(Part 2) Best power saws according to redditors

Woodworking - the barrier to entry can be intimidating at times but in reality you can build a good amount of projects with a saw and some screws. Lots of people make impressive things using just a Kreg Jig and Skilsaw

If he doesn't have a reciprocating saw they're a godsend for certain projects when you have to cut out old rusty parts. Plus they're amazing in hundreds of other tasks around house and beyond.

DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N5FLVM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2jI-zb2DWK7BJ

Something like this is really nice. I would stick with a good brand like DeWalt or Milwaukee if you buy one.

Seems like a good investment. DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N5FLVM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Mp31BbCFQNYE0

Sawsall

Got you covered:

https://smile.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDCR20B-Lithium-Reciprocating/dp/B00IP27DFA/

I'm not going to address your obvious roommate issues but perhaps a solution is to get your own climate control for your room. A small floor or window AC unit or a space heater would keep your space at your desired temperature and they can freeze/overheat if they want.

I hear you, but there is only one way to get that experience. You don't need a workshop either...

You could do it well with:

• circular saw ($50)
  
• cheap drill press ([$50 w/ coupon](https://m.harborfreight.com/8-in-5-speed-bench-drill-press-60238.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20 provided))
  
• handheld router ([$75] (http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-reconditioned-ridgid-zrr2401-1-6-hp-laminate-trimmer/rgdrzrr2401,default,pd.html?ref=pla-mobile&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=722&zmap=rgdrzrr2401&gclid=Cj0KEQjwmv7JBRDXkMWW4_Tf8ZoBEiQA11B2frK1GwIs5sOvBFNJc6Fp5FC55fP6LjREXE_W7j_HsdQaAjuc8P8HAQ) + ~$20 for bit kit)
  
• handheld drill
  
• handheld sander
  
  It'll be more than a weekend project with those, but a great experience.
  
  A table saw (~$200+) and/or miter saw ($100) aren't needed, but would speed that up significantly.

It's only 1800w which is not unmanageable and it weighs 13kg (28.7lbs) so it should be steady enough. Hell of a weight though

Amazon link with details

This model. Since amazon had it on sale, and Lowe's price matches anything sold by Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GET8278/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_J5ADybMWR5Q3Z

As someone working through this but a few years ahead of you, I'll pass along the list of stuff I've bought and/or wish to buy...

Hand Tools

1. You say you have screwdrivers, but ifs worthwhile to have a full complement of them. You might consider getting a hand tool set like this one. Also, diagonals. Can't stress that enough. Eventually, you might upgrade a lot of these, but it'll get you started.
   
   
2. Ratcheting wrenches, along these lines. Conventional wrenches are functional, but these are much more so.
   
   
3. Ratcheting hex key set. In fact, this one looks good. If you have any Ikea furniture in your future, these will be worth their weight in guld.
   
   
4. Maybe a vise. That particular vice is mid-priced, but you can find well-reviewed vises at just about any price point.
   
   
5. A good range of sand paper grits: 80, 100, 120, 150, 180. You might also pick up a sanding sponge.
   
   Power Tools
   
   
6. A Dremel
   
   
7. Maybe an electric circular saw or a jigsaw. I really don't know which I'd prioritize, but you should probably have at least one of them.
   
   
8. If there's money left over in your budget, I'd suggest a random orbit sander.
   
   
9. A drill press
   
   Also, there are fluids to consider
   
   
10. Simple Green
    
    
11. Penetrating oil
    
    
12. Wood Glue
    
    
13. Mineral Spirits
    
    
14. Linseed Oil
    
    Of these, I'd focus on the hand tools, fluids, and the Dremel. You can always ask someone to buy you a saw for Christmas. If you have these things on hand, there probably won't be a job come along that you can't handle at some basic level. I'm assuming you don't need yard grooming tools, because that's an entirely different list.

This is on sale right now at Amazon. Excellent saw at a very good price. It will last your lifetime no problem. A little more than you may want to spend but it will do every job around your home and is a better saw than many at that price.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-5477NB-Amp-4-Inch-Hypoid/dp/B002FBLVAU/ref=sr_1_8?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1488169337&sr=1-8&keywords=circular+saw&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A387625011

Dust Collector - $239

Air Filtration - $139.99

As far as jointers - I'd stay away from the bench top ones. You'll find them useful for a short period of time, but then you'll realize you should have sprung for a bigger model. Along with a planer, I would look on CL for a decently priced used model. Obviously this doesn't work with your Amazon Gift card plan, but I wouldn't waste them. And buying a good jointer new off amazon is going to be out of your budget.

Jigsaw - $65.99

3M Respirator Mask - $15.97

As far as clamps, I would stick with Bessey clamps. I would price check Amazon vs Home Depot and see what's cheaper. If HD is cheaper, don't waste your Amazon GCs on them. HD tends to run Special Buys on them from time to time too.

Right now, you're just under $500. Do you plan on doing any hand tool work (i.e. chisels, handsaws)? If so, you can spend some on those tools as well.

I've got one. It's badass, say good bye to all the abrasive shit and sparks flying everywhere.

Mine is an Evolution saw + blade.

I think this is the one I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Power-Tools-RAGE3-Multipurpose/dp/B0030M2TCC

I bought the steel purpose blade and it came with the multi-purpose. The steel one is blue color, so it could very well be the one being used in the video.

No worries! Below is a link to a circular saw by Skill (or you can search “circular saw” on amazon. It’s one of the first results and is just over $60). It’s kind of the bread and butter of circular saws. It’s the one everyone has. It’s the one I have (minus the laser)! Good saw and it can be used for a whole lot of stuff. Different tool than what is shown above, however. The posted tool is a planer which helps make boards a uniform thickness.

skill saw

Edit: After reading your comment again, he’s definitely asking for the circular saw; however, if you’re already buying tools and want to buy more tools, a reciprocating saw would work way better for something like cutting through a wall. It’s a good general purpose tool as well (I’d stick with the circular saw if you’re only getting one though).

reciprocating saw

Lots of people like worm-drive (hypoid) saws because they are easier to work for a right handed person. Example. They have much more torque than a regular circular saw.

Most regular circular saws have the blade on the right side, but they also make left-side circular saws too. Example.

I hate cordless tools because I hate having to wait on batteries to recharge, and hate that most of them go to a landfill once they are spent. But if you're going to be cutting 2x4s mostly, or smaller things on a jobsite, then a smaller-blade cordless saw will be a good fit. If you will be mostly working in a garage or shop, get a corded saw. You'll get more power, and won't have to recharge or replace any batteries ever.

I say get a corded Dewalt ~$80.00, save yourself some money


http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE304-10-Amp-Reciprocating-Saw/dp/B00ODN1CP2

> https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Precision-Breech-Lock-Challenger/dp/B003ISVWC6

yes. i also got mine from amazon.

the parts that need improvement are discussed in the customer reviews near the bottom of the page. powder dispenser and scale are the items i remember getting lukewarm reviews. those parts are cheap to upgrade. so no worry.


you need dies for the caliber that you are reloading.

for some reason i have 2 sets of .223 dies. i know i purchased one, i'm not sure if the other came with the kit.

i purchased a 2" bench top cut off saw [$32]

a jig to cut my cases [$13] 300blk

a case length guage [$10] 300blk

ammo loading tray [$7]

dies [$39] for each caliber

digital caliper [$16]

frankford scale [$32]

frankford bullet puller [$16]

tumber kit [$75]

i spent a good month or so on /r/reloading before i actually purchased anything.

i asked questions and made a shopping list.

those guys are very helpful

research what you actually need for the caliber / bullet grain you want to reload before you buy anything.

double and triple check what powder you need as well. it could save your life.


i kinda over did it with supplies

haven't opened half the boxes yet.

It is much better quality. I don't know about the $.49 stuff. I used to use the HD stuff, and when I found this I decided to get the $1.50 stuff (they have 10% off sales on occasion). Instead of 7mil, it was 13 mil and came in "random" (about 4 different) lengths with beveled edges. Just as easy to put down and I didn't have as many "click edge" problems. It looks as close to a real hard wood floor as I have seen. Here is a picture of a room I did http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo316/kvrdave/lam7-1.jpg The beveled edges seriously look good.

Also, if you don't have one of these, get one. http://www.amazon.com/SKIL-3600-02-120-Volt-Flooring-Saw/dp/B0037KM8TQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373381931&sr=8-1&keywords=skil+laminate+saw

the "normal" bandsaw for home shops is a 14" import, sold by everyone under the sun. However, even the Harbor Freight version is above your price range.

That means you're looking for either a 9-10" benchtop version, or a used 14" on Craigslist. You're definitely better off with the used one; the benchtop ones just aren't much good. You may have to give a used one some TLC, but it's worth doing; even a new one will require some tuning to work well.

TruePower 919 High Speed Mini Miter/Cut-Off Saw, 2-Inch (colors may vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VWHTUG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_T.eLAb0JB8H35

There might possibly be somewhere that would do that for a fee... but that fee would almost certainly be higher than the cost of a cheap Circular Saw, like this. Probably half your neighbors have one, too, for that matter.

Or if that's too rich, and you're feeling anti-social, drill a hole in it and use a jab saw... though that will take a while. Sigh... no drill? Yeah, just get the circular saw.

Buy this circular saw.

I️ literally just bought the dewalt dw716xps from Amazon. Right now 250 with an extra blade. I️ didn’t want a slider due to space and weight, but the dewalt saws are the best imo and the xps light is a great feature

DEWALT DW716XPS Compound Miter Saw with XPS, 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P0DXET6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_zi7fAb2T5ACJ1

so, we wouldn't be able to crosscut with the table saw really? we found the second saw (http://www.amazon.com/Skil-3600-02-120-Volt-Flooring-Saw/dp/B0037KM8TQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1321827868&sr=8-4), it does ripping and crosscutting, and is about 1/4-1/3 the price of a tablesaw. It can only handle a material thickness of 3/4" but, I honestly don't see us doing a whole bunch of woodwork in the future other than installing the floors.

It might be worth considering a small chop saw like is used for converting .223rem to .300blk. That's a lot of material to trim down using a standard case trimmer. Here's a link to the saw I use for the 300blk conversion.

I bouch a cheapo mini chop saw from amazon which works fine with a jig

Not really heavy duty but I've only done a hundred pieces over three or four runs and no issues. It'd probably crap out if running it too long.

https://www.amazon.com/TruePower-919-Cut-Off-2-Inch-colors/dp/B000VWHTUG

I am in a similar situation. I have also been looking at the Jet 14" Deluxe and the Rikon 14" Deluxe. Also, I found a 14" Delta with an upgraded motor and riser block on Craigslist that I am looking at tomorrow. Best of luck!

Radial arm saws can be used safely, but they're nowhere near as convenient and safe as a miter saw. I have the same problem, though; I hate the slide rails sticking out the back of most. You've found the Bosch Glide, but you should also look at the Delta 26-2251 or the Hitachi C12RSH2. The Delta has hinges like the Bosch but costs quite a bit less. The Hitachi uses rails like every other sliding saw, but they're fixed at the rear with the head sliding, so they take up less space behind the saw.

This one is availible and is rated as #1 in this top 5 list

The reaxx tech is installed on the Bosch 4100. Pictured is the GTS1031. They are different, and the whole lawsuit thing is still going on so it certainly isn't getting cleared out for that reason.

Perhaps it's a bit early for me to post since it's my first visit to r/woodworking, but for starters you need a circular saw, drill, chisels, clamps (all sorts of shapes and sizes - you can never have too many), measuring tape, combination square, jig saw, 16oz claw hammer, prybar/crowbar, and some assorted pliers. After that, I'd get a router and perhaps a table saw. The list continues here. You'll also need a sturdy workbench, but you can just build one easily.

Remember that when you buy cutting tools, they usually come with cheap, low-quality blades. Over a lifetime, you'll spend far more on blades than the tools they go in. My circular saw's blade only made it through two projects before it was impossible to cut a straight line.

For the home workshop, a nice way to go can be a Shopsmith, which is a modular system that can convert between a drill press, lathe, and many others. My dad recently bought one in great condition for about $400, when it should have been around $2500. I know that's a lot, but it can be many machines in one. All said, this tool would be for much, much later.

I'll check that out. I don't have a jointer (has to google that) or a table saw though. So I'm hoping to buy the right thickness at least for now. My tool selection is pretty limited, I've got a ridgid worm saw and a Rockwell Blade Runner which is handy for a lot of little stuff. I'm hoping I can accomplish my little shelves with just it. Oh and a dremel with a lot of handy attachments.. You can do a lot with a dremel!

Here you go.

If you want the 716 buy it from Amazon but get the 716xps model. It has the shadow light on it. Just bought it a few weeks ago. Love it! Its $288 currently on Amazon.

DEWALT DW716XPS Compound Miter Saw with XPS, 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P0DXET6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9ktUCbTWHN5Z2

• Steel City Helical Cutter Planer ~$500
  
• Steel City Helical Head Benchtop Jointer $300
  
• Rikon 10" TableTop Bandsaw $300
  
• Nova Comet II Midi Lathe w/ G3 Chuck $550
  
• Lathe Bed Extension $130
  
• Lathe Grinder Attachement $50
  
• 70 gal Dust Collector HF $200 + another 50 for better bags.
  
  I have a decent older tablesaw sturdy contractor grade, but it's fence is shot so I would likely invest in some form of decent fence system for it assuming around $200-350
  
  I would spend the rest on cutting tools for the lathe... still not sold on Carbide as a sole cutting solution.
  
  Since I have nothing and have been shopping lately... Also assuming the products were actually available for purchase.
  
  

I have an older version of this saw.

That's the perfect usage for a plasma.

I got the plasma before the bandsaw and realized I mostly need bandsaw for my usage. Cutting tubes and angle iron and the like.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6232-21-Deep-Band-5619-20/dp/B006YCWJBG/

http://www.skiltools.com/flooringsawtool/


http://www.amazon.com/Skil-3600-02-120-Volt-Flooring-Saw/dp/B0037KM8TQ

My first choice would be a little vertical bandsaw (e.g. portable bandsaw with table).

My second choice would be an abrasive cut-off wheel.

I have name-brand aviation snips, I find them to be extremely difficult to use on stainless thicker than 24g.

Thanks for the feedback. I was really hoping for more than just 1 response, but what can ya do? :)

I ended up purchasing a bunch of items from Home Depot, and after checking online, I realized that many were dumbed-down versions of the real thing.

IE: Wooster Sherlock 2-4 ft pole.

So I ended up returning all of items and re-purchased better versions online.

How'd I do?

1. Purdy 144080330 XL Series Dale Angular Trim Paint Brush, 3 inch
   
   
2. Purdy 144380340 XL Series Sprig Flat Trim Paint Brush, 4 inch
   
   
3. Warner ProGrip 5-in 1 Stiff Painters Tool, American Craftsman, 10971
   
4. 
   (Pack of 8) Purdy Dove Cover, 9" x 3/8", White
   
5. Wooster Brush SR090 Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole, 2-4 feet
   
6. DEWALT DW716XPS Compound Miter Saw with XPS, 12-Inch
   

I have the 10 inch contractor from Bosch and the corresponding stand and it works for my small projects. And is very portable. It fits an 8 inch dado.

Bosch GTS1031 10-Inch Portable Jobsite Table Saw http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004O7FX20/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1413822462&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40

The one OP posted might fit your saw - hard to tell without seeing the base of the blade.
The attachment you bought is typically used with this reciprocating saw:
https://www.amazon.com/WORX-WX508L-9-Recip-Tool-Only/dp/B078JHDX1G/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1536160948&sr=1-3&keywords=WORX+Reciprocating+Saw

It would probably work just fine with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-BDCR20B-Lithium-Reciprocating/dp/B00IP27DFA/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1536161044&sr=1-3&keywords=black+and+decker+Reciprocating+Saw

(40$)

We use these at work. They will take ten times whatever beating you can dish out. Also this model I know from personal experience can easily cut through a 4x4.

if I was in the market for a new band saw, I'd look really, really hard at this one from Jet. 1.25HP and 12" resaw capacity. on a great sale right now, too. it's less than twice the price of that Wen and IMO 3 times the saw.

Hey, guys. I'm gonna be laying down some laminate flooring in my daughter's room, and I would like to have a scroll saw to help me cut the boards. I'm a newbie when it comes to woodworking, and I saw these two:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UKGL58/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L47FZ8A/

Do any of you have experience with either of these? Is there something else you would recommend?

Thanks!

I currently have central Machinery ( AKA Harbor Freight special). Its just ok, once I had a decent blade on the saw it is accurate enough but I can tell you this... the miter is junk as is the angle table tilt, once I had it square ( which was a chore) I essentially do not touch it at all.

If I had it to do again I would get the rikon or the [dewalt] (http://bestdewaltscrollsaw.blogspot.com/2013/01/scheppach-m90106-10-inch-bench-top-band.html) because I am space constrained as well, if space was not an issue I would be looking at a 14"

If it is this model, it uses standard T-shank jig saw blades.

https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-BladeRunner-Portable-Tabletop-Accessories/dp/B00L47FZ8A

Any manufacturer's T-shank blades should work. It is a universal standard.

Thanks for the thorough reply, i've been looking at a few things within my budget (300-400). While the ones you suggested are good for beginners, i've been hearing (from the woodworking sub) that if you're going to dedicate to equipment then it's best to go for a 10-14 inch band saw. This WEN or This Rikon is what i've had my eye on, but i'm not sure if it's worth the money AND if it can be something to use when cutting metal. I hear that people suggest at least 1HP motor for bandsaw, but don't know anything regarding that.

I've also been looking at This Porter Cable benchtop sander, but have not heard much of the brand.

Most people recommend grizzly, but i don't want to spend 700+ which is why i really like your suggested Grizzly, and will be researching all reviews for that.

I'd love to hear your input/philosophy when it comes to this sort of stuff.

Hitachi C12RSH2 15-Amp 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GET8278?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
This is what I have and it is worth every penny I love this thing

I've been considering the Evolution Rage 3 for awhile now, it gets pretty great reviews and can cut wood, aluminum and even steel.

I've never had that problem. Or I'll get an 8'x4' sheet and have them cut it down into four 2'x4' which makes it fit in my car and easy to cut when I get home.

To the OP though, it is easy. Go buy a circular saw and read the instructions. Place your wood on a surface that makes sense, use a tape measure to mark it up, and just cut the damn thing, Maybe even look into one of these little 4 1/2" blade circular saws. I got an open box one of those on amazon for 30 bucks and really enjoy it for quick cuts where I don't need much power. Plus, you don't need perfect cuts for cutting down for the laser. Just close enough so it fits and you aren't wasting material.

Which jigsaw would you recommend? I was looking at the Makita Here

You can make a tracksaw out of a regular circular saw and some plywood.

If you want to avoid the "cut from both sides" problem, you can rent a beam saw which should do 6"+ of depth and use that with your plywood track.

Go ahead and buy one! I got this one on sale for $25 and it does a great job!

Here's the Ironton on Ebay for $30 - https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Inch-Electric-Cut-Off-High-Speed-Power-Saw-Grinder-Metal-Cutter-Garage-Tool/253537007326

Also was recommended the Worx 4.5" - https://www.amazon.com/WORX-WORXSAW-4-1-Compact-Circular/dp/B00ZFR4GJE/

Not sure what the best size is for general use with small things.

Can someone help me turn my old computer desk into a STANDING computer desk? I basically wanna do this.

I don't wanna get rid of my current desk. I decided I should BUY a second table top and stack it on top of my desk using table legs or something so I can have a sort of double decker standing desk like the picture above.

Here is my desk already bought 8 years ago.

Here is the extra table top that I plan on buying. The image is misleading. I'm going by measurement. I need 40-45 inches wide.

So I guess what I need help with is:

• buying table legs that screw from BOTH ends so the second top is secure to the desk. No sliding!!
  
• letting me know how to make the installation in case I miss an important step. Or just telling me that this is a bad idea.
  
• finding a better table top to match the original top on my desk. It's the best one I could find but the laminate is not as shiny as my current one. I'll live, though.
  
• I have a power drill with drill bits including a hole saw drill bit. I also have a Worxsaw which I don't wanna use unless I'm desperate.

Thanks for the suggestion, really appreciate it. Out of curiosity what is the difference between the
Makita 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw and the [Makita Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw] (http://smile.amazon.com/Makita-5007MG-Magnesium-4-Inch-Circular/dp/B000N5SVEY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452544752&sr=8-2&keywords=makita+15+amp+magnesium) (Hyoid vs Circular)? Is it just the ergonomics? It seems like the like the circular saw is smaller than the hypoid.

This'll get you them 35's =)

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE304-10-Amp-Reciprocating-Saw/dp/B00ODN1CP2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_469_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CW5A95XGFAB3QF1YQM48

Red

I have one of these. I made a stand for it. I have cut out more knife blades than I can remember! I have had it about six years. It is still going strong. It probably isn't a lot better than a Harbor Freight saw.

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWM120-5-Inch-Deep-Portable/dp/B001TL0BVW

3.7 lbs... buy a spare. After coupon they're under $20 each.

http://www.harborfreight.com/32-amp-variable-speed-jig-saw-69436.html

If you want to spend more a low amp makita would be great.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-4329K-3-9-Variable-Speed-Top-Handle/dp/B000XULXEO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481727105&sr=8-2&keywords=makita+jigsaw

grab one of these http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Power-Tools-RAGE3-Multipurpose/dp/B0030M2TCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419187986&sr=8-1&keywords=rage+3

150, and burr free cuts. You can even use it for wood later.

Yes https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6232-21-Deep-Band-5619-20/dp/B006YCWJBG

I made one of these hallow books as a kid. It takes a little while to cut out the pages and I've always wondered if there was a faster way. I recently tried using a jigsaw but it royally messed up the pages even though I had them clamped down with c-clamps.

Anybody have any ideas how to (successfully) speed up this process?

I am showing 242.95 Damn saws are expensive.. Doubt my 73 dewalt miter box would handle cutting thick metal..

Were you potentially thinking of this one: http://smile.amazon.com/Evolution-Power-Tools-RAGE3-Multipurpose/dp/B0030M2TCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419187986&sr=8-1&keywords=rage+3&sa-no-redirect=1

Thanks, it's a Bosch Jobsite saw