Workshop Workhorse

Master your circular saw with these tips

- By Mike Berner

One of the most reached-for tools in my garage, the circular saw is an essential tool for DIYers of all skill levels. The circ saw is uber-versatile; if you need a straight cut of any kind, a circular saw can do it. Follow along to learn circular saw skills and to find out what type of saw you should reach for in your shop.

SAFETY FIRST

Always wear hearing and eye protection when you use any power saw, and keep loose-fitting sleeves, long hair and hoodie drawstrings tucked away. When making a cut, keep hands in front of and away from the saw, never behind it.

ADJUST BLADE DEPTH

When a lot of the saw blade extends beneath your material, you increase the possibility of cutting something you don't intend to cut. As a rule of thumb, set your blade depth so that just a bit more than the teeth protrudes through the material.

DON'T BIND THE BLADE

When a circular saw blade gets pinched or twisted while making a cut, the blade can kick back toward you with force. This is almost completely avoidable. Don't rush, keep your saw cuts straight and position the cutoff side of your workpiece to fall away from the blade. Never cut between supported ends, such as in the middle of two sawhorses, where the cut will fall into the saw blade.

ANGLE: Changing the angle of the saw relative to the material you are cutting

RIP CUT: Sawing with the grain of solid lumber