Springtime DIY projects and the best saws for each job
With longer days and improving weather, there’s no time like the Spring to start on some of those lingering outdoor DIY projects. You may have been considering pruning tree branches to get more sunlight, building a wooden deck or tearing down an old shed to build a new one. All of these tasks share two common themes: they make entertaining DIY projects and they require the use of saws.
At PSM Tool and Plant Hire we stock an extremely comprehensive range of saws. In this article we’ll provide some insight into the best saws to use for different tasks. If your project isn’t covered here, we encourage you to have a look through our saw inventory where you will find many more types of saws than those covered here. In need of advice? Get in touch with our friendly team on 02088 50 56 58.
Tree and Shrub Care
A large tree on a property can provide a lot of aesthetic value, especially when it is well maintained. Pruning low branches can encourage upward growth and create space below the canopy. This gives the garden a larger appearance and allows for more sunlight to pass through.
A chainsaw is the right tool for pruning tree branches, and a long reach chainsaw such as the STIHL HT101 is ideal as it can reach up to 5 metres from the ground, removing the need for an elevated work platform. A regular chainsaw can be the perfect tool for working on bushes where branches are too thick for a regular hedge trimmer to work. Overall this type of saw is incredibly versatile. It is able to work on large logs as well as small twigs in a hedge, and those who are skilled at using a chainsaw can even carve intricate sculptures out of logs or tree stumps.
Building a Wooden Deck
Decking is a great addition to any garden, expanding your outdoor living space and offering the perfect spot for socialising during the summer months. Decks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for a simple floating deck, or a more complex structure involving steps and multiple levels, we have the tools for the job.
Regardless of the type of deck you are building, a circular saw like a HITACHI C9U or a MAKITA BSS610RFE cordless circular saw is likely to be required. Joists and decking boards will have to be cut to size and the design of the deck must be taken into careful consideration to ensure all other parts are considered.
Timber is also ideal for building garden furniture, including benches, chairs and tables. A circular saw will prove useful for these projects too.
Installing a Paver Patio
Adding a paver patio to your garden is a great way to create a durable and visually appealing outdoor space. They provide a hard surface, but unlike poured concrete, they have a more pleasant appearance and provide better water drainage. Most pavers will not need to be cut when installing a paver patio, but those that do might require intricate cuts to fit around obstacles.
There are various options for cutting pavers or stone in general, the main ones being a masonry saw and a cut-off saw. A masonry saw such as the BELLE AMBASSADOR MS500 is a bench saw designed to cut through stone or related materials like concrete and is perfect for cutting straight lines. A cut-off saw like the HILTI DSH600 is a handheld tool designed to cut through masonry, metal, and other hard materials.
Making circular cuts
For hardscaping projects in general, stone and related materials need to be cut into different shapes and sizes. Sometimes a circular cut might need to be made for stones that will go around a post, which gives the cut-off saw an edge over the standard masonry saw. To achieve a curved cut, start by outlining the desired curve on the paver or stone. Then, make straight cuts up to the marked line, allowing sections of the material to be removed gradually. Once a rough curve is established, utilise the cut-off saw to trim away the remaining material until a smooth, well-defined curve is achieved.
Shed demolition and removal
A shed is a great addition to any garden. Whether you’ve got a small shed for storing your essential gardening tools and equipment, or a larger shed that doubles as a workshop, they are versatile buildings. As with any timber structure, however, a shed must be well maintained else it risks rotting and deteriorating over time. If your shed is past its best, or perhaps you’re just looking for a change, then demolition and removal may be a necessary step. Whatever the case may be, there are a couple of tools that make tearing down a shed a lot easier.
This first and most important tool is the reciprocating saw. These saws use reciprocating blades to cut through a variety of materials. They are fast and make quite aggressive cuts, making them ideal for tearing down wooden structures. When equipped with the right blades, they can easily cut through nails and other metal fasteners. There are a variety of options available, the most convenient being electric cordless, such as the HILTI WSR6A or the BOSCH GSA24VE.
If pipes need to be cut, we stock a Hilti pipe clamp adaptor for reciprocating saws. Another option for demolition is the Tyrannosaw or all-purpose saw. Similar to a reciprocating saw but with a much larger blade, the BOSCH GFZ14-35A electric saw, or the DEWALT DW390 can cut through a variety of materials and their large blades can deal with material that a reciprocating saw might struggle with.
Toy-making and intricate woodwork
Making somewhat intricate woodwork is easier than it looks. Wooden puzzles, curved wooden boxes and other work where odd cuts need to be made can all be handcrafted with a jigsaw. By drilling a hole through a wooden board, the thin jigsaw blade can fit in and cut the outline of another shape, such as an animal, which can later be painted and made into part of a puzzle.
Its incredible versatility makes the jigsaw an ideal woodworking tool. A BOSCH GST150BCE can not only work on wood but can also cut metal and plastic, while a Dewalt cordless jigsaw is perfect for intricate woodwork.
Why choose PSM Hire?
At PSM Hire, we are committed to providing exceptional service to all of our customers. We are proud that our hard work has meant we have won SAFEHIRE COMPANY OF THE YEAR at the HAE Awards of Excellence five times!
With depots in Bexleyheath and Blackfen Yard, we will be delighted to provide the tools you need to complete your next project. Call us today on 02088 50 56 58 to receive a hire quote.