For the sake of precision, always follow the old handyman’s adage: “measure twice, cut once. ” Circular saws are most often used to make short, straight cuts. For complex angled or curved cuts, you’ll get the best results using a miter saw or jigsaw.
Never rest your material directly on top of an ordinary table, bench, or floor. Doing so could cause severe damage to both your work surface and the blade of your circular saw. You can find sawhorses in various sizes for as little as $30-50 at your local hardware store or home improvement center.
Only set your blade 1⁄8 in (0. 32 cm)-1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) below the bottom of your material. Setting it too deep will not only force it to work harder, but also leave more teeth exposed, which can be dangerous. [4] X Research source If you’re sawing a piece of lumber that’s 1 in (2. 5 cm) thick, for example, you’d set your blade to a depth of 1. 125–1. 25 in (2. 86–3. 18 cm). Setting the saw blade to the correct depth will ensure cleaner cuts and reduce friction, which can wear down the teeth and leave imperfections in the surface of your material.
Make sure the locking knob is secure before you activate the saw. Otherwise, the scale may move when the blade makes contact with your material. Changing the angle of the blade will allow you to make beveled cuts along squared edges or get just the right contouring on oddly-shaped pieces. [6] X Research source
In addition to construction lumber and other types of wood, you can also use a circular saw to modify sheet metal, composite materials, and even rolled steel bar stock. Circular saw blades come in several different sizes. 6. 5 in (17 cm) blades are commonly used to cut nominal lumber for construction. 7. 25 in (18. 4 cm) blades are the standard for lumber up to 2. 25 inches (5. 7 cm) thick. 8–10 in (20–25 cm) saws are often reserved for heavy-duty industrial work.
If you have sensitive airways, strap on a dust mask or respirator to avoid inhaling sawdust. [9] X Research source Along with your safety equipment, it’s a good idea to wear snug-fitting clothing and tie back long hair to prevent them from getting caught in the moving saw blade.
The line labelled “45” on the righthand side of the notch is for making beveled cuts at a precise 45-degree angle. There is a slide-like attachment you can use to help you keep your saw straight so you cut in long, straight lines. [11] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
If you’re right-handed, it will probably be most comfortable for you to grip the rear handle with your right hand and place your left hand on the front handle to provide additional stability as you work. If you’re left-handed, simply reverse this orientation. [13] X Research source Hold off on pulling the trigger until you double-check your measurements, make sure the baseplate is properly aligned, and are prepared to begin cutting.
On most models, the blade guard will retract automatically as you move the saw forward and lower again when you lift it off of your work surface. You can also pull it back manually to keep it out of the way when making angled or irregular cuts. [15] X Research source Attempting to move the saw too quickly can increase the likelihood of mistakes or cause the blade to become jammed with debris.
Never put your finger on the trigger unless you’re preparing to make a cut. If you’re not careful, you could activate the saw accidentally.
Store your circular saw on a flat, stable surface on its side with the blade is facing away from any nearby objects. If you have small children at home, make sure your saw is locked up, out of reach, or otherwise inaccessible.
