© Courtesy of BestReviews How to use a circular saw for woodworking at homeHow do you use a circular saw?
Most people working on small woodworking projects are familiar with hand and portable power saws, both corded and cordless. The portable hand saw is great for quickly cutting wood and plywood, for small projects that don't require the precision required to build items like furniture and cabinets. But if you need to get serious about a project, a table saw is a good choice.
What is a circular saw?
A circular saw is a woodworking tool that uses an electric motor to drive the circular saw. The blade passes through the table supporting the wood to be sawed when you push it forward.
Table saw type
There are three main types.
- Portable Table Saws: These are the smallest of the three main types. It weighs less, so it's easy to move. Because they are smaller and lighter, they are the least stable, the most susceptible to vibration, and the least powerful. They can be mounted on a frame with or without wheels.
- Table Saws: These are large saws that do not have wheels but can be moved. They cost more than portable table saws because they are larger and more powerful. They are more stable and have less unwanted vibration than heavier portable saws.
- Furniture table saws: This is the choice for the home woodworker looking to make professional quality furniture and cabinets. They are extremely durable, powered by powerful motors and easily handle even the toughest and thickest wood.
The types of cuts that can be made with a circular saw
There are four types.
- Cross section: This is the most common type of incision. The blade cuts grain in the shortest distance, like you chop wood for a fire.
- Cuts: These run the entire length of a piece of wood. Only the cross cut is less common, as it is only used to make long boards thinner, not shorter.
- Angled Cuts: Most good table saws allow you to adjust the angle of the blade so you can cut at an angle and make a vertical cut.
- Die: These are special cutouts used to make higher quality furniture and cabinets for a better fit and secure fit.
How to cut like a pro
Follow these tips.
- Tighten all nuts and bolts before starting the engine.
- Unplug the saw when working with the blade.
- Set the dimensions and check again.
- Drive the firewood, never force it.
Safety first
The metal blade cuts through anything that spins and is a source of accidents when one is careful with the saw, so be careful. And don't forget that sawdust turns into sawdust which must be kept away from eyes, nose and mouth.
- Built-in safety features: Choose only saws with a safety stop feature and a safety guard that fits snugly between your hand and the blade.
- Push tool: This is the safest way to carefully guide the wood when a full cut is to be made.
- Eye protection: Always wear safety glasses that cover the top, bottom and both sides of the lens. Safety glasses do not provide adequate protection.
- Nose and mouth protection: Wear a mask or respirator that filters out fine particles so you don't swallow them or inhale them into your lungs.
- Ear Protection: Table saws make a loud, piercing sound, so wear earplugs when cutting.
How to extend the life of a circular saw
- Check the blade before you start: chipped or loose teeth can throw your blade and the entire saw off balance.
- Change Blades Regularly: Like any object with a cutting edge, saw blades sharpen with use. Damaged planks can glue, split the wood, and cause injury.
- Check the drive belt: Replace it if you see signs of wear.
- Lubricate as needed or as needed: Moving parts must be lubricated to reduce friction and wear. Use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
- Cleaning after use: Keeps countertops and blades clean and free of sawdust, dirt, and debris, which makes your next job easier, keeps the air cleaner, and even enhances the look of your shop.
Best table saw
Table saws up to $500
Bachin Precision Mini Table Saw
High torque motor provides high cutting power with low noise. Rulers, calipers, push plates and brakes ensure accurate and safe cuts. A thick steel frame and aluminum alloy panels rest on non-slip feet.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Goplus table saw with metal stand
You can use this lightweight aluminum saw on your workbench or mount it on the included frame for precise miter cuts. The blades are transparent and a safety switch turns them off when it detects an overload.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Ridgid table saw with scissor holder
Perfect for professional contractors or homeowners who need a powerful table saw with a compact base. Includes table saw, stand, blade guard, wrench and more.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
A table saw cost over $500
10 inch Bosch table saw with gravity mount
This folding stand with wheels can be put on or taken down in one motion. With a push or pull handle, this 94-pound saw maintains cutting speed under load and features a shock-absorbing mechanism and lightweight guard.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
DeWalt DWE7491X Portable Table Saw with Stand
You get a 10-inch carbide blade, rod and rack system that makes adjustments fast, smooth and precise. For safety, this saw has a split guard, blade guard and pusher.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Professional table saw with 3 horses
Less than 5 milliseconds after skin contact, the saw blade stops and drops under the table, reducing the risk of serious injury. The upper and lower blade guards work together to collect 99% of airborne dust.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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David Alan Wang writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers make easier buying decisions, saving them time and money.
