If you’ve been on the jobsite for a while, you know what features to look for on a circular saw. At the very least you know the circular saw features you already use. This is what our Pros agree are the features to look for on a circular saw.
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 buying guide that follows will help you identify choose the best circular saw for your needs. On worm drive circular saws, the electric motor sits behind the circular saw blade. You can not use a bigger saw blade than your circular saw can load. Also, circular saw blades have various tooth patterns, sizes, and counts that perform better on particular woodcuts.
Using a Circular Saw for All Kinds of Cuts Whether you’re cutting 2x4s to length, breaking down plywood sheets into a manageable size, creating joinery or making angled and beveled cuts, reach for a do-it-all circ saw. Tips for Using a Circular Saw Cut angles easier Cutting angles can be tricky because the blade guard often catches on the material as the saw begins to cut, even with a no-catch blade guard. Upgrade with a DIY Track Guide A simple and inexpensive track guide will let you cut straight, accurate lines with any circular saw.
what to look for in a circular saw Related Question:
What should I look for when buying a circular saw?
The main things you should be looking out for when choosing a circular saw are cutting capacity, cutting depth and bevels. The capacity and depth of your cut with a circular saw is based on the size of the saw’s blade. In the case of our cordless circular saws, the blade is a standard 165mm.
How do I know what size circular saw to buy?
The Size: Circular Saw Blade Diameter Most woodworkers identify a circular saw by the size of the saw blade it uses. Hobbyists should consider one of these sizes: 6.5-inch: While there are smaller saws, this is the minimum you should go for in woodworking. Your cutting depth will be about 2.25-inches.
Is 13 amps good for a circular saw?
OVERVIEW. 13 Amp 7-1/4-in Circular Saw delivers the power needed to complete everyday tasks. The high performance 5,300 RPM motor is ideal for fast cutting, while the beveling shoe pivots up to 45° for accurate angled cuts.
Which 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.
What size circular saw will cut a 4×4?
Cutting a 4×4 with a Circular Saw – Guide If you need to cut a 4×4 post, then the ideal tool is a large 12” miter saw. This saw has the blade diameter needed to chop through a 4×4 in a single pass, so if this is an option for you it’s the way to go.
Are cheap circular saws any good?
Best Budget: Skil 5180-01 Circular Saw The Skil 5180-01 is an excellent budget option since it will give you reliable cutting power and durability at an affordable price. At just 7.2 pounds, it is a couple pounds lighter than the other top picks.
What’s the difference between a skill saw and a circular saw?
All skill saws are circular saws. They all have circular blades that spin rapidly to bite through wood. However, not all skill saws are circular saws. Circular saws can be gas-powered, have sidewinder or hypoid designs, or even be fixed to radial arms, which skill saws commonly aren’t.
How deep can a 6 1 2 inch circular saw cut?
The 18V Brushless Lithium Ion 6-1/2 Inch Deep Cut Circular Saw (C18DBALQ4) is a revolutionary cordless circular saw utilizing a 6-1/2″ blade which allows a 2-19/32″ cutting depth, making it one of the deepest cutting cordless circular saws on the market. This circular saw has a similar cut capacity as a 7-1/4″ saw!
Can I put a metal cutting blade on my circular saw?
Only blades and discs specified for cutting metal should be used. These professional circular saw blades are perfect for cutting through aluminium, copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals; while these diamond cutting discs will make light work of cutting through stainless steel.
Can a 6 1 2 circular saw cut a 4×4?
Like miter saws that measure less than 12 inches, a circular saw’s 6.5-inch or 7.25-inch blade will not cut cleanly through a 4×4. The maximum depth of most circular saws is just 2.5 inches. This means you’ll need to make two cuts. Having to make two cuts makes it easier to set up the cut.
Is 12 amp enough for circular saw?
For corded circular saws, the power rating is generally expressed in amperage. Today, 15-amp saws are the standard; 10- or 12-amp saws are appropriate only for infrequent use.
How many watts do you need to run a circular saw?
According to Diesel Service and Supply, a Colorado-based manufacturer of generators, a typical circular saw requires 2,400 watts to start up, its “starting wattage,” and 1,200 throughout operation, its “running wattage.” A small circular saw 7.5 inches in diameter will run at closer to 900 watts, according to estimates
What size power inverter do I need to run a circular saw?
At a minimum to run a circular saw, you’ll need a 1500 watt inverter. Usually, inverters are able to deliver double peak power for a few seconds. This means with a 1500 watt inverter you get 3000 watt peak power to cope with a surge when starting your saw.
What is the most versatile saw?
The table saw, in my opinion, is the most versatile tool in the shop and should be your first major purchase. Next up is the Miter Saw. The miter saw does one thing but it does it really well. The Miter saw will cross cut wood better and faster than pretty much any other tool.
Is a jigsaw or circular saw better?
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!
