Getting started... advice please!

[benjibeaumont]

Hi all,

I stumbled across this site while looking for table saw reviews. How cool to see a big UK community!

I bought a flat 3 years ago and Edinburgh and renovated it. Everything from wiring to heating etc. All that work done is done and my rudimentary attempts at bookcases and other temporary furniture is ready to be replaced. Rather than buy it I would love to make it!

I’d like to start with a nice bookcase for the lounge.. I had been planning to use my circular saw (cuts) and router with homemade jig (dado). The plan was to use ply for the main body and face the edges with whatever decent wood I can get my hands on.

Two main questions:

1. Can I get accurate cuts with a circular saw?
2. Is there a trick to using a circular saw to cut the slim solid wood trims to face the bookcase. I’m guessing the answer is I need a table saw, but thought I’d ask!

Thanks all,

Ben

PS: does anyone know of a woodworking community/meetup in Edinburgh?

 

[pcb1962]

Hi Ben, welcome to the forum,

1. Can I get accurate cuts with a circular saw?

Yes, make yourself a saw guide, plenty of videos on YouTube, eg this one

2. Is there a trick to using a circular saw to cut the slim solid wood trims to face the bookcase. I’m guessing the answer is I need a table saw, but thought I’d ask!

It's perfectly possible, but you'll need a reasonably wide board to start with. You'll struggle to cut a 1" strip into 1/4" strips, but it's no problem at all to cut a 1/4" strip from the edge of a 6" board

 

[Brandlin]

to answer 2, i would make a rudimentary table saw by screwing your circular saw upside down to some ply and plunging the blade through. a simple fence clamped parallel to the fence would enable you to cut thin stock.

PUSH STICKS!

 

[MattRoberts]

to answer 2, i would make a rudimentary table saw by screwing your circular saw upside down to some ply and plunging the blade through. a simple fence clamped parallel to the fence would enable you to cut thin stock.

PUSH STICKS!

I wouldn't recommend this at all - trust me, I've done it in the past myself. I'm not one for the safety police, but unless you're a tablesaw expert, it's very dangerous. I look back on what I did and shudder...

 

[devonwoody]

A decent table saw would cost you lots of dosh. Then also need a planer, dust extractor, band saw and a workshop.
To purchase some timber from the specialist suppliers on the web would be a one off expense.
So it depends if you intend to be a long term hobbyist .

 

[MattRoberts]

I'd consider getting a track saw instead to start with - it's the same concept as a circular saw & diy track but easier to use and more accurate from a repeatability perspective. You can get a decent one for reasonable money (circa £250), and if you're going to be using plywood a lot it won't go to waste even if you decide to get a tablesaw in the future

 

[paulrockliffe]

I reckon your best bet with the facing strips is to hand cut them and then plane the fronts once they're fitted. Will be a better job and you'll learn more than trying to use a circular saw and a router and it's cheaper than buying the right kit now.

 

[Geoff_S]

In terms of the circular saw maybe something like this? Other sites and suppliers are available.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Triton-330140 ... SwK6RZHcth

I mention it because I had one for years and it served me well. It folds away nicely as well.

 

[donwatson]

Ben,
There is an excellent woodworking facility in Broxburn.
http://www.broxburnwoodcraftclub.org/
Contact the Membership Secretary

Don W