Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 08:56

b0rn2sk8 said:
Why not get a saw meant for cutting laminate?

Bahco 8tpi Wood Hard-Point Laminator Saw 20" (500mm) - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Thick blade for increased stability and precision. Suitable for cutting laminate and wooden flooring. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

I would, if it's worth it? It's over double the price of a budget first fix saw.

Thing is, ive seen several saws labelled as laminate saws, all seem to have a different number of TPI, suggesting to me it's marketing bull.

b0rn2sk8 · 2 Dec 2023 at 09:09

Its ability to cut laminate is not about the TPI, it’s the type of tooth and the hardness.

TPI is more about how ‘fine’ the blade is. Less teeth, rougher cut. More teeth, finer cut. Finer blades usually wear more quickly.

Laminate is much closer to cutting metal than wood, it blunts soft wood blades like they are made of plastic. If you look at the tooth design, it’s closer to a hack saw than it is a general purpose wood saw.

dlockers · 2 Dec 2023 at 09:28

I used a jigsaw. Got through about 10 blades on 50sqm

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 09:30

I don't have one. I have a multitool, could try that. I do want to buy a track saw but was waiting for the Lidl offer to come around.

Oh also my dad gave me a 'laminate' hand saw which I tried using on room 1 but I abandoned using it after 5 minutes, it was crap. I think it's the Draper Venom one (purple handle).

dlockers · 2 Dec 2023 at 09:52

danlightbulb said:
I don't have one. I have a multitool, could try that. I do want to buy a track saw but was waiting for the Lidl offer to come around.

Oh also my dad gave me a 'laminate' hand saw which I tried using on room 1 but I abandoned using it after 5 minutes, it was crap. I think it's the Draper Venom one (purple handle).

How much do you have to do? A jigsaw is pretty inexpensive.

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 09:53

dlockers said:
How much do you have to do? A jigsaw is pretty inexpensive.

Room 2 is 3x4m. Will be almost all crosscuts until the last row then I'll have to rip cut about 4 panels.

When I used a jigsaw in the past I always struggled to get a straight line.

Am I better off spending the money on a track saw now, rather than a jigsaw?

dlockers · 2 Dec 2023 at 10:35

danlightbulb said:
Room 2 is 3x4m. Will be almost all crosscuts until the last row then I'll have to rip cut about 4 panels.

When I used a jigsaw in the past I always struggled to get a straight line.

Am I better off spending the money on a track saw now, rather than a jigsaw?

I wouldn't bother with a tracksaw for laminate. You cover the edge with Scotia or skirting board anyway.

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 10:37

Ok I'll buy a jigsaw, any recommendations? Don't mind spending a little more on something good quality / accurate.

200sols · 2 Dec 2023 at 10:44

Jigsaw for shaped cuts, chop/mitre saw for straight cuts.

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 10:52

200sols said:
Jigsaw for shaped cuts, chop/mitre saw for straight cuts.

I can't buy both today. Hence why I was thinking track saw

I need to go buy something now so I can start this floor

dlockers · 2 Dec 2023 at 10:56

A tracksaw will be dicey as anything for horizontal cuts. A jigsaw and a pack of 5 blades and take your time will be fine..it doesn't need to be dead straight as the edge is covered.

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 11:07

Ok cool I've ordered the titan jigsaw from Screwfix £27 and a pack of Bosch laminate jigsaw blades from Toolstation £7.

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 17:08

Thanks chaps, jigsaw making light work of this, don't know why I didn't get one when I did bedroom 1's flooring.

jonneymendoza · 2 Dec 2023 at 18:10

danlightbulb said:
Thanks chaps, jigsaw making light work of this, don't know why I didn't get one when I did bedroom 1's flooring.

Yea it's a must

danlightbulb · 2 Dec 2023 at 21:58

Rip cuts on the final row destroyed the blades though. I used all 3 to finish the job just because of the final 4 rip cuts.

SpellowHouse · 3 Dec 2023 at 06:43

danlightbulb said:
Rip cuts on the final row destroyed the blades though. I used all 3 to finish the job just because of the final 4 rip cuts.

The blades do not last long. BIM blades are worth the money, but carbide are the only ones that last a really long time. But you are talking £15-20 per blade for carbide.

DXP55 · 3 Dec 2023 at 10:05

I have all these power tools and finally found a job for them
Battery drill 18v -Way to slow for paint removal -using one of those drum type things - it also needs a side handle -So out came DeWalt angle grinder -So bloody heavy I had to give up -So out came my BD electronic 45 yr old mains drill -light/quiet and slow as hell.

Will finish off with most reliable tool out there - A rough file then sand paper.

I thought this was going to be a 5 min job -Day 5 now.

dlockers · 26 Dec 2023 at 08:38

Hi guys

I think I've talked myself out of a 600 quid Makita or Milwaukee track saw. I'm going to go in at the budget end, I just can't justify it.

Would folk lean towards Evolution, Einhell or Erbaur? All similar prices.

danlightbulb · 26 Dec 2023 at 08:50

dlockers said:
Hi guys

I think I've talked myself out of a 600 quid Makita or Milwaukee track saw. I'm going to go in at the budget end, I just can't justify it.

Would folk lean towards Evolution, Einhell or Erbaur? All similar prices.

The MacAlister one used to get good feedback on some DIY focussed YouTube channels. Unfortunately it's a bit more expensive than it used to be, I wanted one myself but haven't yet only because the price has been inflated.

dlockers · 26 Dec 2023 at 09:33

I think I've talked myself back in. Most folk buying the cheaper models are messing around with issues relating to poor accuracy and rails too short.

The DeWalt is

DEWALT DWS520KTG

240v Plunge saw - 165mm blade

www.howetools.co.uk

The Makita is 389 with a code

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Joining Bar & Makpac Case

Makita SP6000J2 Plunge Cut Saw 165mm inc 2x Guide Rails, Single Joining Bar & Makpac Carry Case The Makita 165mm Plunge Cut Circular Saw and 1.5m (59”) Guide Rails work together to produce accurate cuts with minimal tear-out. The saw combines a powerful 12 AMP motor and a large cutting capacity...

www.powertoolworld.co.uk