A circular saw is a utilitarian workhorse and a useful addition to the toolkit of DIYers. Its most common function is to make cuts in a straight line on pieces of lumber. Knowing its parts makes using a circular saw easier.
Below we will cover the basics of what a circular saw is, but most importantly help you determine if you need to purchase a circular saw for the types of projects you do. Cost – You can pick up a corded circular saw for under $75. That’s a great price for a saw that is as versatile as the circular. “If you aren’t looking to get a set of tools and only want a cordless circular saw, I’d recommend this one by DeWalt that can be found on Amazon. It comes with everything you need – including a battery and charger. You’ll find cordless saws on Amazon for much cheaper prices but they will say”Tool Only.” This indicates that you are only purchasing the circular saw and not the battery or charger, which can at times be pricey.
A circular saw is one of those essential toolbox items I’m guessing a lot of you already have. They’re more portable than a miter saw or table saw. I’ll give you my product picks below, but here are the things I look for in a good circular saw that will be pleasant to use and last forever.
Bring the saw up to full speed, lift the guard, and slowly push the body of the saw down to start the cut. TIP: Make sure to start back far enough so that you only push the saw forward; never drag a spinning saw back. If a board is too wide for the saw shoe to hang over the edge during a rip cut, hold a narrow scrap of wood between thumb and forefinger, bracing your finger along the edge of the board, and butt the saw shoe against the edge of the wood scrap as you push both along the board.
The circular saw is a solid all-around power tool for making straight cuts in almost anything you can buy at the home center. The circular saw is also a portable tool, meaning you take the tool to the work, rather than resting the wood on the saw to make a cut. If you want to make straight rip cuts, you can make a simple circular saw guide to help keep the saw on track.
why do you need a circular saw Related Question:
Does a homeowner need a circular saw?
Most new homeowners will want a power saw of some kind, and a circular saw is a good starting point— can handle far more cuts than you’d think.
Do I need a circular saw to cut wood?
In most cases, a table saw is a better choice for ripping lumber than a circular saw. But 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.
Can I use a jigsaw instead of a circular saw?
Although a jigsaw can be used for most of the tasks that a circular saw can perform, including straight cuts and cuts on a tilt, the jigsaw uses that really take advantage of the tool’s qualities are jobs such as kitchen fitting and joinery, with their frequent need for complex cuts.
How can I cut wood at home without a saw?
#1: Using an Axe If you’re stuck in a situation where wood must be cut and you lack a saw, then it may be time to turn to one of the oldest wood-cutting methods around – a good old fashioned axe. This simple, yet effective piece of hardware can help you split apart wood by way of force.
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.
Can you 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.
What is the difference between a table saw and a circular saw?
Circular saws are lightweight, hand-held, and can be moved from jobsite-to-jobsite with ease. A table saw is heavier and more complex in its set up. Because of its weight and footprint, this tool is more difficult to move these saws around as easily as you are able to do with a circular saw.
What saw should I buy first?
A jigsaw is great for cutting curves and shapes, and it can also be used with a guide to make straight cuts, which is why this is the first power saw you should own. Unless you plan to rip long sheets of plywood, a jigsaw is preferable over a circular saw.
Is it better to buy a jigsaw or circular saw?
If you’re constantly needing to rip through boards, you know a jigsaw won’t cut it, so a circular saw is the more preferred option for you. If you’re doing intricate shapes and complex number cutting – a circular saw won’t help you there!
What saw Do I need to cut laminate flooring?
A jigsaw is a real all-rounder when it comes to cutting laminate floors. It’s best used to cut out shapes from your board. For example, when you want to place boards around your toilet or maybe a pillar. Always use a fine toothed blade and have the saw blade spinning before you touch the board.
Can a circular saw cut a 4×4?
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.
Why is my circular saw burning the wood?
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. If wood pitch resins build up behind the teeth of the blade, the cutting speed will slow down, increasing the chances for burns. Commercial blade cleaners are sold for this purpose.
Can a circular saw replace a table saw?
When wielded with enough skill and experience, a circular saw can replace a table saw. However, the time needed to accumulate the skills and knowledge makes a table saws’ price seen negligible in comparison.
What kind of wood can you cut with scissors?
Scissors. Scissors are one overlooked woodworking tool. There are industrial scissors that almost look like some kind of weapon. This large tool, sometimes over 12 inches in length, can cut through plywood up to 1/8 inch thick, or even hardwood if it is planed down to 1/8 inch.
How do you cut a wood plank without a saw?
A knife will be able to cut thin and small pieces of wood but make sure that it is very sharp before use. Hold the wood with your non-dominant hand and use the sharp knife to cut the wood at a slanted angle. When you are done, trim the edges of the newly cut wood.
