Circular Saw Use

CIRCULAR SAW USE

The circular saw is a great wood cutting saw, but it has the potential to be dangerous if operated carelessly or inattentively. The material that you will saw has to be supported firmly on a sawhorse or work table. If you are working by yourself, then make sure that the wood being cut is either clamped down to the sawhorse, or screwed tight to the worktable, if unsightly screw holes that will be seen do not matter. I use a deck screw or two or a clamp as shown in the top picture to hold down the wood to be cut when cutting bulky lumber. Don't let the wood move as you saw.

When you are ready to cut, but before you start the saw, make sure that the power cord is out of the way. As simple as this seems, many people cut their power cord in two when sawing or accidentally allow the power cord to touch the blade when they set the saw down.

Always start the saw in a ready to cut position before you begin the cut. You can align the blade with the cut mark you made in front of the line or at the guide slot on the base plate. Cut as slowly and carefully as needed to keep the saw from veering off of the line. If you veer too much and try to straighten the cut as you go, then the blade can bing and possibly cause a kick back or damage the saw.

You may also find that treated wood you are using has a tendency for the wood to close up on itself as you saw on the cut line due to the wet treatment chemical. This can mean stopping the saw and beginning a re-cut on the closed up wood.

You have to have a good grip on the saw when you run it. Always grip the knob handle on the saw with your other hand to help control the saw. Its there for a reason.

This is basic, but keep you hands and fingers away from the blade until it stops completely. When adjustments need to be made, make sure you have unplugged the power first. This is especially true when you change the blade.