Advice on circular saw for a gift

[sarahlu]

Hello,

I have a bit of a strange request, so have joined this forum hoping someone can offer advice.

My sister is turning 40 soon and has informed me (to my surprise!) that she wants a circular saw as she wants to learn how to do woodworking projects in her home. I'm not sure exactly what she wants to do, but she has said its definitely a circular one she wants.

I know nothing about this topic, but have done a bit of research and have found this one https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-d...-Op1IX0XAmaNz5HFEgkaAvW_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

It seems to have good reviews and is cordless. Is this a good all-round option for a beginner or is there something else you would recommend?

Also, is there anything else she would need to get started such as safety equipment/accessories?

Thank you in advance

 

[ETAF]

Thats a bare unit , so NO batteries or charger - you my want to look for a package which includes a battery or 2
Once she has bought into a cordless range, its often cheaper to stay with the same brand
I use all dewalt cordless just as a DIYer and like the dewalt range, so biased

I have that circular saw, and have used with saxton and freud blades that have more teeth for a finer cut.

its not a brushless motor - brushes that may need replacing, but after a lot of use,
people get mixed up that XR also means brushless motor , its NOT , its eXtraRuntime

This maybe outside budget
https://www.ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Dewalt-Dcs391M2-5035048390726-18V-Xr-Circular-Saw-2-X-4.0Ah-Li-Ion
But includes a charger, 2x 4AH Batteries and a carry case, not sure if that is T-Stak
you can buy 1 battery and charger separately if needed

 

[SFK]

If wood working I would start with a Good Battery Drill and a hand saw.
Or a Jigsaw or a "mini Circular Saw".

Suggest Drill first as without a drill cannot make pilot holes, screw holes, etc.

Then following is a link for Saws (without batteries - all mains)
https://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/sa...=cat830716&powersupply=electric&sort_by=price

Also need safety glasses, and some way to support the wood being cut (A frames), and extension lead that can cope with 13A.

Otherwise for a direct recommendation fro Circular Saw (both mains):
https://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-hs6601-1050w-165mm-electric-circular-saw-240v/639fx
or
https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dwe560-gb-1350w-184mm-electric-circular-saw-240v/83289
SFK

 

[sarahlu]

Thanks @SFK . Would you not recommend a cordless one? I had assumed that would be more convenient for her.

 

[ETAF]

i really find cordless much more convenient for what I would call portable. And have used both corded and cordless circular saws on jobs. In the past corded and i found when i went cordless a few years ago, it was one of the best changes I made.
I decided to go for mains for Router/Mitre saw & SDS Drill other than that mainly cordless.

 

[Celeronmanuk]

Thanks @SFK . Would you not recommend a cordless one? I had assumed that would be more convenient for her.

They are, but you want all your tools to be the same make so they all use the same batteries ideally.

 

[Burnerman]

Would sis find a table saw more use?
https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb763tas-254mm-electric-table-saw-220-240v/958hf
John

 

[JohnD]

the one in the link excludes the battery and charger, which will up the cost.

with cordless tools it is very handy to have two batts, so you can use one while charging the other.

 

[JohnD]

if you register as a customer on crewfix and similar suppliers, with cookies on, and they see you looking at saws, they will bombard you with special offers and discount codes.

special offers often occur just before and during a Bank Holiday, when DIYers get sudden urges.

 

[SFK]

Would you not recommend a cordless one? I had assumed that would be more convenient for her.

Battery is more Convenient.
But they are (much) more expensive and for occasional use I bet the batteries will not be charged.
Also Battery tools are better vale when you have more than one tool and a couple of batteries to swap between them.

eta Suggested a good battery version which I would also recoemnd (but might sugegst in your case better buying more (mains powered) tools over a single Battery powered tool.

SFK

 

[sarahlu]

Thank you all. Didn't realise there was no battery or charger. @eta that package looks good but might be a tad over budget, which battery would I be looking for if I was to buy separately? Just done a search and there are a few different ones.

@Burnerman a table saw, I've no idea I wouldn't know the difference

 

[sarahlu]

if you register as a customer on crewfix and similar suppliers, with cookies on, and they see you looking at saws, they will bombard you with special offers and discount codes.

special offers often occur just before and during a Bank Holiday, when DIYers get sudden urges.

oh, that's good to know, thanks. I will keep a look out as I have some time yet

 

[ETAF]

I would probably go for the 4ah, I have 2x 2Ah ,2x 3Ah & 1x 5Ah, and tend to keep the 5AH for the circular saw , grinder.
(The batteries 2x2ah & 2x3ah - came as an offer on kits for the Multitool, and combi drill both with cases , from screwfix)
I have used the 3Ah on the saw a few times , But as i have 2, when it gets low i can swap out.
I refitted a cloakroom toilet recently and made the Vanity Unit, and Wall covering in a shaker style , with cupboard and lift away cistern cover.
I seem to remember the 3Ah did OK

Did she specifically ask for Dewalt cordless ? Do you know if she already has other cordless tools and if so Brand and age.

As mentioned Once bought into a brand , it makes it easy to stay with the brand and everything is then interchangeable

Shame you dont know the types of woodworking Projects.

There are often good deals at screwfix / toolstation, sometimes FFX - but not so much recently
Where you get the tool and case and often a couple of batteries & Charger.

beware, some of the cheaper batteries on the market, are not great , i had a friend who purchased a couple of "compatible" batteries and they did not last long.

BUT I'm just a DIYer, I dont use the tools day-in-day out
The batteries charged , seem to last a long while in storage , for example the impact driver & drill, i use the most, last charged before xmas. and used yesterday and today , putting up 2 outside taps, and a hose holder. Also had to remove a CD case and move. And the 2AH on driver has 3bar (full) and the drill 2 Bars
So i often wait till around 1 bar and then put on the chargers.

 

[blup]

Corded saws from quality manufacturers are much cheaper these days, the cable can always be replaced and lengthened.

Highly dangerous machines in corded or battery form.

Blup

 

[sarahlu]

@eta No, it doesn't have to be the Dewalt at all, I just saw that one and thought it looked good but didn't realise it didn't have the battery etc with it. So I'd be happy to consider a cheaper package of a different brand.

I've just done some digging to try and find out more info..she doesn't have any other power tools so it can be any brand. She wants to make things like wall panelling, planters, general decor type projects around the house.

 

[TimboTwo]

@eta
I've just done some digging to try and find out more info..she doesn't have any other power tools so it can be any brand. She wants to make things like wall panelling, planters, general decor type projects around the house.

What about a mitre saw/chop saw?

https://ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Evolu...30V-210Mm-Tct-Multipurpose-Compound-Mitre-Saw
Or
https://ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Evolu...5-230V-185Mm-Multi-Material-Sliding-Mitre-Saw