Carpentry and Woodworking - Reciprocating Saw Vs. Circular Saw

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Gavriel0
07-19-08, 08:38 AM
Hi all,

I will need to be cutting pine or birch 3/4" thick plywood that is in two 8 ' x 4' sheets. The instructions said to use a jigsaw or an circular saw.

My mom said it was fine to use a reciprocating saw, but she, like me, has almost no carpentry experience.

Please help.
Thanks.

Gunguy45
07-19-08, 08:50 AM
Recip saw is for demo work and rough cutting.

Jig saw is for fine or circular cuts (though its kinda tough to get a smooth cut)

Circular saw is for long/straight cuts. Use the right type of blade, let the saw do the work, don't force it. Watch out for the cord! Support the workpiece, don't let it pinch the blade.
Gavriel0
07-19-08, 09:04 AM
Recip saw is for demo work and rough cutting.

Jig saw is for fine or circular cuts (though its kinda tough to get a smooth cut)

Circular saw is for long/straight cuts. Use the right type of blade, let the saw do the work, don't force it. Watch out for the cord! Support the workpiece, don't let it pinch the blade.

thanks, i will need to be making very large straight cuts.. thank you!

Tool Nut
07-19-08, 06:26 PM
If you clamp a a piece of 1x4 to the plywood it is easier to make a nice straight cut. Just remember to offset it by the amount that the blade offset from the edge of the shoe.

Jeremy
Just Bill
07-20-08, 07:06 AM
Use a sharp, fine tooth carbide blade. The saw should on the bottom(hidden) side of the plywood so any splintering wil not show on the good side.