Need advice before buying an electric saw

annie-c

Hello

I'm a newbie DIY-er and want to build some alcove shelving in my living room and put up some kitchen shelves.

For the kitchen shelves I'd like to saw a surplus piece of solid (heavy) wooden worktop to make 2 shelves. For the alcove shelves I'm thinking MDF will do.

My question is: What sort of saw do I need to buy to do the job. At the moment all I have is a work bench and a hand saw that I don't fancy using for this job (I'm not physically strong enough, I don't think!)

At the moment all I want to do is cut straight lines in wood. But I wonder if it might be worth spending a bit mote in case I want to be more adventurous later on?

In any case the list of different types of saw is a bit bewildering - so far I've looked at circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws and mitre saws.

Please - can anyone help???

ailuro2

It's not you that's doing the work- it's the teeth on the saw- put a little oil on the blade and wipe it all over- just a thin smear- it helps lubricate it.

For cutting worktops a circular saw is great, but not that adaptable for other projects.

If you can push a jigsaw in a straight line then it's handy for other projects-these are pretty cheap to buy too.

I'd still try cutting a spare bit of worktop with the handsaw though- if you do use a jigsaw then put masking tape over the shiny side of the worktop, and work with this side up- you can mark it easily, and it helps stop the shiny surface chipping away.;)

annie-c

Thanks for the advice!

The worktop is solid untreated wood, so no shiny side. It's because it's solid that I'm more worried about cutting it.

By your comment, are you saying that a jigsaw is hard to push in a straight line? Gosh this is sooo confusing!

bltchef

clamp a stright pice of wood and use it as a guide i would hire a saw it would be cheaper for you circular saw is the one for you

ffym

I think you should choose between a jigsaw and a circular saw. If, as you say, it's only to be used for straight cuts then probably the circular saw is the one to go for. It's quicker and more powerful than a jigsaw but heavier. Jigsaws are very versatile, they can cut straight, curves and get into tight spots. The blades are fairly cheap and there are many varieties to choose from. Circular saws can be a bit frightening as they can literally slice through wood! If it's only for occasional use you needn't pay too much - B&Q do a laser guided (follow the line) Circ. saw for £30 and a cheap jigsaw shouldn't be any more (check you can get spare blades easily though). Unless you are prepared to spend a lot I wouldn't bother with a Mitre or reciprocating saw - cheap ones don't cut it!!

ormus

ive got a skill saw and a jigsaw from wickes, had them for yrs now. well worth the money. you can get both. they are fairly inexpensive.

as been said you need the skillsaw for doing the big jobs like worktops.
the jigsaw is useless for those jobs.

annie-c

Thanks everyone! In the end, I was offered help by a mate and we cut the shelves using a circular saw - I was scared just watching! But I'm going to do the cutting (instead of holding) next time and may buy one if I decide to do much more DIY.

I'm not expecting ever to do things like worktops - more like alcove shelving and the like. But it's really helpful to know the difference!

Thanks again,

Annie