I have very little tooling for using wood since I much prefer metal work. However, since the birth of our first grandchild, Freya, 8 months ago I have been making a few wooden toys. I am am here to say that its only for grandchildren (if there are more to come) that I even 'play' with wood!
Up until now I have been making do with basic tools but I decided in a fit of pique that I would at least buy a saw! The decision was made much easier when searching for the best deal I saw that Screwfix had a Rage saw on offer at £99 (some £50 off!) and it has the benefit of cutting metal although I must admit to being a little apprehensive of sawing wood one minute then cutting steel!
After unpacking the saw it seemed to be well made other than the two clamps that were supplied. These seem a little flimsy to me although a few trial cuts showed they do work. Holding wood in place using the experience of clamping on the mill etc. proved that they do work.
The first time that I cut some metal was a piece of aluminum about 0.250" thick. Hugh, another model engineer in Brixham was visiting and he gave me a piece of ally plate so after clamping it down firmly, armed with goggles and standing a little away, I made the first shallow cut before realising that it was like cutting butter. So armed with this new experience I got a little nearer and found that not only did it make light work of the plate, but that it also cut with little or no heat!
I wouldn't say I am ready for steel yet, but I see no reason for it not to be so. I will wait until I have finished the current project for Freya then give it a go in case I damage a blade!. And on that point if you already have a saw then buying the special Rage blade will give you the same result.
The flexibility of the compound angles that this table will cut in metal means this will be a big advantage in both metal and wood work jobs! What more can you ask?
