(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best power saws

When I was a teenager my dad got me an Easton blue Z-Core baseball bat. I had been begging for one for a while but he kept saying they were too expensive (which was true). But for Christmas he forked the $350 down and got it for me.

It was the only time during my childhood that I felt like I "won" Christmas against my older brother and sister. Usually this title was reserved for my sister who would go clothes shopping with mom and end up hauling $400-$500 dollars worth of clothes.

Now as an adult though I find it much more pleasing to give awesome gifts than receive them. Although I have it on good authority that my father-in-law is getting me this for Christmas this year and I am quite excited.

What kind of crap are we talking about here? Knick-knacks (loose or in boxes?), furniture items, clothing, lighting, kitchen stuff,...? While you may not be holding onto it forever (you hope), finding a good spot for a shelf system (or two or three or more) would be a great way to keep their stuff out of your way. Storing it vertically makes for more room in the rest of your house, right? Also, you want to be able to use the storage cabinets or shelves once their stuff is gone.

You have a garage, right? Build a deep and tall shelf set along a wall to pack as much of their stuff into as possible. When they finally take it back, you will have a place to store your tool boxes, cleaning supplies, paint/finish cans, etc.

If there is enough room in your garage, I would highly suggest picking up a table saw like eosha mentioned. A jig-saw is great and all, but it is in no way ideal for making long straight rip cuts in wood. I'd rather buy a shelf than commit to making one with just a jig-saw. There are plenty of cheap contractor saws on the market like this one. It is small enough to store easily, and isn't that expensive. Get some good blades and a pair of safety glasses while you are at it. If you'd rather keep it small, then at least pick up a circular saw and build a ripping jig.

I used a Fein multi master for about 2 years doing trim and door installs. It works great but it's loud as fuck and will rattle the begezus out of your hands. The Cordless Makita was a good upgrade. The Milwaukee cordless multi tool was nice to use as well. (have no experience with other brands)

Festool's rebuild service is pretty good from what I saw. The only thing about their tools however is the switches and cords wear out quick in a production shop setting. It kinda sucks when you have to spend 15 minutes fiddling with it to get it to work or you have to rebuild the cord end because the wires keep breaking off.

Tool parts: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/power-tool-parts.html This is one of a few sites that sell parts in addition to the manufactures service centers which you can usually order parts from as well.

The only makita cordless tool I replaced was my impact driver and thats only because they came out with a quieter version. My ears have thanked me ever since. I've had them for about 7-8 years now. No issues with batteries, chargers or otherwise.

I've spent time with the Festool miter saw and I hated it. It's very clunky for the money and lacks in capacity. Also you'd think something that expensive would have a soft start instead of bucking like a mule. *Also the stupid safety lock drove me nuts as no other miter saws really have them.

Having been a trim carpenter for a few years I got to use several different brands and even models and some were better than others. the Bosch saws were hit or miss. The craftsman, a 20 year old thing I had for a while was actually pretty good for a long time but the Dewalt saws were always spot on even after being bounced around in trucks and trailers for years. I currently use a dewalt 716 miter saw and my only complaint is the dust collection is shit. After 13 months of constant use I still have yet to have to adjust it.

A good quality skil saw and a straight edge jig works the same way and is several hundred dollars cheaper but to each their own I guess. I use something like this with my Ridgid R3203 6 1/2-Inch saw Which has never failed to handle anything I've thrown at it. It's a hell of a good saw if your looking one.

Tool quality on the Domino Knock offs will certainly be a top priority and you are right that if it's not flawless it won't be worth it but we have to wait to see what the competition comes up with.


Btw I've enjoyed this conversation. It's been a good way to talk tools and share our insight without it getting into the weeds.


Edit: fixed my shitty memory from 6 years ago with the festool miter saw

DeWalt makes/sells 60V batteries for their FlexVolt tools, they also have a higher amp hour rating when used on 20V tools - meaning they last longer.

I'm an electrician, and I use all Dewalt 20V XR tools, love em, absolutely zero issues. I've been pounding holes with a 2" holesaw and 7/8" auger bit at work and my 4 amp hour batteries last pretty long imo. I've also had a bunch of my power tools for years, so I'm a fan of the quality, especially since I drag mine through the dirt, drop them, get them wet, and I've flown with them a lot.

You definitely do not need FlexVolt tools, as a homeowner/casual DIY'er it's overkill, do not let anyone try to sell you that. It's a waste. Hell, the XR tools are probably more than enough, bordering on "might be more than you need". The regular 20V stuff is good enough for around the house.

As for the other brands, people are going to obviously point out Milwaukee and piss themselves like an excited dog going on about their stuff, personally I find it overhyped. While it's good, and I've used a bunch of their stuff, I still like my DeWalt. Also, usually it's pretty expensive - but when I compare prices I'm usually looking at their higher end stuff (M18 Fuel).

Makita is nice, not a lot of people use it, I'll leave it at that.

People say Ryobi is good for around the house, but I've always thought of their stuff as bargain bin tools. You buy it when you're broke and need a drill to do something, and might use it twice a year.

Rigid has a reallllly good warranty, their tools aren't half bad. I'd recommend them over Ryobi and Makita any day. Worth mentioning that Home Depot usually has "Rigid Days" or something where they have really good deals.

To sum it all up: Milwaukee is overhyped imo, DeWalt till I die, who uses Makita? lolRyobi, Rigid is also good. So DeWalt or Rigid.

Obviously batteries are always going to keep changing. It's bound to happen. They're constantly developing new and better technology so it only makes sense.

Also, I should have pointed this out first... You can still get DeWalt 18V tools on Amazon...

Here's the saw: https://www.amazon.ca/DC390B-Bare-Tool-18-Volt-Cordless-Circular/dp/B002VWK5RI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X0DARJY06Y35&keywords=dewalt+18v+circular+saw&qid=1556835828&s=gateway&sprefix=dewalt+18v+circu%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Here's the impact: https://www.amazon.ca/DC825B-Bare-Tool-18-Volt-Cordless-Battery/dp/B002RT7K4Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=dewalt+18v+impact&qid=1556835851&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Apologies if you're not Canadian, but the US Amazon should have them as well.

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.

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.

Get all the saws. You really can't substitute one for the other. I spent 4 years borrowing different saws from friends and family to work on projects. This past year I finally decided to get a reciprocating saw, circular saw, and jig saw. All three are good brands (Makita, Bosch, Skill) and had a combined cost less than $200. You could get all those used for less than $100. I have been surprised at how much use I've gotten out of all of them. Getting the right tool for the job will make a huge difference in the time spent and quality of a project. Even a cheap $23 jigsaw will make your life way better than having no jigsaw at all. Also, I would be would be wary of getting battery operated saws. Saws need a lot of power to be effective and you'll enjoy much better performance and a lower price tag by staying corded.

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

depends on what diy goals you have in mind. What I find myself using 80+% of the time when I am doing home diy stuff is some combo of the following.....

• Circular saw for breaking down sheet goods
  
• 
  
• Miter saw for breaking down dimensional lumber and trim cuts
  
• 
  
• Hammer
  
• 
  
• pry bars
  
• 
  
• my demo hammer (see below)
  
• 
  
• clamps
  
• 
  
• cordless drill
  
• 
  
• cordless impact driver
  
• 
  
• side cutter pliers
  
• 
  
• 11-in-1 screwdriver (see below)
  
• 
  
• Channel locks
  
• 
  
• Vise grips
  
• 
  
• socket and wrench set
  
• 
  
• putty knife
  
• 
  
• box cutter
  
• 
  
• tape measure
  
• 
  
• multimeter
  
• 
  
• wire strippers
  
• 
  
  don't forget yard work
  
  
  
• pump sprayer
  
• 
  
• seed/fertilizer spreader
  
• 
  
• mower
  
• 
  
• weed trimmer
  
• 
  
• rake
  
  A lot of those above tools stay in a tool bag I carry around, along with stuff like a pencil, markers, drill bit kit, driver kit, zipties and a few other such items.
  
  For basic tools and power tools for the weekend warrior..Harbor Freight is hard to beat.
  
  For good deals on power tools and air tools that are a of better quality...bigskytools.com has great deals on refurbished dewalt, hitachi, bosch and millwaukee tools.
  
  For your stated goals...I would go with a sander, a miter saw, a circular saw, carpenter square, speed square, a 48" level and a 12" level, and some other small tools I mentioned.
  
  Heres a good miter saw. Will handle everything you will need
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCH2-15-Amp-10-inch-Compound/dp/B000NKB3LW
  
  Bigsky runs frequent deals on nailer/compressor combos should you wind up doing lots of trim. And frequently they will have a good 15 amp circular saw for around $50.
  
  Speed Square
  https://www.amazon.com/Swanson-S0101-7-inch-Square-Layout/dp/B00002255O
  
  Carpenter / Framing Square
  https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Framing-Hi-Contrast-Aluminum-1794447/dp/B005XUHH5S
  
  wood chisel set
  https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-16-150-Short-3-Piece-Chisel/dp/B00002X1YO
  
  Demo hammer - This hammer is HEAVY but it will chew through just about anything. If you are gonna be doing demo work I strongly suggest getting one...and a big wrecking/demo bar also
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Pulverizer-Concrete-Demolition-Hammer/dp/B002IKM6XO
  
  Heres that 11-in-1 scewdriver. i use this thing 99% of the time I need a manual screwdriver. I bought more just put one in my autos and one at work.
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-Electric-Tool-48-22-2114-Screwdriver/dp/B006WTK436
  
  I know I saved it for last...but don't forget safety gear. Glasses, face shield, gloves and if you are going to be doing dusty work or painting then get some breathing protection.
  
  

I bought a Dewalt 6.5" 18V circular saw for my DIY projects (renovating an entire house) which has treated me very well. I have a table saw and mitre saw which I use for high volume cutting, so my circular saw doesn't get used much. For what I do need it for, this guy works pretty well. I've cut 1 1/4" MDF with this thing and it worked great. Nice and light compared to most circular saws.

The blades are a little harder to find because of the odd size (6 1/2"), and I would hesitate to recommend it if you need to do a lot of cutting with a circular saw or if you don't have a table saw. I bought Dewalt because I had the batteries already; I read reviews on it first as I was suspicious of a cordless circular saw (I expected it to either be underpowered or have very short battery life), but the reviews are mostly positive and I enjoy not having to run an extension cord for the infrequent times I find a need for it.

I got the Milwaukee 2767-20 specifically because that model sports moderately higher torque than other apparently similar Milwaukee impacts (as of several years ago - maybe new models are even more powerful). I also got the 2719-20 Hackzall which has a brushless motor (apparently what "Fuel" means). However, my dad has the standard-motor 2625-20 Hackzall which is significantly cheaper and works just as well - so I think I'd recommend that one instead.

You might consider picking up replacement bolts before you attack the originals. Even if you do get them out, I think there's a good chance they'll be unusable after you're done. Not sure if they're M12, 1/2", or something else, but any hardware or big-box home store will have something you can use to replace them. Grade 5 (standard) or 8.8 (metric) would almost certainly be fine, but I suppose grade 8 or 12.9 couldn't hurt.

Last but not least, some folks go bonkers over the thought of driving a TJ on the road with disconnected sway bar(s). I DD'd my TJ for 3 months on Atlanta interstates with both sway bars disconnected. It handled like a big ol' town car. I do recommend sway bars for highway driving, but my TJ did not spontaneously flip, wobble, skid, oversteer, understeer, or combust.

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.

Oh, and regarding poor quality table saws, definitely stay away. If it looks like it could be on sale for $100 on Black Friday, that probably isn't a table saw you want to regularly use. The Dewalt jobsite saws seem to generally get good reviews. I have a friend that uses one and he loves it. I don't love the stands they come with, I would recommend mounting them to a heavier cabinet to be the base, but they are overall pretty solid and can handle a lot of hobby woodworking projects.

Yeah, people are nuts. I can't imagine what would inspire someone to use a chainsaw for what would should be near-finishing quality of work on the interior of a home. I wonder what his next trick was... boil the chainsaw so it was sterile enough to perform an appendectomy with?

======================

I have one of these Milwaukee cordless sawzalls that would have worked nicely for what he was going at. It's small enough to get in at the angle needed, it's got great power, and can be used with a single hand. But I'd use it because I already have it... if I didn't I just grab any number of hand saws that'd make short work of that cut.


But a chainsaw? WTF??

I agree with /u/Diygent, a good chop saw is going to come in handiest. When people try to build a wood shop that's usually one of the first power tools they go for (here's a good starter saw) then a table saw, router, belt sander, and jig saw. When you can afford it you should replace (but keep your old one) the electric hand drill with a drill press and add a thickness planer, band saw, lathe and joiner.

The very first thing you should get though are these Link and a shopvac. ;)

Not sure what OPs is or price point, but I recently got this Hitachi one. I think it was from Lowes, so with some sales you can get it pretty reasonable. I'm shit at real woodworking but I enjoy it enough to warrant a table saw, so I can't say I have any credibility, but I have no complaints from it once I actually learned how to use it and from my limited use.


It cuts straight and easily, the guides I'd say are accurate to 1/32 inch out of the box. You can set it on end to save like half the space with just one person in seconds and move it around easily (it looks like bigger wheels).

I really appreciate the response. So I narrowed my search down and I am definitely getting him the DCF887B, along with DCD791 (kit https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCK283D2-Lithium-Brushless-Compact/dp/B01A08YKV6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1498459399&sr=8-11&keywords=dewalt+kit)

I was able to find out from him that he needs a sawzall, aka a reciprocating saw. Is there a unit you would recommend? I am looking at these ones:

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCS380B-20-Volt-Li-Ion-Reciprocating/dp/B007NVSTCK/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1498459181&sr=1-1&keywords=dewalt+sawzall

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCS367B-Brushless-Compact-Reciprocating/dp/B01M69K91R/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1498459181&sr=1-2&keywords=dewalt+sawzall

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCS387B-20-volt-Compact-Reciprocating/dp/B00ODN0S70/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1498459181&sr=1-3&keywords=dewalt+sawzall

Thank you!

If it were me and I really needed the room, I'd get rid of the bandsaw & scrollsaw before I got rid of my table saw.

Mine folds up, basically a cheaper, smaller, 20-year-old version of this one. It's not the greatest, the wheels are shit and it's a pain to takedown/setup, but does what I need it to, and folded up in a corner it's not much bigger than a rolling suitcase.

Honestly I'd love a nicer, larger one . . . maybe we could work out a trade . . .

If he goes this route, I might even suggest adding the extra $20-30 and getting the Magnesium version as it has the same features, but is lighter due to its magnesium construction.

This is the saw I got and I love it. Enough power to more than handle my needs as a homeowner and was at a good price.

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!

I finally got my DC system installed, piped, and working...everything works great, except the table saw. I've got a Dewalt DWE7480, and the dust collection is doing exactly diddly.

I'm using the HF 2HP, 4" PVC to 4" flex hosing (4x2 reducer for the saw). There's a trash can lid cyclone between the piping and DC unit.

Anyone have any suggestions on getting better collection for the saw? As it stands, I'm wearing pretty much all the saw dust, it doesn't seem like barely anything is getting removed.

Then I'd pass.

Assuming your budget is around $200. Here's what I'd do.

1. Wait till Home Depot has a Ryobi sale. You can usually get a Drill + impact driver and 2 batteries for $100 when they do.
   
2. Buy one of these two
   
3. Catch a good circular saw on craigslist for $50, or something like this from Amazon if you can't find anything good used (good = retail price $100+).
   
   If your budget is a bit more, I'd plan to spend $100 to $150 on a nice powered circular saw, and still get the Ryobi drill, and the read reviews on jig saws to find a good one.

Makita LC1230 12" Cold cutting metal saw. Not a true cold saw, but pretty damned close. I've bought the lower end portable band saws and they're fine for rough cuts on light sock - but if you need to cut up a batch of angle iron or steel for welding projects - and you want consistent cuts that don't take all day - you'll LOVE one of these saws. I've had mine for a year and the original blade is still going strong.

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LC1230-12-Inch-Metal-Cutting/dp/B00004YOLV

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!

My rule of thumb at Harbor Freight is to buy the best version of whatever tool you are looking at, and read the reviews.

My experience with their power tools:

-Chicago Electric reciprocating saw: Decent, not quite as robust as a higher end unit, but for $20 and occasional use, it's fine.

-Drillmaster angle grinder: Used it several times a week for a year until it was stolen. $10 and pretty solid as long as you give it an occasional break under heavy use.

-Bauer cordless angle grinder: Replacement for the Drillmaster, and I would run two batteries out under heavy use without the tool itself appearing to break a sweat (e.g. cutting 1" notches out of 1/2" mild steel).

The table saw, in particular, does not have the best reputation, and the miter saw could be better.

I would spend a little extra to at least get the Admiral miter saw: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/miter-saws/12-in-dual-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw-64686.html

And then maybe this for a table saw: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HIWQZ4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=daringabroad-20&linkId=d20fa642a4fd9c281d7233dfd403fbee

This one, but I'm partial to worm drives. Skillsaw has the history, but they haven't really kept up with the big boys. Dewalt makes decent DIY tools, but don't hold up as well long term (some pros don't mind that, lower cost and all). It really doesn't matter too much, any one of them will work just fine. The only real differences are fit&finish, accessories, and ergonomics. If you can find them in a store, pick 'em up, play with the adjustments, and make your decision from there.

Jigsaw - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-JS515-Variable-Jigsaw/dp/B001CL4ZHK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629429&sr=1-3&keywords=jigsaw

Bits - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-71-081-Screwdriving-10-Piece/dp/B000RH3DW8/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629356&sr=1-5&keywords=power+drill

Power Drill - http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-DR260B-8-Inch-Driver/dp/B004FRXWRW/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629356&sr=1-4&keywords=power+drill

Tape measure - http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-33-115-10-Foot--4-Inch-PowerLock/dp/B00009OYGH/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629447&sr=1-7&keywords=tape+measure

Square - http://www.amazon.com/Swanson-SO101-7-inch-Speed-Square/dp/B00002255O/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405629470&sr=1-1&keywords=square

You actually will have some more money for clamps and wood to make projects. There's a lot you can make for yourself with just these things and some creativity. Plus, it'll let you be pretty handy around the house.

What are you using this for? Do you already have a circular saw? If not, buy that first... it'll be far more useful.

You're not going to get a sliding miter worth a damn for that kind of money. There's a few reasons to send money on a miter... a) you're a contractor using it day in/day out, b) you need the wider cutting range of a sliding saw, or c) you need the higher precision of an expensive saw for fine trim work. For everything else a cheap chop/miter saw is going to do you just fine. Take a look at something like the Hitachi 10" Miter. It will make quality cuts with a good blade and serve you well, all without paying the Dewalt tax just for the name.

Whatever you buy (circular, miter, sliding compound, etc.) invest the cash in a Diablo carbide blade... a quality blade will make even a crap saw semi-decent.

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.

I bought this drill set on Amazon and ended up breaking 2 pilot bits so had to buy more lol. Also I bought this saw and these clamps. Let me know if you have any questions and we can try to figure this out together!

Best advice I can give is to buy things as you need them. I added a bunch of stuff to my Amazon wish list (jigsaw, reciprocating saw, orbital sander, router, etc) and it really adds up, but I'm going to take it one step at a time so I don't blow my entire paycheck on tools.

I would skip the Harbor Freight tools. If you want a miter saw, you can go with the Hitachi C10FCE2 for $130 new Amazon or $117 from Amazon Warehouse. Or you can get the C10FCH2 for $170 new or $140 Amazon Warehouse.

If you can wait a little bit, you can find the C10FCE2 on sale for $100. I bought mine for that price at Lowes in the middle of June. Amazon had it for the same price at the time.

Of the miter saws you have I would go with the Ryobi 10"; it is better quality than the Harbor Freight tools even if it is not the best quality.

I have the 10" Hitachi miter saw with laser: http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCH2-10-Inch-Miter-Laser/dp/B000NKB3LW

I've used it for framing, cutting trim, and hard wood floors. A 12" would be nice but not that necessary IMHO. The only issues I've had with the 10" is doing a 45 degree miter cut on my 6" wide hard wood floors. I had to cut one side then flip it around to finish the cut. Otherwise, it's been great. A 60 tooth diablo blade is a great addition.

There's a great movie called Top Secret! It's got Val Kilmer in it. In it, there's a device that's essentially a reciprocating saw and a dildo. The man who used it supposedly "dies of pleasure."

So rather than blueprints, have a link.

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!

This thing is tremendous. It looks like a chop saw, but it uses a carbide-tipped sawblade instead of an abrasive disc. Cuts steel in seconds, leaves a clean edge, doesn't heat up the stock like an abrasive saw.

Not OP, but thinking about buying myself a tablesaw soon. I've been eyeing this Dewalt for a couple months. Do you think it's a jig friendly little gizmo or should I eye something else?

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.

Oh you might have saved me some money! I was debating between a table saw and a miter saw. Not exactly sure what a crosscut sled is. Would that fit most table saws?

Would this be a good saw in that case?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KE205NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_RJjhAbH9G0JQJ

as an addon to your comment about building your own kit. for someone working under sinks the compact recip saw would easily be the more useful tool vs the full size 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

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.

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


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

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

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.

• 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 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"

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-LC1230-12-Inch-Metal-Cutting/dp/B00004YOLV

Buy this and you can thank me later.

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

Here you go.

You'll need one of these, too. With the circ saw I think you'll have the only two tools you'll need

I think it's This one.

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.

Do you mean cutting a 90? I would use a chop saw.

If you have a lot of them, and they need to be identical and very accurate, I would use a table saw and a sled.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NKB3LW/ref=pd_aw_vtph_0_lp_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RNCB0S04QQ1YDRVCE5XZ