Does the idea of working around the wood and building things raise chills down your spine excitingly? Because, if that is the case, we have the best tool to partner within the mind. A circular saw. It is an electronic handheld device specifically devised for woodworking. We will give you the simplest and clearest sentiments on how to handle a circular saw. We believe in not only leading one to gain tools to work with, but also carrying with you the skill sets to connect with your tools. Tips on the appropriate use of a circular saw are outlined.
Start with accurate marks.
An accurate cut begins with a perfect mark.
- Elongate your tape measure.
- Use your pencil and with the right measurements then mark out points that form a V.
- The tip of the formed V suggests a position of exact measurement.
- Use a ruler and mark your cutting line over the V.
Sharper chalk lines
- A chalk line is used to make straight and visible cutting lines.
- Lay the line on the wood using the chalk.
- Clear rough edges and surfaces of the chalk line for the line to look smoother and easier to follow.
Light the cut
We expect a couple of mistakes to arise when cutting, one of them is missing the line because of inadequate light. With the line being clear and smooth, all we need is to improve your acuity by improving lighting in your work area. Then you will observe the line effortlessly.
Watch the blade, not the guides
I suppose every saw has notches found at the front of the shoe- points out where the blade is cutting. To make them easy to track, the in-built blowers will clear off the sawdust along the way. Without the blower, you can also puff with your mouth. While watching the blade and line as you cut, better ends are attainable.
Clamp before cutting angles
This will not engage your hands since one hand pushes the circular saw and the other will retract the guard. Higher chances are that you will involve your knee. Use it to clamp your workpiece down so it stays in place. We need to clamp due to the tendency of blade guards to hang up when they get into contact with the board at wrong angles.
Tape before you mark
Use masking tape to mark your cutting line instead of marking it barely on the wood piece.
Sometimes, when cutting hard plywood, using masking tape minimizes splintering.
Have safety, have accuracy. How you can do that? By use of safety glasses, earmuffs, and dust masks.
- Safety glasses prevent fragments of wood from invading your eyes resulting in blurred eyesight.
- Earmuffs act as a shield against the irritating noise of cutting through the wood.
- Dust masks keep the air clear for breathing.
- Nobody wants eyes squinting, and ears disturbed.
Shoulder the cord
In most saws, the electronic plugs are designed to entangle with the edge of the wood. This will most likely throw off your cut. To avoid the wood edge from being entangled with the plug, drape the cord over your shoulder.
Quick, Identical cuts
At times, you may need similar plunks of wood. In this case, you will need to fix a simple jig.
- To create one, use a screw to fence a long scrap of wood, then run your saw along the fence.
- Transfer the measurements of the cut and screw them on a cleat.
- The cleat will always guide the measurements.
- The fence will always guide your saw for square cuts.
Store a clean cut
When using a circular saw, the wood facing upwards is splintered and the one facing downwards is cut clean. When cutting wood, always position the good side downwards so it will not be splintered. Splintering can also be reduced by pushing than was slower than usual.
Plywood cutting pad
- Lay a sheet of plywood on a sheet of extruded foam.
- Use your knees to crawl for support while cutting.
Divide the foam into two or three parts and join with duct tape. The tape forms a line of weaknesses which in turn allows the foam to fold and put away when it is out of use.
Work off the stack
There is no need to trouble yourself by lifting the sheet of plywood and placing it on the stack anytime you need to cut. Instead, get down on your knees to gain support for cutting. Make your marks and complete your cut. While making crosscuts, a drywall square is the best.
Cutting through the stone and masonry.
To cut through the stone, all you need is a diamond blade that is fitted into the circular saw having the same operations with wood cutting.
A volunteer needs to help by holding a slow-running hosepipe at the cut and cutting through it. This makes the blade cool and fastens the process.
Safety is assured if you are plugged into a GFCI protected outlet.
Mini Circular Saws
Besides the common circular saw, there is an existent mini circular one which is a smaller version of the actual one. It has merits over the usual circular saws giving reasons why to supplement the other saw with this one:
- Most have blades on the left side of the motor.
- Sometimes fits in places where a larger saw will not.
Non- binding compound cuts.
To cut sharp angles, precisely those that are compound will call for a particular step. You need to pull the shield back from the blade when you do the cut. If you miss this step, the guard will become tie up as you introduce the cut.
Cutting Thin Metal
Use a metal-cutting blade in your circular saw. Just like we did with the sheet of plywood, face the good side of your workpiece downwards to avoid splintering. Without breaking a sweat, you will have completed a nice and clean cut of metal.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
I take that anyone who has a woodworking project, any shop owner, any lover of DIY should go ahead and own a circular saw. It has the most likable features that compel anyone in need of it to purchase it. It is portable, it has a lighter weight, it is fast and accurate. It has the option of being multipurpose since fitting compatible blades, you can work with other materials besides wood. It also comes with the preference for holding and manipulating it on whatever side you are comfortable with. It has a right or left tilt available in the market with its price fairly affordable.