Circular saw is a portable woodworking cutting tool consisting of a handle, a motor, a shoe, and a blade guard. As an entry-level woodworking machine, the circular saw is not as easy to use as its design suggests. On the contrary, it requires the operator to remain continuously focused throughout the cutting process.
You can better control the circular saw only by strictly following the operating procedures. Therefore, in this detailed guide, we will help you to know what a circular saw is, ways to use it and maintain it, as well as some bonus tips to use it safely.
What is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is one of the main cutting tools for novices and professional carpenters, joiners, and builders. It can quickly cut through the wood and make smooth rip cuts (parallel to the wood grain) and cross cuts (perpendicular to the wood grain). In addition, it can handle beveled cuts and miter cuts (angled cuts). Circular saws can also cut metal, plastic, concrete, and other hard materials.
Parts of a Circular Saw
A circular saw consists of many parts, each with its own duties. Before you get to cutting, you need to know some main parts and what their jobs are.
- Motor: Driving the saw blade to rotate at high speed.
- Handles: One on top and one at the front to help you guide the saw.
- Shoe (Baseplate): Fitting and sliding over the surface of the workpiece as a guide reference.
- Blade Guard: Preventing wood from falling onto the rotating blade and covering the blade when the saw is not in use to avoid injury.
- Bevel Adjustment: Allowing you to adjust the bevel of the saw for cutting at different angles.
- Saw Blade: Making cuts on the materials.
How to Use a Circular Saw?
Preparations Before Cutting
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). It is the most essential step in any woodworking job. Safety glasses and face shields can protect you from splashing wood chips. Earmuffs and earplugs can reduce the loud noise made by the saw when cutting.
- Check whether the battery power is sufficient. Make sure that it can meet the needs of your entire work, to avoid the blade suddenly stopping to rotate. Also, notice whether the saw blade teeth are sharp and intact.
- Clamp the workpiece before cutting.Because you need two hands to push and guide the circular saw, clamp the wood firmly to prevent it from moving around.
- Mark out where you want to cut. If you will cut straight without a fence, mark a line on the material and then cut along the line. However, when working with dark wood or laminate, it's better to mark the line on a masking tape instead of directly on the material. This way, you can see your line clearer and minimize splintering.
- Light the cut. Please take a few seconds to check the lighting before pulling the trigger. A clear view of the workpiece and the blade is essential for a smooth cut and the avoidance of injury.
Proper Handling During Cutting
Step 1: Set the height of the blade.
Adjust the saw blade to the correct height, so that the blade teeth are slightly lower than the material to completely cut through it. This will prevent damage to the circular saw and carbonization of the material due to untimely chip removal.
Step 2: Adjust the angle if you need to.
Release the bevel adjustment knob to set the angle to the appropriate one if you need to cut a bevel. Do not forget to lock the knob again.
Step 3: Stand in a proper posture.
Separate both feet at the same width as your shoulders and bend your knees slightly, which can help you effectively eliminate some of the reaction force caused by the blade cutting.
Step 4: Start the cutting.
- Pull the trigger to start the saw and wait 2-3 seconds for the blade to reach its maximum rpm, then start cutting.
- Position the line on the baseplate labeled "0" over your cutting line. The "0" corresponds to the position of the blade when it's set to 90 degrees.
- Hold the handle firmly and slowly push the circular saw through the material at an even speed.
- Pushing too fast may cause the saw blade to jam, while pushing too slowly might increase friction between the blade and the material, resulting in the burning of the material.
Step 5: Focus on the blade.
Keep your eyes on the blade rather than the guide marks to effectively avoid damaging your material.
Step 6: Unplug the circular saw or remove its battery.
After a complete single cut, release the switch, disconnect the power supply, and wait until the blade is stationary before moving the material or the saw.
How to Maintain a Circular Saw?
- After using the circular saw, use a small brush or a compressed air gun to clean the dust and wood chips inside it.
- Regularly resharpen the saw blade. Remember not to change the angle of the teeth if you’ll do it yourself. A professional repair shop is a better choice.
- Use a wrench and a screwdriver to reinforce the parts periodically.
- Lubricate the spindle to reduce resistance during the cutting process.
Bonus Tips: Safety for Using a Circular Saw
Do not wear loose clothing or fabric gloves when using a circular saw to avoid being caught by the rapidly rotating blade. You need to follow this rule when using any high-speed machine.
The saw teeth must pass completely through the material. Try not to extend the blade more than 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) below the bottom of the material, 2-3 mm is optimal.
A single cut must be made in one go. Please don’t stop the blade in the cutting process and restart it at the same position, otherwise, the blade may be subjected to a large impact due to uneven resistance. If you do pause in the middle of a cut, be sure to restart the blade when it is free to rotate.
FAQ About How to Use a Circular Saw
1. How do you properly use a circular saw?
Make a cutting line and clamp your material on the edge of a flat surface. Next, wear your protective equipment. Then, set the depth of the bottom blade teeth to completely pass through the material. Wait for the blade to reach its maximum rpm and align the “0” mark on the baseplate with your cut mark. Slowly push the saw through the material to finish one cutting action.
2. What is a circular saw best for?
A circular saw is best for making precise straight cuts including rip cuts (parallel to the wood grain) and cross cuts (perpendicular to the wood grain).
Also read: Table Saw vs Circular Saw vs Miter Saw: Select the Right One
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