Choosing a power saw for home or professional activities

Electric saws are a tool widely used in construction and finishing works for cutting materials such as wood (pruning in the garden, cutting thin trees, sawing logs into boards), foam concrete, concrete, and even metal. To perform all these operations there are different types of electric saws, differing in their design and type of cutting tool. Use the information below to select the type of electric saw you need.

Electric saw classification

Like any electric tool, electric saws are divided into professional and household. Model units of the class of the pro have a high build quality, are reliable, able to work for a long time without rest breaks and have a relatively high cost.

Domestic class devices can perform the same operations as professional, but for a short time. Every 15-20 minutes work they need to rest for 30 minutes to cool the engine. In addition, some parts of their mechanisms are made of lower quality materials than in professional technology.

In addition, electric saws are manual and stationary. Handheld electric saws include:

• chain,
• saber,
• circular (circular saws),
• hacksaws and jigsaws.

Desktop electric saws are used both in small productions and in home workshops, and allow you to perform large amounts of work, rather than hand-held power tools. This tool can be attributed to tape, disc, jigsaw, end, cutting machines. Consider each type in more detail.

Chain saws

The electric chain saw has a visual resemblance to a chainsaw due to the presence of a tire with tensioned on it. chain saw. But the main difference between a tool and a gasoline engine is an electric motor that serves as a drive. The saw chain in this device moves along the tire and has a certain number of teeth. The amount of the tool, as well as the amount of vibration during operation, depends on the number, size and type of grinding of the chain teeth. The chain is driven by a drive sprocket, dressed on the gearbox shaft, which, in turn, receives torque from the electric motor. In chain electric saws, a longitudinal or transverse engine arrangement is used.

It is believed that the chain longitudinal electric saw, in which the motor is located longitudinally (along the tire), has a better balance than the transverse one.

All chain saws have lubrication systemthat feeds the oil to the tire of the unit, which contributes to a better chain slip and less wear on both parts. On some units, the rate of lubrication can be adjusted depending on the type of material being processed.

There are also models of chainsaws on which it is possible to replace the tire with a disk.

Chainsaws are mainly bought for the home, for example, for gardening (cutting down trees), and also as a tool for sawing logs (for firewood). Therefore, the choice of electric saws should be based on the power of the unit, which can be in the range from 1100 to 2100 W, as well as taking into account the speed of the chain. For this parameter it is recommended to buy a tool with a broach from 9 to 12 m / s. Of course, if you need a machine that can cut logs for a long time, it is better to buy a powerful professional tool.

Reciprocating Saws

A saber-type saw is equipped with a special mechanism that creates oscillatory (reciprocating) movements. The working tool of the unit is reciprocating filehaving a length of 10 to 35 cm.

Reciprocating saw is often used by professionals due to its versatility. The unit can work on metal, plastic and wood. Also, this unit is used in construction as a cutting tool for aerated concrete and foam blocks, as well as for gas silicate and brick.

Thanks to a large number of types of equipment, saber saws are bought for the garden, namely, for pruning trees and cutting bushes.

Reciprocating saws can have a power of 1 to 1.4 kW and a speed of reciprocating movements of about 3,300 oscillations per minute. It is not difficult to guess that cutting solid building materials and metal products requires a more powerful tool than the tool for giving, where it will be used only when cutting branches on trees.

For garden work better suited battery saber saw. Due to the absence of a power cord, the tool can be used in the most remote areas of the garden plot.

Thanks to the installed regulator for each type of material, you can choose the speed of movement of the equipment.

As a kind of saber saws are produced electric hacksawswhich are used for the same purposes as hand tools.

Circular saws

The manual power saw is used for sawing and dissolving wood planks, chipboard (chipboard, chipboard, OSB, MDF, fiberboard), as well as plywood, floor laminate, plastic panels and metal.

For each type of material set the appropriate equipment.For example, a standard circular saw is suitable for wood based materials, and a diamond disk is required for concrete.

The circular saw has a simple structure consisting of an electric motor, a gearbox, a base plate (sole) and a disk-type cutting tool.

Units of this type are produced with a drive that works not only from the electrical network, but also from batteries. But you should know that the unit operating on the battery is able to work effectively for no more than 10-15 minutes. Therefore, if you want to work with the tool for a longer time, you should prepare in advance replaceable fully charged batteries.

Basically, a circular saw is used as a hand-held tool, although it can be installed under the table. The device is held by hands and lead to the workpiece. with guide rail. The rotary support plate of the tool allows you to cut the workpiece at different angles.

When choosing a disk tool, pay special attention to the following parameters.

1. Power. Hand tools can have power from 800 to 2500 watts. For domestic use, you should choose a unit of average power - up to 1200 watts.This will extend the operating time of the device without overheating and increase its service life. For the professional sphere, of course, you need a device with a power of from 1200 to 2500 W, because the performance of the tool depends on this parameter, as well as the ability to install a large-diameter snap-in on it.
2. The number of revolutions per minute. This parameter can vary in the range from 1800 to 5200 rpm. But you should know that a low-power engine will not be able to develop the speed declared by the manufacturer, especially when sawing solid wood.
3. Depth of cut. This parameter depends on the power of the unit. Low-power devices are capable of making a cut with a depth of only 65 mm. More powerful units can go into the workpiece to a depth of 130 mm. Based on this, before choosing a tool, you must clearly understand how thick the workpiece you will be cutting them, so that in the future there will be no problems with the cutting depth.

By hand circular saws can be attributed to immersion saws. At first glance, the submersible tool looks like an ordinary disk, but still has the following differences:

• saw blade is completely hidden by the protective cover and is above the level of the base of the apparatus (inoperative);
• before turning on the device with the help of a special regulator, the immersion depth of the equipment is set;

• The saw is immersed in the workpiece with a movable handle.

Due to the fact that the saw blade can be lowered using the handle, the unit is used to:

• cutting grooves anywhere in the workpiece;
• perform cuts in any planes;
• installation of furniture;
• repair of floors (removal of worn boards).

The main parameters to consider when choosing a submersible saw is power and speed. All recommended parameters, which were discussed above for the circular saws, are also suitable when choosing an immersion disc tool.

Table saws

The table-mounted circular saw consists of:

• beds (with fastening to the table),
• desktop,
• fixed under the table electric motor
• circular saw mounted on the shaft.

Depending on the model of the unit, it can be installed Rotary table, allowing you to cut the workpiece at different angles. Also, the machine is equipped with guides and stops. Almost all the beds of desktop units come with a mount to the table.

Desktop circulars are used in small workshops to perform various auxiliary operations, for longitudinal and transverse cutting of wood and wood-based panels (MDF, fiberboard, chipboard), and also for sawing these materials at an angle.

For domestic use, models with a power of 1000-1200 W, with a disk of 205 mm and the ability to cut workpieces up to 45 mm thick are suitable. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that household appliances can be used only for a short time, preventing the engine from overheating. If you need a circular for small productionit is better to choose a device with a power of 1.5 to 2 kW. They are usually designed for long-term use and have sufficient capacity for cutting hard wood.

Mini saws

Manual electric mini-saw (rotor) has an external similarity with the grinder. The mini-unit consists of the following modules.

1. The electric motor, which is located in a housing of high-strength plastic.
2. Gearbox. It transmits rotational motion from the motor to the saw blade.
3. Mounting element. Designed for fastening snap.
4. Support sole. It houses a protective cover and a parallel stop.

Rotorayzers have power in the range of 400-550 W and develop from 1200 to 1400 rpm. The diameter of the tooling, the role of which is played by a circular saw, is also small - about 85 mm.

The mini-saw can successfully replace the grinder, hand-held circular saw, electric jigsaw, tile cutter and hacksaw.

The unit is used for cutting any species of wood, natural stone, ceramics and even metal with a thickness of no more than 12 mm. For different types of materials are set appropriate cutting wheels (gear, abrasive, diamond).

Jigsaw

The electric jigsaw consists of an engine, a pendulum mechanism, transmitting reciprocating motion to a tool (nail file), as well as a supporting platform. The sole of the unit can be rotated in different directions and fixed in a selected position, which makes it possible to make cuts in the workpiece at different angles.

Jigsaw is designed to perform longitudinal, shaped and transverse cutting of various types of sheet materials (plywood, chipboard, plastic, MDF, metal, etc.). The main characteristics that should be paid attention to when choosing a unit are listed below.

1. Frequency of sawing. Different models of devices may have a frequency of reciprocating movements in the range from 500 to 3000 strokes / min. This characteristic affects not only the cutting speed, but also the durability of the tooling. Greater frequency can be set when processing soft materials (wood, plastic), but for metal and composites it is necessary to reduce the frequency of movement of the file.
2. The depth of the cut. Household electric jigsaws can cut sheet blanks of wood with a thickness of 60-100 mm, as well as steel with a thickness of 4-6 mm. But for cutting steel and other hard materials, it is better to use a professional tool, since during this operation there are quite large loads on the pendulum mechanism of the apparatus. As you know, all the nodes of the class pro tool are made of more durable and high-quality materials.

All electric jigsaws have the function of controlling the frequency of movement of the nail file using the start button. The more strongly the trigger of the apparatus is pressed, the greater the oscillation frequency of the cutting tool.

Jigsaw machine

Jigsaw machine consists of a bed with an electric motor, a desktop and a rod, which is located above it.

As a cutting tool on the machine is used thin nail filewhich is driven by a crank mechanism. The desktop on this unit can be rotated to conduct cuts at an angle.

Table jigsaw can cut plywood, wood, wood-based plates and plastic. Having replaced equipment, it is possible to cut non-ferrous metals on the machine.

The jigsaw machine is used in the joinery workshops, music and furniture workshops, as well as in everyday life for the manufacture of household items and modeling. With the help of a table jigsaw, furniture fittings and parts for interior decoration are made, curvilinear and straight cuts of blanks, cut holes in details of various shapes, etc.

If you want to buy a unit for home use, the engine power from 50 to 90 W will be quite enough. This machine you can cut most wood species of small thickness. But for the professional sphere you will need to purchase a machine with a power of 120 W or more. Depth of cut is also an important parameter. If the instruction to the device says that the possible cutting depth is 50 mm, then you will be able to process workpieces with a thickness of no more than 50 mm on this machine.

From reciprocating speeds Files depends on the performance of the device, as well as the cleanliness of the cut surface. The higher the speed, the smaller the chipping and chipping in the place of cutting. Good cleanliness can be achieved even at a nail speed of 1600 strokes per minute.

Belt Machines

Bandsaw has a fairly simple design, consisting of a body, electric drive and 2 pulleys of large diameter. A band saw is put on these pulleys, and then tightened with a special mechanism.

Bandsaw machine can be both stationary and desktop.

Due to the fact that the machine is equipped with an infinite hole saw of a small width, the unit is used for oblique and straight cutting of materials, for sawing wood at an angle and for cutting out shaped parts. In order to choose the right band saw, it is necessary to know that there are 3 classes of these units, which differ in their technical characteristics.

1. Household - These are, as a rule, desktop devices of small sizes. They have a capacity from 350 to 1000 W and are capable of sawing a blank of soft wood with a height of no more than 60 mm.As for hardwood, household units will not be able to cut them. Household tape machines are widely used at home for modeling, making various wooden crafts and souvenirs.
2. Semi-professional. Used in small workshops and are no longer installed on the table, but on the floor. Have a power of 1000 W and a cut height of 100 mm and above. This type of tape machines is used for the production of furniture, the dissolution of wooden blanks on boards, for figured cutting out of parts from wood, etc. Semi-professional belt machines are suitable for machining hardwood and non-ferrous metals.
3. Professional. They have a power of 3 kW, are powered from a network of 380 V and are installed in industrial plants. The cutting height of such units can reach 300 mm.

Face saw

The pendulum saw (face) consists of a frame and a working table mounted on it, capable of turning in a horizontal plane. On this table, the workpiece is laid at a certain angle and trimmed. circular sawinstalled together with the engine on the movable handle.

The miter saw is used for precise trimming of blanks not only from wood, but also parts from non-ferrous metals and plastic. Of course, for each type of material you need to install the corresponding cutting disc.

Angle saw is widely used:

• in construction to perform various carpentry (cutting blanks for roofs, roofs and frames of various geometries);
• when installing doorframes and mounting the trim (requires precise trimming at an angle of 45 degrees);
• at assembly of metalplastic windows;
• in the preparation of blanks for frames in the framing workshops.

Diameter saws installed on this unit may be in the range from 165 to 355 mm. For example, if you install a saw with a diameter of 216 mm, then the maximum width of the cut will be 120 mm, and the maximum height of the workpiece - 60 mm. From this it follows that the width of the cut is limited by the diameter of the installed equipment, and on this machine only narrow workpieces can be machined.

For infrequent work, that is, for domestic use, it will be enough to buy a unit with a capacity of up to 1200 watts. For professional use, a face saw with a power of 1600-2000 W is needed, which can work without overheating the engine during the entire shift and will allow you to face the workpiece from solid materials.

Cutting (assembly) saws

The assembly saw differs from the miter saw discussed above in that it is intended for cutting only metal blanks. It is arranged in the same way: from a movable handle with accessories and an engine mounted on it. But, if you look at the desktop of the unit, you can see that it is stationary. The workpiece is fixed on the table at different angles using a special vice.

On a detachable saw set teeth discswhich easily cut both stainless steel and ferrous metals without sparks. Basically, the rotation speed of this equipment does not exceed 2000 rpm. Also on the mounting saw set abrasive wheelswhich work with a speed of 3-4 thousand rpm. After their installation, the device turns into an excellent alternative to the Bulgarian, high-performance and safer.

The unit is suitable for cutting reinforcement, metal profiles, rods and pipes. For cutting rods, pipes and fittings (up to 50 mm high) a disk with a diameter of 225 mm is installed on the device. But if you want to cut workpieces up to 100 mm high, then you need a tool with a diameter of 305 mm.

It should be noted that the capacity of the unit depends on its performance.The higher the power, the thicker the workpiece can be cut on this machine.

Power Saw Manufacturers Overview

The electric saws on the market are represented by a huge amount of tools, both quality and not so much, which comes from unknown sources. In order not to stumble upon a poor-quality product, below are the best brands of electric saws, which, according to many users, are trustworthy. The review was made by type of apparatus.

Chained

Interskol. For those who appreciate domestic brands, we can advise the manufacturer of Interskol power tools. For example, the chain saw INTERSKOL PC-16 / 2000TN has a power of 2 kW, against 1.8 kW in saws of foreign competitors. Also, the cost of this unit (about 6,700 rubles) is 15% lower than the latter.

In addition, the device is equipped with a system of protection against overheating and a function of braking the drive to ensure safety during operation. The kit includes a tube with grease, a protective cover, a tire, a pair of keys and a saw chain.

MAKITA. This brand is the most popular among users of professional tools. The chain power saw of Makita UC4030A draws special attention of masters because of the low cost (10 200 rub),ease of use, light weight (4.4 kg), well-thought-out ergonomics and good build quality.

Saber

Skil is one of the largest manufacturers of power tools in the world. The company accounts for 18% of the US market and 5% of the European market. Among home and professional craftsmen, the reciprocating saw Skil 4900 AA has long enjoyed a good reputation. The unit has a power of 1050 W, a smooth adjustment of speed, weight 3.7 kg and a price within 6,900 rubles.

Among the users of the Skil 4900 AA saw, there was an opinion that this is just a “non-killing” tool.

AEG. The tools of this company are also widely used by professional craftsmen when dismantling windows and doors. The AEG US 400 XE model has proven itself thanks to its ergonomic design, low weight, good balancing, the presence of light and a quick replacement of blades. The unit is sold in a convenient case and costs about 7,700 rubles.

Circular saws

Hitachi. The company produces reliable and high-quality tools, including hand-held circular saws. The Hitachi C13U circular circular saw deserves special attention.

This unit has a capacity of 2 kW and is able to spin the spindle to a speed of 3400 rev / min.The disk with a diameter of 335 mm allows to cut preparations up to 138 mm thick.

Despite the fact that for such a diameter of the disc requires a little more engine power, the unit copes with its task, if during the cutting does not make a strong push forward to speed up the process.

Hand-held circular saw has a weight of 13 kg and cost about 15,000 rubles.

Mini saws

PRORAB is a Russian company with eleven years of experience, supplying the market of the Republic of Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation more than 1000 items of power tools. Not so long ago mini-saws appeared on the power tool market, which interested many craftsmen with their functionality. For example, the miniature saw PRORAB 5103 K has a cost of 4,600 rubles, light weight (4.2 kg) and compact dimensions.

Also, the device has a capacity of 720 W, develops 5500 rev / min., Is able to cut into the workpiece to a depth of 28 mm thanks to the installed saw blade with a diameter of 89 mm.

Jigsaws

Fiolent. Production is located in the Crimea, in the city of Simferopol. The plant is the largest power tool manufacturing company in Eastern Europe. The instrument, released under the brand “Fiolent”, has a good price-to-quality ratio and is in great demand among domestic consumers.

Many home craftsmen buy electric jigsaws of this particular manufacturer, since they have proven themselves to be highly reliable and have a good quality of processing workpieces, especially when making shaped cuts. One of the quality devices of this type is the electric jigsaw Fiolent PM 5-720E, which can be purchased at a price of about 3,400 rubles.

The unit has a power of 720 W, the frequency of reciprocating movements of a nail file from 0 to 2800 strokes / min. and is able to cut wood blanks up to 115 mm thick.

Bandsaws

Metabo is a German manufacturer operating on the market since 1924 and supplying its products to 100 countries of the world. Metabo band saws are characterized by good build quality and durability. Machines from this manufacturer are used both in the professional sphere and by home craftsmen. For example, the machine Metabo BAS 261 (costs about 22,400 rubles) can take a worthy place in the home workshop.

The device is capable of making high quality cutting due to the presence of adjustable precision guides, each having 3 steel rollers at the top and bottom. The rubber coating of the pulleys contributes to less wear of the ring saw and its uniform running.The motor power of this belt machine is 400 W, the saw moving speed is 735 m / min, the maximum cutting height is 103 mm, the table size is 328 x 335 mm, and the weight is 32.5 kg.

The machine is equipped with a system of protection against restarting, which does not allow the engine to start spontaneously, for example, after a power outage.

Disk Machines

Bosch. Products of this German company have long been known to users of electric tools all over the world. Among the variety of high-quality tools produced by the company, desktop woodworking machines, namely circular table saws, such as the Bosch PTS 10 machine, are quite popular.

With the help of this unit, you can trim and cut wood of almost any species with a thickness of no more than 75 mm. The power of the electric motor in PTS 10 is equal to 1400 watts. Electric circular has a saw blade adjustment in height (75 mm) and disc tilt adjustment (from 90 ° to 45 °). In addition, the unit has the possibility of extending the table (by 215 mm) and extending the working area (by 285 mm). The unit can be bought at a price of about 24,000 rubles.

Butt end

Metabo. Among the miter saws of this manufacturer one can name a rather demanded model of the machine Metabo KGS 216 M worth about 15,000 rubles.

Table miter saw has the following characteristics:

• high power - 1500 watts;
• diameter of a saw disk - 216 mm with a seat of 30 mm;
• length of cut at 90 ° equals 305 mm due to the presence of a pulling mechanism;
• spindle rotation speed - 5000 rpm;
• weight, 13.5 kg.

Mounting

Dewalt. The DeWalt assembly saw is a professional tool that has good quality and an acceptable cost (about 20,000 rubles) when it comes to the DeWalt D28715 model. This model saw for metal cutting has proven itself in the production of manufacturing various metal structures.

The unit has a capacity of 2200 W, spindle speed up to 4000 rpm, equipped with a soft start system and has a weight of 18.5 kg. The mounting saw works with discs with a diameter of up to 355 mm, which allow cutting of workpieces with a height of no more than 130 mm.

Jigsaws

Bison Is a domestic manufacturer, producing high-quality power tools. Among the variety of types of units produced by the company, jigsaw bench machines enjoy good demand from the consumer. Among the most popular are the model of the machine Bison ZSL-250.

This unit has a power of 250 W, table size 625 x 320 mm, blade speed from 400 to 1600 strokes / min, pipe for connecting a vacuum cleaner (40 mm), weight 21.5 kg.Jigsaw works with canvas 2.6 x 127 x 0.3 mm.

In addition, the machine is equipped with a flexible shaft, which allows engraving, grinding and polishing workpieces with a tool rotation speed of 1200-4500 rpm.