How to Operate a Circular Saw

For weekend warriors, using a circular saw can make home improvement projects easier to do, with results that would make Ty Penning proud.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Owner's manual
• Sawhorses
• Clamps
• Wood
• Eye protection
• Dust mask
• Electric outlet
• Extension cord that fits the wattage of your power tool and the application (whether you are using it indoors or outdoors)

1. Before finding out how to use a circular saw, decide what power saw you need for the job. Do curving cuts with a saber saw, band saw, or jig saw. Cut trees and tree limbs with a chain saw. Use a circular saw for making long, straight cuts and crosscuts.

2. Read the owner's manual.

3. Check that the blade is sharp. Replace a dull blade while the saw is unplugged.

4. Set the blade depth, while the saw is still unplugged, so that it extends no more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch below the wood.

5. Set up sawhorses or a bench to support the wood.

6. Use clamps to hold your work in place. Never cut across your arm, knee or hand.

7. Put on safety goggles, glasses or other eye protection.

8. Wear a dust mask or respirator if sawing harmful materials such as treated wood.

9. Plug in the saw.

10. Start the saw and let it reach full power before starting to cut.

11. Use both hands on the saw: one on the trigger and the other on the front knob handle.

12. Stop the saw when you are finished cutting. Allow the blade to stop moving before removing it from the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Loose clothing, jewelry and hair can get caught in the saw.
• Unplug the saw before adjusting or changing blades.
• Make sure the saw guard is in place and functioning before using the saw.
• Follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations.
• All saws can "kick back" if they bind in the wood. If you feel resistance or the saw starts to screech, stop cutting, hold the saw and wood still until the blade stops moving, then remove it from the wood.