How to Use a Circular Saw: PM Tool Tips

There are two kinds of power saws: those with blades that go back and forth and those with blades that spin around. Circular saws have the edge on speed and accuracy. Here are three classic circular saw cuts and how to perform them properly.

Jun 17, 2009

There are two kinds of power saws: those with blades that go back and forth and those with blades that spin around. The first category gives us the jigsaw and its heavier brother, the reciprocating saw. But it's the second group, the circular saws, that has the edge on speed and accuracy. The saw below is typical of these tools, used principally to cut framing lumber to build houses and do other heavy work, such as making forms for concrete. Other machines with similarly spinning blades are the table saw, used mostly to build furniture, and the portable miter saw, used to cut miters on moldings, but also handy for cutting framing lumber when higher precision is called for.

Classic Cuts

> Crosscuts

Nearly perfect crosscuts can be achieved by using a square to guide the foot of the saw. You must hold the square firmly or the saw can slip. Rip Cuts

Accurate rip cuts can be made with the help of a rip fence. This device slides into the foot of the saw and is held tight by screws. Plunge Cuts

These cuts are required when the blade can't start at the edge of the board. To make this cut, place the front of the shoe against the workpiece. Then, turn on the saw and slowly lower the blade into the material.

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