PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN

2263 Views 27 Replies 14 Participants Last post by 4DThinker, 7 mo ago

Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · 7 mo ago

hi my name is Britany I need to cut about a 1/2 inch off a 1 1/2 inch thick door
im scared of using the circle saws unless the are the smaller handheld versions but I was thinking about buying the DeWalt DW618 with both bases for this. I also think ill find more uses for this tool in the future so it won't just be a purchase for a one time project.

would a router work for what im trying to do? if you think so ill take any suggestions on speed which bit to use which base to use which depth setting how to set up my workspace anything would help me right now.
even if you suggest another tool for this project im open to suggestions please just no jumbo lose your fingers circle saws with my luck it will happen to me lol

please get back to me someone when you can thank you

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John Smith_

· #2 · 7 mo ago

Hi Britany and welcome to the forum.
Before you buy or rent a power tool, do you have any other projects that you may use the tool for ?
For just a one time job, a hand pull-saw would work just as well with a little practice. (and way much cheaper).

Reactions: 2

Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · #3 · 7 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)

John Smith_ said:
Hi Britany and welcome to the forum.
Before you buy or rent a power tool, do you have any other projects that you may use the tool for ?
For just a one time job, a hand pull-saw would work just as well with a little practice. (and way much cheaper).

hello thanks for responding so quickly the only other project I was thinking of would be a bed support out of some pallet boards. I appreciate the suggestion! do you think I'll be able to get an accurate straight cut with a pull saw vs a power tool. Also what size pull saw would you recommend. thank you again

Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · #4 · 7 mo ago

Britany Collins said:
hello thanks for responding so quickly the only other project I was thinking of would be a bed support out of some pallet boards. I appreciate the suggestion! do you think I'll be able to get an accurate straight cut with a pull saw vs a power tool. Also what size pull saw would you recommend. thank you again

ps I never used a saw before & I definitely don't want to ruin this new door I wish I sized it better when buying but if I can remove just 1/2 inch it will be perfect

thanks again John

John Smith_

· #5 · 7 mo ago

Britany, with a little practice, you could become very proficient and have accurate cuts with a hand saw. (Harbor Freight, ACE, HD, Lowe's, etc.).

White Gesture Wood Rectangle Blade

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Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · #6 · 7 mo ago (Edited by Moderator)

John Smith_ said:
Britany, with a little practice, you could become very proficient and have accurate cuts with a hand saw. (Harbor Freight, ACE, HD, Lowe's, etc.).
View attachment 402808

thank you very much

4DThinker

· #7 · 7 mo ago

Routers aren't the best cut off tool, but they can trim an edge smooth with the right bit after a rough circular saw or hand saw or jig saw cut 1/8" to 1/4" away from the line. If you do use a router you'll need a 1/2"d bit with 1.5" of cutting length, and a straight edge you can clamp down to guide the router. Step down no more than 1/4" at a time for best results. A spiral downcut bit will leave the top edge clean but may leave the bottom edge a little chipped out.

Reactions: 1

The Hobbyist

· #8 · 7 mo ago

Take the door to Lowes or Home Depot. Ask them to use their panel saw to remove 1/2" off of the bottom. They may charge you one dollar for the cut. Finish the edge with a little sandpaper.

Joe

Reactions: 2

Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · #9 · 7 mo ago

4DThinker said:
Routers aren't the best cut off tool, but they can trim an edge smooth with the right bit after a rough circular saw or hand saw or jig saw cut 1/8" to 1/4" away from the line. If you do use a router you'll need a 1/2"d bit with 1.5" of cutting length, and a straight edge you can clamp down to guide the router. Step down no more than 1/4" at a time for best results. A spiral downcut bit will leave the top edge clean but may leave the bottom edge a little chipped out.

thank you for responding I appreciate this point of view as well very simple to understand. I see you said a spiral downcut bit will leave the top edge clean but may leave the bottom edge chipped out. Which edge would you suggest I cut from & what would be best bit for the bottom edge if you have any suggestions

thank you again

Britany Collins

Discussion Starter · #10 · 7 mo ago

The Hobbyist said:
Take the door to Lowes or Home Depot. Ask them to use their panel saw to remove 1/2" off of the bottom. They may charge you one dollar for the cut. Finish the edge with a little sandpaper.

Joe

thank you for responding Joe unfortunately I am on foot

lol I wish I knew someone with some tools that could help but I appreciate you guys for responding to help

The Hobbyist

· #11 · 7 mo ago

A simple circular saw with a SHARP blade, and a guide to follow so the saw doesn't drift from the line is all you need. Offset the guide the exact distance from the edge of the saw plat to the inside edge of the blade for accuracy. Where are you located? I don't need much of an excuse for a ROAD TRIP!

Joe

DesertRatTom

· #12 · 7 mo ago

Do you have friends, like at church or some organizations? You could just ask as many people as you can if they'd mind helping you. There are sooooo many people who have circular saws who could do this for your. And as you can tell from all these responses, we tool guys love to do little projects like this.

Have whoever volunteers to bring a couple of clamps to hold that straight edge (a straight piece of wood) fast on the door so the saw doesn't bump it and mess up the cut.

If you get a hand saw, you can use the straight piece to help you cut straight. It really helps to hold the saw at near a 45 degree angle so it will be much easier to cut straight. I think a decent hand saw is a basic tool for anyone. You can order one on Amazon, no driving needed. I'd get a conventional saw, like the top one in John Smith's post. Pull saws are great, but not necessarily for the kinds of cutting you are doing.

It's not a bad idea to lay a strip of painter's tape across the cut line on both sides. It helps reduce splintering. A router is a nice tool as well, but for the kinds of projects you are likely to do for home fixup stuff, I don't think it will be that useful. But if you do get one, consider a medium power trim router, it's smaller for hand held use, and easy to handle freehand. There are several good brands out there.

If it's an outside door, don't forget to paint the cut off edge to reduce chances it will absorb water and swell. I had to repair some church building doors where that had happened.

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fixitmike8

· #13 · 7 mo ago

Just be very sure to mark which end to cut before you take the door down. More than one person has trimmed the wrong end.

Reactions: 2

gdonham1

· #14 · 7 mo ago

A Japanese style pull saw is easy to use. American/Western saws saw on the down stroke where a Japanese pull saw saws on the upstroke. Stand over the saw and use both hands. The pull saws are very cheap at the big box stores. If you decide to use a circular saw put a board down to use as a guide. Even experienced users have a hard time sawing a straight line. Any straight edge will work but it has to be tall enough so you dont push the saw up over it. The circular saw has a space between the edge of the base and the saw blade. For instance my Ridgid saw has a 5 inch gap from the edge to the blade. So draw your line on the door bottom and measure your saw and make some small marks that distance above the line. Then clamp your board or straight edge down and use that to guide your saw for a straight cut.

The pull saw is cheap and easy but you just have to watch the line and not the blade. If you watch the line your hand will guide the blade straight. If you watch the blade your cut may wonder. Saw a little and take a rest. Sawing with a Western or a Japanese saw will wear you out. So take it a few inches at a time. The old saying goes "How do you eat an elephant, answer is one bite at a time."

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sidhymes

· #15 · 7 mo ago

It'll also help to scribe (with a razor blade or similar) where you want your cut-off to be. That will minimize/eliminate tear-out whether you use a circular saw or hand saw. If you buy a hand saw, probably best to get one for cross-cutting, i.e., 15-17 teeth per inch.

Reactions: 1

DesertRatTom

· #16 · 7 mo ago

fixitmike8 said:
Just be very sure to mark which end to cut before you take the door down. More than one person has trimmed the wrong end.

Excellent catch. same for the 15-17 teeth per inch recommendation.

Holsterguy

· #17 · 7 mo ago

One other thing I can think of. If you decide to use a handsaw, if it is say a 6 panel door, it will have approximately 6” on each side that will be a crosscut.(cuts very easy). The part in the middle, the grain goes side to side. This will be a rip cut. Not too bad, but it will take longer unless your saw is razor sharp.
Oh, and welcome aboard!

old55

· #18 · 7 mo ago

Welcome to the forum @Britany Collins

old55

· #19 · 7 mo ago

Welcome to the forum @fixitmike8

old55

· #20 · 7 mo ago

Welcome to posting @sidhymes

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