On Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:17:46 PM UTC-5, wrote:
On Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 8:49:51 PM UTC-6, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Christmas is coming. I'm considering buying a circular saw for my daughter.
She's 26.

Other than a drill, this will be her first real power tool. I have a Porter
Cable 743 left blade which I love. I'd buy her the same saw but it's no longer
available, other than used. Same for the 843 which I believe is the same saw
but with a brake. Same issue with PC 424 MAG, another saw in that same line.
(I think).

So, if I can't get what I'm familiar with, I'm looking for suggestions for
decent left blade circular saw. A brake would be great.

No, she is not going to start framing houses, at least not right away. ;-)
All I know really know is that she wants to start doing some woodworking
and was wondering what type of "first saw" she should get. She also
mentioned cutting up some pallets to make a compost bin.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Guess I'd suggest you abandon the circular saw thought. A drill makes
sense. Its very useful for lots of situations. Hopefully it was cordless.
I have and use electric drills frequently, but only in special situations.
Cordless drill for 90+% of tasks. Back to saws. If it has to be an
electric, powered saw, then I'd suggest a jigsaw. Can't get hurt, its not
dangerous. Like a drill, a beginner with no knowledge at all can operate a
jigsaw and not get hurt. It does not cut straight or smooth like a circular
saw. But cutting up pallets for a compost bin it would be perfect. And
with circular saws, the wood needs to be stationary and clamped down to make
a good, safe cut. And you need a guide too. I know construction crews
make freehand cuts in midair with circular saws. But they have a lot more
skill and daring than your daughter. Or me.

Yeah, I'm torn between a jig saw and a circular saw. My brain says a decent
jig saw is enough for now, but I've used my 743 so much more than any jig
saw I've owned that I'm biased. [Or is it my heart that says a jig saw is
enough? I'm always confused by which one is talking to me. ;-) ]

When I look at a pallet (yes, we're being very specific here) I see the
deck boards that a jig saw is perfect for, then I see the stringers which
probably require a circular saw to cut to size. Then, when I think about
them building a shelf or even a book case, I can see a jig saw eventually
getting it done, but a circular getting it done so much quicker/easier.
Thus my torn-ness.

BTW I recently replaced a POS jig saw with a Bosch JS470E. What a difference
paying three times as much makes. ;-) Well worth it.