How to Use a Cross-Cut Saw to Rip
Cross-cutting means cutting wood across the grain. This means cutting boards across their widths, a job that is easy with a circular, or cross-cut, saw. Ripping wood means cutting it with the grain, or along the length of a board. While a table saw is usually used for ripping, it is also possible to do it with a circular saw, provided the wood is well-secured and the saw is held steadily. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Circular saw
- 2 sawhorses
- 2 C-clamps
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Chalk line
- Goggles
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Instructions
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Set the board lengthwise across two sawhorses so that about half the board is hanging over the edge. Clamp it securely to both sawhorses with C clamps.
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Measure the width you want to cut with a tape measure and make pencil marks at both ends. Hook the end of a chalk line on one of the marks, pull it out and, holding the chalk line tight against the other mark, snap it to mark the line of the cut.
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Set the rip guide of the saw so that the distance between it and the near side of the blade is the same as the width you have marked on the board. Tighten the nut of the guide securely.
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Hold the circular saw securely against the end of the board and begin cutting, moving steadily but not too quickly along the board. Keep the mark on the front of the blade housing aligned with the chalk line and make sure the rip guide stays in contact with the wood.
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Unclamp the board when you reach the C clamp, then move the board and re-clamp it so you can continue ripping. Hold up the blade guard up and insert the sawblade into the kerf you have already cut. Start the saw and wait until the blade is turning at full power before you continue cutting.
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Let the off-cut fall free. Don't try to hold it or maneuver it.
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Tips & Warnings
When you are trimming the edge of a board, the blade guard can get in the way, and it can be difficult to hold it and the saw at the same time. In this case, temporarily tie the guard up with twine. Release the guard when you are done.
Never leave a blade guard up. It is extremely dangerous to leave the blade unprotected. You can easily damage the blade if you set the saw down before it has stopped turning.
Never force the saw through knots or binds in the wood. If the saw seems to be working too hard, slow down and let it resume its normal speed before you continue.
Wear goggles when cutting with a circular saw, and never put your hand in the path of a moving blade.
References
- Photo Credit construction tools, saw image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
