Power saws allow you to cut through wood faster and more accurately than cutting
with a handsaw. Power saws will allow different blades to be fitted for a variety of jobs.
There are a number of power saws on the market and it is important to choose the correct tool
for the job in hand.
It is important to remember that using power saws will do much of the
work for you. Do not treat it like a handsaw when cutting through the wood, allow the blade
action to move at its own speed, guiding it along the line of cut rather than forcing it along.
These tools are also available for hire if you do not want to purchase one.
Circular Saws
If you are cutting lengths of wood, sheets or boards use a combination blade. There are
other attachments available to cut masonry, ceramic tiles and metal. Circular saws are
suitable for cutting timber, plywood, MDF and blockboard. It is the ideal tool for accurate
and quick straight line cuts. It is possible to buy a saw attachment to fit an electric
drill.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines, as often you can only fit attachments to the
same brand named tool. Circular saws are competitively priced and can include varying
cutting capacities, varying speeds, adjustable line of cut indicator, depth and angle
adjustment, adjustable rip fence, remote lower guard lift lever, dust extraction facility,
safety switch and saw blades.
If the wood is coated with melamine extra care must be taken to avoid chipping the
surface. The cutting line should be marked on the right and wrong side, use a craft knife
and score the melamine surface along the pencil line using the straight edge. For extra
safety, try covering the scored melamine section with clear adhesive tape and saw through
that along the cutting line.
The circular saw cutting is made as the blade rises under the
wood, therefore the cleanest side of the cut is underneath. When using a circular saw,
melamine and coated surfaces should be cut on the wrong side. Lay the coated surface on
a bench and make sure that the area underneath the cutting section is clear, to avoid
cutting anything supporting the wood. Always make sure the cable is out of the cutting
region and wear a mask and safety goggles to prevent the fine dust entering the nose and
eyes.
Jigsaws
If the space is restricted when cutting is required, a jigsaw is a quick, easy and
versatile tool to use. It can be used for straight or curved cutting and there are different
blades available making the saw suitable for cutting wood, chipboard, blockboard, plywood,
hardboard, metal and plastic. They are competitively priced and can include varying speed,
pendulum action for faster cutting, dust extraction facility and adjustable base plate angles.
The jigsaw cutting is made as the blade rises under the wood, therefore the cleanest side
of the cut is underneath. When using a jigsaw on melamine or coated surfaces always cut on
the wrong side. Lay the coated surface on a bench and make sure that the area underneath
the cutting section is clear, to avoid cutting anything supporting the wood.
Always make sure the cable is out of the cutting region and wear a mask and safety goggles
to prevent the fine dust entering the nose and eyes.
Other Saws
There are other power saws available which are also suitable for woodwork:
Alligator saw - a general purpose saw, cutting various materials from wood to thermal blocks.
Chain saw - used for cutting trees and logs.
Door trimming saw - used for trimming a door without unhinging it.
Mitre saw - used for accurate cutting of picture frames, architrave, skirting and any wooden moulding.
Reciprocating saw - a two bladed saw with an action similar to an electric carving knife.
Laminate trimmer - makes bevel and patterned cuts or grooves in boards with a laminate surface.
