Hand-held circular saws and their use

The classic hand-held circular saw

With a circular saw, you can make long, straight cuts in various materials. To do this, the saw is placed from above and at the edge of a workpiece using the base plate, and then guided along a straight line through the wood. Circular hand saw models primarily differ in power and cutting depth. The base plate, also called the saw shoe, can be adjusted for miter cuts in its inclination, usually even without tools depending on the saw model. The saw blade is covered by a retractable blade guard, with the upper blade guard fixed and the lower blade guard retracting backward during the sawing process.

For less dust exposure and to keep the workspace clean, the saws are equipped with a dust extraction adapter, to which you can connect a wet-dry vacuum for extracting sawdust. Certain circular saw models have a base plate with an integrated groove for use with a guide rail. Other helpful features include an adjustable saw blade height or cutting depth, a spindle lock for easy blade changes, or an integrated LED light for the best view of the cutting area.

Hand-held circular saws are now available not only with cables but also as battery-powered devices. Our Power X-Change cordless circular saws can be combined with all batteries and chargers in the system family. Cordlessly flexible, the battery-powered saws are particularly suitable for use away from power outlets. If you have your battery ready, you won't need a cable reel or extension cord to cut your wooden terrace.

The plunge saw does not necessarily need to be applied at the edge of a workpiece. Instead, you place the plunge saw on the panel where you want to start the cut and guide the saw blade into the workpiece from above thanks to the plunge function. Since the saw blade is positioned further out compared to a regular circular hand saw, it is also possible to cut shadow gaps, for example, for paneling work.

The maximum cutting depth always depends on the specific saw model and the saw blade used. Since the mini circular hand-held saw only works with smaller saw blades, such as Ø 89 mm, only smaller cutting depths of up to approximately 28 mm are possible.

It is best to read the corresponding instruction manual beforehand to learn exactly how to assemble and attach the guide rail. It is important to securely and straightly attach the guide rail to the workpiece using clamps. The workpiece itself should also be securely fixed. Depending on the model of the handheld circular saw, the cutting depth must be adjusted because the thickness of the rail must be added to the material thickness so that the saw cuts completely through the material. The handheld circular saw is guided along the guide rail on the workpiece, with the rubber lip minimizing splintering and preventing the material from fraying.

For working with softer material, you can use a circular saw blade made of CV steel (chrome-vanadium), as these have high elasticity and enable a high cut quality. If you want to work with hardwood or perform many cross and rip cuts, carbide-tipped circular saw blades are suitable due to their long service life. The carbide-tipped saw blades are also versatile, as they are suitable not only for hardwood but also for various types of wood, including softwood, plywood, or the classic chipboard. The number of teeth also plays a role, with the general rule being: the more teeth, the finer the cut.

Long-lasting Use: Protection and Maintenance of the Saw

• Protect the Cable: If you want to enjoy your machine for as long as possible, you should always protect your saw from damage. When working with a corded handheld circular saw, make sure to always route the cable with a large distance from the saw blade to the nearest socket to avoid accidentally cutting the cable. It is easier and safer to use a cordless circular saw from our Power X-Change family.
• Check the Saw Blade: Always pay attention to the condition of your saw blade! Precise cuts can only be achieved with sharp saw blades! You should never continue using dull or damaged saw blades with missing teeth, as precise cuts can only be achieved with sharp saw blades.
• Changing the Saw Blade: You should read the instruction manual beforehand to learn how to change the circular saw blade. In any case, you must disconnect the handheld circular saw from the power source, either by unplugging it from the socket or removing the battery in the case of a cordless saw. To avoid injury, you should wear protective gloves when changing the saw blade.

Safety Tips for Working

When working with handheld circular saws, always exercise caution to protect yourself from injuries. One hazard with a high risk of injury is loose clothing, which can get caught in the saw blade. Therefore, it is recommended to wear tight-fitting clothing while working with saws. To protect your eyes and respiratory system from chips and wood dust, you should also wear safety goggles and a dust mask. By the way, you can connect a suitable wet-dry vacuum to the dust extraction adapter of the circular saw to minimize dust exposure, keep the workspace clean, and have a better view of the workpiece. Naturally, the circular saw is not silent. Hearing protection will safeguard your ears from excessive noise.

To protect both yourself and your device, you should never tamper with the machine, such as removing the blade guard or the pendulum guard. This could potentially affect the functionality of your handheld circular saw or lead to injuries during use.