People who take on DIY projects have a plethora of cutting tools at their disposal. However, few are as effective as the circular saw. This amazing tool has the ability to swiftly cut through dense woods, plywood, and various other materials.
With their speed, efficiency, and precision, circular saws are an excellent choice for anyone looking to tackle DIY projects. By following a few tips and getting some hands-on experience, you can easily learn how to use this versatile tool. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about circular saws.
Tips for Using a Circular Saw
A circular saw is one of the most sought-after items in my garage and is an indispensable tool for DIYers, regardless of their proficiency.
The “circ” saw is über-versatile. If you are looking for a straight cut, a circular saw is your tool. But there are some tricks for using one.
Cut angles easier
It can be difficult to make angled cuts with a saw since the guard attached to the blade tends to snag on the material being cut, regardless of the type of guard it is. Before beginning the cut, use your other hand to raise the lever of the blade guard so it may be placed on the material.
Cut the plywood on a foam backer.
Place a one-inch sheet of rigid foam on the ground, and then put full-sized pieces of plywood on it to be cut. The foam won’t dull the blade, and the cutoff pieces won’t fall to the ground.
Prevent scratches and chip-out
Apply tape to the material you’re cutting. This provides three benefits: Keeping the saw’s shoe from damaging your wood, helping you to make a precise and identifiable (dark) mark that will not have to be sanded, and avoiding chip-out.
Use a speed square guide
Utilize a Speed square to produce straight cuts as a saw aide rapidly. You’ll get a perfect cut fast. Be certain that you are square and the vast majority of the saw is positioned on the side of the board that will remain, and align the blade so that it slices the side of the board that will be discarded. If needed, change the blade’s cutting depth to ensure the motor does not come into contact with the square.
Make a notch
Indicate the width and breadth of your slot, then regulate the saw’s depth and make several slices in between your lines. Knock away what’s left with a screwdriver or chisel.
If the indentation is narrower than 1 and a half inches, use your round saw to even out the bottom by exploring it, leading parallel to the score. If the faces of the cutting edge of the saw cannot properly hold the shoe, use a chisel to level out the underside.
A tip: If you’re cutting a thin piece of wood, fasten some scrap wood to either side to give the saw a more secure base.
Secure material
Whether you’re sawing along the grain or across it, if the workpiece begins to move, you might cause a dangerous kickback. Attach the material to a workbench or sawhorse with nails, screws, or clips.
The score for a clean cut
A saw blade often pulls up the fibers of the wood as it is slicing, leading to a rough or jagged edge. Run a razor blade along your cutting line to cleanly separate the fibers at the top.
Prop the board
When cutting a piece of wood on a stack of wood or a horizontal work surface, support it with a short piece of wood approximately 2 inches in size. Using it keeps you from damaging the work area and enables the piece that has been cut off to be removed from the saw.
Trouble cutting straight? Check the shoe
If you are having problems getting a straight cut without burned marks, ensure the blade’s shoe lines up with the blade’s edge. The shoe can become warped or distorted if the saw has experienced too much jarring or shaking. It might be necessary to obtain a fresh saw or to look up a substitute shoe on the internet.
Make straight cuts using a circular saw
An experienced carpenter advised me to pull my thumb away from the grip of the saw and line up my wrist and thumb to the way I was pushing the saw. When I modified my handhold, I was able to make a lot more accurate cuts without having to use a saw guide.
Tip: To make neater cuts not aided by a guide, observe the blade as it cuts along the line.
Make steep bevel cuts.
Most circular saws can perform bevel cuts at angles up to 55 degrees. What if you need a steeper bevel? Find the angle you want to cut and take 90 degrees away from that number. Then set your saw to that angle. Next, attach a block to the end of the board and use it to keep the saw base steady while you cut. If the blade fails to complete the cut, you can finish it off with a handsaw or a reciprocating saw.
This trick works for compound cuts as well. Start by cutting the corner with a 90-degree bevel, using the discarded piece of material to hold the saw in place while the bevel is cut at a steeper angle.
Check for 90 degrees.
If the blade on your circular saw is not aligned to the edge of the shoe exactly at a 90-degree angle, then any angle you adjust it to won’t be accurate. Check the blade with a machinist’s square.
Once the saw is adjusted to 90 degrees, set it to 45 degrees and verify the angle using either a Speed or Combination Square. Be sure to disconnect the saw or remove its battery when performing the changes.
Cut and roll through posts.
Despite the limited cutting capacity of regular 7-1/4-in saws, which are roughly 2-1/2 in., it is easy to cut through larger posts.
Mark where you would like to make the cut, then make an incision all the way through on one side. Then, roll the material backward and use the cut from the saw blade to line up the following cut. A third pass with the saw will be made on a 4×4 post. If you’re dealing with thicker pieces of wood like 6×6 posts, cut on both edges and all faces, and finish up with a saw or electric saw.
Safety First
Using a circular saw can be easy and secure when done the right way. It could be slightly daunting for a beginner to figure out how to operate a circular saw. The following tips can help.
Always wear hearing and eye protection when using any power saw, and keep loose-fitting sleeves, long hair, and hoodie drawstrings tucked away. When using a circular saw, it’s essential to keep your hands away from the saw blade. Circular saws can be very loud and can send chips of wood flying, so it’s crucial to wear the proper PPE, including hearing protection and safety glasses. Moreover, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing when operating one. Also, ensure that there is nothing underneath the saw that the blade could accidentally contact, including the work surface, tools underneath, or the power cord when using corded circular saws. It’s never a good idea to remove the blade guard. If the blade guard prevents the cut (such as when plunge cutting or cutting at a severe angle), lift the guard with its handle before starting the blade and release the guard when done. Remember always to hold onto the saw until the blade stops completely. Letting go while the blade is still spinning can result in the saw blade kicking back at the user.
When working with saws, it’s important to remember that a sharp blade is a safe blade. Dull blades that have pitch from framing lumber can make cutting more difficult and require more effort, not to mention they are more dangerous. It’s essential to have a blade that can easily pass through the material.
Before adjusting the blade depth or bevel angle, make sure to unplug the saw or remove its battery. It’s also crucial to inspect the saw before use. Check the cord, plug, trigger, safety switch, and guard to ensure they’re all in good working order. Additionally, double-check that the blade is securely fastened in place, with the saw unplugged or the battery removed. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and efficient sawing experience. A sharp blade is a safe blade. Dull blades covered in pitch from framing lumber make cutting more difficult, require more effort, and make cutting more dangerous. Sharp blades will pass through the material with ease.
Unplug the saw or remove its battery before adjusting the blade depth or bevel angle.
Always inspect the saw before use. Check the cord, plug, trigger, safety switch, and guard for operation. Also, ensure that the blade is securely tightened in place (with the saw unplugged or the battery removed).
Important Circular Saw Parts
It is essential to become acquainted with the individual components before using a circular saw for the first time.
Motor: Inside the plastic and metal housing is an electric motor. While today’s brushless models require very little maintenance, it’s helpful to understand this part and know that circular saws are available in various motor configurations.
Blade: Circular saw blades are round and have many sharp teeth. The motor spins these blades quickly, and the blade cuts with upward strokes at the front of the blade.
Blade guard: That spinning blade can do much damage very quickly, whether to a surface that comes in contact with the spinning blade or the user. To keep a spinning blade from accidentally cutting someone or marring an object, the spring-loaded retractable blade guard slides over the blade. When cutting, it should automatically retract.
Trigger: This part turns the saw on and off. Circular saws don’t have adjustable speeds or pressure-sensitive triggers, so clicking this part will ramp the blade up to speed immediately.
Safety: Some circular saws have thumb-activated safety switches that prevent the user from accidentally starting the saw.
Plate: The plate, or shoe, is part of the saw that rides on the material. They’re typically aluminum, steel, or die-cast, and their angles can be adjusted to cut bevels.
Another safety tip to keep in mind is to unplug the saw or remove its battery before adjusting the blade depth or bevel angle. This will prevent any accidental start-ups that could lead to injury.
Depth adjustment: A circular saw’s blade is adjustable to different depths, allowing users to score surfaces before cutting, remove materials for a mortise, or cut straight through thicker lumber. The depth adjustment is typically a lever and is found at the rear of the circular saw.
Types of Circular Saws to Know
There are various kinds of circular saws that, as is expected of any other power tool. The purpose behind each of them is the same, but each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sidewinder Circular Saw
Sidewinder circular saws feature electric motors that are placed on the same axis as the blade, and the blade is affixed to the motor’s output shaft. These units take up less room and are lighter than worm drive models, and their blades whirl around much faster. These saws need little upkeep and are simple to use, but they do not possess the same power as a worm drive. When it comes to cordless circular saws, most of them are sidewinders.
Worm Drive Circular Saw
When you need to saw through thick lumber and timber pieces like 4x4s, 6x6s, etc., a worm drive circular saw is your best option. The motors for these saws are located right next to the handle and linked to the blade via a system of gears. This significantly boosts torque. However, it enlarges the size and heaviness of the item. These saws need to be cared for routinely, necessitating regular oiling and cleaning to ensure they continue to run smoothly.
Compact Circular Saw
At times, a saw that is not full-sized can simplify a task and make it easier. In those circumstances, a small, round saw could be the solution. These saws come equipped with blades in dimensions between 4 inches and 5-3/8 inches. Most of them are composed of polymer plastic materials, which makes them lightweight yet still highly durable.
Track Saw
It is possible to make a straight cut with a standard circular saw. However, a track saw can make the task much quicker and makes it less likely to make a mistake. The saws have guides that extend for a long distance and are laid on or affixed to the material being cut, and the saw rides along those tracks. This leads to direct slices that can be laid out quickly and easily.
In spite of not having the ability to cut as deep as a circular saw, a lot of these saws are able to cut bevels with great precision. Surprisingly, it is common for saws not to be equipped with tracks, and thus, these must be purchased as additional items.
Don’t bind the blade.
When a circular saw blade is twisted or stuck while being used, it can cause a powerful backward reaction toward the user. This is usually avoidable.
Take your time and ensure your sawing is even, with the part of the piece you intend to cut away facing away from the blade. Do not cut between two stable points that are stabilizing each other, such as when a saw blade is placed between two sawhorses; the cut may fall into the saw blade.
Adjust blade depth
By having a large portion of the saw blade placed underneath the material you are working with, you increase the risk of inadvertently cutting something that wasn’t meant to be cut. Make sure that the blade of the tool is set so that just a small amount of it is beyond the material.
