December 10, 2022
Woodworking is now made easy with all the power tools available for cutting wood. However, working in narrow or tight spaces can be a problem if you do not have the right tool. Doing some home repairs or making a do-it-yourself or DIY project can be a challenge if you do not know the type of saw that you can use to accomplish your task. Here are the different saws that you can use when you only have a narrow or tight space to work around:
1) Reciprocating Saws
The reciprocating saw, also known as the recip saw, saber saw, hognose, or Sawzall, is a small handheld powered saw with a cutting motion that goes back-and-forth or push-and-pull. It can be used not just with wood but also with metal. The handle is designed in such a way that you can control it with ease on a vertical surface. Its blades come in three to 12 inches long with 3 to 24 TPI or teeth per inch that would determine the speed and quality or roughness of the resulting cut.
Having a low TPI means being able to cut fast but with rough edges; a high TPI means the speed is slower in cutting and gives a smoother edge. Choose the material of the blade that would be most suitable for the kind and amount of work you are about to do. A high-carbon steel blade might be more flexible, but it is less durable and can be used on softer wood. The high-speed steel blade is less supple but tougher and can be used on hardwood. The bi-metal blade is more expensive, but it is more cost-efficient because it is heavy-duty and durable. There are other blades available for materials tougher than wood.
The primary use of the reciprocating saw is for demolition work when you are remodeling or want to replace fixtures in your home. It is ideal for ripping out or cutting through frames or wood around windows, doors, plasterboards, and joists in the ceiling. If you also want to trim or prune the trees or overgrown branches in your yard, this recip saw is also perfect for the job. Its small and compact design would help you work in tight spaces.
Bosch Bare-Tool CRS180B
Bosch Bare-Tool CRS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw has a compact and light design with 17.4 inches in length and 7.6 pounds in weight that would be ideal for overhead work. With two-speed ranges of 0-2,400 SPM and 0-2,700 SPM, 1-1/8 inch stroke, and variable speed trigger, you can do a lot of work more efficiently and without getting any kickback. This cordless saw has a handle that is ergonomically shaped for a secure hold and manageable handling. It has features that protect the motor and battery against overload and overheating so you can do continuous work without worry.
Other Top-rated Reciprocating Saws
2) Rotary Saws
There are different types of rotary saw, but the small and compact one, also known as the cut-out tool, Rotozip, or spiral saw, is a powered saw that can make accurate cuts in plasters, drywall, soft tile, and plywood. It was initially used to make cut-outs in drywall. However, it has been used in a variety of ways since, such as in cutting outlet openings, hanging drywall, removing grout, stripping paint, and cutting various materials. It is very useful in operating in narrow spaces because it is portable and light. It’s more suitable for the more detailed and precise cut that involves curving turns during cut such as holes, circles, motifs, words, and letters.
Its versatility is due to its attachments, such as the cut-out tool’s circular cutter best for cutting perfect circles, guided bits for cutting into drywall, and the sanding, polishing and grinding attachments. The rotary tool has metal blades for cutting wood, sanding disks for wood, flex shaft for getting into really tight spots, and wire and abrasive brushes for stripping paint. The Rotozip’s right-angle attachment enables the use of wheels in cutting various materials. The plunge router attachment features depth stops in small increments and plunge mechanism that locks by itself, making it ideal for carving, edging, and routing.
When cutting drywall to make an opening for electrical boxes, the spiral saw makes it easy and fast to cut the hole because you do not need to make accurate measurements; just make a mark on the approximate center and start cutting. Apply enough pressure when you move the tool to cut the edge of the box.
DEWALT (DW660) Rotary Saw
DEWALT (DW660) Rotary Saw has a 5.0 Amp and 30,000 rpm motor. That much power makes for efficient cutting over prolonged use. It has a compact design with dimensions of 11.5 x 5.6 x 3.5 inches and weighs 3.5 pounds. The tool-free bit change system enables changing the general purpose and drywall cutting bits quite simple and easy without the use of a wrench. Its turn-on/bump-off switch is not only simple to use but effective for quick shutdown. It also has protection from dust, which makes for longer switch life.
3) Compact Circular Saws
A compact circular saw is an electric-powered saw with a sharp round blade that is toothed or abrasive. Its rotary motion enables cutting through a variety of materials such as wood, soft metal, and plastic. It has two handles, one is for handling the tool, and the other one is to make your cutting more stable. If you are familiar with the circular saw, then this is the smaller version. Its lightweight and compact design make it very portable and convenient to use, especially in tight spaces. Despite its size, it has high sawing and high precision capabilities for making straight cuts. This type of circular saw is only suitable for making a straight line cutting on the wood board.
Conclusion
Having power tools such as the reciprocating saw, rotary saw, and compact circular saw would make your woodworking projects, home repairs, remodeling, and craft-making not a complicated job because of its numerous capabilities as well as its compact and light design. It does not matter if you only have a narrow workspace because you can use them with ease. No matter how small they are, do not forget that you are dealing with blades and sharp tools, so make sure you are properly protected with safety goggles, glasses, and masks. You also have to read the user manual for safety purposes and more efficient use. Check the features, parts, and attachments and know how to use and care for them properly.
Jason is a 40-year-old woodworker, carpenter and author who have been involved in the woodworking and woodcraft industry with 17 years of experience. He is expertise in technical aspects, woodcraft and furniture building projects.