For those on a budget - a great saw

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have talked about the Black and Decker Navigator Saw here before, but I thought I would give it a plug as one of the most useful tools around the home and the layout. If you are looking for a cheap saw that just about does it all, give the Navigator Saw a look. The saw itself is a ugly but it does a great job. Basically it is an electric hand saw, but I find I can do straight cuts much easier with it than a hand saw.

The saw can also become a jig saw, so one saw does all for layout building. It also comes equipped with a metal cutting blade I have not used yet.

I go on round robin layout builds and this is the saw I take with me. Two guys have been so impressed with it, they bought one as well. It looks very similar to a “reciprocating saw” which I used to own but got rid of as this was far superior; the large blade is wider than a reciprocating saw blade and holds the line much better. You can also use this saw for household projects and yard work (cutting those branches). It is also a great Xmas tree trimmer and THE saw I use to cut an inch off the bottom of the tree when I bring it home.

The price quoted is $59 (American) which leads me to believe if you look around you will be able to buy it much cheaper, as I can find it here in Canada for the same price.

Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/sim-explorer/explore-items/-/B0000C6DXF/0/101/1/home_improvement_display_on_website/session/002-9588832-0691219

I also consider this a safer saw to use than a circular - I’ve had no kick back. Next to a traditional jig saw, I consider this saw to be teen friendly - easier and safer to use.

2

Rick;

Looks a bit pricey.

For cutting 3/4" plywood and similar, I found a rotary saw like a Roto-Zip® works great. I got the Black & Decker equivalent for $24.99 at Menards a few months ago. Much smoother and faster than any recripocating saw.

See: http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/ProductDetail.aspx?PID=3158

3

Since I was doing remodeling on my house before I got into the hobby, I had various saws and such. Two tools worth getting for model railroading: A Dremel motortool (and get the flexshaft for track-laying/cutting using cutoff wheels - WEAR GOGGLES!!!); and a compound miter saw (will be priceless for accurate and square cuts when doing benchwork). A Roto-Zip as “nfmisso” mentioned is a great tool as well. Dremel makes an attachment that mimics the Roto-Zip for some applications.

4

I have one of those too, I would not want to tackle a cookie cutter layout in 3/4" plywood with it though. It is a matter of power and strength of the bearings.

I agree on the mitre saw - a tool that I cannot be without… I have also found my cheap 10" table saw to be very useful; much more so than one would expect for under $100 (it was gift from my father in-law…)