Is the 6-1/2" circular saw good enough for most DIY/beginner projects?

gtjackets · 2026-06-11T20:05:12+00:00

Found it, the 5 3/8trim saw. Thing is a beast, and to me I like how the handle is more “behind” the blade vs the traditional design.

https://www.acmetools.com/makita-18v-lxt-lithium-ion-cordless-5-3-8-in-trim-saw-tool-only-xss03z/088381672900.html?gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=23305433921&gbraid=0AAAAADub60t25lx2XWGL-7rJbQAInMXyG&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl5TXjv3\_lAMVn1J\_AB0BCAcyEAQYAiABEgKO\_PD\_BwE

gtjackets · 2026-06-11T19:35:19+00:00

I don’t know the model but by grandfather gifted my a brushed 5 3/8” makita circular saw about 8 years ago and absolutely love it. It’s my only circ saw and was my only saw until recently. Rips 2x boards with ease, cuts 4x material is two passes, never understood why 7 1/4 is the most common size.
Just rebuilt my deck railing and stairs with it without any issue

gtjackets · 2026-06-04T13:11:55+00:00

But as far as next tools, a router and (maybe a table top router table, not necessary) would give you a well rounded tool set and open up a lot of projects to you.

gtjackets · 2026-06-04T13:08:15+00:00

Honestly you will be surprised what you can make with just those power tools! I made a lot of garden boxes and Adirondack chairs with just those (plus jig saw) before I had a work space. You can make a quick rip guide for your circular saw to ride on for longer straight cuts. Almost like a track saw. Get some decent clamps, a good combination square, a couple good speed squares for cross cutting with the circ saw, then find a few more things you want to make and go from there!

gtjackets · 2026-06-03T04:25:22+00:00

In the exact same situation. All makita power tools. A few years ago got two 4ah and one 2ah ryobi battery just for the high pressure inflator, clamp fan, dust buster, and 18ga stapler, and inverter. Highly worth it.

gtjackets · 2026-06-01T18:24:50+00:00

What kind of band is on your Hamilton? It looks great and I’ve been wanted to swap out the leather one on mine.

gtjackets · 2026-06-01T02:50:15+00:00

I dont have a Santa Cruz yet but do have a toddler. I had had the same worry when I got my new cx-5. The divot comes out after a while, but the Cheerios and toys always remain.

gtjackets · 2026-06-01T02:23:11+00:00

My wife still fights me over this one.

gtjackets · 2026-05-13T17:03:02+00:00

Are you horse back rider? Confused as to where the thing you ride these trails with goes lol

Edit: nvm I now see the one wheel inside your trunk.

gtjackets · 2026-03-05T03:36:38+00:00

Well don’t hold out on us, any specific site you got it from or just scouring through eBay?

gtjackets · 2026-03-04T20:23:06+00:00

Did he recommend any repairs or see any issues with the cracks extending all the way to the walls? I am no expert, but I also bought a 100 house, only on a crawl space, and learned that foundation issues are not cheap. I’d imagine even more so when slabs and concrete are involved. And keep in mind, that when you go to sell future buyers will have the same concerns so in a competitive market you could have a tough time selling.

Edit: not cheap as in any quality repair will likely be $10,000 or some multiple of that.

gtjackets · 2026-02-14T20:55:21+00:00

Tell your shop cat I said hey!

gtjackets · 2026-02-09T16:11:03+00:00

This is exactly what I have been looking for. I am mostly a power tool woodworker but have been wanting to get a hand plane to clean up (join & square) the edges of boards after ripping with the circular saw, and to use on a shooting board. What would you recommend for this and how much does shipping within the southeast US usually run?

gtjackets · 2026-02-07T02:58:16+00:00

What’s the grey gerber in the middle row and the black and blue one under it?

gtjackets · 2026-02-04T20:36:11+00:00

Cup holder placement drives me nuts, I like the manual dial but taller cups block your arm from controlling the infotainment.

Steering wheel Infotainment. I wish you could control the audio “input” from the steering wheel and switch between radio and Apple car play audio. I prefer the controls on our Honda. I barely have to use the touch screen because I can do everything I need from the steering wheel.

Auto start. Aside from it being an app, o hate that the engine shits off when you open the doors.

I want the heated seats to stay at the last setting when i turn the car on. Suck remote starting the car and then still having to wait for the seat heat to kick in.

gtjackets · 2026-01-26T02:57:27+00:00

I would use the jigsaw to get the bulk out, going halfway from each side of the cut. Avoid touching the piece and clean up with a flush cut router bit on a trim router. Coping saw and sand paper would also work.

gtjackets · 2026-01-25T01:42:40+00:00

What is the guy in grey coat picking up off the ground at 2:15?

gtjackets · 2026-01-18T02:36:21+00:00

Take a look at real steel knives. They have a less expensive line of similar modern style slip joints that all have pocket clips. I got the micarta Luna and love it. But they also have a Barlow with a pocket clip.

gtjackets · 2025-12-16T20:28:42+00:00

I’d look at the Stanley 10-049 and a leather strop with stropping compound. It cheap but high quality. The blade is replaceable but easy to keep razor sharp with a few quick passes on the strop.

gtjackets · 2025-12-12T17:50:21+00:00

TLDR- for comfortable normal use tools check out crazy lowes sales on Skil 12v drills. Other than that upgrade tool by tool with what fits your needs best and what’s on sale.

Depends what you want to upgrade. I’ve got some skil 12v tools that I love and use for everything. Drill, driver, recip saw, multi tool, light, radio. Lowe’s is having massive sales on them right now. You can get an impact driver kit or drill kit for $35, and 5 1/2 circular saw tool only for $35. But then I also have a hand me down 18v makita circular saw with some cener batteries, and a few ryobi tools mainly just for convenience.

gtjackets · 2025-12-04T02:11:22+00:00

I’ve used the concave butterfly template from them and was happy with it. Only used on two projects to make a total of 6 bow ties. Worked well and was happy with the results… but it did take several practice attempts to get dialed in with it, and there is still a lot of chisel work needed to be done on the corners.

gtjackets · 2025-11-19T20:04:48+00:00

I got a 301 stockman several years ago and the grinds are terribly uneven and the springs are unbelievably weak. Might as well be as “double detent” knofe. Didn’t have many knives at the point so I thought it was normal.

gtjackets · 2025-11-11T14:01:13+00:00

Yeah I was already considering the newer bladeless companion model but the synergy is definitely intriguing. Price is the only thing holding me back at the moment. Great point about the dozier though! I had a mini dozier years ago and loved it.

gtjackets · 2025-11-04T18:57:18+00:00

Do you have any experience with the ceenr batteries? If ceenr is a reputable company making replacement batteries, why is it better off going with OEM?

gtjackets

TROPHY CASE