Circular Saws

Portable Circular Saw

Circular Saws

Circular Saws can cut through board and board sheets a lot faster than a hand saw. As you get more comfortable using Circular Saws, you will realize that they have many uses. They can be used to make bevel and miter cuts as well as make rabbit or dado joints. There are different blades which will allow you to cut tile, fiberglass, even concrete, and metal. However, I would stick with wood until you become comfortably proficient with the Circular Saw. As I have mentioned before, while Circular Saws are wonderful time saving  tools, for the inexperienced, they can be dangerous.

Features

As with other power tools, Circular Saws are available either corded or cordless. Like the other power tools, the advantage verses  disadvantage between them is pretty much the same. With the advances in technology, cordless tools are becoming more powerful and the power source lasting a lot longer. Different saws come with varying features. Some have a plastic window to view the cut line a lot easier. Some have a built in light to view the job in front of the saw better and some have a lazer light to make a line in front of the saw which you can follow. Many have adjustments to allow the handle to tilt in order to make angle cuts.

Rating

Corded saws are rated by horsepower which range from one-half to four horsepower. Cordless saws are rated by volts which range from 14 to 36 volts. Only you can determine which one is right for you. It depends on the type of work you are going to do

Safety First!

Following all the safety rule when operating a Circular Saw is extremely important! Circular Saws have a number of safety features on them such as: a lockout button. This is a button which must be pressed at the same time the switch is pressed in order to start the saw. There is also a blade guard cover. As the name says, it covers the blade. The cover is spring loaded and will retract as you run the saw over the wood. There is a tab on the guard so you can manually retract the guard when you need to rip or made some angle cuts. Make sure the wood stock you are cutting is well supported by using a saw horse or a steady work surface. If you are working alone, it would be to your benefit if the stock was secured.

These are some basics. If you are new at this, just take it slow and easy and you should do alright right.

Good luck!

Brian