Circular Saw Cutting Guide

Any fans of the 'Saw' movie or 'Scarface' are warned that this is not a saw usage guide for psychopaths. Saws have many more peaceful uses besides that. Okay that was some dark humor. One needs to understand the usage of a circular saw, if one intends to work in the construction, furniture or any mechanized industry.

These tools are saw teeth edged metal discs or blades designed to spin and cut through the toughest of materials. It could be called a cousin of the chainsaw, which is also used widely. They come in many sizes and types. They are either hand held or mounted on tables. They are manufactured in all possible sizes depending on the kind of job you plan to use it for. Some are even designed to cut through specific materials like plastic, metal and even masonry. The discs are of course powered by electricity, through power cords or high power batteries even.

In short, they are the workman's most handy tools. Designing wood furniture is impossible without using a circular saw. However, to get a job done on, using it, is not that simple and one needs to go through a proper guide and some hands on experience, before using it efficiently.

Types of Circular Saws

There are many types of saws besides the widely used hand held one used in the woodworking industry. Here they are:

• Biscuit Joiners: This is a woodworking tool primarily used to join wood pieces together.
• Miter saws: Miter saws often used in making crosscuts and miters(Angled cuts meant to join together).
• Panel Saws: These are huge circular sawing machines usually designed to cut metal and wooden sheets for making cabinet components.
• Pendulum Saw: This one is also used for wood work.
• Radial Arm Saws: A predecessor of the miter saw, these saws are mounted on a sliding arm and used extensively in wood and metal work.
• Saw Mills: The original saw mills operating with a water wheel, were the first saws invented. They continue to be used even today.
• Table Saws: These are table mounted saws, designed for cutting huge metal and plywood sheets.

Usage Guidelines

Here are some guidelines regarding safe and efficient use of a circular saw.

Use Eye Protection
Using eye protection is a must while you are working with a circular cutting saw, as flecks of the material being cut often fly off and may hurt otherwise.

Disconnect Power Cord When not in Use
It is wise to disconnect the machine when not in use, as this provides a safeguard against accidents caused by it being accidentally turned on.

Mark Outlines to Cut
Make sure that you sketch all the outlines on the piece of wood or metal you are trying to cut. Ensure that your measurements are accurate as once the piece is cut, the changes are irreversible!

Use Square Rulers for Straight Cuts
To get your cuts dead straight, use a square ruler or rip fence attachment! This will help you avoid slips and mistakes!

Use a Firm Base to Prevent Slips
Use a firm base to which the saw could be attached to prevent slips. A table mounting really works well. Build your own board to make cutting along outlines more accurate.

Some Cutting Tips
Keep blade height a little larger than the wood you are cutting through. Start the blade spinning before you enter the meat of the material to cut. Push and apply pressure slowly downwards while cutting and do not stop until the blade cuts through cleanly!

Read the operating manual before you use it. Use the circular wooden saw carefully and maintain it regularly to get maximum results! I will sign off wishing you some safe woodworking!