How To Work With A Circular Saw

How to work with a circular saw

Start with a good drive

For clean cross-cuts in solid wood, decorative plywood and other sheet and panel materials, replace the standard 24-tooth blade found on most models with a 50-60-tooth blade. And for most cuts where quality requirements are not too high, use a 40-tooth blade. And only for ripping solid wood, re-fit the standard 24-tooth blade.

Get rid of chips in one of three ways

The saw blade teeth rotate forward and upward. The underside of the workpiece, where the teeth enter the material, is almost always clean and free of chips. On the contrary, the top side is usually so chipped that it cannot be used in visible parts of the product (compare three photos with different degrees of chipping). Therefore, if possible, always lay the sheet or strip face down for cutting. And if you have to cut to the right side, use one of these techniques to keep the cut edges clean.

1. Pre-pruning

Cut two times instead of one. The first shallow cut will cleanly cut surface wood fibers so they will not be ripped up in the final cut.

2.Use an anti-splinter pad

Attach a hardboard plate to the base of the circular saw to press down on the surface wood fibers, especially on materials covered with firewood veneer, and to prevent chipping where the teeth of the blade come out of the material. Smoothly plunging into a rotating blade and sawing through it, you get a splinter guard, the width of the shed in which will exactly match the thickness of the saw blade. It will help minimize chips.

Attention! Be extremely careful when working with such a pad, as it prevents the protective cover from covering the disc from below.

3. Make a guide bar

This guide bar will not only help to deal with chipping, but it will also simplify your cutting work without having to resort to calculations. Make it as shown in the figure. Adjust the width to match your saw. We made a guide rail with a mine about one and a half meters for cutting plywood sheets. The distance between the edge of the base and the stop should be 10-12 mm more than the distance from the saw blade to the edge of the sole of your saw. File the edge of the guide bar by pressing the sole against the stop. Now one edge of such a tire will act as a splinter pad, pressing the fibers from above. Before cutting, put the tire on top of the future part, as on the other edge of the cut, where the fibers are not pressed, chips will appear.

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 cutting wood at home. Equipment power no more than 1800 watts. The blade size in such saws is 160 200 mm.
  • Professional circular saws are designed for processing large amounts of wood. They are able to cut 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 such as 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;
  • Average 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 smaller there are, the lower the performance of the circular equipment. For large-scale wood processing, special carbide-tipped cutting devices are used.

Circular machine

Stationary circular saws are equipment for daily use. Such professional machines are capable of processing a large amount of wood per day. They have a rather heavy weight over 10 kilograms and high power up to 2500 watts.

Circular machines are used mainly in production for industrial purposes. The cost of such a device is quite high. Some small models of circular equipment also have a stationary function. They are successfully used in home workshops.

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.

Cutting boards and bars is carried out by rotating the 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 if 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. Soft 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 for 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 installed by simultaneously pressing two keys.

All models of circular saws have a function for setting the cutting depth. When buying equipment, it is recommended to pay attention to the convenience and accuracy of fixing such an adjustment.

Hand models

The circular hand saw is an efficient and safe tool. But still, the use of such equipment requires compliance with some operating 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.

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 location 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.

Circular machine

Stationary circular saws are equipment for daily use. Such professional machines are capable of processing a large amount of wood per day. They have a rather heavy weight over 10 kilograms and high power up to 2500 watts.

Circular machine

Circular machines are used mainly in production for industrial purposes. The cost of such a device is quite high. Some small models of circular equipment also have a stationary function. They are successfully used in home workshops.

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 the 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.

Operation Algorithm

Hand and stationary circular saws have a similar working principle. But hardware management has some differences.

Hand models

The circular hand saw is an efficient and safe tool. But still, the use of such equipment requires compliance with some operating 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.

How to work with a circular saw?

Circular saw is a special equipment designed for even cutting of boards or wooden beams. The use of the device requires some knowledge and skills. To understand how to use a circular saw, you should familiarize yourself with its principle of operation and operational capabilities.

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.

Cutting boards and bars is carried out by rotating the 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.

Hand circular saw

These electric saws are designed for precise, straight cutting of wood materials of small thickness. The handheld circular device is small in size and is most commonly 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.

Circular machine

Stationary circular saws are equipment for daily use. Such professional machines are capable of processing a large amount of wood per day. They have a rather heavy weight over 10 kilograms and high power up to 2500 watts.

Circular machines are used mainly in production for industrial purposes. The cost of such a device is quite high. Some small models of circular equipment also have a stationary function. They are successfully used in home workshops.

How to choose a circular hand saw?

When buying a tool, you should focus on a number of specific parameters:

  • Engine power. The higher it is, the faster and with less effort you can cut. In addition, large-diameter cutting blades can be installed on powerful saws (from 3 kW).
  • Cutting depth. There are 4 standard sizes that you need to select based on your needs.
  • Hand-held circular saw for wood can be adjusted to the tilt of the cut.
  • Stationary chip removal system or the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner. A very convenient option that allows you to work with virtually no dust and debris in the workshop or at home.
  • The start lock is an important safety feature that prevents the tool from being switched on accidentally.

Circular hand saw device

When building and repairing both your home and on a professional basis, a circular hand saw becomes a convenient help in work. The tool is very convenient for sawing wood of different thicknesses, thin metal and plastic products, such as skirting boards. Such a manual circular has several varieties, but the device of each of them is typical. The standard design consists of:

  • Protective plastic housing with one or two handles.
  • A special guard for the saw blade, which performs a protective function during operation.
  • Platforms for holding and guiding the disc. It is necessary to adjust the depth and angle of cut.
  • Riving knife. It is needed in order to release the knife if it gets stuck in the wood.
  • Electric motor. A special disc is attached to its shaft using bolts.

Circular hand saws rating

Professional builders and do-it-yourselfers identify certain tool models that have the most optimal characteristics for the job. Among them:

  • Makita HS7601 is an excellent device for home use with two branded discs included. Cost 121.
  • Dewalt DWE560 model with the ability to connect a construction vacuum cleaner. Cost 140.
  • Hammer CRP 1500 D quality lightweight saw with a convenient carrying case. Cost 93.
  • Bosch GKS 190. The Bosch hand-held circular saw is considered one of the best tools in its price segment. Cost 128.

Circular saw table

When working with a large volume of cut material, it is not always comfortable to hold the tool in your hands for a long time. It is much more convenient to fix the tool on a special table, so the cut will be more accurate and faster. All craftsmen prefer to use:

After making your own table, it is important to know how to properly secure the hand-held circular saw to the table. There are just a few rules here:

  • The instrument is placed inside a prepared compartment that fits the instrument exactly.
  • Saw foot bolts securely to table.
  • The disc must fit freely into the slot.
How To Work With A Circular Saw

The principle of the circular hand saw

The tool is used to cut surfaces evenly, longitudinally or transversely. Arc sawing is not possible with a circular hand saw. The principle of operation of such a unit is simple:

  • From the shaft of the electric motor, the torque is transmitted to the cutting disc.
  • The saw blade rotates around its axis at high speed, which makes it easy to cut the desired surface.

Depending on the depth of cut, the tool is divided into several categories:

  • Circular mini hand saws can cut material up to 46 mm thick.
  • Medium tool handles surfaces up to 55 mm.
  • Large machinery can cut workpieces with a thickness of about 70 mm.
  • Professional equipment cuts products about 140 mm thick.

Types of circular hand saws

  • A hand tool that the master moves independently.
  • Stationary saw on a special table, designed for placement in workshops and workshops.

The circular hand saw is divided into power classes into:

  • Household appliances up to 2.2 kW.
  • Semi-professional models that are more powerful than household ones. They have great functionality.
  • Professional units with increased power and functionality. Used in industries.

Another difference is the way of transmitting torque, so, there are:

  • Electrical Models Connected to Standard Power Supply.
  • Cordless hand-held circular saw handy where you don’t need a power outlet nearby.
  • Models with a manual drive, which are practically not used at the moment, are leaving the past.