Tools you wish you'd bought sooner...

[geeks]

imck said:

Dannbodge said:

Any recomendations for a sliding mitre saw?

Won't be used loads so don't want to spend tonnes, maybe £150 max?

Mainly used for flooring, skirting and then some general cutting work.

I bought an Evolution from Screwfix for the same thing. Very happy with it.
This is the one I got.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-r185sms-185mm...

They have models with larger cutting capacity around your budget

I have the same one and I also bought the saw table that goes with it, just a superb setup.


Need some advice gang, looking at a router, I have some worktops to do as well as somethings such as making some shutters for our windows (plus half a dozen other bits and bobs). I have been looking at this one, thoughts?

https://www.toolstation.com/trend-t7-12-2100w-vari...

[AW10]

imck said:

I bought an Evolution from Screwfix for the same thing. Very happy with it.
This is the one I got.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-r185sms-185mm...

They have models with larger cutting capacity around your budget

Ditto for the evolutions saw.

And consider checking their factory store https://shop.evolutionpowertools.com/collections/r...

[ukwill]

2 things on my list of things I need to buy soon:

Along with having a mitre saw, having this for my circular saw pretty much means I no longer have to think about a track saw or table saw. (At least, this is how Im selling it to myself).

https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kma2700-accu-cu...

And their pocket hole jig:
https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kphj720pro-int-...

[geeks]

ukwill said:

2 things on my list of things I need to buy soon:

Along with having a mitre saw, having this for my circular saw pretty much means I no longer have to think about a track saw or table saw. (At least, this is how Im selling it to myself).

https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kma2700-accu-cu...

And their pocket hole jig:
https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kphj720pro-int-...

Funny you should say that I have just ordered one of these so I can do the panelling in the bedroom that Mrs geeks wants https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kma2685-int-rip... I am also tempted by the tracks you linked for some other things that are coming my way so let me know how you get on

[ukwill]

geeks said:

Funny you should say that I have just ordered one of these so I can do the panelling in the bedroom that Mrs geeks wants https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/kreg-kma2685-int-rip... I am also tempted by the tracks you linked for some other things that are coming my way so let me know how you get on

Interestingly Milescraft have just brought out a similar tool and it looks a bit better
https://www.milescraft.com/product/tracksawguide/

Thing is, it's only just come out so will need to check with UK distributors.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

imck said:

Dannbodge said:

Any recomendations for a sliding mitre saw?

Won't be used loads so don't want to spend tonnes, maybe £150 max?

Mainly used for flooring, skirting and then some general cutting work.

I bought an Evolution from Screwfix for the same thing. Very happy with it.
This is the one I got.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/evolution-r185sms-185mm...

They have models with larger cutting capacity around your budget

I have the larger 210mm version. Brilliant saw. Nice and light with plenty of power and feels well built. Worth getting a stand with it I think. (something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttu806acc-mitre-s... )

Also - as with all mitre saws make sure you read the setup instructions FULLY including the bit about adjusting the blade angle so that it is properly square to the base and the fence........ I did not do this with my previous saw and always wondered why it never did a proper mitre (I assumed they were set up properly from the factory and it was just a st, cheap saw - they aren't and it turns out it wasn't) - same applies to adjusting the laser before first use!

Edited by TriumphStag3.0V8 on Friday 17th March 12:23

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Ardennes1944 said:

Table saws, talk to me please.

Is it really necessary to spend 320quid + on one to have a half decent full width fence that you dont need to align/measure each time?

There was an Excel table saw that I had been planning to buy but has been discontinued and the newer model doesnt have any reviews yet.

Im only a DIYer but i dont understand how anything below an Evolution Rage 5s is deemed poor.

Ideally I would spent 150-200 but if I have to spend 350ish then I would probably just wait and get a Dewalt one when I next see it on offer.

I recently bought this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-ttb763tas-254mm-e...

and have been very pleased with it. My only gripe is the dust extraction connection for connecting a vacuum is massive, so a normal vacuum nozzle just flops around - I tend to stuff a rag round the vac nozzle then it does a great job on the dust.

It is a cheap saw so if you are looking for a craftsmans tool to do intricate work and joinery then you will want a much better saw anyway, but for doing general DIY this is fine. Some people will complain about the fence only being fixed at one end meaning it could potentially move when cutting - I don't find this to be the case, but it could probably happen as the saw gets older and more used.

[TriumphStag3.0V8]

Jules Sunley said:

Very jealous of real life Tonka truck. Good work

Thanks, you are not the first person to call it that. The LED rooflights inside the rear window are a godsend when loading stuff onto the trailer at night!

[geeks]

On top of looking for a bit of sense on routers (currently looking at this worktops and some other jobs in mind https://www.toolstation.com/trend-t7-12-2100w-vari...

Also I need to strip some MDF for Mrs geeks as she wants some panelling put up, have established that my cheapo circular saw is just a bit st (mainly as I can't fit a shop vac to it to do dust extraction) I am looking at an Evolution one to match my mitre and table saws. https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/evolution-r185ccs-24... This fits the bill nicely but a bit of reading suggests I want a blade with alot of teeth compared to what comes with it as standard (standard is a 20 tooth TCT blade) anyone care to correct me on this? Its 9mm MDF if that helps

[RacingPete]

M11rph said:

More room for new tools.

Decent roller cab. Same as the US Pro and SGS offerings but currently discounted at Homebase. £550 delivered.
https://www.homebase.co.uk/ultimate-56in-10-drawer...

I've just unpacked mine and it's significantly sturdier than the cheapest offerings. Comes well packed and fully assembled bar the handles, 10mm socket required

I am so near pulling the trigger on this... but then my brain says, what else should I be looking at here to compete with this??

[markiii]

a second one

[Arnold Cunningham]

I have a big machine mart tool trolley. While I don't have all my tools in there, many are on a wall rack now too, I would never not have one again.

So don't procastine, make a wise purchase now. And justify it to yourself by deciding you'll be a lot more efficient at getting jobs done with all your tools properly stored, so on a time is money basis, this will save you money on the long term.

[Turtle Shed]

RacingPete said:

M11rph said:

More room for new tools.

Decent roller cab. Same as the US Pro and SGS offerings but currently discounted at Homebase. £550 delivered.
https://www.homebase.co.uk/ultimate-56in-10-drawer...

I've just unpacked mine and it's significantly sturdier than the cheapest offerings. Comes well packed and fully assembled bar the handles, 10mm socket required

I am so near pulling the trigger on this... but then my brain says, what else should I be looking at here to compete with this??

I looked at this an a 10% discount on your first order popped up. I don't want one, but if you do then a possible £495 price.

[pquinn]

Arnold Cunningham said:

So don't procastine, make a wise purchase now. And justify it to yourself that it's big and shiny

Edited for accuracy.

Don't think too much about it, just do it. Though working out a justification might be handy if someone else gets annoyed about new stuff appearing...

[ukwill]

geeks said:

On top of looking for a bit of sense on routers (currently looking at this worktops and some other jobs in mind https://www.toolstation.com/trend-t7-12-2100w-vari...

Also I need to strip some MDF for Mrs geeks as she wants some panelling put up, have established that my cheapo circular saw is just a bit st (mainly as I can't fit a shop vac to it to do dust extraction) I am looking at an Evolution one to match my mitre and table saws. https://www.toolstoreuk.co.uk/evolution-r185ccs-24... This fits the bill nicely but a bit of reading suggests I want a blade with alot of teeth compared to what comes with it as standard (standard is a 20 tooth TCT blade) anyone care to correct me on this? Its 9mm MDF if that helps

For kitchen units etc I use a 40T one.

My saw is dewalt dcs391 and the blade is DT10640-QZ Extreme Framing Blade. Interestingly the blade is cheaper than the comparable evolution one,

[pquinn]

ukwill said:

For kitchen units etc I use a 40T one.

My saw is dewalt dcs391 and the blade is DT10640-QZ Extreme Framing Blade. Interestingly the blade is cheaper than the comparable evolution one,

I think mine are a mix of all sorts of brands but I have some 60T and 80T for finished panels; very very clean cuts.

[Arnold Cunningham]

pquinn said:

Arnold Cunningham said:

So don't procastine, make a wise purchase now. And justify it to yourself that it's big and shiny

Edited for accuracy.

Don't think too much about it, just do it. Though working out a justification might be handy if someone else gets annoyed about new stuff appearing...

And I realise I misspelt procrastinate

[geeks]

Thanks will and quinn for the advice

[GeneralBanter]

AW10 said:

Ditto for the evolutions saw.

And consider checking their factory store https://shop.evolutionpowertools.com/collections/r...

I went bigger to cut thicker wood then ended up fitting a metal blade and using it as a chop saw. 10/10

[Dannbodge]

The 210mm evolution is in my saved list on Screwfix so I'll get that.

Thanks

Noted about setup too. That's one of the main issues with my current saw (apart from not being sliding) is that it doesn't cut straight or square.