Compared to other cutting tools, the circular saw is full of countless advantages. It is a valuable aid for almost all DIY tasks.
Although it is easy to use, it can cause serious injuries. To avoid this, it is essential to use it according to best practices.
This article offers you good advice to use it safely. But before getting to the heart of the matter, let’s try to define the circular saw.
What is a circular saw?
Even if you are a casual DIYer, you have probably heard of it. A circular saw is an electric device that allows carpenters and cabinetmakers to make various cuts, even with thick materials.
To achieve this, the equipment operates with a battery or electric motor offering power between 1000 to 2300 W. This value can increase depending on the quality and performance of the model.
The tool is equipped with a rounded blade surrounded by sharp metal teeth. To cut the material, this blade keeps rotating.
Besides that, it features a handle equipped with a nut and a trigger switch. The machine is also fitted with a reliable protective device limiting accidents. This system aims to prevent your hand from contacting the rotating blade.
To fully benefit from it, the circular saw offers you several adjustment options. For example, you can adjust the cutting angle, cutting depth, and lock the trigger using the integrated buttons.
What is a circular saw used for?
Compared to most saws, its main advantage lies in its multiple uses. The circular saw can perform complex cuts that are impossible with some models.
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Wood cutting | Ideal for cutting boards, panels, and other wooden pieces with precision. |
| Cutting composite materials | Allows working on plywood, MDF, or melamine. |
| Cutting non-ferrous materials | With the appropriate blade, it can cut aluminum or plastic. |
| Carpentry work | Useful for making furniture, shelves, or wooden structures. |
| Straight and clean cuts | Ensures fast and regular cuts, even over long lengths. |
Whatever the thickness of the material, it has no difficulty handling it. Despite its sturdiness, the device promises an effective cut with extreme precision. Moreover, it preserves the condition of the support.
That’s not all, its other advantage is its ability to cut almost all materials. Whether soft or hard, no wood resists it, including exotic wood.
The circular saw also allows you to cut PVC plastic PVC, aluminum, and copper in record time. Many cabinetmakers use it to work on robust materials like concrete, panels, and plasterboards.
To cut a variety of supports, it is crucial to equip your machine with various blades suited to the tasks. You can even cut sheet metal with blades designed for them.
How to use a circular saw?
Like any cutting tool, the circular saw should not be handled lightly. Its use requires technical knowledge and prior experience.
Before making the cut, the first step is to choose the right blade that matches the material. It is possible to opt for a versatile blade. As its name suggests so well, this piece is suitable for all types of materials.
That said, proceed with its installation. Use an Allen key to loosen the fixing screw. Then carefully place the blade onto the shaft. From there, you react differently depending on the type of cut.
Ripping with the circular saw
- Choose the right blade: Before making the cut, the first step is to choose the right blade that matches the material. It is possible to opt for a versatile blade. As its name suggests so well, this piece is suitable for all types of materials.
- Install the blade: That said, proceed with its installation. Use an Allen key to loosen the fixing screw. Then carefully place the blade onto the shaft. From there, you react differently depending on the type of cut.
- Ripping with the circular saw: To better clarify the subject, let’s first discover what is meant by ripping. This term refers to a straight cut. Despite common beliefs, sawing at 90° may seem difficult. To make the task easier, it is advised to use a graduated guide rail which is often provided with the machine.
- Cutting with the circular saw: Firmly secure the board using a clamp. Adjust the cutting depth even to the maximum. After starting it, push the machine forward. It is possible to push the blade by hand by opening the protective cover.
- A bevel cut: This cutting project allows you to saw a batten with a positive end and another lath with a negative end. The goal is to create a right angle by joining the two ends. To achieve this, adjust the support to 45°. Then tighten the knob. The last step is to position the device on the board and operate it.
The choice of blade depends on the material to be cut. For wood, opt for a blade suited for longitudinal or cross cuts, while for composite panels or metal, specific blades are necessary. There are also versatile blades, ideal if you work on different materials. The higher the number of teeth, the finer and cleaner the cut will be.
Before starting, firmly clamp the piece using clamps to prevent it from moving. Then adjust the cutting depth to about 3 to 5 mm more than the thickness of the material. Make sure the work surface is stable and clear, and wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves.
Start by positioning the saw on the piece, aligning the blade with the marking. Start the machine before the blade touches the material, then advance slowly and steadily without forcing. For straight cuts, use a parallel guide or a ruler to maintain the trajectory. Let the blade stop completely before setting the tool down.
