Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Wood Care: => Topic started by: Popeye on March 08, 2008, 03:26:07 pm

Title: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on March 08, 2008, 03:26:07 pm
Can anyone suggest a smallish bench top circular saw similar in size, convenience, and hopefully, price, to the Minicraft Circular saw?

The Minicraft's 5mm (wood) maximum depth of cut, is a tad too small for my liking - I'd prefer something in the order of 10 -12mm, though I'd like to keep near  the Minicraft's compact size.

Any ideas would be welcomed. O0

Popeye
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: bigH on March 08, 2008, 04:11:08 pm
Hi Popeye,  try Hobbies catalogue, they have one which is more versatile than the m/craft one, and it is not much more in price,
round about the £50 mark I got one and it works well.   Al the best   Harry
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: barryfoote on March 08, 2008, 04:20:51 pm
Proxxon do a cracker for about 70 quid.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Bryan Young on March 08, 2008, 05:40:06 pm
I had been toying with the idea of getting a tile cutting saw and changing the blade...or is that a stupid idea? BY
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: grantl on March 08, 2008, 07:26:12 pm
I was wondering about using a tile cutting saw.
But the tile saw that I have is quite coarsely made, and noisy.
I wouldn't rate the table for flatness or smooth sliding of small pieces of wood stock.
Also the guide for straight cutting is inflexible and quite wobbly.
I guess if you were willing to make a false table top (maybe mdf?) and add some extra fancing it could work quite well.
Or, if you have a lathe, you could make a work table to bolt to the lathe bed and use metal slitting saws with a saw blade arbour.
The slitting saws are OK for small cuts, but they bind and burn with deeper cuts as the teeth are not offset like a wood blade.

Regards,

Grant.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tigertiger on March 09, 2008, 02:48:41 am
Hi Popeye,  try Hobbies catalogue, they have one which is more versatile than the m/craft one, and it is not much more in price,
round about the £50 mark I got one and it works well.   Al the best   Harry

I have tred to Google hobbies to no avail.
Is there a web adress on the catalogue please?
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Proteus on March 09, 2008, 03:04:11 am
you mean the one at the top of the page in the sponsors banner ??

Fredy



http://www.alwayshobbies.com/
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tigertiger on March 09, 2008, 04:29:37 am
I have seen the following Proxxon saws on the net. The model numbers are different in US and UK.

Proxxon 37006 for about $120, but it only cuts wood up to 8mm thick. (maybe the 70 quid jobby that was mentioned).

The 38070 is much better and cuts to about 25mm, but costs about US$ 330.

Is there anything on the market that cuts more than 12mm but costs less than 100 pounds?
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: andygh on March 09, 2008, 08:15:05 am
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/79244/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking/Titan-8-Table-Saw-230V (http://www.screwfix.com/prods/79244/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking/Titan-8-Table-Saw-230V)

A bit rough though
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: funtimefrankie on March 09, 2008, 08:59:06 am
Tile cutter...
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_5274.htm
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: ministeve on March 09, 2008, 09:40:22 am
were do we get blades for these tile cutters all the blades i have seen need to be of a bigger bore size or am i not looking in the right places
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on March 09, 2008, 10:06:59 am
Hi Popeye,  try Hobbies catalogue, they have one which is more versatile than the m/craft one, and it is not much more in price,
round about the £50 mark I got one and it works well.   Al the best   Harry

I have tred to Google hobbies to no avail.
Is there a web adress on the catalogue please?


Try www.alwayshobbies.com

Popeye
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on March 09, 2008, 10:12:44 am
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/79244/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking/Titan-8-Table-Saw-230V (http://www.screwfix.com/prods/79244/Power-Tools/Benchtop-Woodworking/Titan-8-Table-Saw-230V)

A bit rough though

Are you referring to build quality of the product or the quality of the cut?  If latter, would a finer toothed blade improve things?

Popeye :-\
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tigertiger on March 09, 2008, 10:14:04 am
Hi Popeye,  try Hobbies catalogue, they have one which is more versatile than the m/craft one, and it is not much more in price,
round about the £50 mark I got one and it works well.   Al the best   Harry

Hi Big H

Which model/saw are you talking about?
I cannot seem to find what you are talking about.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: barriew on March 09, 2008, 11:02:05 am
This one is in the other Hobby Catalaogue (Hobby's not Hobbies!)

http://www.hobby.uk.com/shop/prodpages/page-8E3120.html

More than £50 though. :(

Barrie
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on March 09, 2008, 12:14:45 pm
Hi Popeye,  try Hobbies catalogue, they have one which is more versatile than the m/craft one, and it is not much more in price,
round about the £50 mark I got one and it works well.   Al the best   Harry

Hi Big H

Which model/saw are you talking about?
I cannot seem to find what you are talking about.


This is the long established Hobbies of Dereham, Norfolk

On home page
> Tools - and view Mini Tools and/or Hand Tools

Two are offered at between £160 - £200 which is a tad too pricy for my liking. I'll try Barriew's lead first but I guess I'll end up sticking  to my hand saws. :-\
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: andygh on March 09, 2008, 12:20:31 pm
Quote
Are you referring to build quality of the product or the quality of the cut?  If latter, would a finer toothed blade improve things?

I was referring to the overall quality of the machine really, a bit flimsy  :-\

I wouldn't try to fit a saw blade onto a tile cutter, saws aren't meant to spin at such high speed & if one fractured the carnage is unthinkable  :'(
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on March 09, 2008, 12:46:18 pm
Tile cutter...
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_5274.htm

For Funtimefrankie.

Aldi's tile cutter would do fine in all respects, but, would it also cut wood/ply cleanly (up to 12mm thick)
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Red_Hamish on March 09, 2008, 02:39:50 pm
Hello Popeye, the reply above from AndyGH is quite unequivocal ! DO NOT USE A  Circular Saw Blade  in a Tile Saw. The speeds are different as they're doing totally different jobs. A Tile Saw will be spinning in excess of 120M/min yes that little daimond blade really is whinging around. Whereas a Wood Saw will only be doing in excess of  70 M / min The torque required to cut wood based materials dictates the slower speeds. The other reason the blade outer diameters and also the bore sizes are different is exactly the reason why they are not compatible !
I deal on a daily basis in professional hand and power tools and cannot recommend anything under the £300 mark for quality Table Saws admittedly they are designed for carpenters and not overly suitable for modellers in the sizes we work in. Proxxon has my money on being the most suitable. This is the website of the UK Importers where you will find links to your local stockist or are able to order online direct.  http://www.brimarc.com/home.php3?page=products&pc=C_105

cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: bigford on March 09, 2008, 03:08:02 pm
home depot sells a ryobe 10'' table saw for a $100. us
all my other ryobe tools have been top quality
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q162/bigfordf550/L10854425Small.jpg)
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: bigH on March 09, 2008, 06:21:47 pm
Hi Tiger Tiger, my deepest apologies old chap,  I have not been able to get on line for the past few days but here is the info on the table saw you and others required.
PAGE 136 HOBBY'S ANNUAL 2008   MINI BENCH SAWPRICE £60:49.  www.hobby.uk.com   phone 020 87614244  9am - 5pm  only
Once agin my apologies.    Harry.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tigertiger on March 10, 2008, 12:39:16 am
Thanks big H
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Bryan Young on March 10, 2008, 06:48:51 pm
I suppose it depends on what you want the saw for. I cut all my deck planks (down to 1/8" or less wide) on the band saw. If you cut 5 or 6 thicknesses the cut can be very clean. Doing one thickness at a time gives raggy edges. My personal opinion is that a band saw properly set up can do most of the things a little circ. saw can do....if you have the right blade fitted. Tile cutters DO work, but you will need to make an arbor to take a thin slitting saw blade and adjust it so the blade tips just penetrate the depth of the timber you are cutting.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: grantl on March 10, 2008, 10:25:56 pm
Bryan, I think you're pretty much right about the band saw. But perhaps the key difference is in the amount of setup required.
I set my own band saw up pretty carefully but it does go out quite easily for fine work. The blade just inherentlay has more flex and 'wander' than a circular one.
The small table saw just does these cuts without the same preparation.

Another factor for fine cutting thing is to minimise the size of the slot in the table around the blade. This makes sure that the thin piece being cut is supported by the table as much as possible.

Regarding the previous comment on the speed of the different saw types I'm not sure this is a problem. The tile saws I have seen/owned are specced at 3000 RPM, my hand held circular saws run at 5000rpm.

Regards,

Grant.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: andygh on March 10, 2008, 11:07:02 pm
I don't get it, what's the point of going to the trouble of buying a cheap tile cutter & then converting it to accept saw blades via an arbor or whatever when you can buy a cheap table saw which is made for the job? I have both in my workshop & they are equally as flimsy & both cost around £40 or £50....... oh and the tile cutter runs at twice the speed of the saw

Something to contemplate when you're on your way to A&E   :o
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: grantl on March 11, 2008, 01:08:38 pm
I'm not sure there is much point, but since someone raised the idea I think it's interesting to ponder.
Perhaps it would give you a more compact solution, space is an issue for some people?
Maybe it's just fun to think about. Why build a boat when you can buy an RTR cheaply?

The speed thing is interesting, my table saw is definitely 5,000rpm vs 3000rpm for the tile cutter.
Makes me wonder if there are different speed ratings for different saw blades (probably by size, lower for bigger blades) and what ratings my ad-hoc collection have.
But anyway, there are enough other issues to make it a potentially poor idea. (The endfloat of the motor is an unknown and there's no riving knife for starters)

Regards,

Grant.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: andygh on March 11, 2008, 07:47:58 pm
Quote
Why build a boat when you can buy an RTR cheaply

Well I suppose that homemade models are better than cheap RTR, at least I hope so  :-\
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tigertiger on March 12, 2008, 12:22:18 am
Quote
Why build a boat when you can buy an RTR cheaply

Well I suppose that homemade models are better than cheap RTR, at least I hope so  :-\

And they don't do the kind of models I am interested in as RTR.
Plus I get a kick out of trying to make stuff.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: pomybill on March 31, 2008, 11:12:57 pm
I have beside me a catalogue that came with one of my model mags and it is from  "Expo drills and tools.
I am in Aussie but the agent here is a treasure.
 
They have the same type Small bench saw and the jigsaw as the old mintools suplied.

Their web address is :-   www.expotools.com
They have a verylarge catalogue but I only have the short version but it is full of goodies. One day I will get round to obtaining the full one!!!
Hope this is of some use.
pomybill.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on April 01, 2008, 11:25:44 am
Many thanks to those kind folk who responded to my enquiry.

Having researched the Market I came to the conclusion that the ideal gadget for my needs is the PROXXON KS230 mini mini bench circular saw -   so I've ordered one and am currently awaiting delivery.

I'll give feedback on its performance once it's up and running.  :angel:

In the meantime,

Thanx and regards

Popeye
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Don on June 17, 2008, 08:56:48 pm
Just a couple of web pages to perhaps get some ideas from:

http://www.vanda-layindustries.com/

http://www.byrnesmodelmachines.com/index.html?id_mm=0524MM297448

Enjoy
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Bradley on June 18, 2008, 10:03:51 pm
A cheap table/circular saw I came across whilst searching Google is a Nutool make at £29.95 (down from £39.95) from www.diytools.co.uk.  I have not yet learnt how to download a link onto the forum but if you go to their website and put 'table saw' into the search you will find it.  O0
Derek.   :police:
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: grasshopper on June 18, 2008, 10:28:33 pm
is this the one?

http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/sp-1-1-36638-nutool-ntbc600-600w-table-saw.asp?sQuery=table%20saw

To get the link, go to the page /item you want highlight the internet address, press CTRL and C this copies to your clipboard, then in your reply box CTRL and V should paste it - that's how I do it and I'm a computer numpty!
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Bradley on June 18, 2008, 10:59:55 pm
Yep, that's the one and thanks for the computer 'lesson'.   O0  My computer skills are all self taught and I am still learning.   :)
Derek.   :police:
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: justboatonic on June 21, 2008, 11:45:42 pm
Was pondering a bench circular saw while trying to make a stand for the Envoy today!

Some interesting suggestions here although I tend to think you get what you pay for (no disrespect folks!) and going cheapo usually means it only lasts a few goes (well, for me anyway).

B&Q do this one for a shade under £140. OK its not a 'hobby' table saw but it is multi purpose. http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376545&fh_view_size=6&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatalog01%2fen_GB%2fcategories%3c%7b10082%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b10084%7d%2fcategories%3c%7b9181021%7d%2fspecificationsProductType%3dTable+Saws&fh_search=table+circular+saw&fh_refview=search&ts=1214087626434&isSearch=false

EDIT. As an alternative, Lawsons do this 10" table for £107.

http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/details.php?cat=Table%20Saws&product=1283
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on June 22, 2008, 05:41:59 pm
Many thanks to those kind folk who responded to my enquiry.

Having researched the Market I came to the conclusion that the ideal gadget for my needs is the PROXXON KS230 mini mini bench circular saw -   so I've ordered one and am currently awaiting delivery.

I'll give feedback on its performance once it's up and running.  :angel:

In the meantime,

Thanx and regards



Popeye

My Proxxon KS230 is now in regular use and is one of the best purchases I've made in the interests of my hobby - my only regret is that I didn't buy one long ago.

It does all that I want it to and gives a very clean cut  with no feathering of the cut edges. Its rated maximum depth of cut  is 8mm  but copes well with thicker material - if treated gently and not permitted to overheat - by the simple expedient of turning the material onto its other side and cutting through in the same position as the first cut. Reducing stripwood to smaller widths is easy peasy and fast also , a feature which is particularly useful in respect of my current newbuild which requires stripwood of various dimensions which I can't easily acquire from my usual sources. I have NOT tried the saw on metal though I have no doubt that it will cope handsomely provided it's used in accordance with Proxxon's instructions.

Conclusion: well worth the money and will become an essential workshop tool - get the spouse (or partner  - for the PC brigade) to buy you one for Chrimbo or your birthday

Popeye O0
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: SteamboatPhil on June 23, 2008, 09:49:30 am
This sound ideal for my forthcoming project, where did you order it from ?
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Guy Bagley on June 23, 2008, 11:56:55 am
AXMINSTER POWER TOOLS STOCK THEM, AND OFFER A GOOD MAIL ORDER SERVICE.... PLUS I HAVE IN THE PAST MANAGED TO GET A HALF DECENT DISCOUNT TOO !
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Roger in France on June 23, 2008, 11:58:03 am
STEAMBOATPHIL;

I buy all my Proxxon tools from

   www.letrainmagique.com

This is an outfit in Strasbourg, France. Their prices are hard to beat. however, I am in France and so delivery is less of a problem and not as costly as it would be to GB. May be worth a try.

I think the guy speaks some English although I have never spoken with him as I make purchases in french, by Internet.

Roger in France.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Popeye on June 23, 2008, 12:12:47 pm
This sound ideal for my forthcoming project, where did you order it from ?

Order on-line from diytools.co.uk at £71.95 inc VAT. Very fast service.

Good luck steamboatphil and all others who are considering a new acquisition  for the workbench.

Popeye O0
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Umi_Ryuzuki on June 23, 2008, 06:24:48 pm
I have heard of people that tried to use the tile saw, and were less than satisfied with the results. :embarrassed:

I have the MicroMark version, in the USA, of the Proxxon 38070-Table-saw-FKS-E pictured earlier.
It has several blades for different types of cutting. It cuts up to about 25mm thick if necessary and
has an optional metered fence that will vary the cut by .001 thickness. One of the best investments I
ever made...

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=80463

Some of the other "shelf Queen" builders like the Byrnes table saw.
The gentlman hand manuctures table saws per order. If I had to buy a first table saw again,
the MicroMark/Proxxon would be excellent. But the Byrnes would be the one I buy next.

http://www.byrnesmodelmachines.com/tablesaw.html?id_mm=0623MM783529
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: nhp651 on June 29, 2008, 08:07:36 pm
on the subject of small bench saws, my personal choice would be the Dewalt DW 744 10 inch saw......
In this country it costs £635.00 plus Vat (£746.13p)
However exactly the same saw in the USA costs $505.(dollars) roughly £250.00. on top of that price is 1.7% import tax plus shipping over here. then VAT is added to the total........a considerable difference to the UK price if one can find a shipping agent to bring one in in a bulk shipment of items.
the question is Does anyone know anyone who regularly brings bulk shipments into thei country who could ship one in for me at reasonable costs.
cheers,neil.
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: nhp651 on July 04, 2008, 10:27:10 am
further to the above post, I have just bought one of the dewalt saws on ebay for a rediculously low price, so will tell you how it works when i get my grubby little mits on it. :o
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: tomocj on January 27, 2009, 01:50:26 pm
Santa bought me the Proxon maximum cut 12 mm,its great ive been cutting things just for the sake of using it.
chris
Title: Re: Small bench circular saw
Post by: Seaspray on January 27, 2009, 05:30:00 pm
You could cut all my millions of planks to the correct size 4 me. l.o.l. (see thread Jigs for planking)

Serious note it seems to pop up all the time this saw so it must be good.