Safest Electric Saw

Danny30

tonyh66 said:

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.

I saw the Mac Callister plunger saw and it is the only one in my budget. The others are much more expensive. I don't think they do Titan anymore. Mac Callister is now there own brand if I am not mistaken.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mac-allister-msps1200-165mm-electric-plunge-saw-220-240v/274gf#product_additional_details_container

Norman_Castle

tonyh66 said:

Don't get a mini saw, they don't have the power to cut 18mm MDF

 Mine easily cuts 18mm MDF. Have you ever used one?

danrv

Danny30 said:

I need to be able to cut mdf boards into 120cm length pieces.
I looked at the reciprocating saw and the jigsaw but from what I've read they wouldn't produce nice straight lines. 

If you’re cutting large boards and want straight lines then use a circular saw. I have a Bosch reciprocating saw that I use for pruning tree branches.
A jigsaw is more for cutting shapes but could be used along a clamped straight edge.

If cutting the boards is a one off job it may be better, as suggested to get the timber yard to cut them. 
Depends whether or not you’re going to be doing more of the same work. If so, the right saw would be a good investment.
I like my DeWalt circular saw as it’s lightweight and compact. Also can be held steady as you’re using both hands. I often use a clamped on straight edge as a guide. 
Originally bought it to make a workbench but it’s proving very useful for all sorts of jobs.

GDB2222

If cutting MDF you should wear a really decent face mask.  A P3 respirator. There’s really no point worrying about your fingers but forgetting your lungs.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk/1997/sep/21/antonybarnett.theobserver?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Niv

I recently bought myself a table saw. How I have survived this long without one I don't know!

danrv

Niv said:

I recently bought myself a table saw. How I have survived this long without one I don't know!

Yes. Used to have a Royal 10 mounted on a moveable base.
Same as this one:
https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/cjm-asset/catalogue-id-cjm10367/lot-20220622-394d-4780-806d-a64700b38c19

Niv

danrv said:

Niv said:

I recently bought myself a table saw. How I have survived this long without one I don't know!

Yes. Used to have a Royal 10 mounted on a moveable base.
Similar to this one:
https://www.bidspotter.co.uk/en-gb/auction-catalogues/cjm-asset/catalogue-id-cjm10367/lot-20220622-394d-4780-806d-a64700b38c19

Luckily min is on wheels!

danrv

Niv said:

Luckily min is on wheels!

Useful. The one we had was too. A family friend engineer made up the lower section complete with wheels and handles.
Also acted as a dust collection area. Knee operated off switch too for safety.

wrf12345

I find the mini circular saws will bite back more than the bigger saws when used in anger, ie for the kind of job the OP suggests but it probably depends on how patient you are when using them, I like to whack through jobs at a reasonable speed. The really cheap ones will need a blade upgrade pretty quickly, too, so check out prices for a replacement.

Mickey666

danrv said:

Niv said:

Luckily min is on wheels!

Useful. The one we had was too. A family friend engineer made up the lower section complete with wheels and handles.
Also acted as a dust collection area. Knee operated off switch too for safety.

Good intention, though I can't imagine it being quick enough to save your fingers if the worst were to happen.

THIS safety gadget, on the other hand, is something truly remarkable (watch right to the end!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiYoBbEZwlk