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How to Cut Thick Wood with a Circular Saw

by Erick Gerrard

Cutting thick wood with the circular saw

One of the reasons why circular saw is one of the most favorite types of saws because it can use almost to various woodworking projects. The other reason, a circular saw is a portable tool, not limited to a place as a table saw.

But it needs more attention to use a circular saw to cut thick wood because of its exposed blade. Moreover, it will be a little bit difficult if the exposed blade is shorter than the wood.

So, it is better for DIY-er and woodworkers who face some problems cutting thick wood with the circular saw to follow these steps below as guidance.

1. Measure Saw and Materials

The first step to cut thick wood with a circular saw is to do a measurement of wood thickness and the blade’s exposed part distance. It is necessary because if the thickness of wood is more than double the blade’s exposed size, the circular saw won’t be able to do the cutting process.

For example, if the blade’s exposed part is 3 inches, the maximum length of wood is 6 inches. It is impossible for circular saw cut the material, which is more than 6 inches, so the other cutting equipment is needed.

There are several types of circular saw and blade size is available in the market. Then, if the measurement of wood and blade doesn’t match, switch the blade which suits to wood thickness.

2. Prepare Wood onto The Stand

After the blade and wood fit to each other, then the next steps put the wood onto the stand. Make sure to adjust the dimensions of the stand to the size of the wood or material to be cut.

The right position for cutting wood is the area which is needed to saw should be at the end of the stand.

3. Make Signs and Check The Tool

The next step after decided the area to cut, mark the thick wood in a straight line with square and pencil. It is necessary to give a mark all the way around wood and make sure that lines are aligned and precise.

After making lines, be sure to check again the measurements accurate by measure each line from the edge of the wood using a measurement tape. The marking finish if the length of each line from the side of the wood is the same.

The last preparation before the cutting process is to check the machine by operating it in another space to know if the engine is rotating properly or not.

4. Cut Process

The wood cutting process with the circular saw starts from one side of the marked line and don’t force the saw forward to cut. Hold the wood with a left hand and the saw plate riding against it, just cut through as deep as you can.

Then, the next movement is to turn around the wood or rotate it 180 degrees and cut the other marked line after one side before finished. Do this step for all the sides and it crucial to use a sharp blade to do the cutting.

So the fundamental method of thick wood cutting with a circular saw is cut, flip, and then cut again.

It is necessary to keep your hand in a certain distance from the base plate of saw for safety purposes. Also, remember to keep the circular saw unplugged when you don’t need to cut or while doing the measurement of the exposed part.

The wood cutting process with circular saw generates some dust, so it will be better to wear a goggle and mask before starting the cutting process.

Closing

The circular saw is a powerful and sawdust-spewing rough that can generate severe damage if it’s used improperly. Furthermore, compare with drills, and jigsaws which are relatively harmless because of no exposed blade, quiet, and easy to take control.

But don’t worry, since there are many tips for safety and a circular saw is common tools nowadays, it will be easy to use even by beginners.

Filed Under: DIY

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