Power Saws

Before I forget all the power saws I've used and there are quite a few of them since I began woodworking in 1969, I thought I'd better jot them down.

My experience and knowledge of them could be beneficial to someone down the line, to help them make the right choices.

I've used Bosch, DeWalt, Black and Decker, Hitachi, Freud, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Makita to name a few.

In the power saws category I have or I had, jigsaws, circular saws, miter saws, table saws and chain saws. I have used an aligator saw but don't want to say too much about that, apart from I didn't buy it. Follow the link above for a good variety, where you will also find Used or ex Demonstration tools at bargain prices.

Jigsaws

Without a shadow of a doubt the Bosch jigsaw stands head and shoulders above all others. Testament of this is that its design has only minimally changed in the 40 years I've been using them.

I've only had 2 in this timescale and 2 because my 1st was stolen.

They were the choice power saws at the start of my career for all the carpenters in the boat building shop. I think there were 16 of us... but my memory again.

The most popular blades cut to a depth of 60mm so long as the blade is new and sharp. As the teeth wear, the blade will start to wander when cutting this depth.

Blades are made to cut plastic and metal as well as wood and there are heaps of varieties made by Bosch.

Circular Saws

Circular saws come into the category of 'most are ok'. If buying new and you intend to use the tool frequently, I would go for the medium to higher price range. If only minimal use then the cheaper will get the job done. A good selection can be found by clicking on the power saws link above.

The blade is the more important. I choose those that don't mind cutting through an odd nail or two, because I do a lot of renovation work.

I've narrowed the selection down to the 2 I've preferred, Bosch and DeWalt based upon quality, service, warranty, performance and last but not least, I do like a good looker!

No,, I'm not past it yet.

Miter or Chop Saw

The most versatile miter saw I bought was the Elu, which was actually a portable miter and combined table saw. I just flipped the miter saw under the table and there appeared the table saw.

I sold mine and the only ones of this type I can now find are made by DeWalt. They are now called 'Flip Over' saws.

So instead take a look at the saws made by Bosch Miter Saws . Some of them are that advanced I'm sure at the end of their working day they dust themselves off.

Table Saws

There are quite a few Table Saws manufacturers in the power tools range, both static and portable and with a big degree of price range. From a couple of hundred to a few thousand.

The cheapest I've come across which is fine for small timber ripping is the Einhell, but I've not used their machines.

Other popular table saws are, Bosch, Draper, Ryobi, Makita and Festool, which is the dearest.

Delta Porter Cable, which is part of Stanley Black and Decker have a good selection of both types. With that sort of association you can't go far wrong.

I know more about Stanley than Delta, because I grew up with a set of Stanley tools and they've been my choice ever since.

Nail Chain

There are nail gun power tools but I would always choose the gas canister fired gun made by Paslode . Similarly the chain saw which by far, the most used brand is the Stihl. I have both these tools and whilst I often run out of gas and petrol, I've found these are the safest and most reliable.

There is lots more information about most of the above mentioned power tools, throughout this website.

Be my guest...seek and you will find, but keep a good look out for that damned aligator.

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