Circular Saw Tips

[Strykercom1]

the last time i saw sombody try to cut a curve with a circular saw, the same curve they were cutting was also transferd to his thigh when the saw kicked back

[AsktheBuilder]

@Strykercom1 Oh yes, you bet that can happen. I believe the small company went out of business, but about ten years ago this woman was at the huge Hardware Show with a revolutionary circular saw blade that cut circles! Can you think how it did so?

[Strykercom1]

@AsktheBuilder she cut a straight line on a circular piece of wood? haha

my guess is that it was a small diameter blade, such as one norm abram used one time to cut a wide curve, i think it was a 3 inch blad

[AsktheBuilder]

@Strykercom1 Nope, that's not what it was. It was a 7-inch diameter blade. Think why a regular circular saw blade binds when you don't cut a straight line. It was ingenious.

[lgttb1]

TIM...

perhaps if you used a blade with 60 or more teeth and clamped the wood down and used a straight edge clamped to the piece ... you might get an even better looking cut. the blade you are using is a lo grade one with very few teeth

[AsktheBuilder]

@lgttb1 Indeed, I used the perfect blade for *rough* lumber - what I believe I was cutting.

[catothewiser]

Fantastic tips! Very useful!

[mooseythejuiceman]

"Maybe that's why they call it a circle." Love it.

[RDKF13]

Hi Tim, thanks for the tips....do you direct your own videos aswell?

[AsktheBuilder]

@RDKF13 This one was directed by a professional videographer that worked for the ABC-TV affiliate in Cincinnati, OH. He did many of my videos. My recent videos have been directed by myself and a new freelancer videographer.

[lpmaythratail]

i need to cut a 9 guage aluminium wire mesh from a wire mesh door.can i use a skil 5300 circular saw?? please help

thank you

[forgotmylogininfo]

@lpmaythratail If you are using a carbide tipped blade you can cut sheets of Aluminum. Wear hearing protection because it will be LOUD.

[woodnsteel19]

Batteries.The last refuge of real kid stuff.

Can you imagine how much fun one of these would have been in 1965?

I had a steel skilsaw with steel blades and a rubber covered cotton cord and a 32 oz hammer and leather bags- nuthin was plastic,not even the cup on my thermos,not my lighter,and my beer cans were steel too!

[ClintL63]

another tip idea: ALWAYS ALWAYS check the blade guard after a cut to make sure it snaps back; every saw I have used at one time or another, the guard fails to snap back; watched the saw twirl on the floor and cut its own cord once; friend of mine cut his femur with one too

[pavolpi]

@ClintL63 I always put my circular saw on a small piece of a squared log (with appropriate height, of course) after sawing.

It prevents the blade to touch the ground in case of guard failing.

But in spite of that there is need to be careful anyway.

[pavolpi]

thanks for the tip.

I'll give it a try.

[handmetheclip]

Cordless power tools end up in the landfill fairly early.

[AsktheBuilder]

@handmetheclip Not if you buy quality ones. I have several cordless power tools that are nearly 10-years old that work like new.

[7777dmith7777]

rule # 2 cordless skill saws cut like shit

[AsktheBuilder]

@7777dmith7777 Rule #3: Don't EVER EVER believe everything you read. I've used cordless circular saws for years and they cut framing lumber like a hot knife through butter.

[7777dmith7777]

@AsktheBuilder ...Rule #4 I never believe anything I read , I have been a builder for 14 years, I am not trying to portray any hatred against cordless skill saws, but I have found from experience that every brand of cordless circular saw made sucks. There is however 1 exeption that I will give them some credit, being at a place with no possible way to get power (remote wilderness cabins where carrying in a generator is impossible). They just don't have the RPM to cut clean..Emergency use only

[AsktheBuilder]

@7777dmith7777 Rule #5 Try to be open-minded about new and improved products. Rule #6 Try out the new super-thin blades that reduce friction on cordless circular saws. If you used my Milwaukee 18-volt saw with an open mind, you'd come back here and post a new comment that you were mistaken. Go try some new saws that have really powerful batteries - good saws - and you'll be blown away. Will they last all day? Of course not. Do they work well in certain situations? You bet they do.

[stewartx5]

Since this video is about tips, here's a question for all reading this. How do you transport your circular saw blades?

I have about a half dozen 6 1/2" (open and unprotected) blades I'd like to tote occasionally (don't know what job might entail), but have not found a bag, case, or other means to secure them or me from damage. What's the solution?

[AsktheBuilder]

@stewartx5 Correct-sized flat tupperware container. About 8x8x2.

[stewartx5]

@AsktheBuilder

Yours has been the best (in fact, only) suggestion so far, but I "think" I've talked my wife into making a leather reenforced canvas wrap for those blades. If that doesn't work out (she hates sewing thick canvas & leather), I'll definitely try your tupperware suggestion.

[Lawknee]

@stewartx5 What about combining the two ideas into one? lining the tupperware container with leather, canvas between the blades, and a strap to carry the container?

[bassman7530]

@stewartx5 My friend who plays the drums uses padded cases to store/ transport the cymbals on his drum kit. The bags come in a wide variety of diameters, I'm sure you could find one that's a good fit. Go to a music shop, or look online at Guitar Center or Musician's Friend's websites. I noticed your comment is a bit old, but I hope this helps regardless.

[SuperSuperteddybear]

just remember to take out the battery or un plug before you make adjustments to the guard

[youtubasoarus]

Awesome tips man!

[mdhamelin]

I love reading the comments and then your perfect and non confrontation comebacks, this is just cracking me up.

[AsktheBuilder]

@mdhamelin Thanks! I try to be polite. There are many rude people out there that seem to have never heard the old saying: Actions speak louder than words.

If a person has a better method, then I feel they should take the time to show us - meaning create a video instead of talking about it.

[eatadicc]

@AsktheBuilder I agree. Thanks for your videos I really enjoy them.

[itsdonenow]

I have never had a problem cutting curves with a circular saw. ; )

[TSOfan]

Thanks for the upload! Very helpful...

[chrismcavoy]

great stuff....I love learning stuff from these 'how to videos' ie.knife score  How do you stop 3/4 ply from binding when ripping? at the end of the rip all heck breaks loose it binds on the blade and screws up the cut....should I just go super fast or what?

[AsktheBuilder]

You should support the plywood on both sides so that it doesn't get into a bind as you saw.

[man9170]

@AsktheBuilder can you use a resprcating saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

@man9170 Yes I can. I do it all the time.

[hdaustonmoving]

Good Info!

[ValleyOfTomorrow]

Well i'm no carpenter(which is why I'm here) but I can't help but think you should be wearing more then those glasses for eye protection..

But thanks for the tips!

[AsktheBuilder]

The glasses work pretty well. Putting bulky goggles over them is more of a hazard from the inability to see correctly. Corrective goggles are prohibitively expensive - at least for me.

[ValleyOfTomorrow]

makes sense.. thanks again for the tips!

[Vervello]

Thank you so much for your vids. They are very useful. Appreciate it.

[EASYASPIE090]

your even better that Norm Abram.

[AsktheBuilder]

I don't know about that! Thanks anyway. Norm is extremely talented, and I am always impressed with his skill. He's a true Master Carpenter.

[goonerdotcom]

I just got the Rigid Table saw (on sale for 399 ... how can a man say no??) ...I've watched a bunch of your clips. Thank you very much for posting excellent vids. Very informative and reminds me of basics that I knew but have forgotten ..... cheers

[goldstar62]

Folicles or not ..... a good guy who's trying just to give good advice .....

[goldstar62]

Is his hair real ???

[AsktheBuilder]

Absolutely. But my damn bald spot is growing!!

[ardvarkkkkk]

I know the feeling. My bald spot got bad enough that I just shaved my head.

[keshavarzia2]

Is it possible to cut the crown moldings with circular saw?

I know the the angle is 45 degree for crown molding.

Thank You

[AsktheBuilder]

It is possible. You have to have incredible skills and magic to do it.

[keshavarzia2]

Thank You very much

[anotherbobhead1]

Magic? Like...Harry Potter magic? I knew Hogwarts was real! But seriously, thanks for the video!

[AsktheBuilder]

Serious magic. Magic that makes jujumagumbo look like child's play. You can't imagine the spell it would take to get a circular saw to make precision crown-molding joints.

[Crinale819]

thanks, your video helps a lot.

[Crinale819]

just asking, is the circular saw can be made as table saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

I can't see why not....

[awesomehero911]

good to know.

[usaearthling]

Thank you for the tips. Always happy to see your videos.

[jakadaba]

Hi. As a pro. cabinetmaker I simply cant help myself from making comments on this. First: to avoid splinters you'll have to put on masking tape and make the cut from the "ugly" or non visible side. Second: If you want to make a curve cut, use a bandsaw or you'll eventually have an accident. You can make a long curve though, but it 'll ruin your blade 'cause the back-end of the blades teeth will cut against the wood ( making an rip in the wood ) and "burning" the blade !

[AsktheBuilder]

Good points. You missed the point of the video. It was just to show that with an adjustment to blade height you *can* cut a curve. Is it the best method? No way. When on a jobsite and no band saw is there, you have a method. That's all this was about.

[pcgeek86]

Excellent video, simple tips. Thanks for posting it!

[bored1980]

Excellent, thanks for the video. Very useful.

[tooldad17123]

IT IS NOT SAFE TO INTENTIONALLY CUT CURVES WITH A CIRCULAR SAW. This will ultimately lead to kickback which is the number one cause of injury to operators using the circ saw. You also made another mistake by having the weight/motor side above the fall off side of the work. This can lead to an inaccurate cut and increases the risk of kickback. I am a shop teacher and I teach students about this tool and have seen most mistakes made with most tools.

[AsktheBuilder]

I agree to a point. Did you know there are special blades made for circular saws that just cut circles? Instead of being flat, the blades are concave on one side and convex on the other! The table of the circular saw is a major factor in determining what the saw does as it nears the end of the cut.

[Drafty01]

I actually converted mine to a table saw. I screwed it to a flat (and I mean FLAT) piece of plywood with the blade right up (you will need to drill some small (3/16") holes first) and turn it on, and then with the height adjustment loosened plunge the blade through the plywood. One can use a straight piece of wood and a couple of G clamps to make a guide/fence, and even fit a scriber & guard if you're keen.

I use a folding portable workbench to mount it on.

I've used it for all sorts of projects

[kissmygritts666]

Wow im a builder and i didnt know most of that stuff....

[tombutleruk]

dodgy wig ?

[Drafty01]

I hope it IS a wig!

[darknightten]

Wow, the country you live in is beutiful.

[AsktheBuilder]

Indeed it is.

[Tigersfan829]

true

[Tigersfan829]

y wouldnt u use a jig saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

Because it might not be powerful enough.

[Tigersfan829]

y would u try to cut a curve with a circular saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

Because you can if you have the right blade or the arc of the circle is large.

[mykulc]

So us morons will try it, and end up looking like SNL's version of Julia Childs.

[Skunk980]

tim, to prevent sintering, would duct tape work

[AsktheBuilder]

Possibly. If you use the right blade, splinters will be minimal.

[Skunk980]

tim, I tried to cut a curve with my saw but it wont work. please respond

[AsktheBuilder]

Set the blade depth so it is only 1/16th more than the wood you are cutting. You will be able to cut tighter curves on thinner material. You can also try to find a special blade that is not flat. A circular saw blade shaped like a shallow gold-miners pan will cut very tight curves.

[misterfisherman]

blast it.ive beening searching everywhere for a circular saw accident video.hmmm yes

[ZingsVideos]

You, sir, are my hero.

[lacorunya]

hey I just started at this wood world......yesterday I used a circular saw for the first time.....and it is easier to use than I thought.....my question is, how safe is it to handle it? can you post a video on some simple instructions and the proper way to handle a circular saw?

[AsktheBuilder]

Yes. It was on my list. I will move it to the top. Very good idea. Thanks for commenting.

[lacorunya]

Hey thanx for that quick answer. You see I sell wood to carpenters and to some furniture factories in my town, we just started at this and the thing is that my needs by the moment are how to cut 1 inch thick and 16 feet long tables by the half in a safe way.....I use a 2 1/8 HP I guess that is horse power craftsman circular saw it says 10amps and 7 1/4". Can I also cut 1.25, 1.5 and 1.75 inches of thickness of the table with this circular saw? (excuse my english, it is not my first language)

[AsktheBuilder]

A 7 and 1/4 saw will typically make a cut about 2.5 to 3 inches deep.

[swkarg]

Thanks for the info..

[AsktheBuilder]

You are most welcome. Thanks for being appreciative.

[kewlnews]

Awesome. i love home improvement!!!. and he loves saws!!!. lol

[xxxgrimREAPERx]

I love saws!!