Circular saw advice

[Traveller]

Hi again.

Been doing some research and the Draper 64717 seems to be plentiful on the web; around £50.

Is this saw any better than the cheap ones like Wickes or B&Q own brand, etc, or would it make more sense just to go for the cheap ones. I REALLY don't want to spend that much at the moment, but could possibly consider it if it's worth it.

How much am I looking at for a blade for laminate? Aren't there any saws (reasonably priced) that come with one?

Thanks.

 

[harryc]

Get yourself a Ryobi, I think its the Ws6613 (Cant remember the exact model) this unit has been discontinued so you can pick one up for around £50 on Ebay. Its 1300W so plenty of power for any type of wood.
I would give the Argos stuff a miss it pays in the end to pick a decent make unless you get lucky because I'm sure somebody will reply with a " I have been using my Wickes rubbish for 3 years and no problems", its a bit like the smoker who will point out their grandad who smoked 60 a day and lived until he was 100!

Harry.

 

[harryc]

Just remembered it is the WS-6613.

harry

 

[Traveller]

Thanks harryc.

I am a regular buyer on ebay but am a bit apprehensive getting this sort of thing from ebay, as I find it easier to deal with a retailer, etc, with regards to any problems arising.

Will look into it though, as it is a consideration; thanks.

 

[big-all]

How much am I looking at for a blade for laminate? Aren't there any saws (reasonably priced) that come with one?

Thanks.

a laminate blade is around £60 on its own

 

[Deluks]

Ryobi over Draper every day of the week! As for eBay, there are plenty of 'proper' retailers selling new gear (with usual guarantee etc.)

eBay for blades too, I bought a 190mm trend blade (new) for a fiver last month.

 

[Scrit]

How much am I looking at for a blade for laminate? Aren't there any saws (reasonably priced) that come with one?

Depending on size £40 to £65 for a good, fine tooth triple chip laminate blade (the 190mm Freud on my portable saw cost me about £50) and no, every saw maker I've ever come across supplies a cruddy 'orrible coarse rip saw blade

Scrit

 

[Traveller]

Thanks big-all, Deluks, Scrit.

£40, £50, £60, £65????? You are joking, right?!

Thanks for the warning everyone!

No way I could get a saw AND a blade at those prices! Can I get away with a really cheap one just for the current job only (it's only a few inches; for the sides of the U shape to go around a wash basin pedestal)?

 

[big-all]

Thanks big-all, Deluks, Scrit.

£40, £50, £60, £65????? You are joking, right?!

Thanks for the warning everyone!

No way I could get a saw AND a blade at those prices! Can I get away with a really cheap one just for the current job only (it's only a few inches; for the sides of the U shape to go around a wash basin pedestal)?

well a circular aint very good at going round corners

down cut blade in a jigsaw and a 5mm bead of mastic will hide any dammage

 

[Scrit]

£40, £50, £60, £65????? You are joking, right?!

Nope! Chinese stuff may be allright for some things, but they still don't make decent saws for laminate work.

B-A is right about not going round corners, though

Scrit

 

[Deluks]

I'm beginning to wonder if you actually need a circ saw at all

 

[Traveller]

Haha big-all; Yes I know, I know. I meant for the straight parts of the U shape as stated in my third post in this thread (last paragraph).

Ok Scrit.

Deluks, oops, I completely forgot what I originally needed the saw for! Haha. The legs, the legs; sorry! I urgently need it for the TWO purposes mentioned, but, as stated before, I will definitely need it in future for laminate boards, etc.

However, upon learning of the costs, the "sharp handsaw" suggestion is sounding more realistic (or maybe a manual mitre saw), if somewhat less appealing. Will I be able to get a perfectly straight cut in all directions even with battening (sp?)?

Thanks everyone....time to ponder....

 

[Deluks]

Borrow one for the cuts, and put your £50 towards getting a better quality saw for future use. Have you ever considered the Ryobi one+ range, they do a circ saw for about£60, but it occasionally pops up on screwfix for £99 with 2 batteries/charger and 18v drill.

 

[Traveller]

Hi Deluks.

Thanks for the advice.

I thought that was the most sensible option to start with, that's why I originally took the wood to a kitchen manufacturer I knew, however, as mentioned already the cuts were done in a hurry and I was left with mismatched sizes.

I also asked the person who usually carries out DIY for us, but unfortunately his old circular saw broke or something.

This is when I was left with the option of buying one myself, which I thought was a ok as I am extremely meticulous and believe that I could do a much more careful job than a professional in a hurry who doesn't really care if the work is neat or not.

I would have gone for a good one to start with but the entire budget is going to go towards buying other things for the room. I will be able to get a good saw in future, but will have to wait to come across a lucky bargain with regards to the blade!.

Are you referring to a cordless saw? If so, I don't want a cordless one; will only be using it at home; don't want to bother with all that re-charging business for a few minutes work each time.

Thanks.

 

[Thermo]

Hi Deluks.



I also asked the person who usually carries out DIY for us, but unfortunately his old circular saw broke or something.

This is when I was left with the option of buying one myself, which I thought was a ok as I am extremely meticulous and believe that I could do a much more careful job than a professional in a hurry who doesn't really care if the work is neat or not.

it probably "broke" because he doesnt want to lend it to you. his tools are his livelehood.

I would check your definition of professional. a professional will know how to use such a tool correctly to achieve the right result, wont be in a hurry and will care about the result and his work being neat!