How to use a hand-held circular saw. The choice of a professional model: the Makita 5103R

How to work with an electric saw

Electric pruning saws, like any tool, require certain rules of operation. Equipped with sharp cutting discs or blades, plugged-in power saws are unsafe tools. Improper handling can cause serious injury to the operator. Therefore, it is necessary to use the electric saw with maximum caution, observing certain safety rules.

Since this power tool is an equipment characterized by increased injuries, certain safety precautions must be observed when working with the saw.

General safety requirements

Use of circular electric saws must be restricted to persons at least 18 years old who have been instructed and trained in the use of the circular saws. It is strictly forbidden for employees to smoke in the workplace. Personnel must also be familiar with fire-fighting and first aid. First aid kit and fire extinguisher must be kept within easy reach. In the event of ill health, the operator must refrain from work.

Safety requirements before starting work

No foreign objects may be in the work place. Remove all objects from the work table (wrenches and Allen keys) and keep all access ways clear. The floor at the place of work must be non-slip, clean and dry to prevent the operator from accidentally falling on the machine while it is in operation. The machine must be well grounded.

The operator’s clothing should be well buttoned up and tucked in. No one should approach the machine with open end of clothes. Long hair should be picked up and hidden under a headdress. Protect operator’s eyes with safety glasses and respiratory system with breathing apparatus or a full face mask (can be obtained from your local pharmacy). It is also recommended that ear defenders be worn to protect the operator’s ears.

Before you start the saw you should check

• Serviceability of the saw blade (no broken cutters, dirt, quality of sharpening);
• securely fastened;
• the correct installation of the riving knife and guide bar;
• presence of the guard.

If you use a handheld circular saw with a short electric cable, you will need an extension cord so that the operator can move freely within the working area. The electric hand saw must be equipped with a soft start system to prevent the tool from jerking when starting.

If the design of the unit does not provide it, you can connect the soft starter through an external module, made by your own hands or bought in China.

Safety precautions while working

Let the machine idle for a few minutes before starting to cut with the circular saw. If irregularities are detected, the machine must be shut down and the faults repaired. Observe the following points when sawing.

• When starting work, the operator must stay to the left of the machine, near the left (front) corner of the work table, so that if a part is accidentally thrown away, it will not injure the operator.
• Workpieces before starting sawing, must be carefully inspected to eliminate the presence of nails, ice, dried mud or concrete, which can get on the cutting trimmer line.
• Never pass any object over the rotating saw of the machine.
• If the board has a crack or knots, the moment the saw approaches these places, it is necessary to slow down the feed of the workpiece.
• The workpiece must not be brought close to the saw by hand. Special pushers are available for this purpose.
• Do not use the circular saw with the riving knife and blade guard removed.
• To change a circular saw blade, you must first completely power off the machine. Turning it off with the button is not enough.

If the machine operator is assisted by a partner in accepting the board, he should also adhere to the rules:

• The board must be obtained without tilting;
• The part can be removed from the table only after it has completely passed through the riving knife;
• After accepting a part, it should be put aside (stacked) and the work area near the saw blade should be cleared of scraps using a long stick;
• Do not pull the workpiece toward you while sawing.
• the feed of the board to the saw must be from the operator, who controls the motion of the workpiece.

Types of equipment used

We will consider some options for carrying out the work with their own hands and talk about the devices used, it is up to you to choose the solution that will be best for you in a particular situation.

Sawing a board

Such type of work as a longitudinal sawing of a board to size can be done in several ways:

If the amount of work is small, you can use a hand hacksaw. But you need a special version for longitudinal sawing, which differs in the shape of the tooth. The instructions for the work are as follows: it is necessary with the help of an angle and a tape measure to make a thorough marking, then outline a clear line for the trimmer, then the element is carefully fixed, so that in the process of work the board did not move;

The longer the length of the board. the more difficult it is to carry out the process qualitatively

Important! When machining by hand, pay special attention to the vertical position of the cutting blade, otherwise the edges will turn out nervous

• The second option is to use an electric jigsaw for wood. but it is also suitable for small amounts of work, and the thickness of the board is limited, the marking process is similar to the above. The work is easier to do, as there is no need to apply physical force and monitor the verticality of the cut. the sole in the equipment ensures compliance with the right angle;
• Now let’s see how to cut a board evenly lengthwise with a circular saw. Work options two: if the edge of the element is uneven, then pre-draw a line for a trimmer, which produces a cut (usually so is done with unedged timber), if one edge is flat, then pre-spoke stop at a certain distance, and you just drive the tool, pressing the stop part to the end;

When working, do everything in accordance with the instruction manual of the power tool

Of course, the easiest solution to the question of how to saw a board lengthwise, is the circular saw. And both full-sized and compact units can be used. This option is very well suited when cutting a large number of elements under one size, you can set a stop or attach it and not waste time on marking and fixing, in addition, this type of equipment has the highest productivity;

After fixing the stop, you do not have to worry about compliance with the parameters

Sawing logs

demanding operations that require more powerful equipment. Of course, buying a full-fledged sawmill is not the best option, so sawing logs into boards in the field is done with a chainsaw and a special Timberjig kit.

• You need a standard chain saw. It is desirable that its power is quite high;
• It is also necessary to purchase a set consisting of a guide and a stop. it is sold with a set of the required fasteners, so no additional elements are required;

Design fits all standard chain saws

Next, the device for sawing logs into boards is assembled. To do this, first of all a stop is made of two boards, one of which is fastened to the middle of the other with its end, you get a very strong T-shaped element, which will serve as a guide during the work; The log is placed on a flat base, and then the stops are screwed to its ends. which are made from a board connected by an angle, it is important to control their level and arrange evenly, the quality of the work depends on this; Now you need to attach the guide to the stops. it is positioned along the line of the future cut, taking into account that the guide bar of the chainsaw will go 10 mm higher than the upper edge of the guide bar. The fixation is done with the help of clamps, which are also included in the package; The saw is placed on the frame. the frame allows it to occupy the same position during all the work

To make it comfortable we recommend that you raise the log after attaching it so that the chainsaw is placed at an angle, this will make it much more convenient for you to work. The photo shows the construction in progress.

This is what the system looks like when assembled

What you need to know about the design of the circular saw

The design of all models of amateur and semi-professional level is almost identical. Expensive professional units are equipped with additional elements and functions, but if you do not plan to open your sawmill, you do not need such a tool.

One of the main structural elements is the base plate. The tool is attached directly to it. In spite of its superficial simplicity, this element is very important. The baseplate can be made of aluminum alloy or pressed.

Stamping is cheaper. Such a board is quite strong, but any more or less strong mechanical effects, even the usual fall, lead to deformation of the product. And it is impossible to get a quality cut from a saw with a deformed base plate. And you are unlikely to be able to straighten it on your own. Die castings have less rigidity than their cast counterparts. So if you have a sufficient budget, it is better to buy a plate with a cast support. The only disadvantage of such products is that they can splinter if dropped

But here already all depends on the care and responsibility of the user

The base plates of almost all saws are equipped with a stop mount. This element makes it possible to make parallel cuts with relative accuracy. Almost all modern models have a parallel stop. Such a stop is attached to the front, but there are models that allow you to attach it to the back and front.

If you have very delicate materials to saw, it is necessary to use a special bit on the base plate soleplate. Usually such nozzles are included by the manufacturer. On professional models the base plates are equipped with a special groove, allowing to work with the guide bar. With this element, you can achieve the highest possible precision of work. But the base plate guide is not usually included in the package and has to be purchased separately.

How to Use a Circular Saw Video

How to correctly use the circular saw

Thoughts about buying a circular saw arise when you need a lot of work to cut a log or boards along the material. Naturally, to dissolve the boards, if desired, you can use a saw. a hacksaw or a jigsaw. Skilled craftsmen can do it masterfully! But if you want to saw in straight lines, then for such work will need a circular saw. This power tool is used for cutting wood, but also for plastic and soft metal.

Compacting an electric circular saw.

It would seem that the question of how to use a circular saw is quite simple and the answer is clear. But it’s not that easy.

What you should know about the circular saw?

“Circular saws are simple. They consist of the base plate and the actual saw. The base plate is made of duralumin alloy or pressed iron sheet. Using a simple circular saw with a circular saw; 5.2 video how to choose. There are three types of circular saws: stationary, handheld and combination saws.

Even before starting work, it is important to find the deepest cutting depth. This point is the main aspect in choosing a hand saw. It makes sense to ask what you need the tool for: professional or household use?

The size of the tool also matters in this case. As a rule, a medium-sized circular saw is preferred. because of its maneuverability and ease of operation. For a significant amount of work associated with battens and thin boards in the construction of the house, a stationary circular saw of large dimensions will be required. The smallest tools are good for thin laths.

Single-phase circular saws with 220 Watt power can easily cope with cottage and household chores.

For larger volumes, three-phase tools (380 W) are needed. According to safety rules, they must be earthed.

Types of circular saws

The handheld versions, capable of transverse, longitudinal and oblique cuts, are well suited for domestic use. They are easy to maneuver, lightweight and relatively inexpensive.

A number of models allow you to make a cut not only from the end, but also in any place thanks to a special function of immersion. These models can cut at different angles of the material thanks to their tilting relative to the slab.

Base plate of such tools is molded (suitable for home use) or cast (for professional tools).

Larger workloads require a stationary circular saw with a box-type frame. They have been used in the past. Modern models are made very compact, allowing them to be placed on work surfaces, such as workbenches.

Professionals need more massive tools, which are placed directly on the floor of the room. They are able to influence the depth of cut thanks to the moving work table. The blade remains stationary at work. How to make a table for circular saw with your own hands? See photos and video of circular saw table with their own. Thanks to this, the possibilities of the circular saw are very extended.

If the work is often carried out with a variable load, the combined variants will be suitable. They differ from manual ones in the fact that they have special mountings in their body, giving the possibility of stationary work on any horizontal surface. While doing so, hold the saw blade upward.

Benefits of electric circular saws

Different kinds of circular saw blades.

There are saw models that control the load of the tool during operation, protecting it from overheating, and can control the speed of the mechanism.

Most circular saws have an overload indicator and their motor brushes. Disc change is very safe due to built-in quick braking system and locking the unit’s motor.

How to work with a circular saw

Safety at work with the circular saw. Tricks and rules for circular saws. When working with a circular saw, the blade tends to move smoothly and without jerking

Hand circular saw ruler or how to saw straight.

I set a goal to saw straight. As a result, a simple device like this appeared. ;))))

Some electronic circular saws allow you to measure the number of revolutions of the circular blade during cutting. This feature lets you work not only with wood but also with plastics and some soft metals.

advanced models have an electronic soft start. Thanks to it the RPM of such tools is set fast at even speed.

Injury is very difficult because these models have a blade guard. It moves smoothly without jerking when starting work. Some tools of this kind are equipped with a pendulum shroud and a feed roller.

Many models used for both professional and domestic work are equipped with special nozzles, which serve to connect a vacuum cleaner. Despite the reduction in maneuverability, such a tool serves longer, because the number of negative factors is significantly reduced.

A little bit about available teeth

When choosing a saw to work on, you need to consider the characteristics of the teeth. In this video I show how to make a homemade guide for hand circular saw. This is necessary because a particular material requires a different type.

Circular saw blades with standard teeth are used for soft wood and plywood.

For hardwood or chipboard, special carbide teeth are suitable. In addition to the special shape and a larger number, they have a bit of bitumen tips.

For cutting jobs, such as longitudinal sawing of boards, a disc with a small (up to 24) number of teeth is suitable. The fewer there are, the bigger their size. Accordingly, the blade will cut faster, but the cut will be coarse.

Blades with teeth up to 36-48 are good for finish cutting. Working with hardwood material or boards with nails requires a 54-piece trapezoid blade.

The angle of the teeth can be positive, such that it cuts the wood. The disc with and negative tilt is used for clean cutting of aluminum and plastic.

Cutting rules

Laminated Particle board is made from waste hardwood and softwood lumber, and the board is lightweight and used to make furniture structures. Most home furniture makers give preference to laminated particle board when choosing raw materials for making furniture. This material is relatively inexpensive, and retailers always have a wide variety of colors and textures to choose from. The difficulty when working with laminated chipboard is that it is very difficult to saw off part of the plate of the required size, as the fragile laminated layer creates cracks and chips in the place of sawing. To cope with this task it helps to know some of the techniques used in the work.

To cut a piece of laminated chipboard, you need a saw with fine serrations.

And the shallower and more frequent they are on the tool blade, the cleaner and smoother the finished cut of the laminated material will be.

For the accurate and quality performance of sawing work it is necessary to act in a certain sequence.

• On a sheet of laminated chipboard, you need to mark out a cutting line for the trimmer, where you stick a paper adhesive strip tightly. The band will not allow the teeth of the saw to break the lamination layer during the sawing process.
• Use an awl or a knife blade to make a groove with a recess in the kerf. We cut through the thin lamination layer beforehand, which makes it easier to do the sawing work. Moving along this groove, the saw blade will move tangentially, cutting through the deep layers of the chipboard material.
• When sawing, it is advisable to hold the saw blade at an acute angle to the work plane of the board.
• If the sawing work will be done with an electric tool, the feed rate of the cutting blade should be minimal so that the saw blade cannot vibrate and bend.
• After sawing is complete, the cut of the workpiece has to be filed first and then sanded with sandpaper. The cut should be made in a circular motion from the center to the edge of the workpiece.

To protect the cut spot on the workpiece from further chipping or cracking, it is covered by applying melamine adhesive tape, or fixing end cants, which may be T-shaped or C-shaped in appearance.

The simplest way to cut the lumber with a manual circular saw in the cottage

After such a decorative masking not only improves the appearance of the board, but also increases the life of the material.

Operating algorithm

Manual and stationary circular saws have a similar working principle. But the operation of the equipment has some differences.

Manual models

The circular hand saw is an effective and safe tool. But still the use of such equipment requires compliance with some operating rules:

• Connection to the electric power supply. When using the saw in areas remote from the power supply, an extension cord is often used. It must fully match the power of the circular tool. Check the insulation of the cable before connecting it. When connecting the saw to the mains, check that the switch on the device is off.
• Material fastening. The wood to be sawed should be well supported on a flat surface. For this, the material is placed on the workbench and secured until it is completely stable.
• Depth of cut. Required value is determined by a special scale on the tool. When sawing the bar the disk should not protrude beyond the material, otherwise the workbench can be spoiled. For this reason it is recommended to keep the kerf depth slightly below the required value.
• After setting all the necessary parameters the saw blade should be set in motion. Start cutting only with the saw blade rotating. Saw motion along the material must be smooth and even.

Always unplug the hand-held circular saw at the end of the sawing process.

Stationary models

The use of circular saws has its own operational peculiarities. To make a cut in wood it is necessary:

• Set the switch on the machine to the “off” position. Only then can the cable be connected to the mains.
• Lift the handle and set the height of the blade according to the dimensions of the material to be sawn.
• Check the position of the guide bar and saw blade. Their positioning between them should always be parallel.
• Start the circular saw and make a longitudinal cut in the wood material. Sawing a single board should be done in a single approach.

Using a stationary circular saw After processing all the material, you should turn off the switch on the equipment, which stops the rotation of the disc, and disconnect the tool from the power supply.

Ruler for Manual Circular saw or how to saw straight.

Aiming to saw straight. The result is a simple device like this. ;))))

The equipment is equipped with a solid and robust die-cast aluminum support base. No jamming of the blades is a problem for the operator, because the machine has a wedge-shaped blade. Safety is of paramount importance when working with such tools, in this case the protection against accidental start is ensured by a fuse.

Adjusting the circular machine for accurate operation

It is clear that not every home workshop has micrometers and clock gauges. Learn to do without high-precision measuring instruments.

Checking the Belt and Pulleys

First check that the belt pulleys are in line by holding a ruler against them. If this is not possible due to the construction of the drive, close one eye and check the accuracy of alignment visually. To troubleshoot, loosen the locking bolt and move the pulley.

Check belt tension by pressing the middle of the belt with your finger. The permissible deflection at average force is max. 6 mm. Loosen the suspension bolts to tension the belt.

Turn the adjusting screw for the desired number of revolutions and fix the motor mount.

Adjusting the saw blade tilt

First check that the saw blade is flush with the surface of the table by placing a straight edge or drafting square on top of the saw blade.

Correct the position of the insert by means of the adjusting screws. If not, washers or shims should be used. Lower the insert by sharpening some of the material on the underside.

After the adjustment, check the flatness with a square at several places.

Lift the saw blade fully and set the angle to 90° by rotating the tilt support to the stop and check with a straight edge.

Use hexagon to bring it to the exact perpendicular position through the hole in the table.

Turn the handwheel in the opposite direction to the extreme position and make sure that the stop is exactly 45°. Adjust saw blade tilt if necessary.

After adjusting the swivel stops, check the tilt scale and correct the indicator by loosening the screw.

Checking the stops of the saw table

Cuts in a circular saw will be perfect if the saw blade is parallel to the cross stop and longitudinal stop. Otherwise burns, non-rectangularity and rough edges of workpieces are inevitable.

Check that the slots are parallel to the sawblade with a simple fixture that consists of a straight edge fixed to the stop with a screwdriver screwed in. Position the improvised feeler gauge until it touches the tooth of the blade and secure it with a clamp. Then slide the jig over the groove to the far edge of the disk. making sure the screw is still securely in contact indicates that the machine is perfectly parallel.

There are four screws on the corners of the body to change the table position on carpentry circular saws. On domestic models the parallelism is usually adjusted by displacing the motor by unscrewing the nuts at the bottom of the machine.

Tip. Excessively free movement of the angle stop on the groove can be tried to correct, making holes on the side edges with a puncher. Doesn’t work. you will have to buy a new one or make a self-made one, at least for a precise right angle cut.

When you are finished with the table, check the longitudinal stop by inserting a bar firmly into the groove on both sides.

Carry out the necessary steps for adjusting the stop in accordance with the saw’s instruction manual and adjust the scale.

Rules of operation with a circular hand saw

Despite all protection measures and additional accessories, circular saw is quite a dangerous tool. In order to minimize personal injury you should follow some simple rules. Thus, you should use circular saws with a guide bar to ensure that the blade does not accidentally go sideways. The workpiece should be secured as firmly as possible and the saw should be pressed against it more firmly. If the saw has various optional features, you should familiarize yourself with them before you start.

To work safely on the circular saw, it is necessary to observe the rules of operation and to use protective goggles without fail

How to choose the circular saw that best suits your needs? If you have no experience with this class of tools, it is better to consult specialists. And remember that even the most vaunted saws, such as Bosch circular saws, are not universal, so it is always better to have a set of discs or even several saws on hand if you plan to work regularly with different materials.