Hey everyone! I'm diving into some sculpture projects and need your insights. I've worked with various power tools, but I don't own any yet. Most of my work will involve 2x4s and smaller pieces, plus some plywood (2 to 4 feet long cuts). I've got a friend who can lend me a jigsaw for the plywood, but I'm considering getting a compound miter saw since I often need to make small angled cuts. Quality seems crucial for saws, but I want to keep my budget tight. Ideally, I'd love to spend under $100 since I also need a sander, safety glasses, and ear protection. Right now, I'm eyeing a Ryobi 7 1/4in compound miter saw based on reviews, but I'm wondering if there's a better option. Should I go for a more powerful saw or a sliding one? Accuracy isn't vital for the initial projects since they'll be painted or covered. Also, space is limited. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!
1 Answer
If you’re sticking to a tight budget, consider hunting for used tools. A jigsaw is great, but I'd recommend starting with a circular saw for those long plywood cuts. Miter saws can be a bit finicky with accuracy, and a decent table saw might be out of your budget. But if you think the miter will work for most of your angled cuts, it might still be worth it!
Totally get what you’re saying! The speed and ease of a miter for angled cuts are appealing. I think as long as the cuts are close enough, you can easily cover gaps with filler later on while you build your skills and portfolio!