Many professionals will attest that choosing high-quality equipment is essential for building, renovating, and gardening. If earlier most people used hand-held instruments, now the market offers a wide range of power tools. For working with boards, beams, sheets, and tiles, a quality saw is simply irreplaceable. Here are the main things you should consider before buying it.
1. Type
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The choice of a specific type of saw is largely determined by the work ahead. Many devices are versatile enough so that if you buy one of the DeWalt miter saw models, you can not only use it for cutting long workpieces but also find other applications for the tool. Nevertheless, there are still specific tasks with which this or that tool copes better.
Circular saw. It is a compact and portable device that allows you to cut materials at different angles. These saws come in various sizes, depending on what you work with.
Miter saw. With it, you can cut large workpieces at any given angle. It is a fairly versatile tool that is used for flooring and siding, making frames, and furniture.
Table saw. This instrument looks like a small table with a built-in cutting mechanism. While it is not portable, it is perfect for cutting a wide variety of materials at the angle you want.
Jigsaw. It is one of the indispensable tools for the home. The jigsaw is ideal for shape cutting thanks to its thin blade. It is quite tricky to get a perfectly smooth cut with it, but the curves are excellent.
Chainsaw. The devices of this type are designed to work more “rough” than all the previous ones. With this saw, you can cut tree branches and make firewood. Due to its incredible power, it is not suitable for delicate tasks.
Of course, these are not all types of saws that are available in stores. However, these are the main ones that are most often used in construction and repair.
2. Power Source
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Saws can be gasoline, electric (corded), and battery-powered (cordless). The choice of a specific type depends on the power you need and the level of mobility. As a rule, gasoline models are the most powerful, and it is from the fuel that chainsaws work. Other types of tools are electric since they are most often used indoors, where exhaust gases can be dangerous. If you prefer the power and efficiency of portability, then go for corded models, and you won’t have to bother with recharging. If you often do work outdoors, then it is worth buying a battery-powered device. However, be prepared that it will not be very powerful and will have a limited runtime.
3. Size and Cut Depth
When choosing a saw of the right size, you should be guided by what materials you are going to work with. Of course, you cannot use a blade with a larger or smaller diameter if it is not provided for by the tool’s design. Also, remember that the blade should not protrude too much from under the sheet of material, as it can seriously damage the device.
Make sure the saw you choose has the option to adjust the cut depth. Some types of work involve not fully immersing the blade. Also, pay attention to the possibility of changing the cutting angle. Most tools cut not only straight but also at 45°. Recently, devices that cut at an angle of 60° have appeared in stores.
4. Power
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This parameter plays an important role when purchasing gear. The higher the power setting, the better the job done with the picked saw. Materials with dense textures need to be processed by equipment with the utmost power. This indicator also affects the tool weight. You should take it into account, since it is very difficult to work with a heavy device, especially for a long time. Furthermore, remember that the actual saw power may differ from that stated by a manufacturer. Besides, the result of your work is influenced not only by the engine’s power but also the RPM, the blade quality, and the correctly selected number of teeth.
5. RPM
The blade speed directly affects the tool’s performance and its ability to handle materials of different densities. The accuracy and evenness of the cut also depend on the RPM indicator, but you need to choose the correct blade diameter for that. If the RPM is too high, the blade heats up way too quickly. As a result, burn marks and melted edges can appear on plastic sheets, for example. When choosing a tool by speed, equipment with an adjustable mechanism is preferable. It allows you to customize the parameter to suit the type of material you work with at the moment.
6. Other Features
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To enable users to cope with tasks of varying complexity easily, manufacturers equip their products with various auxiliary functions:
Sawdust collection system. For it, saws are packed with a special nozzle, through which a vacuum cleaner is connected. It sucks up small fragments and wood dust, keeping the workspace clean and protecting a user from health hazards.
Smooth start. It is necessary to refrain from any oscillating movements and sharp plunge into the material to ensure the highest quality cut. The saws have this function to eliminate jerking. In addition to facilitating the cutting process, this parameter also positively affects the saw motor’s service life.
Laser guide. Manufacturers install special add-ons on their saws, which, when tools are activated, launch laser beams. They indicate the trajectory of your movement. They are useful when working with equipment without guide rails.
Safe start and emergency shutdown. The quality saw should be activated by pressing two buttons, and in the event of a malfunction, it should be turned off automatically. These features should protect you from possible unforeseen circumstances, which comply with safety standards.
Get the Best Saw for Your Needs
Suppose you did not attach importance to the technical characteristics of a power tool. In that case, you could make the wrong choice and, at least, overpay for the unnecessary functions, as a maximum, end up with an unsuitable item. Before purchasing a device, assess the complexity of the upcoming work and the materials that you use correctly. Then, focusing on the above parameters, you can find a saw that is ideal for roofing or laying ceramic tiles.
