which one is better jig saw or Circular Saw?

wasim21k · Post by **wasim21k** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:34 pm

hi,
in next few weeks i m going to lay solid wood floor (oak 18mm) just wandering which saw is better to buy for this job? and what brand is better if any one want to comments on any

any idea or personal experience welcome here.

skiking · Post by **skiking** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:52 pm

You'll find there are a few fans (me included) on here about Ryobi One+ stuff. As for the choice of jiggy or circular, well I use a jiggy for laminate jobs but purely 'cos laminate knackers the blades - cheaper to buy jiggy blade than circular. But for a good straight line I dont think you would go wrong with a circular or even a chop saw

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:12 pm

Really you need all three saws but if you do not have them, and this is a one off job, then buy a couple of hand saws and a coping saw.

DWD

wasim21k · Post by **wasim21k** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 1:28 pm

so i think then better buy jig saw, (i have one hand saw). and yes it is once off job but you know if you have tools you can use them later.
so any idea about what brand?

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 2:25 pm

im with skiing on this one if you have lots of different diy tasks go for the ryobi one plus range and of you shop around youll get a hammer drill plus a circular saw or a jigsaw complete kit in a bag for a ton

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:13 pm

Ryobi One+ is good.

If you really think you don't need the saw after this job, you could sell it on ebay (or advertise it on this site

) and get a fair bit of your money back probably. Maybe look on ebay for a deal there also? (I got a drill driver + circular saw + charger and battery for £53 inc postage)

In my own experience, I find it much easier to get a nice straight line with a circular saw more then a jigsaw.

What I would also suggest you need is a couple of decent clamps so you can fix a nice firm edge to the planks to press the circular saw against to keep the angle right.

Alternatively, get a hand mitre saw like this maybe?

Harder work, but more forgiving as you can see what you are doing much clearer.

Big-all - what is your opinion of the tools that have a laser quide - I see the Ryobo One+ range has Jigsaw with and without (without normally in the kits) and Circular saw with and without. Worth the extra cost (think it seems to be about £15-£20 extra)?

wasim, I am sure your 18mm solid oak flooring isn't cheap - once you have your saw, practice on cheap stuff

Jaeger_S2k · Post by **Jaeger_S2k** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:29 pm

The lasers only good if you're pointing the jig in a straight line

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:35 pm

Hoovie

never had a tool with lazer attached of any make

but funny enough used my mates bxq mitre saw last tuesday to fit his archatrave but it was so sunny i never noticed

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 3:41 pm

Jaeger_S2k wrote:The lasers only good if you're pointing the jig in a straight line

Now this is usually my problem - it isn't! but should be !!
The dust -especially off MDF - always covers my marks - hence my preference of clamping a guide

wasim21k · Post by **wasim21k** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:08 pm

thanks guys.
Hoovie yes it is 18mm
i think i will prepare all floor on Friday and lay floor over weekend but not sure as other few things i want to finis first. (specially ceiling lights)

one more question what sort of blade i need for circular saw? and do i need to change it often? total floor area is about 50 sqm.

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:45 pm

all depends on what your cutting [wood wise] and how much use its getting

but in general in light diy use assuming its tct blade it will last years

you know its had it when it splinters more burns or the motor struggles