How To Use Handheld Circular Saw | The Easiest Tutorial EVER For Newbies!

Looking for tips on how to use handheld circular saw? Well, we’re talking all about the circular saw, and how to use it.

A handheld circular saw is one of the most important tools for any craftsman or carpenter. With a circular saw, you can achieve precise and accurate cuts for a variety of materials. This is why it is crucial to know how to use handheld circular saw.

You should keep in mind that any electric saw is dangerous as they come with sharp cutting blades. So, it is not recommended to use any electrical saw without having a proper knowledge regarding how to use the saw.

In the case of handheld circular saw, this same theory is applicable.

how to use handheld circular saw

In this article, I will share a step by step guideline on how you can use a handheld circular saw. Throughout this comprehensive discussion, I will cover every step you need to follow while using a handheld circular saw in the most appropriate way.

Let’s dive right in….

How To Use Handheld Circular Saw – Step By Step Guideline

In this section, I will talk about all the steps regarding how you can use a handheld circular saw. Hence, this section will be of utmost importance for those who don’t have any previous experience with a handheld circular saw.

As I am aiming at covering all the details, it is going to be a long discussion. So, I have divided this entire section into small and precise sections and subsections. Actually, I have done everything that can make this guide a useful one for you.

I recommend you to give your complete attention for the next few minutes while studying the following section.

Easy Steps To Use A Handheld Circular Saw

Step 1 – Preparation Is The Key

Always keep in mind that preparation is the key when it comes to using a handheld circular saw. Without taking the necessary preparation, you won’t be able to use your handheld circular saw following the right way.

Keep it mind:

Some of you may neglect the preparation thing, which is completely wrong to do at the beginning.

Step 2–Getting Familiarized With Your Circular Saw

First of all, you should spend some time getting yourself familiarized with your handheld circular saw. This step is a must, and you can no way ignore it.

At this moment in time, different handheld circular saws from numerous brands are available in the market. The best thing about the circular saws is most brands models come with the same basic design.

So, there will not be much difference in terms of basic design, irrespective of the model or brand you are going to use.

A handheld circular saw features 2 handles – front and rear. When you operate the handheld circular saw, you have to grip this electrical tool by holding those rear and front handles. And, for controlling the movement of your circular saw’s blade, you need to use or press the trigger placed on the rear handle.

Therefore, it can be easily assumed that holding your handheld circular saw will give you an additional advantage for controlling the circular saw movement.

Keep it mind:

• Apart from lumber and other wood types, you get the flexibility of using a handheld circular saw for modifying or cutting composite materials, sheet metal, and those rolled steel bars.

Step 3–Choosing The Right Blade

Circular saw blades typically can be of varied sizes. For the usual lumber construction job, the most common circular saw blade used widely is measured as 6.5 inches or 17 centimeters.

The standard size for the lumber construction works is the 7.25-inch or 18.4-cm blades, where the maximum thickness should be around 2.25 inches.

Lastly, for heavy-duty lumber construction or industrial works, the ideal circular saw blade size is 8-10 inches or 20-25 centimeters.

Depending on your project’s type, you can choose the right size of the blade for your handheld circular saw. Always be very CAREFUL while choosing the blade size, as choosing the wrong size can completely ruin your project.

Step 4–Don’t Forget Safety Precautions

Before doing anything, you should take the necessary steps for the basic safety precautions. Here, I will talk about only basic safety precautions because it is the least you have to do.

First of all, manage a pair of rugged, thick work gloves to keep your hands safe from any unwanted injuries. Also, wear safety goggles because it is essential to keep your eyes safe while working with circular saws.

It would also be better to arrange good quality ear muffs if you decide to work with your circular saw for a longer period.

Keep it mind:

• If you are allergic to dust, I would recommend you wear a dust mask to don’t need to inhale sawdust.

• Apart from the safety equipment, it is a better idea to put on snug-fitting clothing to keep you tidy enough while sawing with the circular saws.

Step 5–Measuring & Marking the Materials

Now, this is a very crucial step, so you have to give your full concentration while performing the step. You can use a ruler or straight edge and a carpenter’s marker or pen/pencil for marking on the material.

Using the ruler, you can measure which way you want to perform the cut, and then mark with the pencil or marker.

The lines you will draw on the materials will be your visual aids to help you guide through while working with the circular saw blade. If you mark it in the wrong direction, the entire cutting procedure can go wrong. So, it would be better to measure and mark carefully and operate the machine accordingly.

Keep it mind:

• To come up with the exact precision and accuracy, it is better to keep this rule in mind – “Measure TWICE, cut ONCE.”

• It will be better to be more careful with the curved or angle cuts with a circular saw as this saw type works better for straight or short cuts. For the angled or curved cuts, I always prefer either jigsaw or miter saw.

Step 6 – Placing The Material

Whenever you use a circular saw for a cutting task, you have to make sure the material has proper support. Also, you have to be careful enough to make the material free from any kind of obstruction from the bottom part.

To get the best support, you can place the material on a plain saw table. Or you can also use two sawhorses for this purpose – whichever suits you best; you can go with that.

Keep it mind:

• It is not recommended to place the material on an ordinary bench, table, or floor. If you do so, it can simply ruin your work area and the circular saw’s blade as well.

• The saw table is completely different than the ordinary tables as this table type is specifically designed to work with different types of saws. So, I would suggest you manage a strong saw table for all of your sawing projects.

• As I have already mentioned, you can also go with the sawhorses. You can find various sizes of sawhorses in the local hardware store. Depending on your project requirements, you can get the ideal size.

Step 7 – Setting The Blade

For any sawing project, one of the most important things is to set the blade correctly. You can perfectly do this task using the central lever as it will set the blade for your desired cutting path.

Keep it mind:

• Make sure you place the blade 0.32-cm to 0.64-cm below the bottom part of the material. Never try to set it up too deep as it will require more pressure to cut the material. This will also reduce precision while cutting the material with the handheld circular saw.

• Keep in mind that setting the circular saw blade at the correct depth will provide you with cleaner and precise cuts. Wrong depth can certainly damage the blade of your circular saw.

Step 8 – Pulling The Trigger

Now it is time to pull the trigger to start cutting the material with your handheld circular saw. On an important note, some models may come with an extra safety trigger placed on the top portion of the saw. If your circular saw has this type of safety trigger, you must flip it before pulling the action trigger.

Once you pull the back trigger, the circular saw will start cutting the material on the way through the marked line. The saw blade will start at a slower speed, and gradually it will achieve full speed.

Keep it mind:

• While working with a handheld circular saw, it is important to keep your hands safe from the cutting blades. I would recommend you keep a minimum distance from the saw blade to avoid unwanted accidents.

• If you think an adjustment is necessary, I recommend you pull the trigger before taking any action with the saw or the material.

Step 9 – Unplugging The Circular Saw

Finally, when you are done with your sawing operation, make sure to unplug the saw from the power board. Also, check and ensure that the blade guard is properly locked in the downward direction.

handheld circular saw

Final Words

So, this is the complete procedure regarding how to use handheld circular saw.

In the above discussion, I have tried to describe all the necessary steps you have to follow while using your handheld circular saw for performing any sawing operation. I am quite confident that it will work as a clear guideline for anyone who has no earlier experience with using a handheld circular saw.

Still, if you have any questions or confusion, you can send me a message or comment below.

I will try my best to help you out by giving you the best possible solution.

This is all I had for you this time.

Take Care!

Michael
Michael

My name is Michael M. Militello, and I want to help you find the right tools and the best products for your next project! As a professional tool expert here in Houston, TX, With my vast tool experience, I can help you choose the right brand, model, and size for the job. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. You can reach me here on my blog and also on Facebook, Twitter , and Pinterest. I look forward to hearing from you!

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