For a precise and right cut, a circular saw is a handy tool for woodworkers. You may be experienced or newbie, you must use a circular saw safely like any other power tools. The circular saw safety tips in this guide will be very helpful to use this tool properly and safely.
In fact, you will find several circular saws with distinctive features in the market. Therefore, you must first pick the ideal one for your task. Once you have it, it is crucial to know how to work with that for getting the results you want.
However, using a circular saw can cause severe injuries if you are not careful. To stay careful and follow necessary steps is vital. So, here we go! Let’s dive into the key discussion.
Circular Saw Safety Tips for Avoiding Hazards
Modern circular saws come with many innovative features to perform the best and ensure safety while using. But no doubt, you will need to be more careful and follow some important safety tips. So, let’s check out a few things to consider for avoiding critical hazards.
Check it out: You should check the saw’s each part to ensure the proper performance. Examine the ‘retractable bottom guard’ to assure its removal and appropriately repaired.
The fold-down under protector is the most extensive safety feature of the saw. Therefore, never use a circular saw with a damaged guard underneath.
Ensure before using that it runs without any hassle and the circular saw is off when checking. If you use a cordless circular saw, detach the battery at the time of checking. In fact, it prevents accidental starting of the saw during the test.
Switch off the saw when not using: When you have finished using the circular saw, it is safer to unplug the power cord. Don’t leave the saw running when not in use. You can accidentally turn it on and harm yourself or others who stay around. So, make sure to turn off the saw when not in use to avoid accidents.
Detach the battery after use, in case of using a cordless circular saw. The similar thing applies when replacing the dull or old blade with a sharp one.
When changing blades, do not loosen or pull the saw out of its slot. The key is to be sure to disconnect the saw before replacing the blades.
Use proper safety equipment: First, when using power tools, always try to wear proper safety equipment such as hearing aids, safety glasses, and suitable apparel. By adopting those three pillars of carpentry safety, you can significantly reduce some common injuries regarding saw blade.
Right position of the blade during cutting: When ready to cut, adjust the cutting depth and so the blade go less than ¼ inch below the base of the card-board you want to cut. It doesn’t make sense to expose two inches of saw blade under the notch on a ½ inch thick piece of plywood.
An extra blade under the cut can hold something else under the cutting board. And the edge of the saw blade can make a sharper cut than when the end is closer to the board when cutting wood.
Adjusting your blade in the right size will give you a safe and precise cut. If you don’t, you may have a chance to face an accident.
Use of blade guards: The saw blade guard can sometimes seem annoying, especially since it may get stuck and recede when cutting the thin metals.
If you have to manually move the blade guard to move the saw forward, utilize your left hand to reach and grasp the blade guard and raise the handle to move the circular saw ahead. Stay away from using anything to keep the blade guard open, as this will leave the blade unprotected.
Use a sharp blade: Keep the blades sharp and do not tip over when using the circular saw. An old blade can be easily secured back and forth, and a sharp blade cuts wood faster.
Avoid cutting in freehand: It is quick and easy to use the circular saw to cut many objects. And that may be the reason why people are starting to cut with an efficient circular saw.
Actually, using a circular saw freehand is the dumbest mistake most people make. It doesn’t matter how easy a circular saw is to use, and it is never with freehand.
How to Finish a Safely Cut with a Circular Saw
- Switch on the circular saw and move it to the material you have to cut. In fact, this way can prevent joining of two different parts of the work piece or friction of the blade.
- After that, you need to accelerate the blade through the work piece and drop the piece.
- There are two different types of cross-sections that you can make with a circular saw. These are cross-cut and rip cut.
- If you need an excellent decent cut, you can utilize a square pattern. When cutting plywood or other longer material, you can attach the 1X4 to the work piece and use the saw guide.
- You need to make sure it’s straight forward and make the most of it.
Some Additional Tips to Follow
- Do not wear any jeweler or any loose apparel when using a circular saw.
- Just before starting work, you should check the blade guard to make sure it is in place and working correctly.
- Adjust the saw blade so that it protrudes about ¼ inch below the material to cut and excessive blade can create problems.
- Hold a piece of wood on the work surface so you can guide the saw with both hands.
Wrap Up
A circular saw is a must needed tool for the carpenters. But you will enjoy all its benefits only when you can use it in the most proper way. The above circular saw safety tips are something that can show you what you can do to avoid risks.
The most important part is your consciousnesses that will keep you always alert and help you to follow the rules for avoiding hazards come from circular saw when using.