If you are not experienced, using a circular saw can be quiet risky. But you will find it easy to use this device if you handle it carefully. Basically, you will need to pay attention to two things: keeping the blade guard in place and having a guide so that you do not lose track of the edge of the saw. If you do that correctly, your cut will be straight and you will not end up wasting timber.
When you use a circular saw, you need to make sure that you use it in a safe and effective way. You need to consider some safety basics. Besides making choose the best circular saw for use, you need to prepare yourself. It’s a very bad idea to use a circular saw without wearing eye and ear protection. Before you start working, don’t forget to secure your long hair or loose clothing.
To choose the best circular saw for your work, read more in Best circular saw 2018.
Follow these instructions step by step to use a circular saw properly:
Step 1
Identify the type of circular saw you are using. There are a few types and sizes of circular saws and they are used for different purposes. Examples include trim saws, skilsaws, work-drive saws etc. Many models are available and you must find the best model for you purpose. What are you going to do with a circular saw? Your purpose will determine the type of saw you will need. Do not look for the cheapest brand. Rather choose a brand that will serve your purpose.
Step 2
Pay close attention to the features of the circular saw you are going to use. Circular saws usually have a thumbscrew that you can use to keep the blade perfectly aligned. How you should set the depth of the blade will depend on what you are going to cut. While some circular saws have ripping fence, others do not. The same can be said about dust ejectors. See if your saw has advanced features such as a laser tracking light and a blade guard.
Step 3
Notice what type of saw blade your circular saw contains. The blade quality, the amount of set, and number of teeth vary from brand to brand. While blades with fewer teeth are designed to cut roughly and quickly, blades with more teeth are designed to cut neatly. Abrasive blades are likely to wear away quickly; but they are good for fast cuts and they are inexpensive. If you need to cut hard concrete, brick or block, you are going to need diamond rim blades. If you need to cut dadoes and rabbets, you will need dado blades.
Step 4
Lay the material you are going to cut on a sawhorse or saw table. If you lay it on a rough surface, you will find it difficult to make cuts. Find a saw table before going to start working.
Step 5
Measure the lumber precisely and mark it. Use an appropriate device to measure the lumber you are going to cut. Tools used for precise measurement include a stick rule, measuring tape, or a scaled rule. Then, using a square, you will need to mark the path of the blade travel.
Step 6
Set the saw properly. How deep do you want it to cut? It will depend on the type of cut you are going to make. If you need to cut 30mm thick timber, the blade should be set to 35 or 40 mm. If you do not set the blade precisely, you will need more time later to fix things.
Step 7
Your saw guard should be placed in a way that it can move smoothly. When you lift the saw, make sure that it comes back to the place. When you push the saw, it should slide smoothly. Before keeping the saw on the bench, make sure that the saw is in the down position.
Step 8
Do not start cutting before lining up the blade. Lining it up to the pencil mark will ensure precision of your cut. This is in fact one of the most important part of the procedure. If you fail to line up precisely, you will end up ruining the purpose of the endeavor.
Step 9
Pay close attention to the guide notches. If you need to cut the object set in the normal position, use the right hand one. The other should be used when the base is angled at 45 degrees. The notch should be lined to the pencil line. Failure to do so will need to improper cutting. Be very careful so that you do not end up cutting it in a wrong way.
Step 10
Check the front of the blade carefully and then start cutting. Pay attention to the guide. Do not waver your attention and move along the pencil line. Move the sawdust so that you can see the line clearly.
Step 11
Look at the saw base when you are moving forward. Always keep an eye on the base. The base of the circular saw should be kept flat on the object you are cutting. Move the saw smoothly over the timber or any other object you are cutting.
Step 12
Exert enough force to keep the blade cutting, but avoid pushing too hard. The motor speed will decrease if you push too hard. Too much force may even lead to binding on the blade. If the blade if sharp enough, it will easily pass through the material you are cutting. It will not require much effort on your side.
Step 13
At the time of exiting the cut, the lower blade should return to its position. Make sure that a piece of debris does not enter the mechanism, because it may bind the blade guard. Do not rush. Rushing may lead to complications and you may end up taking much more time to finish the job.
Warning:
Carefully read the instructions provided in the manual. Operation and safety instructions must be followed to avoid unexpected outcomes. Do not forget to wear safety items for protection. When you work, consider holding a clamp material firmly. Make sure that the safety equipment is operating perfectly. The saw should be allowed to operate at maximum speed.
Do not forget to tighten the clamping screw securely. After loosening the clamping screw on the depth guide, keep moving the base up and down. When you are at the desired depth of cut, tighten the clamping screw and secure the base. If you allow only one blade tooth to project below workpiece by setting cut depth accordingly, the cuts will be cleaner and safer. It is important to use proper cut depth because it reduces the risks of kickbacks and personal injury.
You can read more about how to use a pole saw.
