I'm a total newbie looking for some advice on what type of saw to use. I have a small tree (more like a weed) that's about 5 inches at the base that I need to cut down. Also, I'm transforming a hard plastic Little Tikes playhouse into a chicken coop, which involves cutting some plywood—mostly square pieces, but I need one oval as well. I'm hoping to find a multipurpose saw that would be suitable for both tasks, ideally a corded option that costs under $100. Would a jigsaw, reciprocating saw, or something else be best for these jobs?
4 Answers
Check out Facebook Marketplace! You can usually find a used reciprocating saw, circular saw, and jigsaw for well under $100. It’s a smart way to get what you need for both projects without breaking the bank!
Honestly, you probably won’t get all those cuts done cleanly with just one saw. If you're open to it, check if there's a tool library nearby or consider renting a saw for those odd jobs. It's a better investment than buying something you might not use again, plus it keeps you from wasting materials or getting hurt!
A corded jigsaw is your best bet for the plywood cuts. I also saw that Harbor Freight has a cheap reciprocating saw that’d be perfect for taking down the tree and handling any other demolition you need. I had great luck with mine when I had to cut out a cast iron drain pipe—just used a good blade and it went right through!
For cutting that little tree, you're better off with a saw that has larger teeth, while for the plywood, you’ll want something with finer teeth. A reciprocating saw can handle the tree and help with the remodel, but it might be tricky for making clean cuts in the plywood. If you go that route, just make sure to use a good blade and maybe try clamping a straight guide to keep your cuts tidy!
Using a straight 1x4 as a guide is a smart move! Just clamp it down, and you'll get decent straight cuts with the recip saw.
That’s a great idea! I have a friend who owns tools I could borrow, but investing in some decent gear could be worthwhile for future projects.