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.
Buy a good circular saw now and you can expect to still be using it in 10 or 20 years. Many tool manufacturers now offer sets of power tools that use the same batteries, and if you already own several tools by one manufacturer, adding a cordless circular saw that uses the same batteries is an affordable option. A well-shaped handle and good balance can go a long way toward making a saw more comfortable and efficient to use, so don’t overlook these features when choosing a circular saw.
why do i need a circular saw Related Question:
Is circular saw necessary?
A circular saw is a portable version of a miter and table saw. Table saws and miter saws are very important tools if you need precise cuts, but as you’ll see, a circular saw is likely good enough for most jobs.
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.
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 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.
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.
What can I cut with 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.
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.
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.
How do you use a circular saw without a table?
Fit your circular saw with an edge guide. Set the depth of the blade accurately enough for it to go through the wood and not cut under the surface. Place the guide on base of the circular saw lines and markings you made earlier on the wood. Ensure that the saw is free to move, and the power cord is not entangled.
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.
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 is the difference between saw and jigsaw?
As nouns the difference between jigsaw and saw is that jigsaw is a saw with fine teeth and a narrow blade which can cut curves in wood or metal while saw is a tool with a toothed blade used for cutting hard substances, in particular wood or metal or saw can be (obsolete) something spoken; speech, discourse.
