Which saw should I buy?

Question

I need to buy a saw to cut small branches 2" to 4" for making rustic garden furniture. The saw would also be used for cutting treated wood of various sizes but mostly 4"x 2". I have arthritis in my hands and need some advise, would I be better to buy an all purpose electric saw or an electric chain saw. The prices of both saw would be at the lower end around £75. Has anyone used both types of saw and which would you advise me to buy.

Answer 1

I've been in the trades for a long time and have many tools, often very specific for a particular task. I have a feeling YOu need more than one tool for two very different tasks.

With all due respect to you, and certainly other answers I see, your issue with some debilitation might be aggravated by using either saw?

I have a few Recip. saws and a couple of gas/elect. operated chain saws. Each is designed for various purposes or choices of use obviously, but one might give you "finer" results than the other.

Your problem might be in just the weight of each and the angles you need to be using them at? My Recip. saws are every bit as heavy as my chain saws, but offer a finer, smoother cut, with multiple blade choices, even up to 8 inches, effectively.

The other issue you might encounter is in using either for the two different approaches you want to apply to the same sized piece of stock.

Either will work well on a cross cut...IE: Branch, but your suggestion in the Q is that you're going to be doing either type of cut "Freehand." I'll assume in the making of even rough cut furniture some RIP cuts might have to be made?

Without strictly knowing your techniques in achieving the "product" it's probably 50/50 for either saw. I've seen ART created with a chain saw, but that doesn't constitute it as FINE art. Likewise "RUSTIC" is a mind set as well as a look.

I suggest RENT both types for a weekend/week and practice the use, and effects of each, then judge them against your desires and designs.

If you work with either for any extended time period they will seem Heavier.

If you went all out and spent 150 pounds for two different saws you'd very likely find appropriate uses for both, and realize that they will pay for themselves in time.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Consider two saws. A bow saw is great for cutting branches. I've tried to use Saws all for cutting branches and mostly found it to be a Pain in the arm. Each time the blade bites wrong and it will time and time again your body will catch the force and hands will ach if you use it a lot. Bow saws are fast with good blades four five pulls to take out a 2" branch. cost 10-20 $ for me. As for the 2x4 get a simple 7 /14 " chop saw. a 10" if you have the money.
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Answer 3

It really is all about personal preference. In my job I have the option of two saws, a Dewalt and a Porter-Cable. I use the Dewalt all the time purely because the handle position feels comfortable to me. I also have the same choice in drills and go with the Porter-Cable because the torque settings are better. One thing I might add, is that it is not so much about the saw as the blade you use. In my job I am sizing 13/4" doors in most of the common hardwoods and I have found the Freud 24 tooth framing blade to be by far the best.

Answer 4

Steven has a good point about buying both types of saws and his point about renting the saws to try them is good as well. I think that a reciprocating saw would be more troublesome if you have arthritis because of the severe vibration. If you get a cheap gas chainsaw you will regret it because it will give you problems with starting and running. Echo, Stihl, and Husqvarna make small chainsaws that are made with quality. Makita and Milwaukee both make reciprocating saws that have anti vibration technology which would be to your benefit.

Answer 5

I would get a corded sawz all. They are relatively cheaper than battery powered and much lighter. A good one won't vibrate much and you won't have to sharpen the blades all the time. You just put in a new one. You can also change the size of the blades to fit the job you are doing. An electric chain saw is much heavier, more maintenance (sharpening blades) and much more dangerous. A resiprocating sawzall is the way to go.

Answer 6

I bought a reciprocating saw for about £25, with different sized blades upto 6 inches.

Its easy to use and is very powerful.

I would suggest a Recip Saw.

Answer 7

I would also go with an electric reciprocating saw. I've used one before for cutting small branches as well as cutting a hole through a floor for a heating duct. I prefer it to a small chainsaw. You do have to hang onto this kind of saw fairly firmly, though, so take some painkillers for your arthritis before you start using it!

Answer 8

chain its easier than using a circular as the guard is a nuisance,you will also need a 9" cercular if cutting 4"
and they are cumbersome, retired builder.

you need to come and live in Luxor I am riddled with authrhitis in the uk and am in a wheelchair. here none as it never rains, i am 65 and started a new life and business,
any way take the chainsaw its handy for all kind s of wood cutting and most will give you a 12" cut,with no problem make sure you stick to the oiling and sharpening process and it will give you a long life never force it,

Answer 9

You should have them both. Branches are better with a chain. 4x2 with a circular saw. What is an all purpose saw?

Answer 10

Certainly do not try cutting round wood on a cicular saw, it will grab it, and could easily cause serious injury, why dont you go find somebody who is making items with rustic timber, and see what tools he is using