Portable power saws

Machine Mart's Buyers Guide To Portable Power Saws

There are several different types of electric power saws available from Machine Mart.

• Circular saws
• Jigsaws
• Reciprocating/all purpose/sabre saws
• Chainsaws 

When selecting a saw, you need to think about what you are going to cut. Do you need to make intricate curving cuts? Long straight cuts? Is the material thick or thin? Do you want a smooth or rough finish? Are you cutting wood, metal or plastic? 

With all saws, to cut thin material or if you want a fine finish, you need a blade with more teeth (finer pitch). This is indicated by TPI (teeth per inch) on straight blades or on circular blades for example 184x16x18t. 184 shows the diameter of the blade in mm, 16mm is the size of the hole in the middle and the 18T indicates the number of teeth. 


Circular Saws 

Are the best tool to use where you need to make a long straight cut. Adjustments available are depth of cut and the angle of the blade as it passes through the work piece. The maximum depth of cut is decreased by cutting at an angle. 

Although traditionally designed with wood cutting in mind, there are now new blades available which will cut wood, metal and plastic all with one blade. 

When choosing a circular saw you should think about what you are going to cut. Larger machines with larger blades and more power will make deeper cuts more easily. 

When cutting wood, the top surface will be the more untidy of the two, so if you are cutting worktop for example, you should do it with the material face down, so you ultimately end up with a neater top surface. 

A circular saw is not just limited to cutting timber to size, across the grain, with the grain or to cut man-made boards. It may also be used to cut rebates, mitres and chamfers or for cutting through the tongue on tongue and groove floorboards. 


Jigsaws 

Are the tool you need if you want to make curved or intricate cuts. There are a number of features to look for, depending on the job you want to do. 

• Pendulum action - This makes the blade swing back and forward, as it goes up and down, this increases the cut speed and improves curve cutting.
• Scroll action - This offers more control when cutting intricate patterns.
• Dust extraction - Allows the machine to be connected to a vacuum cleaner hose. To keep your workplace clean.
• Blade guard - This safety feature prevents you from touching the blade while it’s in motion.
• Anti splinter device/chip guard - Reduces the occurrence of chips of wood “breaking out” of the top surface of the work piece.
• Tool free blade change- Does what it says; you don’t need an allen key or screwdriver to change the blade.
• Variable speed - Allows you to optimise the speed for the material being cut.
• Stroke length - The longer the stroke length, the faster it’ll cut.
• Fence guide - Enables you to cut parallel to an existing edge.
• Laser guide - Allows you to follow a line. 

Jigsaw blades generally cut on the up stroke, a major drawback of this is that the top of the work piece, when cutting, is likely to suffer from chipping around the cut. An anti splinter device/chip guard will overcome this to some extent or there are blades available, which cut on the down stroke, making them ideal for cutting laminate covered board. 


Reciprocating/all purpose/sabre saws 

These are basically extra large jig saws. They have larger, more powerful motors and longer blades and can therefore cut larger material, however they are less accurate. By selecting the correct blade they may be used for cutting logs, timber, pipes, bricks and blocks etc. 


Chainsaws

Electric chainsaws are primarily used for exterior work, cutting small trees and fire wood. They are very fast and efficient but the resulting cut is very rough. When looking for an electric chainsaw the following things should be taken into consideration. 

• Wattage - This indicates the power of the machine.
• Bar length - The length of the saw part of the machine.
• Auto oil lubrication - The chain must be constantly lubricated while cutting, this feature does for you it automatically.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All power tools should be treated with respect and saws are no exception. Personal protective equipment should include goggles and depending on what you are cutting, ear defenders, gloves and dust masks (particularly when cutting MDF). Sturdy shoes, with a good grip should also be worn and clothing should not be loose, so it could get caught in the machinery.

Care should be taken with the power cables to make sure they don’t create a trip hazard and that you do not cut through them.

Your work area should be kept clear of saw dust - as far as is practical.

Chain saws are particularly dangerous and special care should be taken when operating them. Specialist protective clothing should always be worn when using these machines.

When using electrical equipment outdoors or in a damp environment, it is a good idea to use a Residual Current Device (RCD), which can prevent electric shocks. 

Circular saws

Jigsaws

Reciprocating/all purpose/sabre saws

Chainsaws