Power Tools

How Many Saws Does a Tradesman Need on Site?

When materials need to be cut on a construction project the obvious tool for the job is a saw. The most suitable saw for the job in hand can vary depending on some or all of the following key factors:

• Type of material to be cut
• Dimensions of the material to be cut 
• Accuracy and quality of the finish required
• Availability of suitable blade types
• Health and safety considerations

Most saws are able to cut various materials like wood, metal, plastic or composite boards given the wide and varied range of blades often available for each type of saw.

The range of saws to choose from is fairly lengthy and includes Jigsaws, Reciprocating saws, Circular Saws, Mitre saws, Table Saws, Site Saws and Flipover Saws.

One of the most versatile saws around is a Jigsaw for which there is a massive choice of blades allowing it to cut anything from wood, metal and plastics to ceramics and acrylic glass. Jigsaws are also easily portable and can be used in most locations but are perhaps not ideal where precision and accuracy is required, particularly with large sheet materials.

A Reciprocating Saw is the best tool for removing existing installations where a task includes reworking or refitting, for example, replacing windows or removal of fixtures and fittings from a building prior to refurbishment etc. With blades available to cut wood, metal, plastics and even brick, porous concrete and fibreglass, a reciprocating saw is ideal where rapid results and cutting various materials takes priority over accuracy.

Tradesmen often need to make long straight cuts in sheet material and a Circular Saw is usually the tool of choice. Circular Saws are relatively light and portable and can give reasonably accurate results cutting sheets of plywood, chipboard and other composite materials. If a good quality finish is required excellent results can often be achieved, assuming the correct choice of tooth geometry for the blade is made.

A Mitre Saw is the tool most commonly used for the accurate cutting of lengths of timber framing for structures where complex mitre joints are required. With additional features like slide, tilt and bevel, some mitre saws are able to cut timber for the most complicated mitre joints, which are required in jobs like roof construction. Mitre saws which feature a slide function offer the option of cross cutting small panels. The maximum cross cutting width depends on the particular saw but typically between 200mm – 300mm and up to 320mm wide in the case of the Metabo KGS 315PLUS.

If a tradesman needs to cut sheet materials with a reasonable degree of accuracy on site then a portable Table Saw may provide the solution. While less versatile than a circular saw, Table Saws are more stable and with the use of the correct blade and guides can often deliver results close to workshop standard.

Flipover Saws are a cross between a mitre saw and a portable table saw with the capability of carrying out many of the same tasks. A Flipover Saw is extremely versatile and delivers good results but often without quite matching up to the performance of a good quality mitre saw or table saw.

Site Saws are basically a basic less refined form of table saw built specifically to withstand the rigours of a site situation. Site Saws are ideal for rough cutting of sheet material like plywood and chipboard where speed rather than accuracy is the priority.

In recent years the introduction of the Fein Multimaster and Bosch Multicutter has added another option to the choice of saws a tradesman should consider having in his kit. For small, delicate cutting and trimming operations with blades suitable for many types of material, these tools are fast becoming a must have for every tradesman.

Health and Safety is always important whenever a saw is being used. While most saws will cut a variety of materials sometimes special measures need to be taken particularly when working with metal which often requires to be firmly clamped prior to cutting. Always wear safety glasses and a protective mask when using a saw and wherever possible use dust extraction.

So the answer to the question how many saws does a tradesman need on site is probably three or four to guarantee they can always cut any material safely and to the required standard of finish, whatever the dimensions.

About the Author

Kelvin Power Tools has over 30 years experience specialising in the supply of portable electric power tools and cordless tools supported by our fully approved service and repair centre. We supply leading brand name power tools and fixings locally in Scotland from our superb Glasgow based superstore and throughout the UK from our online shop. Brands include DeWalt, Makita and Festool.

In-store or online you can be assured of the same great deal and customer experience you would expect from a leading power tools supplier offering a standard of expertise only a specialist can provide.

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SAW JIGSAW HALLOWEEN mask

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the store is called Party City. They have it pretty cheap here for only $5!