Circular saw for a beginner - corded vs cordless

Mr.Generous

On deep cuts with a jigsaw the blade always bends when I try and do a straight cut. I agree about routers though, great for worktops, and not that difficult to do the joints once someone shows you how and explains it. Jig, tressle legs and clamps essential though. An old worktop offcut to practise on is a good investment.

ozaz

Thanks. I'll get some new blades for the jigsaw and give that it a go. 

Section62 said:

Use the jigsaw freehand to make a rough cut, then the router to trim to the finished line.  You can use a router jig, or for straight cuts just clamp a straightedge to the workpiece.

No point using a clamped straight edge with a jigsaw as the blade is flexible and will wander from side to side.

I'm probably just misunderstanding, but the bits I've made bold seem contradictory to me.

Also, I actually hadn't realised jigsaws are suitable for metal. I just assumed they were not. The first thing I have in mind for metal involves straight cuts in 1-2 mm steel. Just reading up on it now, I gather it should be suitable.

Section62

ozaz said:

Section62 said:

Use the jigsaw freehand to make a rough cut, then the router to trim to the finished line.  You can use a router jig, or for straight cuts just clamp a straightedge to the workpiece.

No point using a clamped straight edge with a jigsaw as the blade is flexible and will wander from side to side.

I'm probably just misunderstanding, but the bits I've made bold seem contradictory to me.

The first BiB relates to using a router - to finish off a straight cut with a router you can use any kind of straight edge, you don't need to buy a jig.

The second BiB is why you'd use the jigsaw freehand - there's no benefit to using a straight edge as it won't work (with the jigsaw).

travis-powers

A clamped straight edge can be used to guide a circular saw or should you use a jigsaw the blade will wander unless you have a high end saw, a straight edge can be used to guide a router.
When cutting worktop have it well supported and upside down.

bris

Tradesmaen need cordless, the average DIYER using it in their own home would be mad to spend nearly twice the price and just get a corded version.

Kickbak happens when you start to go offline and the blade gets caught up. Any decent make will jam though rather than a full on kickback.

Jigsaws are useless for what you want, they are not the easiest things to use and wander very easy, the idea to use it with a router is just plain stupid when a circular saw with a guide rail will do the job pretty well and anyone can do it.

If you need to proffesionally join two worktops together, which i doubt you are the the router is used on it's own with a jig, no need for the jigsaw.

Section62

bris said:

Jigsaws are useless for what you want, they are not the easiest things to use and wander very easy, the idea to use it with a router is just plain stupid when a circular saw with a guide rail will do the job pretty well and anyone can do it.

Why is it "just plain stupid"?

If you want to trim a small amount off an edge a router is ideal for the job.

The combination of a jigsaw (that the OP already has) plus a router can be used for a whole range of jobs that a circular saw (with or without guide rail) can't do.

danrv

ozaz said:

I'm getting a bit fed up of hand sawing and am thinking of getting a circular saw.
I've never used one before. Would it be better for a novice to start with a corded or cordless circular saw?

It will be for DIY rather than regular hobby use. I'll be mostly cutting wood, but I envisage occasional need to cut metal.

I've been looking at Evolution R165
Corded version £55: https://shop.evolutionpowertools.com/collections/circular-saws/products/r165ccsl
Cordless version £199: https://shop.evolutionpowertools.com/collections/circular-saws/products/evolution-r165ccs-li-18v-cordless-circular-saw-inc-multi-material-blade?variant=39963054473252

But also open to suggestions of other makes/models

Thanks

Can’t go wrong with the Evolution. There’s also the R185 for more blade depth.
I went for the DeWalt DWE 560K 184mm corded saw as it has a nice case included.
Also available without case (DWE 560-GB).
The DeWalt is more compact and lighter than the Evolution R185 equivalent. 

bob_a_builder

Might be of interest - for clean and straight cuts with jigsaw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTQ7HSQW2-4

Gavin83

Use the right tool for the job. If you’re doing long straight cuts you’re best off using a circular saw. If you’re cutting different shapes or angles or internal slots/holes then use a jigsaw. 

While I’ve never installed a kitchen worktop my understand is it would be near impossible to get a good result without a router. However if you’re merely shortening a piece rather than joining it to another a circular saw will be fine. Just make sure you’re using the right blade for the job.

Unless you’ve already got a large collection of batteries I’d personally go corded. 

Nearlyold

FreeBear said:

ozaz said: Most immediate need is to re-arrange my kitchen a bit which will involve some cuts in kitchen worktop. Next is to build a storage bench for hallway. Both will involve relatively long straight cuts.

Cutouts in a (laminate or solid wood) worktop are best done with a router. If you are doing any joints (either straight or mitred), a jig is essential. If the worktop is being scribed to the wall, then a router is needed. But you do need a bit of practice before using one in anger and you must pay attention to the direction of cut lest you chip/gouge a corner.

A circular saw is good for long straight cuts, but you can't do internal corners (that's where a jigsaw is useful).

If you mean for sink cut outs and alike - actually you can with a Plunge Saw. I find the problem with jigsaws is that it's only too easy to end up with the bottom of the blade cutting the worktop in a different place to the top of the blade