How Do You Differ Angle Grinder and Circular Saw

Published on: June 3, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by David Rowan

They’re both “circular” in the broadest sense. Circular refers to anything that rotates a blade, such as a miter saw, table saw, chop saw, or trim saw. They’re all spinning blades, but most people think of a “handheld” circular saw for cutting wood when they hear “circular.” The term “angle grinder” refers to a specific tool.

differ angle grinder and circular saw

An angle grinder is a cutting instrument that may be used with a handheld power tool. To begin with, an angle grinder spins significantly faster than a circular saw, maybe up to 6,000 rpm. While each grit particle removes a little amount of material, when combined, they may remove a large amount of material in a short amount of time.

A circular saw is typically a good choice if you’re performing simple carpentry or metal cutting and don’t need anything fancy. They are frequently less expensive than angle grinders and may be used for a variety of tasks. On the other hand, an angle grinder is your best option if you’re working with more hard materials and need to generate delicate curves. Both are, in my opinion, great choices for a variety of applications.

Can You Use a Circular Saw as an Angle Grinder?

Angle grinders, also known as disc grinders, are portable power instruments that are used to grind (abrasive cutting) and polish stone, metal, and concrete. Although manufacturers advise against cutting wood with a circular saw blade attached to an angle grinder.

Is a Circular Saw the Same as an Angle Grinder?

Angle grinders are similar to circular saws in that they can make a wide range of cuts and patterns. They differ, however, in terms of overall size, functioning, and form. A decent angle grinder is often considerably smaller than a circular saw and has its cutting and grinding equipment at the machine’s end.

Is It Possible to Use a Circular Saw With an Angle Grinder Blade?

As the unmanaged tool swings backward and impacts the operator, the exposed blade can inflict serious damage. Angle grinders must never be equipped with circular saw blades for these reasons.

Can You Use a Circular Saw as a Grinder?

Circular saw blades are circular saw blades that are meant to be fitted on circular saws. In the same way that a circular saw is a cutting instrument, an angle grinder is not. Angle grinders have abrasive wheels rather than blades. The substance they come into touch with is abraded by these wheels.

Can I Use an Angle Grinder as a Saw?

If you’re just looking to cut little woodcuts (like the margins of trim) or carve parts of wood, an angle grinder will suffice. A three-tooth wood cutting disc or a wood carving disc, on the other hand, should be employed. When it comes to cutting wood with an angle grinder, the right blade is essential.

Can an Angle Grinder Be Used for Cutting Wood?

Yes, you can use an angle grinder to cut wood, but it’s not advised. You’ll need a different blade, and you’ll need to be quite cautious when doing so.

Angle grinders are portable power tools used for grinding and polishing rock, steel, and cement. Some people, on the other hand, use them to cut wood with a circular saw edge attachment, which can lead to injuries. Wood is frequently chopped with angle grinders. We were curious as to what causes the harm and how it occurs.

Although it isn’t commonly encountered in a woodworking shop, it is a truly versatile tool. Most people, if they have any knowledge of the subject, imagine sanding down welds with a little grinding wheel. Despite using a disc almost twice the specified size of 4-1/2″, the tool never became heated.

How to Cut Wood With an Angle Grinder?

An angle grinder is a free-hand tool, so be aware of that before you start cutting. It lacks a fence, guide, track, or any other precision-cutting characteristics seen on other saws.

The straightness of your cut with an angle grinder is mostly determined by your level of tool expertise.

Put on Your Safety Gear and Unplug Your Grinder

Before beginning any cutting work, always disconnect your grinder and put on your safety gear. Cuts and bruises are prevented by wearing gloves on your fingers and palms.

The goggles keep debris out of your sight, while the dust mask keeps sawdust out of your lungs. If you’re using a battery-powered grinder, be sure the battery is removed as well.

Clamp Your Wooden Substance

Use the clamp or grip on your work surface to securely keep your material in place.

If it doesn’t, you’ll have to come up with another way to keep the material in place while you cut. You may also use a clamp to secure the work surface.

You won’t obtain a clean cut if the material is loose since it will bounce, rattle, and wobble about.

Disc Guard Adjustment

A half-disc guard protects the angle grinder. When not in use, the guard covers the disc and can be lowered to act as a cutting shield.

Press the switch behind or near the blade guard to spin it. Then rotate the guard to the appropriate position before releasing the switch to lock it in place.

On the material, measure and mark out the parts you want to cut.

You’ll need an accurate measurement to obtain a precise cut. That’s all there is to it. Take precise measurements of the appropriate size of wood with your measuring tape.

Then, using that same measurement, draw a cut line on the wood so you know precisely where to cut. You should also keep track of which side of the material you want and which section will be wasted or cut off.

Place the Disc in the Grinder and Turn It on

Make sure there isn’t another disc in the grinder before installing the disc. To remove a disc from a grinder, stop the blade from rotating by pressing the spindle lock switch.

The clamping flange can then be removed by loosening it with a wrench. Remove the old blade and replace it with the new one.

Because you’re inserting a thick disc, position the clamping flange’s pointed side on the disc and the flat side of the flange facing outward.

To keep the blade in place, tighten the flange with a screw. Ascertain that the disc is spinning in the same direction as the tool.

On the disc and the tool, there are normal indications indicating the spin direction and how the blade should be placed.

Power-up Grinder

Plugin the cord if you’re using a corded type, and slot the battery in if you’re using a battery-operated model.

Start Cutting

To begin cutting with the angle grinder, push the trigger button situated near the handle with the cut line previously drawn and the material firmly held down.

While cutting, make sure you have a solid hold on the angle grinder. You can begin cutting at either end of the wooden piece.

Push the disc down into the stock and move the grinder forward or backward, depending on which end of the stock you’re starting from.

Precautions to Take When Using an Angle Grinder to Cut Wood

  1. Before you turn on the grinder, make sure it’s facing away from your body. Be cautious because the grinder has no kickback protection and the blade is also exposed.
  2. Always wear your safety equipment. Gloves, goggles, and a dust mask are all required. Keep them on at all times.
  3. With both hands, hold the grinder. The grinder’s lightweight design allows it to be used with just one hand. However, you must maintain a tight grasp with both hands on the grinder. You’ll be able to follow the cut line you indicated straight this way.
  4. Keep a safe distance from the cutting area. Remember that there is no kickback guard, so keep a safe distance while still being able to see what you’re doing.
  5. Before utilizing the grinder, make sure it’s in good working order.
  6. There you have it. Aren’t these simple steps? Make sure to give it a go. You may also browse the other of this website’s articles and leave a comment if you enjoy them. Have a fantastic cutting session.

Main Differences Between an Angle Grinder and a Circular Saw

Angle grinders are handheld power tools used for cutting, grinding, polishing, and sharpening various materials. They feature a disk- or wheel-shaped abrasive cut-off wheel and are powered by electric motors or air pressure. Angle grinders can be used to cut through metal, tile, masonry, concrete, and other hard materials.

Circular saws are large, power tools used for cutting wood and other materials. They feature a circular blade that spins around an arbor and are powered by electric motors. Circular saws can be used to make straight, accurate cuts in sheet material, boards, and other wood materials. Circular saws are more precise and powerful than angle grinders and can make deeper, more accurate cuts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Angle Grinder and Circular Saw

Angle Grinder:

Advantages

• Has a variety of uses, from cutting to polishing.

• It is easy to use, and it can be used in tight spots.

• It is a powerful tool that can cut through tough materials.

Disadvantages

• It can be dangerous if not used properly.

• The blades can create a lot of dust and debris.

• It can be difficult to control.

Circular Saw: Advantages

• It is a powerful tool that is able to cut through a variety of materials.

• It is accurate, and the blade can be adjusted for precise cuts.

• It is easy to use and maneuver.

Disadvantages

• It can be dangerous if not used properly.

• It can create a lot of dust and debris.

• It is not as versatile as an angle grinder.

Ending

When you don’t know what each tool is for, deciding between an angle grinder and a circular saw might be difficult. However, as you can see from the contrasts outlined in this article, each is best suited to specific sorts of duties.

Because various instruments are used for diverse purposes, you should select the one that best suits your needs. If you’re cutting slats of wood for a home project, you’ll want to use a circular saw. Because the saw is so simple to operate, you’ll be able to achieve straight lines and tackle the work with ease.

So, if you need to cut wood, you should use a circular saw. If you need to sand or polish a metal substance, however, the angle grinder is the instrument to use.

Relevant Resources:

Rate this post

About This Writer

david rowan author

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

Hello, I am David Rowan. I am a professional contractor with 10 years of experience in home building, different tools used, construction, home remodeling, and other home improvement work. I have already built many custom homes and continued to do several woodworking projects along with how to deal with all categories of tools.

Leave a Comment