The handyman’s go-to tool when cutting thick wood for DIY projects is the circular saw. A circular saw is basically a power tool with a circular abrasive or toothed blade that can cut through a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, concrete, and masonry, and it is usually powered by electricity. The circular saw usually has a 7-1/4 blade that can cut a 2 1/2 inches thick lumber.
Find the Proper Saw PositionThere’s no hard-and-fast rule regarding which direction to make the cut, but whenever possible position the saw with its motor facing toward the larger section of board that isn’t falling away when cut. Make Easy, Accurate CrosscutsMaking perfectly square crosscuts with a circular saw is easy, if you guide the saw with a layout square. Clamp the pieces, then adjust the saw blade to its maximum depth of cut, and saw through all the sheets at the same time.9.
TIPS ON USING A CIRCULAR SAW TO CUT WOOD. I am going to be honest with you, the first couple of times using our circular saw I did NOT like the saw. SUPPORT THE WOOD FOR A NICER CUT – If you want a nicer cut or you are cutting a sheet of plywood, support the wood the entire length then make a crosscut against the wood. I am still learning how to be as comfortable as a construction worker with a circular saw but that will come with time, practice makes perfect! But if you’re struggling or want to use a circular saw make sure you first set the blade depth.
Learn how to cut a thick piece of wood like a 6×6 or a 4×4 using a circular saw. “Most scroll saws can easily cut thick wood between 1 and 2 inches. However, you can get the one that can cut on thicker woods, but this range is suitable because you can adjust the angles for further deep cuts. This measurement is perfect for home use but if you’re a professional, consider a scroll saw with the ability to cut deeper as per your work requirements and the type of material you cut. Otherwise, if you want to cut metal, a scroll saw can cut only ⅛” deeper. Freud D0760A Diablo Circular Saw Blade is one of the best circular saws blades for cutting thick wood.
how to cut lumber with a circular saw Related Question:
How do you cut a piece of wood with a circular saw?
Slide the saw’s shoe against the circular saw rip guide to rip the plywood. 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.
Can I cut 2X4 with a circular saw?
Yes, a 7-1/4 inch circular saw has plenty of blade depth to cut a 2X4. This blade size can even make quick and easy 45 degree angle bevel cuts through a 2X4.
How do you cut lumber lengthwise?
If you need to rip wood (or cut wood lengthwise with its grain), choose a rip saw with large, angled teeth and an average of 5 TPI. Cutting across the grain of the wood takes a crosscut handsaw, which has between 10 and 12 TPI and shorter teeth than a rip saw.
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.
Which cut is when you cut a straight 90 degree across the grain?
A crosscut is a straight, 90-degree cut that cuts across the grain of the wood. Usually, that means turning long boards into shorter ones. On a table saw, you will usually use a miter gauge to make crosscuts. It’s the most basic cut you can make.
Is it okay to cut wet wood with a circular saw?
If you’re cutting wet wood set the depth so that the entire gap between the teeth is clear of the board you’re cutting. This will stop your saw and cut line from getting clogged with wet saw dust.
How do you cut a long board in half with a circular saw?
But cutting a long board in half is different. You can hold one end, but the other must be free to drop or the blade will bind. The trick is to allow the cutoff end to drop slightly, but not so much that it completely snaps off before the cut is complete.
Will a 4.5 inch circular saw cut a 2×4?
The new WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw is capable of cutting a 2×4 in a single pass. The compact circular saw features a 4-1/2 in. blade that is up to 50 percent lighter than a full-size 7-1/4 in.
Can a 5.5 inch circular saw cut a 2×4?
The Ryobi cicular saw is a 5.5″ saw, and it can cut a 2×4, just barely.
What is the space between two protruding teeth on a saw blade called?
Gullet (handsaw) The space between a saw’s teeth, where the saw dust is carried out. It is an equilateral triangle, just like the file that shapes the teeth.
Which way should the teeth face on a circular saw?
The teeth should be cutting UPWARDS, in a clock-wise direction. You’ll also notice that when your blade is installed correctly, the teeth will be pointing upward. Remember: circular saws (as most saws) cut on the upward stroke.
Why do circular saws cut upwards?
The teeth of circular saw blades are intended to cut upwards into the material from below and this is for safety purposes. It is important that you should not spin them in a different direction just like you spin a table saw blade.
When cutting wood which side goes up?
Your plywood should be oriented so that the blade exits the wood on the good face. So for a circular saw and miter saw, make your cuts with the good face down; on the table saw, with the good face up.
Can a 12 Mitre saw cut 6X6?
The 12-inch miter saw will be able to cut through a 6X6 piece of lumber however not on a single go.
How thick can a circular saw cut?
Circular Saw Sizes Standard-size saws use 7 1/4-inch blades and can cut a maximum depth of about 2 1/2 inches. Compact saws can use anywhere from 3 3/8-inch blades up to 6 1/2-inch blades.
