A circular saw is a very commonly used saw amongst those who work with lumber, especially for those workers who are doing so on site. “As well as this, a circular saw is one of the most dangerous power tools to use if used incorrectly, with some 10” circular saw blades reaching max speeds of 6500 RPMs. You can imagine this. If you’re constantly needing to rip through boards, you know a jigsaw won’t cut it, so a circular saw is the more preferred option for you.
It’s a tough choice to make, but I think that a jig saw is going to be the better choice as a DIYer or homeowner’s first power saw. A corded saw, whether you choose a jig saw or circular saw as your first power saws, will last for years, while the batteries of a cordless saw might give out sooner. So that’s my take on the jig saw vs. circular saw purchasing decision.
Also known as a saber saw or scroll saw, the jigsaw is often advertised as a “Do it all” saw for home improvement as well as arts and crafts projects. Circular saws can be adapted to almost any purpose you can use a table saw for. If you’re looking for a saw that can handle the rigors of a construction site or furniture-making, circular saws are clearly preferable to jigsaws.
There are two types of circular saw, sidewinders, and worm drive saws – but both function in the same way. The main disadvantage of circular saws is that they can’t cut curves – they are designed to cut in straight lines only. If you need to cut curves or work on fancy craft-style projects, a circular saw won’t be the right option, but if you want to frame a house or garage or you need to cut long, straight lines through large sheets of wood, a circular saw is the ideal choice.
Tradespeople who have to make saw cuts – whether in wood or some other material – will often find themselves questioning whether a jigsaw or circular saw is the best tool for the particular task in hand. The jigsaw vs circular saw question largely comes down to speed and neatness vs curves and complexity. 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.
circular saw or jigsaw Related Question:
Which is better a circular saw or a jigsaw?
A jigsaw allows you to make cuts that are more intricate, and can also make curved cuts. A circular saw has one job, which is to cut quickly on heavy woods in straight lines.
Do I really need a jigsaw?
Jigsaws are the only portable power tool that can effectively cut curves. This makes them a must-have for any woodworker who wants to get the job done faster than with a hand-held coping saw.
What are the advantages of a circular saw?
Among many advantages of the circular saw is its simple efficiency. Unlike the reciprocating saw, which cuts only half the time (each cutting stroke is followed by a return stroke), the circular saw is ready to cut whenever its blade is in motion.
What are the disadvantages of jigsaw?
According to Johnson and Johnson (2000), there are also some disadvantages of using the jigsaw method, they are: 1) require some time to prepare students to learn how to work in groups, 2) require some time to make groups that each group has heterogeneity in their member ability, and 3) teacher should make special
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.
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.
Which is better miter 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 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.
What is the disadvantage of circular saw?
Compared to jigsaws, the main disadvantage of circular saws is that they can’t cut curves – they are designed to cut in straight lines only. The blades for circular saws are more expensive – although, as we mentioned, they last longer so won’t need to be replaced as often. They are big, noisy tools.
What were the drawback of circular saws?
Disadvantages of the circular saw: The main disadvantage of the disc saw is that it is more dangerous than other power saws such as the jigsaw or the saber saw. Another disadvantage is that the disc saw only serves to make straight cuts, so it is not as versatile as a Jig Saw.
Which is safer circular saw or table saw?
Circular saws are generally more affordable than table saws, and they are also much safer. While it is perfectly possible to cause a serious injury with a circular saw, they are still much safer than table saws.
Does a homeowner need a circular saw?
Most new homeowners will want a power saw of some kind, and a circular saw is a good starting point— can handle far more cuts than you’d think.
What is the minimum cut with a circular saw?
The circular saw can cut any depth from 0 to about 2 3/8″. This is awesome. But, to get the best quality cut and reduce the possibility of kickback, you’ll want to set the proper cut depth for your material. The blade should only project about 1/4 -1/2″ below the bottom of the material.
Are jigsaw puzzles good for your brain?
Puzzles are also good for the brain. Studies have shown that doing jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. The act of putting the pieces of a puzzle together requires concentration and improves short-term memory and problem solving.
What are the advantages of jigsaw?
Why use jigsaw? It helps build comprehension. It encourages cooperative learning among students. It helps improve listening, communication, and problem-solving skills.
