Jig saw or curcular saw for cutting down deck boards and framing for transport to recycling.

[Gallo]

Hi all, there a quite a few posts about tools for building a deck but I'm removing mine as it's rotting away. I've managed to get all the boards up on this part of the patio and the framing joints it was sat on top of. I've removed all the screws where possible but as the joists and boards are 3m long I was planning on cutting them into smaller lengths so I can take them to the tip in my small hatchback and save a bit of money on disposal.

Would a jig saw or a circular saw be best? I've got more to get rid of in another part of the yard, and some 10cmx10cm wood balustrade posts I'm probably going to have to cut down too.

Apart from that I'm not planning on any other big cutting jobs so would only need the tool for this really. Whatever it is I prefer a corded tool not battery. What would be the best tool to get for this use?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

A S/H circular saw would be my choice, will go through deck boards like a knife through butter, can do the 10x10s by cutting each side, a jigsaw will be much slower and probably eat a few blades too. That said it might only cost you say £30 to get a rubbish disposal bloke to take it away (same price of the s/h saw and none of the hassle) they charge per weight so might be worth getting a quote, they'll often quote via a photo. Or even offer it up as wood for burning on Marketplace someone might take it away for nothing.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

A cheap chop saw will quickly cut the boards, but check with a metal detector, where you intend cutting.

 

[blup]

Jig saw is perfect for decking, use the best quality blades you can get.

 

[Deluks]

By the time you've been to the shop to buy the tool, you could have cut through them with a sharp hand saw. (Although you might have to go to the shop to buy the sharp hand saw)
Many DIYers are convinced they need to acquire a power tool because they use grandads old rusty saw they found in the back of the shed and find it a bit hard going.
No point in splashing out for just one job.
There are tool libraries and 'mens sheds' type organisations that lend out or hire tools out on the cheap. Or ask neighbours (thank them with beer or wine)

 

[Diver Fred]

A reciprocating saw rather than a jig saw, far more useful if your don't do woodwork. But you could/should try a hire shop first. But it could be cheaper to buy.

 

[opps]

Personally, I would go with a jigsaw. It has the added advantage of your not needing to secure the timber whilst you cut it. That said, a cheap jigsaw will struggle to cut the balustrades. Can't you borrow one and buy some decent blades?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Well there you go, five different responses, I hope we answered your post well!

 

[scbk]

Put all the wood up for free/£10 the lot on gumtree etc

 

[ATTQ]

Another vote for reciprocating saw. Get a selection of blades and you'll find a hell of a lot of uses for it, i've used mine for cutting through my exhaust pipe, demolishing walls in the most satisfying way, cutting copper and plastic plumbing pipes, floorboards. bathtub, fence, pruning, cutting dry branches for firewood, pretty much anything. Get a demolition blade and you go straight through nails and screws. I got the Milwaukee fuel M18 hackzall I think its called. For something like this I'd say its worth getting a quality one if you want it to last any time at all

But then you asked for a throw away corded tool so ignore all of the above

 

[stevie888]

My recip came from Lidl. Got me out of several holes over the years: just get half decent blades.

 

[ATTQ]

My recip came from Lidl. Got me out of several holes over the years: just get half decent blades.

i'm not entirely surprised if Parkside isn't half bad, they have come up in quality a lot, I've got their plasma cutter with inbuilt compressor and a few other things that seem decent enough for hobby use anyway. milwaukee are also made in china, but I'm assuming will be more robust but then i might never wear out the parkside one its impossible to know. I'm using the milwaukee all the time though and already had their batteries...

 

[blup]

I've got their plasma cutter with inbuilt compressor and a few other things that seem decent enough for hobby use

What hobbies use a plasma cutter?

 

[ATTQ]

What hobbies use a plasma cutter?

Anything fabricating with metal. I particularly wanted it to cut sheet metal up for teaching my kids welding as its so much quicker and quieter than using an angle grinder which i've always got by with along with a chop saw.

 

[Gallo]

Hi all OP here. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all your responses and have also had a bit of a giggle.

I don't think I'm quite ready for a plasma cutter just yet but they sure do look like fun.

I ended up buying a cheap circular saw from B&Q as they sent me a £6 off voucher - it was £34, their cheapest own brand one. I cut down about 30 x 2.5 meter boards in about 45 minutes. It was incredibly easy with this tool. Frankly if I never use it again, for £34 it was a bargain considering the quotes I was getting for removal were between £90 and an eye watering £230! Just got to haul it to the tip now but it won't be that difficult now it's all cut down to a manageable size.