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.
Initially, mills used small to medium scale circular saws to cut through the large timber blocks. Even a few days earlier, rural Americans used a particular type of circular saw, namely cordwood saws to cut logs and slabs. Another particular type of circular saws, commonly known as cold saws, are used to cut down metals such as bronze, brass, and steel into a smaller and convenient size.
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.
With the right blade, a circular saw can be used to cut framing lumber, sheet goods, roofing, metal, masonry, and more. Since a circular- saw blade spins upward, the side that the blade enters will have a smoother cut edge than the side it exits. Types of Cuts Crosscuts: Nearly perfect crosscuts can be achieved by using a square to guide the foot of the saw.
why use a circular saw Related Question:
What is a circular saw good for?
A circular saw is an essential DIY tool that uses a moving blade to make straight, accurate cuts. While circular saws are traditionally used to cut 2x4s, plywood, and other lumber, they can be outfitted with different blades to cut masonry, metal, and other materials.
When would I use a circular saw?
With the right blade, a circular saw can be used to cut framing lumber, sheet goods, roofing, metal, masonry, and more. A powerful saw can be a major time-saver during demolition as well. Once you get used to using your circular saw, you can even use it to cut curves, like I did on my backyard deck.
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.
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.
Can you cut curves with a circular saw?
Circular saw technique The first tool that comes to mind for cutting curves is a jigsaw, but if the curve is gradual, try a circular saw instead. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to cut a smooth curve with a circular saw. This method is for cutting rough curves. Don’t try to make furniture with this technique.
How much does a circular saw cost?
A circular saw can cost between $50-$200. Depending on your budget for the tool, you may want to go either cheaper or pricier. There are factors that can affect the price, such as brand or size. You will want to consider them when buying your own circular saw.
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.
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.
What is the minimum cut with a circular saw?
The circular saw can cut any depth from 0 to about 2 3/8″. This is awesome. But, to get the best quality cut and reduce the possibility of kickback, you’ll want to set the proper cut depth for your material. The blade should only project about 1/4 -1/2″ below the bottom of the material.
Do you need a table with a circular saw?
You don’t need a table to use a circular saw. You can set it up on your garage or driveway floor or even your balcony and use it. In fact, I still use my circular saw on the floor when I am cutting plywood. Let’s dive into exactly how to use a circular saw without a table.
Which saw to get 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 can I use instead of a circular saw?
Jigsaw. A jigsaw is a great alternative to a circular saw as it can perform many of the same cuts. However, they can wonder and not give a perfectly straight cut unless they are supported by a guide along an edge. A sander or hand planer can also be used to finish off a jigsaw cut.
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!
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.
