How Do You Operate a Circular Saw?

Circular saws are very easy to operate, but like any other power tool, they require a measure of caution. Once you are familiar with their operation, they can be useful in many situations.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Circular saw
• Saw blades needed for your project
• Safety glasses

1. Remove the circular saw from its packaging, including the secondary packaging. Read the owner's manual before operation.

2. Ensure that the blade being used is appropriate for the stock to be cut. Given the correct blade, circular saws can cut through wood, plastic, ferrous metal, plywood, laminates, thin metals, Hardi Backer board, masonry, tile, stone, or wet lumber.

3. Mark the stock where the cut needs to be made.

4. Line the blade up with the cutting mark using the guide on the front side of the saw.

5. Some circular saw models have a thumb safety that has to be deactivated before the trigger switch will work. Other models have an on/off switch that must be turned on before the saw will work. And still other models simply have a trigger switch that has to be pulled to turn the saw on. Do what has to be done with the particular model you are using to turn the saw on.

6. Allow the saw blade to spin up to full speed before starting the cut.

7. Complete the cut, and allow the blade to completely stop spinning before putting the saw down.

Tips & Warnings

• Never remove or tamper with the blade guards. For a hands-on circular saw demonstration, visit the tool department of your local hardware store.
• Keep your hands, fingers, arms, and legs away from the saw blade at all times. Use safety glasses when using a circular saw.