Learning Moments with Different Saws

I don't have much carpentry experience, so I'm writing this blog to share some of the things I've learned using different saws (reciprocating saw, a circular saw, an oscillating saw, a table saw, a chainsaw).

• Dangers of using corded tools: Electrical cords get in the way of everything and this isn't a great thing to have when you're working. I've found this to be particularly terrifying in the case of an oscillating saw. Keep the cord secured and away from whatever you're cutting. It may also be good practice to wear some kind of electrical insulating gloves in case you hit the cord with the oscillating saw tool.

• Sawzall/Reciprocating Saw: These saws are meant to press firmly up against whatever surface you're cutting. There is a specific way to put pressure on them, so that they cut through whatever you're working for quickly. I learned this doing demolition of a wood beam retaining wall. If you don't use the right technique you end up working for a long time and shaking the whole way through.

• Circular Saw: Changing the blades on these make a big difference. If your wood isn't being cut properly, buy a new blade. Also, it takes a little time figuring out how to make exact cuts.

• Oscillating Saw: This is my favorite saw because it can work in tough places. The most dangerous aspect of mine is the cord. It swings around when I work with it, and I feel like its just a matter of time before I accidentally cut a cord with my saw.... Best to invest in a battery powered one if possible.

• Table Saw: The one note is that it's important to have a "fence" on yours. I don't have one on mine and I have to figure that out in the future to make straight, safe cuts.

• Chain Saw: technically, this isn't a carpentry tool, it's for tree work. However, I've included it here because this is really a tool with a few interesting learning moments. Despite the safety hype issues, these tools are pretty safe. I have a gas powered Stihl chainsaw. Figuring out how to use it initially can be complex if you're not used to gas-powered tools. Starting it can be challenging. I immediately ruined my first saw when I asked my employee to figure out how to use the saw and run it before I got a chance to figure it out for a job (red flag I know). He poured chain oil into the gas/oil mix spot and within an hour the saw was ruined. Another important point with these is cutting technique. You want to go slowly, cut underneath as needed, try to keep the blade from pinching, be comfortable when cutting always, and try to cut surfaces from the top and avoid using the tip of the saw for cuts (lots of anxiety about it bouncing back and hitting you in the face, that apparently happens with some regularity).

• General Notes about PPE: Saws are loud, so if you don't want to enjoy losing your hearing in the future, wear earplugs. Saws produce a delicious mixture of gasoline fumes and wood, so a p100 with a filter rated for both solids and gases is the way to go, air never tasted so nice and clean! Eye protection is a challenge. A half-mask respirator and n95 do not play well with goggles, which fog up immediately leaving you with two options: protect your eyes with goggles or protect your lungs. Traditionally, I've chosen lungs and haven't worn goggles, but its probably better to do the opposite. I've had tiny weed seeds end up in my eye during gardening work and the results are horrible. It gets stuck in your eye, you go to emergency room, its the worst. Even when its barely anything. Best thing to do is to invest in a full face respirator, or I suppose when working in a situation where wood can splinter any fly in your face, wear goggles.