Circular saw or Jigsaw?
I am going to be purchasing some tools soon and I am wondering which to get. I am just started to build stuff and still in a small scale. I know that a jigsaw is more accurate and a circular saw is more powerful, but if possible I would like to only buy one until I know if I need another. Which should I get?

Suggestion by Jeremydotcom
they are pretty much apples and oranges but you can’t cut shapes or turns with a circular saw but you can cut straight with a jigsaw….so if you had to survive with only one id go with the jig……but hopefully your not cutting anything too big

Suggestion by mike
need more info what are you building

Suggestion by steveko777
The more tools the better–if you plan on fine work the jig-saw will be needed but it would suck to have to cut a 2X with a jig saw.heres what I recommend–look for a cordless kit at least 18 volts–Craftsman has sales on kits that include a jig-saw small circular saw a sawz all and drill and a flashlight, Even if you feel the need for a corded tool down the road-you will allways find use for the kit if you plan on doing handy-work.

Suggestion by dingodevil
You can do just about anything with a jigsaw, if you are careful about handling it. A circular saw is faster and more efficient for certain applications, but is a lot less flexible. I would definitely go for the jigsaw for general carpentry…

Without using a circular saw how can I cut for exterior window trim in siding? Is there a smaller tool?
I want to install (I think) 1.75″ X 3.5″ boards around the perimeter of the exterior windows, to define and give some trim to paint, and my handi-man left me with three more windows to do.
He was using a circular saw, but I’m not wanting to wield that thing, so is there a smaller cutting tool that can cut through the cedar siding boards (without removing them)? I saw once something on TV that “vibrated” through wood…but anyway, I just don’t want to use my circular saw, I’m not dainty enough with it. Any suggestions? THANKS

Suggestion by rhsaunders
Use a saber saw. The circular saw can be used for most of the work, but use the saber saw to finish it.

Suggestion by Bobs MonOncle
Back saw in a miter box. It was done for millennia this way.

Suggestion by cheezyhill
If I am understanding you, you need to cut the existing siding away from around the windows and then put up 2 x 4′s (actual measurements 1.75 x 3.5) around the outside of your windows.

You could use a saber saw, it is also sometimes called a hand held scroll saw. Or even a Saw- Saw which is a recipricating saw but they both have one serious draw back. They don’t set the depth of the blade and can and will cut too deep if you do not take precautions.

What you can do is tack a board on the house and lay the face of the saw on the board and thereby restrict the depth of the cut. The problem with this is that it makes what you are cutting at the end of the cut stroke and will make cutting very difficult.

You don’t need to be dainty. Tack a guide board on your house set the circular saw to the correct depth and hold the saw against the guide – use the right tool for the right job. BUT how about a light weight battery operated circular saw?

When i am cutting away siding I use my Battery operated Ryobie 5 1/4 inch blade circular saw. It is light weight and works well when being used in “awkward” positions.

Sorry if this isn’t what you wanted to hear.

Don’t forget to caulk and properly flash all the pieces in.

Suggestion by Trouble Shooter
Talk someone into using the circular saw for you. A reciprocating or sabre saw will only cause you anguish in your endeavor. I have used a roto zip tool in tight places, put is difficult (impossible) to get a nice cut. I am assuming it is a lap siding, you can purchase some trim boards that are not as thick as a 2 X 4 and just nail them right over the siding, apply some caulk and paint and looks basically the same as the rest of your windows.