One Makedo saw for the whole class?
Our position, and the argument for 'start small and scale.'
Our position
You need roughly one saw per 2-3 kids for a working flow. If 25 kids are sharing 2 saws, the activity turns into 23 kids waiting. Buy enough that no kid has to watch another kid work.
Other voices
Reputable sources worth reading before you decide. Labels reflect our honest read of each source's general stance, not direct quotes.
Makedo classroom guidance
Broadly agreesMakedo's own classroom kits are sold in 4-saw and larger packs, explicitly sized for group work, not individual use.
Pilot-first school programs
Nuanced / mixedThe argument for buying one saw to pilot, then scaling up, has validity. It just needs to actually turn into scaling - too many 'pilots' become permanent under-investments.
Pass-the-saw classroom workflow advocates
Pushes backSome teachers argue that having kids take turns on one tool teaches patience and sharing. True, and also distinct from 'cutting is a productive activity.' Both can be goals; they require different ratios.