Power Saw in an Apartment?

[Savij]

Over the years, I've picked up some other basic tools like a socket set, cordless drill, etc. Lately I've been wanting to do a couple of little projects and not having a good way to cut wood has kept me from starting. The only problem is that I'm still living apartment life so I don't have a garage to work in.

If you were in my situation, what would you do? I'm thinking basic handsaw and a couple of clamps so that I can use my (cheap) desk for cutting. However, part of me is thinking I might as well get a jig saw since it will be a little smaller and easier.

What would you guys do in my situation?

Moved from The Garage.
admin allisolm

 

[jlee]

What sort of cutting are you planning on doing? Finish work, angled cuts, etc?

 

[KillerBee]

I'll bet your apt neighbors are going to love you firing up a power saw everyday

 

[PottedMeat]

i'd get a 4"+ vise and fasten it to an old table. jig saw can do pretty much anything. make a straight edge for it to ride( an angle iron + clamps will do ). nothing wrong with doing small work in a apartment, you're doing layout/measuring/planning 99% of the time anyway.

 

[RLGL]

My daughter has that kind of stuff in her apartment

 

[NetWareHead]

I knew a guy who had a welder in his apartment. Hooked it up to the 240 volt outlet provided for the clothes dryer.

 

[Sheep221]

When I was rebuilding my desk a I did cut some wood with a jigsaw in my apartment, it's ok as long as you won't be doing it every day.

 

[Mandres]

jigsaw is probably less obnoxious than a direct-drive circular saw (loud as hell). Maybe a handsaw and hand plane instead? depending on what you're making hand tools can be very satisfying to use.

 

[highland145]

Depending on what you're doing/need, Lowes/Home Depot will cut lumber for you.

+1 jigsaw.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Depending on what you're doing/need, Lowes/Home Depot will cut lumber for you.

True.

+1 jigsaw.

+2. Flexible and actually pretty quiet.

Additionally, there's a WEN 8" drill press you can get pretty much anywhere. Cheap. But it's surprisingly quiet, and can sort of do double duty as a drum sander with the right attachments/bits.

 

[Yakk]

Either get it sll pre-cut at a hardware store as already noted, or if possible setup in the building parking lot with an extension.

 

[slashbinslashbash]

IMO it's generally worth it to invest in a cordless system. I use the cheap but good quality Ryobi OnePlus system. I've got a bunch of tools including a circular saw, a jigsaw, a reciprocating saw (aka sawzall) and a "multi-tool" plunge saw. One battery works on 'em all. (Of course I've also got a plug-in table saw and a compound miter saw too.... but those stay put away except for big projects.) The circular saw is for making straight cuts in plywood or 2xX lumber. The jigsaw is for curved cuts or other cuts requiring greater precision. (Takes a pretty long time to cut across a 4' sheet of plywood with a jigsaw...) Recip saw for demo and the plunge saw for precision in hard-to-reach areas.

A nice Ryobi cordless jigsaw is around $60. Get a drill set for another $100 that comes with 2 batteries. Then you'll be set and you can take loud projects out to the parking lot without any worry.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I I use the cheap but good quality Ryobi OnePlus system.

When I was in an apartment this is what I used for occasional projects. Also was considerate of my neighbors by going out in the parking lot to do loud/dirty stuff. Even a cordless circular saw is silly loud for inside an apartment complex.