Cutting 2x4's, maybe 4x4's

[Chicken]

Now Allan's thread got me thinking of a few things I want to do around the house (high hopes, big dreams). One is to replace the wooden gate(s), one small door type at the side of the house, the other a larger back one (big enough for a car to fit through). Also, I thought I might try to build a simple deck. Yeah, I know, dream on, but heck, I'll get a book.

So ignoring the fact that I don't know how to build any of these things, if you were to cut 2x4's and maybe 4x4's (deck support), what would you use? First, the 4x4's seem really think, so let's ignore that one...

To cut, I only have a small, rechargeable 'trim' circular saw. Although the blade is 5 1/2", it cannot cut a 2x4 (DOH!). I actually thought it would be able to and didn't check carefully enough. The whole kit (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=NAVIGATION&CNTKEY=market%2fpg_zip_code.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1478705462.1050254779@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccchadcidffgklfcgelceffdfgidgmn.0&DRC=4&catOID=100014760) is pretty neat though and should come in handy.

Soooooo... would you get a powered circular saw (bigger than the one I have), a miter saw, or a table saw? I relaize the miter saw is more for cutting angles, but ti could be used to cut straight as well, and maybe do everything I might need. Table saw seems good, as I don't have saw horses and clamps and all that, so maybe I wouldn't need it if the saw was mounted. And circular saw is good and you can move it around, etc. Probably the cheapest option.

Errrr... anyone cut 2x4's and know? And then add 4x4's to that... what for these suckers?

Edit: Ohhh, and also I'd like to build shelves and maybe a desk (again, high hopes), so would need to cut plywood as well. Lots of saw issues I have... lots.

[Lamont]

I would suggest a mitre saw and a circular saw. If you check around some, I have seen a table you can mount the circular saw under to make it a table saw. Mitre saws are great for making clean repeated straight or angled cuts. The next step would be a radial arm saw. It has most of the advantages of a mitre saw and can cut shelving material widths.

As for the deck, use the 4x4s for the upright supports and 2x4s or 2x6s for the decking.

[Rewdog]

I recently rebuilt my deck and totally agree with what Lamont said so no point repeating it. I used a mitre saw for the entire project and it went very quickly. Check out http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=categorySelect&category=Tools , they have a bunch of how-tos on woodworking and buying guides on saws.

[Chicken]

Originally posted by Rewdog:

I recently rebuilt my deck...I used a mitre saw for the entire project and it went very quickly.
Will check out the guide, but this is xactly what I want to know. The one drawback to a miter saw (far as I can tell) is that it won't cut large sheets of plywood, so I'd have to get a circular saw anyhow. I don't think this 18v rechargeable 5 1/2" circular saw will cut the mustard for long, though one of the pieces in that kit is a reciprocating saw which has come in very handy.

[Rewdog]

For some reason I've never trusted/used a cordless circular saw, but it may have been out of ignorance. Right now I have a 7 1/4" Blade Corded Black and Decker Circular saw that's probably 8 years old and runs just great. The link to the kit you have doesn't work, but you might want to check for a different blade to cut plywood with if it won't cut.

EDIT>>
Here's part of the deck... I still I have to stain it :p:
http://rewdog.com/deck.jpg

[allan]

There is something about older tools. I have a circular saw, a drill, and a sander that my dad gave to me. They are all about 20 years old, made of metal and work great (well, I don't know about the saw, Roseanne won't let me saw anything :) -- I have to use the manual saw).

I like the deck Rew, we haven't tried anything nearly as ambitious, but having a house versus the townhouse has really invigorated the do-it-yourselvesers in both Roseanne and I -- so I am sure I will eventually get to saw something.

[Dapon]

Hey Chicken, I would recomend getting a 7 1/4 inch circular Skill saw for all of the cutting you are doing. Takes a few cuts to get the hang of it but well worth it in the long run. It's a versaitile saw and very durable. A table saw is nice to have but you are limited to what you can do with it plus you always have to go to the saw to make a cut. You can't take the saw to the board.

As far as the deck joist (support) is concerned, use 2x6 pressure treated lumber and 2x6 redwood or synthetic boards for the deck. Synthetic last for ever but is more expensive. All of your posts should be 4x4 or bigger, depending on the size of the deck.

Good luck with your project.

[interactive]

Get a 7 1/2 circular saw. They can become very useful. I have a Black&Decker that's like 15 years old that my step dad gave me and it works great. You can pick up a Craftsman for around $100 I believe. Just go by Sears when you have a chance (for the price I think Craftsman makes the best tools). As for cordless saw's I would stay away. They tend to be battery burners as they draw alot of current and can't hold up for heavy duty or even medium duty work for that matter.

If you don't want to buy a circular saw just goto your local rental store and you can rent a good one for around $15/day. You can cut a 4x4 no problem with a circular saw just cut one side roll it over stick the blade in the cut (hard to explain it but you can figure it out). Good luck

[Chicken]

Yeah, I was thinking a 7 1/2 circular saw might be the best, though I need to make/buy saw horses (real men make theirs I suppose :D), and clamps, etc. I tried to get one at Sears but they were sold out of the $29.95 one, heh. Maybe I shoud increase my budget.

[interactive]

You can always just use your foot, it works rather well. But in all seriousnous just prop it up on another peice of wood and doon set the blade real low and you'll be fine. Saw horses just waste space in my opinion.