How to use a hand-held circular saw for wood

Circular saw for wood: features of choice

A circular saw, popularly known as a circular saw, is a multifunctional device that is actively used for sawing, mainly wood or some kind of building materials. It is also often used in summer cottages, performing a large amount of assigned tasks. The name of the tool indicates that the workflow is carried out with a circular disc. In principle, the designation “circular” also implies operation with a circular mechanism.

If you need to buy a circular saw for wood, how to choose it and what important points should you pay attention to? Fortunately, the assortment and price range allow you to select the tool that will satisfy the client’s needs in terms of performance and cost requirements.

Circular saw for wood is intended for longitudinal and cross-cutting of wood and its derivatives. Indeed, in itself, this process is quite laborious. It is the use of a circular saw that can reduce time costs, as well as ensure high quality sawing.

The tool can be used for cutting plastic, organic glass, multilayer joints. Also circular saws are used for cutting metal.

Idling

High saw speed and high-quality blade ensure a clean cut. It also matters what kind of material you will need to work with. There are some small nuances worth paying attention to. Rotational speed and the ability to adjust the operating modes of the saw. This parameter is important when cutting plastic products, since they have a tendency to melt at the edges from exposure to high temperatures.

Considering the main characteristics of the tool, you yourself decide which circular saw to choose for summer cottages or home use. Below are additional options that can assist you in choosing such a tool:

• Accidental start blocking button. It provides control of the cutting element, which guarantees safety during the working process.
• Soft start function. Protects the tool at the time of starting from power surges.
• Electrodynamic brake. Momentarily stops the rotation of the disc at the moment the trigger is released. Prevents damage to the workpiece, and is also a preventive measure against injury. This is due to the fact that when the disk is jammed, it can continue to rotate.
• Ability to work at an angle. Acceptable angle parameters are 30. 55 degrees. This is ensured by adjusting the position of the platform in relation to the saw blade.
• Sawdust removal mode. A blow-off system can be used at the cutting site. Some models allow pump connection and use of a wood waste container.
• Base plate characteristics. Cast parts are installed on professional tools. The stamped metal is resistant to impact deformation. The thickness ensures the reliability of the tool. Base plates are required for attaching accessories and accessories. Also, the presence of a base plate is important for the ability to set the tool in a stationary position. This requirement applies to powerful units that can be used without a special table.
• Inspect the location of the carbon brush replacement unit. If access to them is open, then the repair of the tool can be done by hand, if necessary. Some circular saws have a brush wear indicator.
• The presence of a battery. Some models are equipped with a battery, which allows you to use the instrument in places where the use of electricity is impossible or has certain difficulties. You can also use cordless circular saws when traveling or where you don’t have access to a constant power source.
• The electronic device that the saw can be equipped with greatly facilitates the workflow. Here you can also note the laser pointer, which shows the cutting location, allowing you to get a smooth cut of good quality. Therefore, in essence, the electronics take over your “responsibilities” associated with adjusting the speed, operating speed and ensuring the permissible tool load.

Which circular saw is better, electric, cordless or electronically controlled. it’s up to you. After all, this choice depends on the amount of work, the frequency of using the tool and its purpose. It should be noted here that electronics are found only in professional grade instruments and in some medium power models.

Safety rules when working with the tool

Considering that a circular saw is a rather dangerous mechanism, it is necessary to ensure safety when working with it. Therefore, first of all, you need to adhere to the following rules:

• Wear protective eye and hand protection.
• To prevent the disc from seizing, use a guide bar.
• Remove the disc only with the tool turned off. It is advisable to disconnect the saw from the electricity.
• Comfortable rubberized handles. Their form does not matter. When choosing a saw, hold the tool in your hands, feel it. Note for yourself how comfortable it is for you to hold it. Make simple movements with the saw in hand to see if it will be comfortable for you to work with this tool. These steps will help you choose the right working tool.
• Pay attention to the location of the electrical wire. It is important that it is located at the back of the saw. Indeed, often, during the operation of the tool, the cord gets under the cutting element.

Engine power

Distinguish between tools with different power indicators, depending on the purpose of the saw for domestic or industrial use.

• Units with power up to 800 W for household use. They are used to perform a small amount of work around the house or in the country.
• Instruments with an average power up to 1200 W. They are in demand for construction works of small volume. Can be used in the construction of private estates.
• Professional models with motor power exceeding 1200 W. They are actively used for logging in large quantities.

The choice of a circular saw depends on the parameters of the engine. The relationship is obvious. the power of the tool affects the speed of the working process, the depth of cut, the quality of the disc. Also, the choice of material with which you can work depends on the power of the product. A tool equipped with a low-power motor will not cope even with sawing off thick twigs or branches.

When choosing a circular saw, consider a small margin of power, which will extend the life of the tool. This somewhat increases the weight indicators, but also increases the efficiency of the work process.

Replacing the saw blade

With active use, the tool may fail. In this case, the saw blade needs to be replaced. This need arises in situations where you need to replace the disc to work with other material. The replacement procedure largely depends on the mechanism with which the saw is equipped. Some models require special keys. Others have a device for securing the shaft in a certain position, which makes it much easier to change the disc.

Saw blade features

Which saw blade for wood to choose and what to be guided by? Saw blades are classified according to the material for which they are designed to work. The main difference between them is that the number of teeth, the frequency of their location and shape are different. The gaps between the teeth smooth out vibrating movements, noise during operation, as well as expansion that is observed when the metal surface is heated. All the necessary information about cutting features is usually indicated on the surface of the blade itself.

If you plan to work with materials of different classes, then it is advisable to purchase cutting elements separately for each surface to be treated.

Before choosing a saw blade, pay attention to the number of revolutions. This parameter should correspond to the revolutions that the circular saw performs. If you plan to work with boards that may have nails on their surface, then it is better to purchase a disc with the FWF designation. This will protect the teeth from damage.

A little tip: cutting thick boards, branches can be done with household tools. The sawing process is carried out on both sides.

How to Use a Circular Saw to Cut Wood. Power Tools Tutorials. Thrift Diving

It is also important to pay attention to the diameter of the disc. It is indicated in millimeters, indicates the cutting depth:

• Households are used to work with material with a thickness of 40. 50 mm;
• Medium can do any work, cutting depth 50. 65 mm;
• Professional work requires more productivity, the cutting depth is 140 mm;
• The size of the disc and the diameter of the seat matter. Small discs are used in household tools and are designed for one-time work.

When choosing a saw, you should pay attention to the diameter of the discs that can be used with a particular model of tool.

Circular instrument classification

Circular saws are divided into stationary and hand-held.

A stationary circular saw is a machine that can be installed in a garage or workshop. They are actively used in the event that you need to perform a large amount of work: planing boards, making lining, sawing and processing wood.

The hand-held circular saw is a mobile device that can be moved, taken with you on a trip, used directly at the destination.

Which circular saw to choose depends also on the purpose for which you need it.

Classification of types and sizes

Circular saws are divided into two classes. household and professional. The equipment differs in power, size and saw blade diameter:

• Household models are small equipment weighing 4 to 5 kilograms, which is usually used for sawing wood at home. Equipment power. no more than 1800 watts. The size of the disc in such saws is 160. 200 millimeters.
• Professional circular saws are designed for processing large amounts of wood. They are capable of sawing beams up to 85 millimeters thick. The weight of such equipment exceeds 8 kilograms, and the disc diameter is 250 millimeters. Professional saws have a higher power. over 1800 watts.

Household circular saw model

Several types of circular saws are produced:

• Standard. The model is designed for cutting wooden blocks with a density of up to 85 millimeters.
• Mini saw. A small circular device weighing up to 2 kilograms and a power of up to 800 watts. Used for cutting thin wood.
• Submersible. Equipment is used to cut holes inside the tree. The design of such a saw consists of a mechanism that contributes to the vertical immersion of the blade.
• Diamond. This type of equipment is designed for cutting hard materials. stone, ceramics or tiles. The working mechanism of the device consists of a diamond disc, which will allow cutting to a depth of 55 millimeters.
• Rechargeable. Such a circular tool has low power and rather compact dimensions. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and is often used in the construction of wooden houses.

Circular saws are divided into four types, depending on the immersion depth of the blade:

• professional. from 65 to 140 millimeters;
• large. from 70 millimeters;
• medium. 55 millimeters;
• small. from 40 to 46 millimeters.

The number of teeth on the disc is of no small importance for the quality of the cut. The fewer there are, the lower the performance of the circular equipment. For large-scale wood processing, special carbide-tipped cutting attachments are used.

Stationary models

The use of circular machines has its own operational features. To cut wood you need:

• Set the switch on the equipment to the off position. Only then can the cable be connected to the electrical network.
• Raising the handle, adjust and fix the cutting height of the disc according to the size of the material prepared for cutting.
• Check the position of the guide bar and saw blade. Their arrangement must be parallel to each other.
• Start the circular saw and make a longitudinal cut of the wood material. Sawing one board should be done in a single approach.

Using a stationary circular saw

After processing all the material, turn off the switch on the equipment, which stops the rotation of the blade, and disconnect the tool from the mains.

Hand circular saw

These electric saws are designed for precise, straight cutting of thin wood materials. The handheld circular device is small in size and is most often used for home use.

Small-sized equipment for sawing wood is necessary for the interior design of houses. Often, hand-held circular saws are used during renovations to cut laminate or wall decoration material.

Device and principle of operation

The design of the circular saw is pretty simple. The device can be manual, or stationary type, combined models are also found.

Regardless of the type, the equipment consists of a saw and a base plate. The last element is made from durable steel sheets or aluminum alloys. The main purpose of the circular saw is an accurate and high-quality rip sawing of wood.

A circular saw

Cutting boards and bars is carried out by rotating discs, which have special covers that protect against injury during the working process. The cutting part is triggered by a trigger. Circular equipment allows you to process large volumes of wood.

Nuances of additional functions

Modern models of circular saws are safe equipment with high technical parameters. Many devices are equipped with additional features that make your workflow much easier:

• Slip clutch. Such a device avoids injury when the disc is jammed. The clutch can significantly reduce the shock when the rotating mechanism stops.
• Smooth start. This feature allows the disc to pick up speed without jerking. Smooth start protects the mechanism from jolts, which has a positive effect on the operating life of the engine.
• Overload protection. When the engine reaches critical indicators, the mechanism is automatically turned off.
• Support the required disk rotation speed. Power is automatically added under load when cutting dense materials. This function protects against a decrease in the disc speed.
• Accelerated braking. The disc stops abruptly when the shutdown button is pressed.
• Lock start buttons. This function prevents the instrument from turning on if the switch is accidentally pressed. It is usually set by pressing two keys at the same time.

Hand models

The circular hand saw is an efficient and safe tool. But nevertheless, the use of such equipment requires compliance with some operational rules:

• Electrical connection. When using the saw in areas remote from the mains, an extension cord is often used. It must fully match the power of the circular instrument. Before connecting it, check the integrity of the cable insulation. When connecting the saw to the mains, make sure that the switch on the device is off.
• Fastening material. Wood to be cut should be well fixed on a flat surface. For this, the material is placed on a workbench and fixed until it is completely stable.
• Setting the cutting depth. The required indicator is determined using a special scale on the instrument. When cutting a bar, the disc must not protrude beyond the material, otherwise the workbench may deteriorate. Therefore, it is recommended to fix the cutting depth slightly less than the required value.
• After setting all the necessary parameters, the cutting mechanism should be set in motion. Cutting should only be started when the blade is rotating. The movement of the saw along the material must be smooth and even.

At the end of the working process, the hand-held circular tool must be disconnected from the mains.

Types of jobs

The scope of the circular saw depends on its size and type.

Setting up the circular saw before work

Before you start sawing, you need to install the blade and make sure that it is firmly in place. The cover should open and return to its original position without any resistance. It is also worth checking to see if the riving knife is properly positioned. Then run the saw idle for 10 seconds to make sure it is working properly.

To set up the circular saw, you need to adjust the required position of the guide pin and cutting blade using a vernier caliper. When checking the position of the teeth in front and behind the disc, the difference should not be more than 0.05 mm. You also need to install the riving knife and blade so that they are on the same line. For their precise adjustment, special washers are used. The fixing bolts must be tightened well to keep the tool and table less vibrating.

Preparing the workplace for work

It is necessary to remove all unnecessary items from the desktop. There should be no tools, keys or consumables. In addition, you need to provide a free approach to the table. The floor in the work area must be dry to avoid accidental slipping. The machine must be grounded.

There are also requirements for the operator’s work clothes. Clothes need to be tucked in so that there are no fluttering ends. If you have long hair, pick it up and hide it under a hat. Wear safety goggles and a respirator. Wearing ear protectors is recommended as the noise level can be quite high when working with a circular saw.

Before starting the saw, you need to check it for defects in the saw blade, make sure that it is secured properly. Check if the riving knife is installed correctly and then check that the guard is working properly.

If your saw has a short cable, you may need an extension cord to help you navigate the work area comfortably. It is advisable to use a circular saw with a soft start function so that the tool does not jerk when starting.

Correct operation of the circular saw

The hand-held circular saw is one of the most important tools in the woodworking industry. It significantly increases the speed of working with wood or plastic, sheet material, planks and timber. It is most often used for cross-cutting, but it can also be used for sawing along the grain of the wood. In this article, we will tell you in detail about the range of use of circular hand saws, setting them up before work, work techniques and safety rules.

Circular saw safety

Circular saws have a relatively high risk of injury, therefore safety precautions must be followed when working with them.

How to cut a board straight with a circular saw

Unlike a stationary pendulum saw, it is more difficult to make a straight cut with a circular saw. This will not be a problem if the board or bar is narrow, but to cut a wide workpiece or when cutting longitudinally, you need to know how to make the cut as accurate as possible. To do this, you need to adhere to the following sequence of actions:

• There should be nothing under the piece of material that you will be sawing. The circular saw blade should not cut anything else. For example, never place the board on a concrete floor. use trestles or a saw table instead.
• Mark the line along which the saw blade should go. Use a tape measure, ruler or square for this.
• Adjust the cutting depth. The blade should barely protrude beyond the workpiece. For example, if the thickness of the workpiece is 40 mm, the cutting depth should be 45-50 mm.
• Check the condition of the guard. It should rise gently when the saw is lowered onto the workpiece, and immediately close the working part when it is raised.
• When starting to cut, look at the front right edge of the blade and align it with the mark on the material.
• Look at the right guide of the circular saw for right angle cuts, and the left guide for 45 degree cuts.
• Start cutting the material. Watch the guide at all times to make an even cut.
• Keep the saw base flat on the material at all times.
• Push the saw hard enough to cut, but do not push too hard to overload the engine. The hardest woods should be cut with minimal effort.
• After finishing cutting, make sure that the safety guard is back in the closed position.

What can be done with a hand-held circular saw

Manual circulars are suitable for a whole list of jobs:

• facing several wooden blanks at once, which lie in the same plane;
• facing wide boards, for which you cannot use a pendulum saw (you will need a parallel stop);
• trimming boards when laying floors;
• facing workpieces at an angle (you can use a guide or do without it);
• longitudinal cutting of workpieces at an angle;
• sampling a quarter in a board or bar;
• cutting sheet materials using a guide;
• cut of organic glass and plastic;
• using the hand saw as a stationary saw by mounting it to the table.

Safety tips when using the saw

Before starting work, run the circular saw with no load. As you cut the material, observe the following rules and recommendations:

• When starting work, you should stand on the left side of the machine so that if the workpiece is accidentally thrown out, it will not hit you.
• Make sure there are no nails, pins, pieces of dirt or concrete in the workpiece or on the surface of the workpiece that might interfere with the cut.
• It is forbidden to transfer objects over a working circular saw.
• If there are knots or cracks in the wood, drive the saw more slowly when approaching them.
• When changing the saw blade, be sure to unplug it.

What is a circular saw for?

It is designed to cut coniferous and deciduous boards with a moisture content of no more than 50% and a thickness of no more than 64 mm. It is allowed to cut plywood, aerated concrete, chipboard, asbestos-cement and cement-particle boards.

What can be done with a circular saw

The principle of operation of this unit is based on the rotation of the cutting disc by an electric motor. The saw design is presented in two versions: manual or stationary. An important difference between these two versions is that the force from the engine to the disk in the stationary model is transmitted through the belt, while in the manual model the disk itself is fixed on the shaft. The saw can cut wood both along the fibers and across them, cut out a quarter. The tool can be used to saw off soft metal, plastic, if you use special discs.

How to use a circular saw

How to work with the tool correctly

• When working, do not use clamps, vices, or other methods of rigidly securing the workpiece. It is unacceptable to hold it with your hands or body.
• Do not overload the tool by doing work that is not intended for it.
• If the on / off key is broken, do not use the tool.
• When changing accessories, making adjustments and other work, the tool must be disconnected from the power supply.
• Storage of the tool should be done in places that are hard to reach for children and pets.
• Remember to periodically service your tool.

Circular and circular saws as indispensable helpers in your farm. How to saw and tune the tool?

The forerunners of modern automatic saws were tools made of stone, bones, on which jags were applied from one edge. The beginning of this instrument was laid in the fourth millennium BC. They are used both in household work and in the creation of various works of art.

Then, stone and bone were replaced by copper, iron, steel. The first power saws appeared in Germany in the XXIV century. Saws with an electric motor became widespread only in the 20th century.

Setting up the circular saw

• put the disc;
• make sure that it is securely fastened;
• make sure that the protective cover opens freely and returns to its original position when the handle is released;
• check the correct installation of the riving knife;
• make sure that the saw is working correctly by holding it in the on mode for 10 seconds without load.

It is quite easy to adjust the saw before starting work. This requires:

• Adjust the position of the guide slot on the table and disc with a caliper, aligning the guide slots on the blade. When checking the tooth in the front and back of the blade, the discrepancy should not exceed 0.05 mm
• Check the parallel stop with a groove or slot. Here the offset should also not be more than 0.05 mm.
• Make sure to align the riving knife with the blade so that it is on the same line as the blade. In case of mismatch, a more accurate adjustment is achieved by rotating the washers

A circular saw. How to cut it

• Set the minimum depth of cut by adjusting the blade exit amount down.
• Fit the guide to the size of the part by measuring the length from the edge of the blade to the edge of the foot of the saw. Mark up the material.
• Make the initial cut 3-5 mm.
• Continue sawing without stopping all the way through the blade.
• Use duct tape at the cut to avoid chipping.

How it works?

The design of the circular saw is simple and reliable. Its main elements are:

• Electric motor. It is the power plant for the saw. It drives the saw blade;
• Housing. Performs the role of a supporting structure on which all elements of the circular are mounted;
• Handle with pad. Serves for the convenience of work, turning on and holding the tool;
• Support platform. It is necessary for convenient movement of the saw along the workpiece being cut;
• Protective cover. Protects the operator when working with the tool and removes chips from the work surface.

Operating principle

The circular is based on the principle of converting electrical energy into mechanical.

When the device is connected to the AC mains and the start button is pressed, the circuit closes. Electric current is supplied to the stator winding of the electric motor. The resulting magnetic force field rotates the rotor of the motor and the shaft connected to it. The other end of the shaft is connected to a worm or auger gearbox, which transmits rotation to the saw blade through the drive axle.

To better understand the principle of operation, we will analyze the operation of a circular saw using the example of sawing a wooden blank. To do this, follow these steps:

• First of all, you need to choose a blade that will fit the material being cut. Hardwoods are best cut with a victorious toothed blade;
• put the disc on the circular drive shaft and fix it with a flange or nut. The direction of rotation of the disc must correspond to the indicators shown on the protective casing;
• install the parallel stop (not to be confused with the guide rail) on the tool sole and fix it with a nut;
• using the adjusting device, set the required angle of inclination of the circular;
• adjust the cutting depth depending on the thickness of the workpiece. This is done by loosening the fastening of the support surface and moving it to the required distance. After that, you need to fix the workpiece with a clamp, plug the tool into an outlet and get to work.

What is it and what can she do?

A circular saw is a specialized tool mainly designed for sawing wood and wood products. Structurally, it can be divided into the following types:

• Stationary;
• Manual;
• Desktop;
• Submersible.

In all cases, a metal disc with teeth located around the circumference is used as a cutting element.

With a circular saw, you can cut wood with a depth of 60-70 mm, some craftsmen even manage to cut a 100×100 bar or a 150×150 log with a circular saw using special tools.

The tool can also cut plywood, Laminated Particleboard, Particleboard, Fiberboard and even soft metals. The main thing is to select the right blade for each task, use the correct cutting techniques and fixtures.

Application area

The circular saw is mainly used for working with wood products. With its help, you can perform the following types of work:

• Longitudinal and transverse cutting of workpieces;
• local cuts;
• trimming the ends;
• preparation of firewood;
• manufacturing of boards, bars and other wood products.

In addition, when fitted with a specialized cutting element, they can be used to cut plastic, artificial stone and tiles.

We also recommend reading a useful article on techniques for even cutting with a circular saw with and without attachments. The article discusses the most necessary techniques and techniques for cutting various materials, from unedged boards to beams and logs.

Electric motor

A collector-type electric motor is used on modern circular saws. It has small dimensions, weight, high efficiency and can operate on both direct and alternating current.

The insides of the electric motor, namely its stator part.

Its operation is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction arising in the stator winding. When you press the power button, an electric current is supplied to the winding, and the resulting force field drives the motor armature.

What is a circular saw for wood, what kind of work it can do, as well as the device and varieties

A circular (circular) saw is an indispensable tool in a carpentry workshop and a good helper for doing housework and construction. This article discusses everything you need to know about this type of tool, from the device and the principle of operation to the characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying, in the first place.

HOW TO USE A CIRCULAR SAW FOR BEGINNERS- PART 1

Cutting angle control system

The cutting angle control system includes a support sole, an adjusting device with a lock and a measuring scale.

The support sole is located at the bottom of the instrument. Made of aluminum or structural steel. Serves for convenient movement of the tool over the work surface. There are devices for adjusting the angle of cutting vertically and horizontally.

For ease of use, the saws are equipped with a measuring scale that allows you to more accurately adjust the working angle.