The reason is that as the cut nears completion, the board bows downward, which pinches the blade in the cut and causes the saw and/or board to buck. If you don’t have a table saw handy, and the rip cut doesn’t have to be precise, then a circular saw works fine. If you try to start an angled cut without retracting the blade guard, the guard can catch on the wood and cause the saw blade to bind or the cut to wander off course. Once the saw blade is aligned and cutting along the line, it doesn’t take much effort to keep the blade on track. Then align the saw with your mark and let gravity help pull the saw through the cut. Making long narrow rip cuts with a circular saw is easy if you use your index finger as a guide. Then pinch the saw base between your thumb and index finger and let your finger ride along the edge of the board to guide the cut.
The circular saw is an indispensable tool, and these pro tips and tricks will help you get it done safer, faster, and smoother. In most cases, a table saw is a better choice for ripping lumber than a circular saw. If you don’t have a table saw handy, and the rip cut doesn’t have to be precise, then a circular saw works fine.
Whether you just got your first circular saw or you’re looking for some ideas of how to make better cuts, our Pros are here to help you learn how to cut with a circular saw. Learning how to make a straight cut with your circular saw is as simple as setting the square’s lipped edge against the side with one hand and cutting with the other. When we did our cordless circular saw shootout, how fast each saw cut was a big part of our data.
Replace the 24-tooth blade that came with the saw with a 50- to 60-tooth blade for cleaner crosscuts in solid wood, veneered plywood, and other sheet goods. Because a circular-saw blade cuts on an upward rotation, the bottom face, in which the teeth enter the cut, will almost always have a clean, tear-out-free surface. “A custom edge guide for your saw not only beats tear-out, but also makes it easy to align cuts. Start by building a jig based on the drawing below; adjust the width as needed for your saw. We made ours long enough for crosscuts in 4′-wide sheet goods. Make the base’s cutting side about 1⁄2” wider than the distance between your saw’s blade and the footplate edge below the motor.
If you have a circular saw or are planning to get one, then the wise thing for you to do, as with any other power tool is to learn the safety tips and precautions you need to take when using the saw. Good safety tips and precautions must be understood and followed diligently before using a power tool like the circular saw. The following are some of the safety tips you must adhere to while using a circular saw.
circular saw tips Related Question:
How do I make an accurate cut with a circular saw?
Using a Straightedge for Accurate Circular Saw Cuts Measure the exact distance from the edge of the circular saw’s shoe to the same side of the blade. Once you have that measurement, add it to your original marks and make a new line. Set the straightedge on the new marks, clamp it down, and make your cut.
Why does my circular saw burn the wood?
A dull blade will make it hard to cut quickly, and the slower the feed rate of the saw, the more friction against the wood and the greater the likelihood of scorch marks. Pushing the stock through the saw too slowly is a common cause of saw blade burn. Sometimes a blade that feels dull might only be dirty.
Can I cut a 4×4 with a circular saw?
Circular Saw. A circular saw is one of the best means of cutting a 4×4 post. Most people own a circular saw, its portability makes it easy to cut 4x4s from the ground, and they can make precision cuts by using a relatively simple trick.
Which side of the line do you cut with a circular saw?
When appearance matters, make cuts with the good side facing down, as circular saws can splinter the wood on the top side. Making your cut line on masking tape can reduce splintering. Start over if you see that you’ve veered off from the cut line instead of trying to curve your way back on track.
How do you cut straight with a circular saw without a guide?
To ensure a straight cut, press the saw firmly against the straightedge as you push it along. Clamp a perfectly straight board or metal straightedge to a sheet of plywood to make cabinet-quality straight cuts.
Why is my circular saw cutting crooked?
What Causes a Circular Saw to Not Cut Straight. A faulty circular saw is likely to have issues such as an unstable blade or a warped blade edge. The problem could also be the way you operate the saw. If you do not operate the circular saw properly, it will not cut straight.
Why does my circular saw kickback at the end of a cut?
Overheating a saw blade can cause it to warp and result in a kickback. Buildup of sap on the blades, insufficient set, dullness and unguided cuts, can all cause an overheated blade and kickback. Never set a blade deeper than is required to cut the work piece 1/8 in. to 1/4 in.
Can a circular saw cut curves?
Circular saw technique The first tool that comes to mind for cutting curves is a jigsaw, but if the curve is gradual, try a circular saw instead. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to cut a smooth curve with a circular saw. This method is for cutting rough curves. Don’t try to make furniture with this technique.
How do you keep wood from Slivering when cutting?
Tape the wood. Run a piece of making tape over the wood before drawing the cut-line and then cut through the masking tape. Taping holds the surfaces of the wood together, helping to prevent splintering.
Is it better to have more teeth on a saw blade?
In general, blades with more teeth yield a smoother cut, and blades with fewer teeth remove material faster. A 10″ blade designed for ripping lumber, for example, usually has as few as 24 teeth and is designed to quickly remove material along the length of the grain.
How do you know when your saw blade is dull?
Look for worn-down, chipped, broken and missing teeth or chipped carbide tips that indicate it’s time to replace a circular saw blade. Check the wear line of carbide edges using a bright light and magnifying glass to determine if it’s beginning to dull.
How many teeth should my saw blade have?
TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you’re looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you’ll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable. The number of teeth can be found on the blade.
Should you wear gloves when using a circular saw?
Should You Wear Gloves When Using a Circular Saw? You should never wear gloves when you use a circular saw, as the fabric of the glove can get caught in the blades of the saw and pull your hand into the saw blade. Any kind of loose fabric can get caught in the moving parts of a circular saw and cause serious injury.
Is it safe to use a circular saw with one hand?
One hand on the saw is not a safe work practice, especially not for someone who self-describes as a novice. Hang on solidly for a few years and then see if you want to adopt a few bad habits.
At what height should the saw blade be set for ripping?
Some say the blade should be no more than an 1/8 inch above the cutting surface while others say the blade should rise to the bottom of the gullet (the space between the teeth). Some say one height prevents more kickbacks and minimizes tearout.
