Circular Saw - recommendations please

[CADS]

Hi

I need a circular saw but am completely clueless. Please can some one recommend one and point out any important specifications that I need to consider. I have seen some advertised for about £40-£60 which would fit my budget but not sure what features are important. Will be using them mainly to cut decking boards for raised beds but it need to have some other uses too.

Thanks
Cads

[Jeanied]

Sorry Cads - don't have a recommendation for you - but having read your other thread I just have to say - go for it girl!!!

[bridget mc laughlin]

Just make sure and get a good branded one like Black and Decker or Bosh

[Pete C]

Now, I'm a proper tool snob. In fact, I buy tools that I don't need, just because I want them, and I then justify my sickness by telling myself that one day my purchase will come in handy. If I need general purpose tools I tend to go down the Bosch route; they're so much better than B&D in my opinion.

Of all my power saws, the circular saw gets more use than the table saw and the jig saw. I've had it for 10 years, and it's never missed a beat. When I bought it, I needed it for one job. It was a throwaway item. Since then I've cut every type of wood known to man, I've sliced slate, granite and even metal sheet.

So what is this miracle saw? It's a Power Devil; most people (me included) would call them cheap and nasty. A decade on, I don't regret a penny of the £10.99 it cost me.

Here's what I would say. Go with a recognised but cheap unit, but make sure it has good sturdy guides (that are held tightly by the lock-off screw) as these are vital to accurate cuts. Most units come with a 12 month warranty or longer, and if you're buying one, I suspect you'll be using it heavily once you get it. If it's crap, just take it back.

Spend money on good quality cutters and blades. For me, that's what makes the difference. Circular saws are just electric motors that turn a spindle. There's nothing else to them. If the cutting guides are well held, that's it for build quality; the motor is probably a generic unit that comes out of the same factory as the Bosch or Makita or B&D ones. They are not proprietary units, they're general purpose motors. It's the blades that count (and the guides; did I mention that?).

[Bigmallly]

I shouldn't say this but if it's only for the one job......... (whispering)........order one off QVC do your job & send it back within the 30 day period..............

[Pete C]

I shouldn't say this but if it's only for the one job......... (whispering)........order one off QVC do your job & send it back within the 30 day period..............

Why wait for delivery? Argos do a 14 day money back no quibble about the sawdust returns scheme.

[Bigmallly]

Good thinking Pete.

[Snadger]

I'm fancying a Ferguson woodsaw for the back of my tractor. Comes with a blade of maybe 2 foot diameter. Should be great for cutting up driftwood for logs!

[jacob marley]

Snadger on utube there are one or two wood splitters that fit on the back of fergie 20s that do not involve spinning blades a lot safer....jacob

[jayjay giant]

I would recommend the extreme range from argos. Most of it comes with a 2 year warranty and actually exceeds expectations. Until 2 years ago I only ever purchased top end branded stuff but not any more.
JJ