Set the blade depth before cutting 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.
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.
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.
setting cutting depth on circular saw Related Question:
Can you set the depth on a circular saw?
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.
Why won’t my circular saw cut all the way through?
Here are some reasons your circular saw keeps stopping: Make sure your work piece is properly supported so it doesn’t pinch the blade which could also cause kickback in addition to stopping. Damaged, warped, loose or dull blade. Motor malfunctioning or overheating. Cable problems like frayed cord or weak connection.
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.
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 do you keep a circular saw guard up?
This can be accomplished by rotating the guard into the saw, and holding onto the black handle with the thumb of the right hand (the trigger hand is the left). Pull the guard back before pulling the trigger.
How deep can you cut with a 7.25 circular saw?
Circular saw sizing is based on the blade diameter. Standard-size saws use 7 1/4-inch blades and can cut a maximum depth of about 2 1/2 inches.
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 6.5 inch circular saw cut?
The 6.5 will cut up to 2 1/16”, while the 7 ¼” cuts up to 2 ⅜”. Minor sure, but it’s when you tilt them into 45 degree angles, that the 7 ¼” can do something the 6.5 can’t. Cut through a 2×4.
Why is my circular saw stopping mid cut?
The circular saw stops in the middle of work when the blades of the saw are dull or damaged and are not functioning correctly. Moreover, it can also stop working when the motor of saw is not working properly. However, there could be some other reasons like cable issues, voltage issues etc.
Why does circular saw stop halfway through cut?
Too much blade will become exposed to wood, and the blade can get stuck. Proper use can also be a culprit causing your circular saw to stop mid-cut. Make sure you are moving the saw in a straight line or using a jig to keep the cut straight.
What does a brake do on a circular saw?
Electric Brakes – An electric brake stops the motor in about two seconds after releasing the trigger, while a saw without an electric brake will take about 10 to 15 seconds to stop. The electric brake works by reversing the flow of electricity to the saw motor.
How can you tell if circular saw kickback might happen?
Kickback happens when the saw blade binds or stalls suddenly in the wood and the saw gets driven back toward you. So the key to preventing this is to make sure your blade doesn’t bind in the wood.
Can a circular saw blade break?
Making sure your saw blade is working properly is the best way to reduce downtime and increase production. There are many common causes that can cause blade failure from blade selection to cutting speeds, feed rates and improper break-in, to maintenance problems and more.
What makes a saw kick back?
Kickback occurs when the teeth of the saw blade, moving at tip speeds of 120 miles-per-hour impart sufficient force to cause the workpiece to move in a violent and unexpected manner. Skil saw kickback tends to throw the saw back at the operator, its blade often running over fingers as it moves backwards.
