DIY is one of the best hobbies because it usually becomes a helpful add-on life skill. Most creations vary between big and small, simple and complex, and your crafting typically improves the more you practice. Of course, the most challenging options also involve using sophisticated tools like a circular saw, so you need to become proficient in using them. But, what is a circular saw?
Serious DIYers already know the answer to this question, but I want to help others become more familiar with the tools you will likely use. Hence, this blog post will help introduce you to circular saws and explain how they operate.
What Is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a power tool designed to cut through material like wood. It is fixed with an abrasive blade that revolves at high speed to achieve its purpose and requires sturdy handling. A circular saw is a relatively advanced product.
The construction industry uses it extensively since it can also cut through steel, masonry, and ceramic depending on the blade fitted to the structure. However, you will only be using it for wood cutting for DIY, so you don’t need to consider those variants.
Design-wise, circular blades have a handle on top that you need to grip to direct it. The blade is positioned below, with the lower half exposed while the half facing you is under a protective cover. The purpose of the cover is to protect your arm against the rapidly moving blade.
Tips for Using a Circular Saw
Using a circular saw requires extensive practice and patience. The tool can be potentially dangerous due to its sharp blade, and you need to ensure you don’t hurt yourself or others. I have included a few tips to help you learn how to use a circular saw.
1. Label Your Wood
Firstly, don’t start the operation unprepared. Make careful calculations and label the wood before you begin to cut. The labels will guide the saw’s movement and help you make straight and accurate cuts. You can also use another straight piece of lumber and attach it to the workpiece before using a circular saw.
The extra piece can help you ensure the cut you make remains straight instead of turning in different directions.
2. Create Chalk Lines for Reference and Accuracy
Chalk lines are another way to create the correct reference when cutting wood. A craftsperson often also uses chalk to write down measurements and proportions to prevent mistakes. The convenient presence of measurement will also help you know how to adjust the remaining sizes.
If you initially cut incorrectly, you can conveniently use numbers to determine the new measurements.
3. Choose the Right Power Setting
Most of the latest electronic circular saws have changed the answer to ‘what is a circular saw?’ Their capabilities include ergonomic power adjustment, allowing users to increase or decrease their power. It would help if you learned about changing power because it is critical to master these skills.
Applying unnecessary force on a relatively delicate wood would impair our project and negatively affect the results.
4. Ensure that the Safety Measures are in Place
I recommend that you buy a circular saw with sturdy protection on the top part of the blade. Additionally, focus on other safety features they may have. You must engage all safety requirements to prevent any chances of injuries.
Circular saws have exceptionally sharp blades, and accidents can sometimes even lead to body parts getting chopped off.
5. Focus on Where the Blade Is Going
It will be tempting to keep your eyes on the label when cutting through, but it isn’t the correct approach. Focus more on the blade and where it will prevent it from changing course. Your distraction can be detrimental, so please pay attention at all times.
6. Secure the Workpiece for Tricky Cuts
Straight cuts are relatively simpler to achieve through regular operations, but that isn’t true for cuts requiring curvature. Your efforts will be more focused on controlling the direction of the circular saw, so it is best to secure the workpiece by clamping it down.
Knowing the wood won’t move will significantly ease the process.
Primary Features of a Circular Saw to Consider
Buying a circular saw is much more complicated than it seems. Although there are top brands in the market, you need to know some information about the tools to make the right choice. Following are the primary features you’ll need to pay attention to:
1. Bevel Capacity
Bevel capacity determines the maximum tilt of the circular blade. This tilt is necessary for getting delicate cuts and helps you achieve good results. Hence, buy one while considering the types of projects you will take on.
2. Blade Diameter
Wider blade diameters typically may cause the tool to become somewhat slower and heavier; its power compensates for the difference. The blade’s accurate movements and heavy disposition make it the best choice when working on a harder wood than usual.
The additional power slices through most objects smoothly, allowing you to get quicker results.
3. Safety Measures
Not everyone is as apt at using a circular saw, but even they can successfully use the relevant safety precautions. Always wear a protective mask and gloves because that wooden dust and remnants are harmful to pregnant for the eyes, nostrils, and mouth.
Also, engage any other measures the project comes with to reduce overall risk.
4. Brand
I know branded tools are pricier than others in the market. However, the products are also some of the best performers in the market because they have advanced designs and performance. Milwaukee is generally the best in the industry, but DeWalt and Makita are also close competitors.
Our Final Thoughts
I hope the blog post helped answer your question ‘what is a circular saw is?’ and provided the information you needed. You can also check out other blogs to learn more about this topic and make relevant decisions.
