Circular saws are versatile power tools that are a must have for anyone who needs an electric-powered saw. Whether you need a saw for the construction site or a DIY project at home, the circular saw is an absolute must-have tool.
Whether you’re a hobbyist, DIY enthusiast, or a professional in need of a tool for your next project, here’s a simple guide for anyone thinking of buying or renting a circular saw. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the varying types of saws, blades, and applications of each.
What Is A Circular Saw?
A circular saw can refer to any powered handheld saw that uses a rotary motion that spins around an arbor and is designed for cutting wood or metal. Portable circular saws are called Skil saws, after the company that first made them in 1924, originally called Michel Electric Handsaw Company.
Types of Circular Saws
- Sidewinder/in-line is the most popular of the types. It has a motor that is mounted on the side and rests on the solid workpiece. It usually weighs much less than its counterparts as well. This type spins at a higher speed than others and is great for cutting overhead.
- Worm drive saws have motors that are mounted toward the back of the tool, making it longer and narrower than a sidewinder. This style has more torque, but less blade speed. The length of this type of saw makes it easier to cut wide boards and makes plunge-cutting a breeze as well.
- Hypoid types are similar in look to worm drive saws, but these have a different gearbox and transmission. The design of this saw improves on blade contact and also improves on power and efficiency while reducing motor size and noise as well. Great for cutting long pieces of wood and it is preferable if the wood is damp or wet. The heaviest in weight of all the types.
Types Of Blades
There are many types of blades you can choose from, here are the three most popular and their applications:
- Ripping Saw Blades are used to get a clean, smooth cut while ripping the wood or material in the same direction as the wood grain. Small amount of large and straight teeth on the blade make it so the dust from the cut can be removed easier. This type of blade can cut through any kind of wood easily.
- Combination Saw Blades are the most common of the types. Designed to cut crosscuts and rips with a combination of tooth counts. Great for circular saws that aren’t super powerful. Also called “all-purpose saw blades.”
- Crosscut Saw Blades cut perpendicular to the wood grain while giving a smooth, clean cut. Used kerfed teeth, which means they alternate from left and right leaning. Usually carbide tipped.
Uses For A Circular Saw
There are many applications and uses for a circular saw, here are a few you can cross of your to-do list:
- Cutting firewood
- Creating that perfect bevel
- Cutting all types and textures of wood, wet or dry
- Breaking down large pieces of plywood (or other kinds) into manageable pieces
- Cross-cutting wood
- Cutting down metals like brass, steel and bronze
- Cutting masonry
- Making rip cuts and bevels
- Cutting sheet rock and much more
How To Make A Good, Clean Cut
A clean cut is essential to ensuring your finished product looks professional:
- Make cuts with the good side facing down, as circular saws can splinter the wood on the top side.
- To reduce splintering, make your cutline on masking tape.
- You should start over if you see that you’ve veered off from the cut line instead of trying to curve your way back on track.
- Don’t clamp both sides of a cut.
- Set the blade depth no more than 1/4-inch below the thickness of the board for safety.
Circular Saw Safety Tips
- Unplug the saw or remove battery when changing the blade or when not in use.
- Let the saw cut at its own speed and try not to force the cut.
- Wear safety goggles at all times when operating the saw!
- Never place your hand near the blade.
Rent A Quality Saw and Start Your Project Off Right
At Elephant Construction Solutions, our quality equipment serves professionals and hobbyists alike with high-quality tools and accessories that you’ll need to get the job done right. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, we offer many different options for rent, such as: saws, drills, and many other power tools, professional construction equipment, as well as other machinery, including air compressors, power generators, and even scaffolding.
Reach out to us at Elephant Construction Solutions to get a free quote for any power tools or machinery you may need for your next job or project. Whether it’s as simple as a lawnmower, as important as scaffolding, or as small as a circular saw, we have the best in high quality products you are looking for.