Power Saw Question for DIY project (1 Viewer)

[Sinn Fein]

I have a couple of DIY projects I am going to tackle this summer. Both will involve cutting some 2x4s (and smaller) to size.

I don't have a power saw, but was looking to get one for these projects.

If I were to buy just one, what is the go-to saw I need? Circular saw, Mitre Saw, or Portable Table Saw?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Don't bother with a table saw unless you're cutting large sheets of stuff or ripping boards.

Circular is a lot more portable/handy than a mitre but requires you to be able to cut straight. If you can't cut straight, get a mitre.

 

[matttyl]

Mitre and it's not close. Get a stand for it it you want to.

 

[Guest]

Accurate cuts required? I would go with a nice mitre saw. Then pickup a cheap circular saw. You can never have too many tools.

 

[Spin]

Mitre or circular + triangle. Mitre is 100000x easier, and get the largest Mitre saw you can in case you ever need to cut 2x6 or 2x8s

 

[Foosball God]

Compound Miter Saw.

Circular saw is great for portability but if you ever need to cut a 4x4 then you have to get creative.

I have this one with that exact stand. It works great.

 

[Mile High]

Get a worm drive skillsaw. Get a speed square to draw a line with. Not hard to cut a straight three and half in line across a 2×4

 

[modogg]

yeah, really depends on what you are cutting the 2x4s and smaller lumber for. if you need angles like for trim, etc. investing in a mitre saw is probably your best bet. if you are making rough cuts (i.e. I am currently building a deck and need to cut 2x4s to attach string too to measure properly), or even cutting a board down to 4' a circular saw is fine

 

[Nugget]

I don't think circular saws are all that expensive. This will be your go to saw for many things - I used it to trim new doors, make all cuts in general lumber.

My mitre saw is us for cuts with precision and angles. I am putting up crown molding this month and the mitre saw is the tool for the job.

I haven't run into a need for a table saw in the last 12 months. My neighbor across the street has one. They are a bit pricey and take up space. It is cheaper for me to buy him beer.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I have a couple of DIY projects I am going to tackle this summer. Both will involve cutting some 2x4s (and smaller) to size.

I don't have a power saw, but was looking to get one for these projects.

If I were to buy just one, what is the go-to saw I need? Circular saw, Mitre Saw, or Portable Table Saw?

Circular saw seems plenty for this. Use a square to ensure straight cuts.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Thanks for the input - went with the Mitre saw for now. There will be some trim work, and for some of the cuts accuracy will be important.

 

[parrot]

For the jobs you've described miter was probably the way to go. But if you're going to have only one saw, nothing is more versatile than a table saw. There's nothing you can do with a miter saw that you can't do with a table saw.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Chainsaw or Karate chop, imo

 

[mr roboto]

Compound mitre, 12 inch. You can do so much with it.

 

[Statcruncher]

Circular Saw = Bicycle, can do alot of things but nothing extremely well or accurate, your friends will make fun of the results

Compound Miter Saw = Muscle Car, can do almost anything with ease and the results will be impressive

Table Saw = Formula 1 Car, can do anything and will get amazing results, however overkill for a lot of smaller stuff

If you can only have one it's the compound miter. If you build a lot of furniture/homemade cabinets then table saw is second. If you are just a DIY'er then circular saw is second.

 

[SWC]

Don't bother with a table saw unless you're cutting large sheets of stuff or ripping boards.

Circular is a lot more portable/handy than a mitre but requires you to be able to cut straight. If you can't cut straight, get a mitre.

agree one hondo percent if you need an accurate cut get the mitre the cost is not bad any more it is amazing how that stuff has come down and you do not need a bosch or milwaukee electric if you are just doing one job a lower end el cheapo will be good nuff and you will be able to get er dun so make it happen brohan take that to the bank

 

[jwb]

Compound mitre, 12 inch. You can do so much with it.

+1 for the Mitre saw recommendations.

And yes, get a 12". Almost everyone I know who bought a 10" to save a few $$ wishes they could do it again.

 

[Fat Nick]

Compound mitre, 12 inch. You can do so much with it.

+1 for the Mitre saw recommendations.

And yes, get a 12". Almost everyone I know who bought a 10" to save a few $$ wishes they could do it again.

I think YMMV for the 12" vs. 10" assuming we're talking a sliding saw. I have a 10", and am almost finished building a decent sized deck. I never once wished I had a 12"...not saying I wouldn't TAKE a 12", but the 10" did everything I needed, from chopping 2x8's for my joists to cutting my decking. I can't think of a positive for the 10" other than price and slightly cheaper blades, but I don't ever regret not getting a 12".

 

[SWC]

Chainsaw or Karate chop, imo

judo chops are more effective and the best tasting are pork chops but hey i am with you brohan

 

[tonydead]

I have a circular Skilsaw you can have because I just picked up a brand new worm-drive at a garage sale for $70.

I have a compound mitre saw that I never use, but, you can't have it because I like tools.

 

[Mile High]

Like Tony said you can pick up a used skillsaw at a garage sale or pawn shop for less then 100. I have over 30 years of carpentry experience and would use a skillsaw first since you can do any kind of cut with a good worm drive. Mitre saw are great for trim, worm drive for framing cuts. Gets to be a pain to go to the mitre saw every time you need to cut a few inches off of a 2by when with a worm drive you can take to the lumber and cut it on the spot.

 

[GTBilly]

Get a worm drive skillsaw. Get a speed square to draw a line with. Not hard to cut a straight three and half in line across a 2×4

He's asking for tool advice. Your logic is flawed. I'd guess someone who doesn't know what tool he should use could screw up with a circular saw.