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Property/DIY

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Electric saw for wimps?

3 replies

tallwivglasses · 12/09/2012 12:47

Hi, I'm looking for a light electric saw - mainly for sawing planks for firewood, although I do have some thick branches that need doing as well. Tree surgeons can't be bothered and I've been let down by men before (but that's another thread...) so it looks like I'll have to splash out or hire? What would be best? TIA.

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PigletJohn · 12/09/2012 12:58

a reciprocating saw will do it, but the wood must be dry. Wet or sappy wood will clog the blade.

Try it with the coarsest blade you can find, if the saw suits you, try to get a TCT blade which will be more expensive, but stay sharp much longer.

I have a feeling you don't want a chainsaw.

If you are cutting branches off standing trees, a manual bow-saw will be much less likely to cut your arm off, and, if sharp, is a pleasure to use.

If you get a mains-electric saw, it is essential that you either use an RCD-protected socket, or an RCD adaptor (sold in gardening and DIY shops) at the house end of the extension cable to protect you from shock after you cut through the cable. Test the RCD before each use, as they don't last forever.

You will need some kind of sawhorse to hold the timber securely while you cut it, or it might roll or fall over while the saw is running.

Gloves, safety specs etc.

PigletJohn · 12/09/2012 12:59

p.s.

If your are hiring, the tool-hire organisations claim that they provide instructions and training on the safe use of tools.

This is actually a lie, but insist on receiving it before you pay.

tallwivglasses · 12/09/2012 13:19

Thank you so much Piglet. you were right about the chainsaw

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