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What is the most versatile power saw?

 
czygyny
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10/30/2009 07:54 PM
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What is the most versatile power saw?
The ex took all the tools and left me with very little to keep my property maintained, I have replaced the gas line trimmer, leaf blower, compressor, chain saw, etc, but I need a power saw for finishing the interior of some rooms and general cutting needs...so tell me, what would be my best investment:

A miter saw?

A circular saw?

A table saw?


I have used all three, but I am not familiar with all the uses of especially the miter saw to know which would be a better investment. I know that the circular saw is about the cheapest, but it can't cut precise angles, and my hand saw miter is a pain to use.

Help a gal out and point me in the right direction.

Last Edited by czygyny on 10/30/2009 07:56 PM
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
A circular saw is cheapest and most versatile. However, for finish out, if you mean like window and door trim, baseboard, shelving, stuff like that, a miter saw makes much neater cuts, especially with angles. Get a book on carpentry, they can be very helpful with such things.
Anonymous Coward
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10/30/2009 08:05 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
for finish work a miter saw is your only option. hit craigslist or the store brand from home despot or blowes to find all three for under $200 pretty easily. sliding miter saw's are the best.
czygyny  (OP)

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
A circular saw is cheapest and most versatile. However, for finish out, if you mean like window and door trim, baseboard, shelving, stuff like that, a miter saw makes much neater cuts, especially with angles. Get a book on carpentry, they can be very helpful with such things.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward



for finish work a miter saw is your only option. hit craigslist or the store brand from home despot or blowes to find all three for under $200 pretty easily. sliding miter saw's are the best.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 806491


Thank you very much for your help. Yes, a book on carpentry will be very helpful for me, although I do have some experience with woodworking.

The miter saw is the one I was considering but I just wasn't quite sure...I may still get a circular saw just for the quick cuts out on the property they are not very pricey although my Sawzall is good in a pinch, but the miter saw seems the best investment for the other needs.

I'll keep an eye on the sales advertisements, Sears has sales on them frequently.

I love power tools. cool2
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
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10/30/2009 08:33 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I do to. I recommend for value 'Ryobi' tools. Not the best, but plenty good enough for 1/3 the price.
Flaming Sword

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10/30/2009 08:34 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?


Last Edited by Flaming Sword on 11/02/2009 05:55 PM
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10/30/2009 08:34 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!
Anonymous Coward
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
IF YA GO TH EMITRE SAW GET A SLIDING COMPOUND WITH A DEPTH CUT ABILITY, SO YA CAN DO A HALF HOUSED JOINT OR A REBATE.

Fkn caps

If you get a circular saw, please be very careful with it.
Always adopt a strong feet apart stance and be careful of the fucker kicking back along a rip cut.
 Quoting: Flaming Sword

Thats the best part! chuckle jk of course
malu

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10/30/2009 08:52 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!
 Quoting: RememberThis


well for Halloween type activities i would have to agree


otherwise, hands down the circular saw. with accessories you can do a hell of a lot of different cuts, for a fairly reasonable price
"By way of deception, thou shalt do war."

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wil b wuz

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!
 Quoting: RememberThis

A sawzall is a good demo saw, or builders saw, but if I were you I'd get an 18v DeWalt rechargable circular saw. That way you can add a drill later that uses the same batteries and you can do about all the household stuff you'll need to do.

Last Edited by wil b wuz on 10/30/2009 09:01 PM
Phazer

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10/30/2009 09:16 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Radial arm-saw. Especially an older Craftsman, (not one of the newer aluminum framed ones). You can do compound angles, you can rotate the head and rip if you have long enough supports. A good used one on craigslist can be had for $100.00.

2nd choice would be a compound chop saw. A pricey one would be a sliding compound chopsaw. But those might be a little out of range.

Last Edited by Phazer on 10/30/2009 09:20 PM
czygyny  (OP)

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!

A sawzall is a good demo saw, or builders saw, but if I were you I'd get an 18v DeWalt rechargable circular saw. That way you can add a drill later that uses the same batteries and you can do about all the household stuff you'll need to do.
 Quoting: wil b wuz



I have a Super Sawzall 75th Anniversary I picked up at the local pawn shop---nice toy.

I do have a Dewalt rechargeable drill, so getting that brand circular saw might be a good idea...but I would never buy a cordless tool second hand. Those batteries are too expensive and don't last forever. I use that drill all the time, I have the screw tip set and the nut driver set--so handy.

I think it is time to sell my Troybuilt chipper shredder, I never use it, and I can convert the money into more tools I will use. I need a Stihl gas pole pruner to match my Stihl power toys, er, tools.

Craigslist is good, I have purchased a couple of my tools from there.
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
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10/30/2009 09:36 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
If your going to buy a Ryobi (Home Depot House brand) I would goto cporyobi.com and get refurbished (my table saw was ~90 shipped). I would definitely say a miter saw if you're going to cut angles, table saw if your going to cut sheets (ply, wall board etc.) I'd say the sawzall is the most versatile - you can go from cutting steel to yard work with a quick blade change, but not so great for straight long cuts. I'd also checkout harbor freight for casual use tools (and for wrenches/socket sets) they're probably the best value for the occasional use homeowner. A circular saw is versatile but the easiest to hurt yourself with imo. If you find one at a garage sale - I would immediately go buy a new blade. At first I thought you were asking for a chainsaw recommendation and I was going to have to say Echo or Shindawa - although more expensive than other brands the engines are rated at 6 times everything else on the market (which are epa grade c or 50 hour engines).
wil b wuz

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10/30/2009 09:40 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!

A sawzall is a good demo saw, or builders saw, but if I were you I'd get an 18v DeWalt rechargable circular saw. That way you can add a drill later that uses the same batteries and you can do about all the household stuff you'll need to do.



I have a Super Sawzall 75th Anniversary I picked up at the local pawn shop---nice toy.

I do have a Dewalt rechargeable drill, so getting that brand circular saw might be a good idea...but I would never buy a cordless tool second hand. Those batteries are too expensive and don't last forever. I use that drill all the time, I have the screw tip set and the nut driver set--so handy.

I think it is time to sell my Troybuilt chipper shredder, I never use it, and I can convert the money into more tools I will use. I need a Stihl gas pole pruner to match my Stihl power toys, er, tools.

Craigslist is good, I have purchased a couple of my tools from there.
 Quoting: czygyny


No joke about the cost of the batteries. I just bought 2 for one of my DeWalt 14v drills. 69 bucks a pop.
Anonymous Coward
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10/30/2009 09:46 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Arnold in Terminator: "I'd like a Mark IV Plasma rifle in the 10 gigawatt range."

shopkeeper: "Hey, just what you see on the shelves, pal."
Anonymous Coward
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10/30/2009 09:48 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
but but on all hollows eve shouldn't we be worried?
Anonymous Coward
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10/30/2009 09:51 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Sawz All!

A sawzall is a good demo saw, or builders saw, but if I were you I'd get an 18v DeWalt rechargable circular saw. That way you can add a drill later that uses the same batteries and you can do about all the household stuff you'll need to do.



I have a Super Sawzall 75th Anniversary I picked up at the local pawn shop---nice toy.

I do have a Dewalt rechargeable drill, so getting that brand circular saw might be a good idea...but I would never buy a cordless tool second hand. Those batteries are too expensive and don't last forever. I use that drill all the time, I have the screw tip set and the nut driver set--so handy.

 Quoting: czygyny


Shindawa tosses in the string trimmer head if you buy an accessory and the accessories are like half the cost of Stihl (that pole saw kick a$$, but shindawa becomes really competitive with the pole saw in the deal). I have Stihl myself and it's served me rather well, although I've managed to time it out to where I only need it for the day about twice a year. Echo is made in the USA and both Echo and Shindawa are the only two power tool manufacturers that build their own (gas) engines (that I know of). I'd get rid of any chipper shredder that does less than 5-6" limbs - I can rent one of those that does my entire year of pruning on 50-60 trees in less than 4 hours which costs me about 80 bucks here, I used it for a full day this year and caught up on 3 years worth of chips.... Just so you know my buddy from up north has a '92 Shindawa chainsaw that's cut over 400 cords of wood and it finally broke - he needs a new trigger button - otherwise works like new. The road crew brought in a shindawa string trimmer from '84 in use 5 days a week and it needed a new air filter.....
czygyny  (OP)

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10/30/2009 09:56 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
but but on all hollows eve shouldn't we be worried?
 Quoting: bed


Bwaa-ha-haa-haa! yes-be afraid, be very afraid!

pump2

Er, no, not really...not only do I not celebrate Halloween, but I live far out in the sticks and nobody in their right mind would come down this dark, dusty road, try to get past the power gate and my dogs, to visit my place at night!


<entertaining the thought of me holding my chainsaw up in the air, with my hair all wild and a crazy look on my face and laughing demonically in my crazy 'exorcist' voice--hmmmm-m>

damned2

Last Edited by czygyny on 10/30/2009 10:03 PM
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
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10/30/2009 10:01 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
This saw, called the "Dual-Saw" is THE BEST SAW I'VE EVER USED HANDS DOWN!!!
I recommend it 100% also they have a "Promo" where IF you need new blades they will give you them FOR LIFE!!!

[link to www.dualsaw.com (secure)]

Cuts EVERYTHING!!! Wood, Metal, Plastic, you name it, it cuts it.....

LONG LIVE BILLY MAYS!!!!!

But seriously it's a great Saw.
czygyny  (OP)

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Shindawa tosses in the string trimmer head if you buy an accessory and the accessories are like half the cost of Stihl (that pole saw kick a$$, but shindawa becomes really competitive with the pole saw in the deal). I have Stihl myself and it's served me rather well, although I've managed to time it out to where I only need it for the day about twice a year. Echo is made in the USA and both Echo and Shindawa are the only two power tool manufacturers that build their own (gas) engines (that I know of). I'd get rid of any chipper shredder that does less than 5-6" limbs - I can rent one of those that does my entire year of pruning on 50-60 trees in less than 4 hours which costs me about 80 bucks here, I used it for a full day this year and caught up on 3 years worth of chips.... Just so you know my buddy from up north has a '92 Shindawa chainsaw that's cut over 400 cords of wood and it finally broke - he needs a new trigger button - otherwise works like new. The road crew brought in a shindawa string trimmer from '84 in use 5 days a week and it needed a new air filter.....
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 806868


I'll look in to that brand...I like the Stihl, the line trimmer, the leaf blower and the chainsaw are all Stihl, but if it is a good deal for less cash I am all for it. It will get used a lot here, I have a lot of fruit and oak trees.

The chipper shredder has been sitting around collecting spider webs for years. It works but it is a pain to move and to use...I'd rather burn the branches anyway, it is a good excuse for playing with fire and gasoline. explosion
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
wil b wuz

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10/30/2009 10:45 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Shindawa tosses in the string trimmer head if you buy an accessory and the accessories are like half the cost of Stihl (that pole saw kick a$$, but shindawa becomes really competitive with the pole saw in the deal). I have Stihl myself and it's served me rather well, although I've managed to time it out to where I only need it for the day about twice a year. Echo is made in the USA and both Echo and Shindawa are the only two power tool manufacturers that build their own (gas) engines (that I know of). I'd get rid of any chipper shredder that does less than 5-6" limbs - I can rent one of those that does my entire year of pruning on 50-60 trees in less than 4 hours which costs me about 80 bucks here, I used it for a full day this year and caught up on 3 years worth of chips.... Just so you know my buddy from up north has a '92 Shindawa chainsaw that's cut over 400 cords of wood and it finally broke - he needs a new trigger button - otherwise works like new. The road crew brought in a shindawa string trimmer from '84 in use 5 days a week and it needed a new air filter.....


I'll look in to that brand...I like the Stihl, the line trimmer, the leaf blower and the chainsaw are all Stihl, but if it is a good deal for less cash I am all for it. It will get used a lot here, I have a lot of fruit and oak trees.

The chipper shredder has been sitting around collecting spider webs for years. It works but it is a pain to move and to use...I'd rather burn the branches anyway, it is a good excuse for playing with fire and gasoline. explosion
 Quoting: czygyny

The only thing I ever used my chipper/shredder for was shredding up all of the winter alfalfa hay for the goats and sheep. They didn't scatter it and waste so much that way.
htp,nli
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10/31/2009 01:05 AM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
For all around usage, I would have to come down on the side of the circular saw.
If you have a small amount of trim work to do, buy a hand miter box.
A circular saw with a variety of blades can be used for cutting masonry, steel,tile, plywood, and dimension lumber. Using clamps and straight edges, you can built cabinets. You can even make a jig to cut trim joints.

Nothing against the other saws, I have them all. But if I could only have one saw, it would be a circular saw.

For timber work and haircuts, I have one of these:

[link to www.gosale.com]
Anonymous Coward
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10/31/2009 01:21 AM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I'm a carpenter (just to lend credence)

The circular saw is a must, a very versatile saw. The one I like best is my Dewalt DW369 it has preset stops at 22.5 45 and 60 degrees. It's a really solid machine. Get yourself a speed square and use it as a guide for the saw for cut offs, it'll help keep the cut square.

As for trim work the best tool is a sliding compound mitre saw, the bigger the blade the better especially for crown molding. This kind of tool will cost more than the average homeowner will get back in savings from any DYI projects.
Maybe buy a cheap 8 or 10" if your not going to be doing much trim.

WOW a woman wanting to talk power tools ..... I'm getting a cubby
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10/31/2009 01:28 AM

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
A circular saw is cheapest and most versatile. However, for finish out, if you mean like window and door trim, baseboard, shelving, stuff like that, a miter saw makes much neater cuts, especially with angles. Get a book on carpentry, they can be very helpful with such things.



for finish work a miter saw is your only option. hit craigslist or the store brand from home despot or blowes to find all three for under $200 pretty easily. sliding miter saw's are the best.


Thank you very much for your help. Yes, a book on carpentry will be very helpful for me, although I do have some experience with woodworking.

The miter saw is the one I was considering but I just wasn't quite sure...I may still get a circular saw just for the quick cuts out on the property they are not very pricey although my Sawzall is good in a pinch, but the miter saw seems the best investment for the other needs.

I'll keep an eye on the sales advertisements, Sears has sales on them frequently.

I love power tools. cool2
 Quoting: czygyny

Circ saw is a mobile saw...that's what it is meant to be...if you are good with it...you can make straight enough cuts for all but trim work...real trim work...inside moldings etc....really the best all around fixed saw is a radial arm saw...it's kinda of like a mitre on steriods...also...you can do ripping with one, which you cannot do with a mitre saw....if I didn't already have a table saw, circ, and mitre....I'd have a radial arm....also...most have a drive output for running big shaping bits...something you might never do...but it's there to have.....a radial arm saw will stand in for most any big saw job...it's the shotgun of saws...might not be the best at any one thing, but it can do em all....

Last Edited by SHR on 10/31/2009 01:24 PM
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czygyny  (OP)

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10/31/2009 05:35 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Circ saw is a mobile saw...that's what it is meant to be...if you are good with it...you can make straight enough cuts for all but trim work...real trim work...inside moldings etc....really the best all around fixed saw is a radial arm saw...it's kinda of like a mitre on steriods...also...you can do ripping with one, which you cannot do with a mitre saw....if I didn't already have a table saw, circ, and mitre....I'd have a radial arm....also...most have a drive output for running big shaping bits...something you might never do...but it's there to have.....a radial arm saw will stand in for most any big saw job...it's the shotgun of saws...might not be the best at any one thing, but it can do em all....
 Quoting: PER


That is something I may be able to find at the pawn shop or on Craigslist, too. Sadly, times are hard on many people, especially carpenters...and they might need to sell one.

Thanks again, everyone, for the hints and helps.

I guess taking wood shop in highschool (how many decades ago was that?) was a good time invested for me, I was one of the first girls ever allowed in the class!...now I need to brush the dust off my learnin'.
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
wil b wuz

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10/31/2009 05:46 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Look and see if you have a Woodcraft store near you. They offer lots of short classes on various projects. Might help to tune up your skills.
Full Circle

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10/31/2009 05:52 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I love my jigsaw. lol. It's my favorite of all the saws.
Born into this World
We create echoes of our inward yearnings
And Shift along the Axis
From matter to Spirit
- Scott Mutter
czygyny  (OP)

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10/31/2009 06:06 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I love my jigsaw. lol. It's my favorite of all the saws.
 Quoting: Full Circle


Yep, I have a nice jig saw, too. It comes in handy for those loopty-loop cuts. I used it at work when I was commissioned to make large cut-out silhouettes of jazz players.

My favorite power tools, however, are my Dremel (for my carving hobby) which I now covet the new Lithium cordless model, and my 30 year old Troybuilt rototiller--my very first credit purchase of my young adult life--it came on a semi-truck, delivered on a pallet to my home. Still runs like a champ.

Look and see if you have a Woodcraft store near you. They offer lots of short classes on various projects. Might help to tune up your skills.
 Quoting: wil b wuz


No, no Woodcraft stores near me, but I'll keep my eye open for something similar.

Last Edited by czygyny on 10/31/2009 06:07 PM
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos
Joker

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10/31/2009 06:30 PM

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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I would say this is the most versatle saw.

[link to www.youtube.com]
Anonymous Coward
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10/31/2009 06:31 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
Jesus :D lol
czygyny  (OP)

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10/31/2009 06:35 PM
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Re: What is the most versatile power saw?
I would say this is the most versatle saw.

[link to www.youtube.com]
 Quoting: Joker


Now that would be fine for the varmints out in my neck of the woods, but how the heck am I going to cut perfect 45° cuts with that thing?
Kletos, Eklektos & Pistos





GLP