Practical applications for a handheld compact circular saw?

[stickshift]

I bought that Makita 12v 4pc kit that was on sale recently. Now that I've received it and am over the 'high' of a great deal, I'm realizing that I don't have much use for the compact circular saw or the light, and might be better off returning it and hunting around for a similarly great deal on a 2pc combo of just drill-driver and impact driver.

So anyway, GJ, what practical DIY uses are there for a handheld compact circular saw for an apartment dweller who already has a hacksaw? [Yes, I'm trying to rationalize keeping this kit and need your help.]

 

[larry_g]

I have one of those kits. Agreed I live on a farm and have many uses for for the battery saw. Use it a lot for trim work and cutting 1x or sheet goods. They are perty useless for 2x lumber, but will cut it. As for the light I like it so well I bought a second one.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[TireTracks]

I'm often of the mindset, that even if you don't have a use for it now, one will come along eventualy.

Got a big property? Camping?
Mabey use it as a personal protetion weapon? "Get back, Or i'll cut you"
:dunno

 

[ishiboo]

IMO you should return it and switch, the small saw may come in handy once and a while but then you'll soon need a full-size circular saw, and your 12v will be a toy. A small 12v recip like Bosch makes would be more useful IMO.

 

[ishiboo]

Actually, for the price you paid you basically got it and the light for free, keep them! They're toys but will come in handy once and a while like most gimmicks.

 

[adamsredlines]

My dad uses his quite often, more than I could ever imagine. I dont think he's really used his full size corded one since he got his Dewalt version.

 

[alabamavolvos]

I'm with Larry G on this tool, use one around the farm. Mainly for small jobs were I don't have the ability to or want to drag out the bigger saw. Replacing fence boards that the horses have broken or lite barn repairs.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I bought that Makita 12v 4pc kit that was on sale recently.
So anyway, GJ, what practical DIY uses are there for a handheld compact circular saw for an apartment dweller who already has a hacksaw? [Yes, I'm trying to rationalize keeping this kit and need your help.]

Hack saws and cutoff/wood saws are two different animals unless the balde is changed.

As larry g point out, they are good for rough or non-exact cuts on sheet good or ripping 1x and 2x lumber down to fit .

Nice to have around if doing home repair or building a treehouse or deck, but not for fine cabinetry work or work requiring tight tolerances. Move up to 7 1/4" saw or table saw as the job needs grow.

They like to bundle the saws to sell them, but there will be a need for one sometime. If you got it for close to the cost of the 2-pak alone, then hang onto it.

 

[dittle fart around]

Put a diamond blade on your saw and you can cut glass. Break into any home you want to.

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

cutting pizza?

 

[stickshift]

cutting pizza?

 

[Jawn]

I have that saw (and the drill). I use the hell out of it for model railroad benchwork construction (lots of 1x lumber and 3/4" MDF).

Wish I'd come across that kit though... it's not much more than I paid for just the two tools. I keep pondering whether to get their 3/8" impact, the hex driver, or both.

 

[crewchief888]

So anyway, GJ, what practical DIY uses are there for a handheld compact circular saw for an apartment dweller who already has a hacksaw? [Yes, I'm trying to rationalize keeping this kit and need your help.]

before we bought our house, we lived in an apt complex, and a an old 2 story duplex for a while.

i picked up a ryobi combo set, and used it quite often.
we didnt have much in the way of furniture, picked up pieces and parts to amke some shelving units, ect.
came in handy for that kinda stuff.

 

[stickshift]

before we bought our house, we lived in an apt complex, and a an old 2 story duplex for a while.

i picked up a ryobi combo set, and used it quite often.
we didnt have much in the way of furniture, picked up pieces and parts to amke some shelving units, ect.
came in handy for that kinda stuff.

Yeah, I was thinking it would be useful for some simple shelf building. But given the price of wood today, it's actually cheaper to just buy a used shelf on CL than it is to make your own. I picked up several mini bookshelves at an average cost of $10 apiece.

 

[PassnThru]

Put a diamond blade on your saw and you can cut glass. Break into any home you want to.

Wouldn't it be quicker and easier to just throw the saw through the window

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

That is awesome..... if it's 18V

 

[machine_punk]

It's hardly a 'DIY' use, but I've been looking for a 'corded' mini saw like that to use for cutting sheet metal (specifically aluminum, with a metal-cutting blade installed). I don't really like cordless tools, so I was looking for a similar saw with a cord. I've been eyeing that double-blade saw at Harbor Freight, but I would want the thinnest kerf possible and the ability to cut in either direction doesn't really appeal to me.

I suppose an apartment would be the best place to have a mini saw like that...you don't do a lot of heavy construction...the only things you might want to cut would be smaller projects (building furniture, making a poker table cover for your dining table, building a few small shelves to put on the wall, building a custom bass speaker cabinet for the car, customizing your entertainment center for your specific TV, etc.)

OH...and that is a cool pizza cutter...just sayin'