Circular Saw Tutorial
I constantly use my circular saw for projects. Circular saws are versatile and a great saw for beginners. They do have a slight learning curve, so I’m going to show you the basics of how to use one so you can start your own projects!
Circular Saw Tutorial | Overview
I’m going to show you how to use two different circular saws. The main saw I use is the DeWalt Cordless 20 Volt Max 6.5 inch Circular Saw. I discovered after cutting long sheets of plywood that I needed a battery that would last a lot longer than the smaller one that came with this saw. So, I have a 20 volt lithium ion battery that I use with my saw.
Let’s go over the basics of this saw. There is a guard on the blade that pushes up when you start cutting. It’s an important feature to have because it keeps you safe. The saw has a two trigger system. This means that in order to get the saw started, you have to push down on the button and then pull the trigger at the top. At the top there is a small notch. This is where the cutting guide is.
The other saw I use is my Ryobi. This saw has the ability to cut at an angle or do a mitered cut. To do so, I loosen the screw on the side of the saw, which allows me to rotate the saw. I can then change it to a 45 degree angle and tighten the screw again. This allows me to do a 45 degree angle cut, not quite the same as using a miter saw, but it is still really helpful.
There are two ways you can cut with a circular saw. The first way is using the notched guide at the top of the saw and cutting along the line that I drew. I make sure to use a clamp to keep the wood in place. I can cut with the motor on either side of the wood depending on which direction I'm cutting. The other option is cutting with the cutting guide. I have a full tutorial on how to use cutting guides in another blog post.
My number one DIY and tool tip is to get some scrap wood and practice using the tools you have that you're afraid of using and keep practicing. That really is the only way you’re going to get comfortable to use any of your tools. It can be really intimidating, but once you get comfortable with it, things will be a lot easier. Good luck!
Circular Saw Tutorial | Shop
