Ya
I bet it's a saber saw.
I would think that if you are going
to build a top bar hive you would
make that first purchase a table
saw.
That will cut miters angles and
straight cuts accurately.
So will the radial arm saw.
Both have their use.
I would forget the sliding compound
miter as the radial arm will do the same.
My first thoughts would be that
then a battery operated screw
gun that serves as a drill.
If you can still buy more then
a small drill press and a band saw.
You will find you can buy all these
very inexpensively at
www.harborfreight.com/I buy much of what I now use from
them and to utter satisfaction.
I don't do precision work now
but am still able to crank out
respectable projects.
With respect to the band saw
you are making lots of shapes,
curves and such.
A saber saw can often suffice here
and at times do better.
As for the top bar hive, are you sure?
I wonder why you want to raise bees?
If for the honey production as well
as the pollination then I wold think
the Langstrom hive would be easier
to harvest from.
If buying an extractor is not on the
horizon then you may as well have
your top bar and just crush and strain.
Just a little food for though.
I see Tony trying to help you and just
thought I could help him in his effort.
Train