I went through every single wood-based project on this site, and classified them into three categories: Miter saw only, circular saw optional, circular saw mandatory. First off, if you’re purchasing a saw for general home improvement purposes, not for small wood projects, a circular saw might be a better option. Circular saws start around $50, while miter saws start around $100, with the larger, more versatile sliding saws ranging between $150-$200. If cost is a major issue, a circular saw is better than no saw.
The Miter Saw vs Circular Saw conversation features two of the most popular power tools in the DIY world, and advertising will certainly have you believe that you need both. Perhaps we can help you decide which is better for you and your needs if you’re stuck between choosing the miter saw vs circular saw or vice versa. Last update on 2022-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. To summarize the difference between a miter saw vs circular saw, the circular saw is by far the more versatile of the two.
The DeWalt DWS780 is a corded miter saw and is regarded by many professionals and hobbyists as being the best on the market. If you’re an experienced worker, you’ll find that a circular saw could eliminate the need for a miter saw – especially if you know exactly what you’re doing, and how your saw works. There we have it – an in-depth look into both the circular and miter saw, so you’ll hopefully now have a clearer idea of which is best for your needs.
The very basic lowdown is that I use the circular saw for big sheets of plywood and the miter saw is more for lumber. I used my miter saw for years before ever touching a circular saw. One reason to consider a circular saw first is that it can do almost all the things a miter saw can do plus more.
circular saw or drop saw Related Question:
What is better Mitre saw or circular saw?
A circular saw excels at breaking down sheet goods, and a miter saw is best for cutting down longer boards. A miter saw is more precise, due to the handheld nature of the circular saw. A circular saw is less expensive than a miter saw, and it’s more portable. A miter saw is safer to use than a circular saw.
Can I use a circular saw instead of a miter saw?
Circular saws do have more versatility than miter saws. Every cut you can make on a miter saw can also be done on a circular saw, plus a few more. This is why my dad (and some others on the internet) recommend starting with a circular saw. But circular saws are tedious to use.
What is a drop saw used for?
A drop saw (also known as a mitre saw or compound mitre saw) is used to make accurate crosscuts and mitres in a workpiece by ‘dropping’ a large mounted circular saw blade down onto a board at a selected angle.
What’s better than a circular saw?
Jigsaws are less precise but can make a wider variety of cuts than circular saws. This makes them ideal for use on projects where accuracy is not key – such as arts and crafts, some home improvement projects, and making decorative woodworking pieces.
Can I use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw?
Although a jigsaw can be used for most of the tasks that a circular saw can perform, including straight cuts and cuts on a tilt, the jigsaw uses that really take advantage of the tool’s qualities are jobs such as kitchen fitting and joinery, with their frequent need for complex cuts.
Can you use a circular saw to cut baseboards?
You can also cut baseboard molding with a circular saw, but the vertical type of cut needed for baseboard requires that you tilt the base of the circular saw to 45-degrees. This is difficult and not recommended unless you are a professional because of possible kickback.
What saw should I buy first?
A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.
What makes a drop saw a versatile machine?
The drop saw replaces the hand saw because it is much quicker and can cut or trim large piece of timber and the blade can also be turned at an angle for cutting things like mitre joints.
What is the table saw best used for?
Table saws cut straighter lines and make smoother cuts on small and long boards. DIY projects that require a table saw usually require a more precise cut than handheld or machine saws. Serious woodworkers and crafters alike can make use of this versatile power tool.
Whats the difference between a chop saw and a mitre saw?
Whereas chop saws are rugged and relatively simple tools, mitre saws are designed and manufactured to make precision cuts at many different angles. Although a mitre saw can cut non-ferrous metal when used with the correct blade, they are most often used by joiners, kitchen fitters and cabinet makers to cut wood.
Is it worth buying a jigsaw?
Jigsaws can cut cut wood of varying thickness and density, and when fitted with the correct blade, they can also cut steel, fiberglass, and drywall. This adds to the tool’s versatility and makes it more valuable in your workshop. Changing blades is easy.
What should I look for when buying a circular saw?
Features that help you work effectively with a circular saw include accurate cutline markers, good blade visibility, smooth guard retraction, and a flat shoe set parallel to the blade. The best cutline markers line up exactly with the kerf cut by the saw. You want a notch no wider than a thin-kerf saw blade.
Can a jigsaw cut straight?
The jigsaw can be used to make both straight and curved cuts in a wide variety of materials, including wood, particleboard, plywood, plastic, metal, even ceramic tile. It’s also safe and easy to use, which is why it’s often the very first power saw a new DIYer buys.
What is better than a jigsaw?
However, when you need very intricate and precise cuts, a scroll saw is your best bet. It’s built for making clean cuts in thin materials and creates lines that are so precise you may not even have to sand the edges. One example of a project that a scroll saw is perfect for is making a wooden jigsaw puzzle.
Can a jigsaw cut a 2×4?
The secret to doing straight cuts in 2×4 lumber is to guide the jigsaw steadily, in one go. As long as the pace is slow and consistent, you will be fine by allowing the blade to do the work of cutting for you – keep the focus on following the cutting line as you control the speed and pace of the cut.
