Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jun 11, 2005 10:30pm | #1

   A jamb saw is a tool.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   BillHartmann | Jun 11, 2005 10:33pm | #2

   There are never any change order or screwups in new construction?

1. 
   doodabug | Jun 11, 2005 11:28pm | #3

   I guess I should rephrase my question. Unless somebody screws up or changes their mind would a jamb saw normally be used on a remodel job? I'm sorry I wasn't more specific.

1. 
   jayzog | Jun 11, 2005 11:35pm | #4

   I have a Crain jamb saw that is usefull enough to earn a spot in my trailer.

    

   I hav not seen any competitors jamb saw, but the Crain is pretty cheesy and expensive too.

1. 
   dIrishInMe | Jun 12, 2005 09:21am | #8

   Actually I talked to one of my flooring guys about jamb saws and he felt that Crain was one of the better ones since it is a little better at getting in the corners, etc.  Others have the blade mounted directly on the motor shaft, like a sidewinder, and don't get in the tight spots as good.

   To the original poster - yea it's needed in new construction too.  I have my finish flooring installed as late in the game as possible.  If I try to get the trim guy to install the door jambs/casings at the exact right height, it never works out right on all the doors.  Then, if there is a problem, the trim guy is long gone before it shows up (when the floor is installed).  So, I tell the trim guy to set the doors a bit lower than the thickness of the finish flooring.  I'll go around to various rooms and mark stuff like "carpet"1/2", vinyl - 0, hardwood - 1/2, etc.  This helps him to know how high to install the base too.   Then when the flooring guy shows up he cuts the jambs to the correct height - with a jamb saw.  At that point, it's his responsibility.  He will typically cut a bit of the base too.

   I would almost thing it would be needed even more in remodeling since you are always swapping out one type of flooring for another... not that I'm a remodeler.

   I have a hand jamb saw that works on something small in a pinch. Matt

2. 
   quicksilver | Jun 12, 2005 06:38am | #5

   A tool's a tool. No matter what. Everytime. Do you only use a recipricating saw for redo's? If it can get you there use it. Hey I know you.

   Edited 6/11/2005 11:40 pm ET by quicksilver

1. 
   doodabug | Jun 12, 2005 07:02pm | #9

   The only time I use a recip saw on new work is if I or somebody else made a mistake.

1. 
   quicksilver | Jun 12, 2005 07:29pm | #10

   Let's break the ice. I'm sure we both know how to get our jobs done. I am happy with my techniques and have been building four twenty years. That makes me 40. I learn everyday. I've pursued carpentry seriously since I began. You might feel the same about yourself. So lets let up because the next time you realize hey I could use this tool for that. I don't want you to think " I can't use that because its a remodeling tool or that's a demo tool. Abilty to be creative goes a long way in the field. So use whatever you want to do what ever you want. And lets be friends

2. 
   toolin | Jun 12, 2005 09:44pm | #11

   Have had some luck using a bisquit jointer and then a chisel in a pinch.

3. 
   quicksilver | Jun 12, 2005 10:02pm | #12

   I agree bisquit joiners are not just for breakfast anymore. We used one with a diamond blade once to cut 3/4's out of a ground face block wall so that we could start the hardwood just back from the wall plane. It gave us a good clean look.

4. 
   doodabug | Jun 12, 2005 10:39pm | #13

   I have been a carpenter for 27 years. I study and research my craft with a passion.

   My point of the question was how bad I would feel for making a flooring guys job harder by making him get a jamb saw out on new work. I think the point of the tool is to make a flooring guys job easier on rework. Maybe I am too old school. It is a little harder for me to set a door jamb on top of hardwood especially if floors are a little off but I think it should be done that way.

5. 
   quicksilver | Jun 12, 2005 10:51pm | #14

   and you're entitled to your opinion

   Edited 6/12/2005 3:51 pm ET by quicksilver

6. 
   G80104 | Jun 14, 2005 05:42am | #18

      I am with you on the jamb being on top of the floor in new construction, also hate it when cabinets go in 1st & flooring around them!

3. 
   hammer1 | Jun 12, 2005 08:34am | #7

   A jamb saw is primarily used by floor installers. I guess if you lay a lot of hardwood flooring with existing door jambs, it could be handy. I've never used one on a remodeling job but I have used a hammer and chisel, handsaw, sawzall, flush cut saw, Fein multimaster and a utility knife to accomplish the same cuts on an occasional basis.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   JasonPharez | Jun 13, 2005 05:56am | #16

   Hammer, if you've got a jig saw with a removable base (like the new Bosch I have), just remove the base, scribe the jamb using a scrap of flooring, and slap a reverse cut blade in for the finest jury-rigged jamb saw in the world!Jason Pharez Construction

      Framing & Exterior Remodeling

3. 
   JeffBuck | Jun 12, 2005 08:20am | #6

   I agree ...

   customers never change their minds in new construction.

    

   so being prepared for that ...

   is just ... what?

    

   smart, maybe?

    

   what'sa matter? U jealous some guy had a better stocked tool trailer than U?

   Jeff

    

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   doodabug | Jun 12, 2005 11:05pm | #15

   I don't even have a trailer.

4. 
   Fonzie | Jun 14, 2005 05:16am | #17

   Don't need one. Use a long fine bimetal blade turned backwards on a Makita Recipricating saw and a guage on the floor up against the jamb.