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. 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.
In this Circular Saw 101 video, This Old House contributor Mark Clement demonstrates how to adjust the depth of the blade on your circular saw to maximize its potential. Learn how to safely operate the tool, avoid excess friction, and create a cleaner cut by correctly setting the saw and adjusting the blade’s depth.
Adjusting the height of the blade changes the saw’s cutting depth, which is important for safety and efficiency while making cuts. You’ll often hear the advice to set the blade’s cutting depth just a hair beyond the thickness of whatever you’re cutting. Let’s take a look at how to adjust the height of a circular saw in step-by-step detail.
how to set blade depth on circular saw Related Question:
How do you set the depth on a circular saw?
Determine the blade depth by unplugging the saw and holding it alongside your board with the blade guard retracted. Then loosen the depth-adjusting lever or knob and pivot the saw’s base until the blade extends about 1/4 to 1/2 in. below the board. Tighten the lever or knob and you’re ready to saw.
What height or depth should the saw blade be adjusted to?
As mentioned previously, the right depth for most cutting tasks is an 1/8th to a 1/4 inch beyond the bottom of the workpiece. This will ensure you cut completely through the workpiece with maximum efficiency and minimal chances of kickback.
Can you adjust circular saw depth?
A circular saw has a depth adjustment lever or knob that releases or loosens to allow for adjustment of the saw’s bottom plate, often called the “shoe.” First unplug your saw, then disengage this lever so that you can freely adjust the cutting depth by raising or lowering the bottom plate.
What is the minimum cutting depth of a circular saw?
Circular Saws Parts And Features. These have indicators on them, that tell you what depth your cut will be. These can range from 0″ and go as deep as 2.75″ but usually the maximum depth is around 2.5″ or so for most models.
What is the bevel adjustment on a circular saw?
Circular saws commonly include an adjustment that allows you to set the blade angle anywhere from zero to 45 degrees. Using this feature, you can cut a bevel along the length of a board and a miter across the end.
What is the closest you should put your fingers to the blade while it is running?
Do not put your fingers closer than two inches from the blade. 3. Do not place your hands directly in line with the blade while cutting stock. 4.
How high above the workpiece should the saw blade be?
The general rule of thumb is that the blade should be set so it is 1/8” above the workpiece. If you make contact with the blade with your hand at this height, you’re unlikely to lose a finger.
How shallow can a circular saw cut?
Circular saws turn corners about as well as a freight train, and standard models will cut only about 2 1/2 inches deep. There are ways around the shallow cut—for example, you can flip over a 4×4 and cut from two sides—but the curve limitation has no work-arounds.
How much clearance between the blades guide and the work piece?
Do both the upper and lower guides making sure that they set as close to the same place on the blade as possible. Set the front of the blade guide about one-sixteenth of an inch from the deepest part of the blade gullets (the spaces between the teeth on the blade).
Why does my circular saw blade stop spinning?
The most common reason your circular saw blade stops spinning is because your workpiece is pinching the blade. This can also cause the blade to kickback. To prevent this from happening you need to support your workpiece properly to allow it to set securely through the entire cut.
Why does circular saw get stuck?
Most of the time, a circular saw keeps stopping because the blade gets stuck in the wood or material. This is due to the blade not being powerful enough to get through the material. It could also be because the blade is damaged or the motor is malfunctioning.
Why does circular saw kickback at end of 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.
How deep can a 5.5 circular saw cut?
It turns out that it’s a simple question but very essential when you are going to do a project using this kind of saw. To sum up, a standard circular saw can offer a cutting depth of 2.5 inches as the maximum, but you can adjust the depth to match your requirements.
How deep can a 6 1 2 circular saw cut?
Depth. A 6 ½ circular saw can cut materials up to 2.5 inches. It’s perfect for cutting small materials for a small DIY project.
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.
