accurate results.

 

[Shiftless]

Miter saw is useful (I'm currently without one), but I get by very well by using a speed square as a guide for my circular saw. I just set it 1.5" from my cut line (the offset of the blade from the saw base on my circular saw) and get very good, accurate results.

^^^^^
I have a sliding miter saw, a chop saw, a jig saw and two table saws but I sometimes still cut long boards that way using a hand held circular saw and a speed square. On occasion, I even bust out one of my vintage Disston hand saws to make just one cut.

 

[drink]

Over the last few months I have gotten my 17 year olds attention and he has been very interested in helping me fix things around the house and building simple projects.

I purchased 10 cases of Gladiator Gear Wall and need to install it. I have never purchased a saw. I own a circular saw but its not the right tool for this. I need to buy/rent a chop saw, or sliding miter saw. I have never used this type of tool before and I am sure I can figure it out. I just want to know if I buy what brand is worth it what safety features.

thanks

I do not know the exact type of material you purchased but I think you should ask the mfg what they suggest to use when installing their materials. I found a copy of the mfg's instructions. Try reading up on them. If they match what you have you will be up to speed when discussing the product with the mfg. You might consider using a table saw to do ripping if necessary. The instructions mention a circular saw, jig saw, cordless drill, and some other stuff. Without having the material in my possession I would try to figure out if running a circular saw across it would scar the material's finish. The tools necessary depend on where and how you are installing them.

A sliding compound miter saw with a good stand might be the best saw. A radial arm saw might be good also. Ask the mfg if they recommend flipping the material to one side when cutting it or ask if it matters which side you cut. Sometimes a saw blade might cause flaking when cutting.

http://www.gladiatorgarageworks.com/digitalassets/GAWP082PBY/Installation Instruction_EN.pdf

 

[nutsnbolts]

Buy the chop saw...it's free! The money you save by doing the work more than pays for whatever tools you need.

I have a simple Ridgid mitering chop saw, I think it was $129 on sale. I use it all the time. Once you get to doing stuff, and just by owning it, you will likely find yourself using it all the time.