Don’t let loud, high-speed circular saws scare you. With these tips, you’ll learn to cut safely and accurately with a circular saw.
DIYers have many cutting tools, but the circular saw is very handy. It has an electric motor that spins a round blade fast. This lets users cut through thick lumber, plywood, and more in seconds.
They’re quick, efficient, and precise. Any DIYer can master using a circular saw with some tips and practice. Here’s everything you need to know about this useful tool.
Parts of a Circular Saw
Before handling a circular saw for the first time, it’s important to get familiar with some of the individual parts.
- Motor: Inside the plastic and metal housing is an electric motor. While today’s brushless circular saw models require very little maintenance, it’s helpful to understand this part and know that circular saws are available in various motor configurations.
- Blade: Circular saw blades are round and have many sharp teeth. The motor spins these blades quickly, and the blade cuts with upward strokes at the front of the blade.
- Blade guard: That spinning blade can do a lot of damage very quickly, whether to a surface that comes in contact with the spinning blade or the user. To keep a spinning blade from accidentally cutting someone or marring an object, the spring-loaded retractable blade guard slides over the blade. When cutting, it should automatically retract.
- Trigger: This part turns the saw on and off. Circular saws don’t have adjustable speeds or pressure-sensitive triggers, so clicking this part will ramp the blade up to speed immediately.
- Safety: Some circular saws have thumb-activated safety switches that prevent the user from accidentally starting the saw.
- Plate: The plate, or shoe, is the part of the saw that rides on the material. They’re typically aluminum, steel, or die cast, and their angles can be adjusted to cut bevels.
- Bevel adjustment: Found at the front or back of the saw (depending on the model), the bevel adjustment allows you to change the angle of the plate relative to the saw blade. These are typically knobs or levers. While they’re not precisely accurate, they’re more than accurate enough for framing.
- Depth adjustment: A circular saw’s blade is adjustable to different depths, allowing users to score surfaces before cutting, remove materials for a mortise, or cut straight through thicker lumber. The depth adjustment is typically a lever and found at the rear of the circular saw.
4 Types of Circular Saws to Know
As is the case with most power tools, there are different types of circular saws available. While they all serve the same general purpose, each type has its strengths and weaknesses.
1. Sidewinder Circular Saw
Sidewinder circular saws have electric motors mounted inline with the blade, and the blade essentially mounts to the output shaft of the motor. They’re compact and lightweight compared to worm drive models, and the blades spin at very high speeds. These saws are very low maintenance and easy to wield, but they aren’t as torquey as a worm drive. And, as far as cordless circular saws go, they’re predominantly sidewinders.
Our Recommendation: DEWALT 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Dewalt’s 7 1/4-inch circular saw has a low-maintenance sidewinder design with plenty of adjustability, as well as features like onboard wrench storage and a built-in dust blower.
2. Worm Drive Circular Saw
When it comes to cutting through thick lumber and timbers such as 4x4s, 6x6s, and the like, a worm drive circular saw is the way to go. These saws have motors mounted inline with the handle, as well as a set of gears that connect to the blade. This increases torque tremendously, but also increases size and weight. These saws often have maintenance requirements as well, requiring regular oiling and cleaning to preserve performance.
Our Recommendation: Skilsaw 7 1/4-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
Skilsaw’s 7 1/4-inch worm drive circular saw is the gold standard in worm drives, with plenty of torque, lightweight magnesium parts, and tons of adjustability not found in other models.
3. Compact Circular Saw
Sometimes, a full-size saw isn’t necessary and can actually make a job more challenging. In those cases, a compact circular saw might fit the bill. These saws have blades that range between 4 inches and 5-3/8 inches. They’re also mostly made of polymer plastics, which keeps them lightweight but durable.
Our Recommendation: Makita 18V LXT Cordless Circular Saw
Makita’s XSS03Z 18V LXT compact circular saw weighs just 6 pounds (with the battery!) and delivers up to 3,600 rpm, allowing it to handle tough materials with its 5-3/8-inch blade.
4. Track Saw
Using a standard circular saw, you can cut straight lines. But, a track saw makes it faster and more precise. It has long tracks that fit on your material, guiding the saw.
Track saws can’t cut as deep as circular saws. Yet, they’re better at making bevel cuts. Most track saws don’t come with tracks. So, you’ll need to buy them separately.
Our Recommendation: DEWALT Cordless Track Saw
DeWalt’s Track Saw kit features a 6-1/2-inch blade, adjustable depths of cut, 45-degree bevels, and a powerful 12-amp motor.
Circular Saw Safety Tips
Circular saws are handy and safe if used right. But, they might seem scary for beginners. Here are some tips to help.
- Circular saws are very loud and can send chips of wood flying. It’s important to wear the proper PPE, including hearing protection and safety glasses. Also, do not wear loose-fitting clothing when operating one.
- When using a circular saw, be sure that there is nothing underneath the saw that the blade will accidentally contact, including the work surface, any tools underneath, or the power cord when using corded circular saws.
- Never remove the blade guard. If the blade guard prevents the cut (such as when plunge cutting or cutting at a severe angle), simply lift the guard with its handle before starting the blade. Release the guard when done.
- Always hold onto the saw until the blade stops completely. Letting go while the blade is spinning can result in the saw blade camming up and kicking back at the user.
- A sharp blade is a safe blade. Dull blades covered in pitch from framing lumber make cutting more difficult, require more effort, and make cutting more dangerous. Sharp blades will pass through the material with ease.
- Unplug the saw or remove its battery before adjusting the blade depth or bevel angle.
- Always inspect the saw before use. Check the cord, plug, trigger, safety switch, and guard for operation. Also, ensure that the blade is securely tightened in place (with the saw unplugged or battery removed).
Circular Saw Setup and Calibration
Circular saws are simple to set up and use. But, there are a few things to know before you start. First, place the saw on top of the material being cut. Make sure the blade is hanging off the edge and the plate is flat against the surface.
Loosen the depth adjustment, then adjust the blade depth. Make it about 1/4 inch deeper than the material’s thickness. Lock the depth lever back down after adjusting.
For square cuts, it’s key to ensure the blade is set at a true 90 degrees. Unplug the saw or remove its battery and turn it over. Slide the blade guard out of the way.
Place a speed square or framing square against the blade and the bottom of the plate. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, loosen the bevel adjustments. Move the plate into place until it fits right.
How to Use a Circular Saw for Cross Cuts
What a circular saw is used for includes cross-cutting, like cutting framing lumber to length. It’s easy and safe if you know how. Here’s one method.
Step 1: Mark the board to length with a framing square.
Circular saws don’t cut square like a miter saw. So, it’s key to mark the board with a precise line. Make a mark where you want to cut and place a framing square on it.
Draw a dark line at the mark. Then, double-check it for accuracy. This ensures your cut is straight.
Pro tip: When cutting reclaimed wood, check for nails or screws. They can damage the blade.
Step 2: Place and secure the board to the work surface.
A sturdy work surface is a must, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. You can use a truck bed, two sawhorses, or even a lumber pile. Just make sure you won’t accidentally cut something you shouldn’t.
Make sure you have enough space to stand on the longer side of the board. This gives you the best leverage to hold the board in place. Use your free hand to press the board down against the surface.
For more stability, use woodworking clamps to hold the board to the surface. This will keep everything steady while you work.
Step 3: Cut the board.
First, place the saw’s front plate on the board. Make sure the blade touches the cut line. Then, back the blade a bit, press the safety switch, and pull the trigger.
Keep an eye on the blade as you guide it. Don’t press the blade sideways to avoid crooked cuts. Let the scrap fall and wait for the blade to stop. Then, place the saw down carefully.
How to Use a Circular Saw for Rip Cuts
Rip cuts with a circular saw can be tricky. But, they’re doable. Here’s how to cut down a board’s length:
Step 1: Create a flat stable work surface.
Ripping wood can be very awkward. This is why the work surface is key. A series of sacrificial 2x4s laid across a flat driveway works well.
Wooden sawhorses with sacrificial tops also do the trick. Just make sure the saw won’t cut something important.
Step 2: Mark the board accurately.
When you need to make precise marks on lumber or plywood, there are a few ways to do it. One simple method is to mark both ends of the board. Then, use a chalk line to draw a straight line between the marks.
But if you don’t have a chalk line, don’t worry. You can use a combination square, T-square, or even a level. These tools help you draw a straight line on the surface. A straight edge clamp is also a great option for keeping things straight.
Step 3: Line up the saw and start cutting.
Start by placing the front of the plate on the board. Line the blade up with the mark. Back the blade up slightly, press the safety switch, and squeeze the trigger.
Guide the blade down the cut, watching the front of the blade. Make sure it stays on the line. Move the saw as far as you can before you need to adjust your position.
Step 4: Adjust your position as you go.
For long rips, you might need to move several times. Don’t let go of the saw until it stops. Once it stops, move to continue the cut safely.
Then, back the saw up slightly before starting again. Keep doing this until the cut is complete.
Lumber with a wavy grain can make the blade follow the grain. Work slowly with these materials. Keep a firm grip and eye on the saw’s path.
Pro tip: Lower the blade’s depth as much as possible when cutting straight. This creates more friction and helps the saw track straight. Just make sure there’s nothing underneath the workpiece.
Circular Saw Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance will help your circular saw last longer. These tips will keep you safe for many years.
- Replace or sharpen blades as soon as they dull. This makes the saw safer and more accurate.
- For brushed motors, replace the brushes when the saw loses power. They’re easy to replace, and the manufacturer can help.
- Dirty, sticky plates can scratch surfaces and be hard to push. Clean the bottom of the plate with bug and tar remover or similar products.
- Use compressed air to clear dirt and sawdust from the saw. This lets the saw move more freely and improves air flow for better cuts.
- For worm drive saws, check the oil regularly (every three or four uses). This ensures the gears spin smoothly and reduces friction.
Final Thoughts On How To Use A Circular Saw
Circular saws are versatile tools. While not as accurate as miter or table saws, they can do the job in many situations. With this knowledge, anyone can use these power tools safely and with precision for various jobs.
