Safest Electric Saw

Danny30

Thank you so much for the replies. Been extremely helpful for me to understand more about the different types of tools. I was going to opt for a plunger saw due to the ease, safety and variety of things it can do but now I am having second thoughts with all the recommendations for a circular saw. 

basill

I was very impressed with  friends circular saw with track, much easier to make  clean straight cuts than either following a line or a piece of wood clamped on as a guide.   Next time i have a job like that I'll going to upgrade to (a budget) one.

danrv

basill said:

I was very impressed with  friends circular saw with track, much easier to make  clean straight cuts than either following a line or a piece of wood clamped on as a guide.   Next time i have a job like that I'll going to upgrade to (a budget) one.

I was also looking at this one that has a laser guide.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circular-HYCHIKA-Electric-4700RPM-Cutting/dp/B0899BSS1Y/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?_encoding=UTF8&c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Circular+Saws&qid=1610646337&s=diy&sr=1-2-spons&ts_id=1939390031&psc=1&smid=A1R7NZLZSEMKYE&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTzAxMzVGM1hMVUc2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzc0MzczM0s2ODFLSU5FODhVViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTQxMzY1M0xYWlBISkFCOEFZOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

daivid

danrv said:

I was also looking at this one that has a laser guide.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circular-HYCHIKA-Electric-4700RPM-Cutting/dp/B0899BSS1Y/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?_encoding=UTF8&c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Circular+Saws&qid=1610646337&s=diy&sr=1-2-spons&ts_id=1939390031&psc=1&smid=A1R7NZLZSEMKYE&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTzAxMzVGM1hMVUc2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzc0MzczM0s2ODFLSU5FODhVViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTQxMzY1M0xYWlBISkFCOEFZOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I wouldn't choose a cheap saw with a laser guide. I bought a cheap mini circular saw to cut channels in a ceiling, it has a laser guide which is poor, much better off drawing a line to follow or where you can clamping a straight edge to butt up against. For a 'full size' circular saw it's a bit more expensive but I would recommend this one https://www.fastfix.co.uk/makita-m5802-mt-series-190mm-circular-saw-240v.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA9P__BRC0ARIsAEZ6iri9WCtLgejXPxBc1rzq9HhhzyiFKOdyo6oqdwf8ZgK4b479dkyhkFIaAlh_EALw_wcB it has no fancy features but it does what it does well.

bpj

I suspect there are more health issues associated with dust inhalation than direct trauma when cutting wood with a power tool, and MDF is on the bad end of the scale because there's often formaldehyde in the binder. Suggest you choose a tool that is compatible with whatever dust extraction system you plan to use (you should also wear a mask).

oh_really

I can't add much to what's been said, I do have a reciprocating saw and it needs to be operated with respect and ppe. I also have a mini circular saw, all is well guarded and it's much more user friendly than the reciprocating saw.

If you have patience to keep an eye on the price you may get a good deal on Amazon or if you can wait there are some excellent deals on AliExpress.

donemedosh

All power saws are dangerous if you use them wrong. I would suggest that you have a look on youtube this will give you info on safety of tools & show you how to make circular saw cutting guides. But i would buy a mid range priced saw this will have most of the safety features you are after. If you know anyone thats a good DIYer ask them to show you how to use it.

Apodemus

I'm surprised that no-one has suggested using a jigsaw.  18mm mdf should be well within the capabilities and easy to clamp a straight edge to the board to use as a guide.  I would think the chances of serious injury are much lower with a jigsaw than with any other type of electric saw.  I have a circular saw, a sliding compound mitre saw, a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw - of the four, the circular saw is by far the least used.

Danny30

Appreciate all the advice. I was going to order a plunger saw but seems no one has recommended that. I think I have taken off the full size circular saw as an option to buy, so it would be between the plunger saw or mini circular saws but a better one then I was going to get previously. I did look into the jigsaw but not sure it would give a good cut for long straight cuts. 

tonyh66

Don't get a mini saw, they don't have the power to cut 18mm MDF, full size circular with a straight edge or a track saw. Check out titan or erbauer from Screwfix.