Published on: January 8, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan
Got a new circular saw for your workshop? Thinking about the safety precautions you should know about before using it? Then this article is the one you have been looking for.
Tools play a vital role in our daily life. There are various tools used for different purposes. Circular saw is one of them. You can use it to cut materials. This type of saw runs using electricity. It uses a teeth head, grinding blade, or disc for cutting. It was invented in the 18th century. But, people started to use it in the mid 19th century.
A circular saw can cut through various materials, such as woods, plastics, or even metals. And it is named depending on its usage. Like table saw, or hand-held saw, circular saws used for wood cutting. But the common name is chop saw. You can also learn about “10 Best Circular Saw for Beginners” here.
Circular Saw
A circular saw is a power tool used to make fast, straight cuts in wood and other materials. It is typically used in woodworking, construction, and other DIY activities. A circular saw is composed of a round blade mounted on an arbor (spindle) that is driven by an electric motor. The blade is usually made of steel or carbide and is available in a variety of sizes and teeth configurations. The main advantage of a circular saw is its ability to make clean and precise cuts with minimal effort. Circular saws can also cut materials such as metal and masonry, although special blades may be required.
Safety Tips for Circular Saw
Safety is mandatory for any work. In construction works, it is a must. So, before using the circular saw, you should know about the safety tricks and tips. Here I will recommend some best safety tips for using a circular saw:
1. Awareness of Safety Equipment
Wearing safety equipment is the most important thing. It will reduce the chance of physical hazards. These safety equipment are called “Personal Protective Equipment.” You must ensure putting on safety equipment properly before work.
First of all, you should put on the proper footwear. It will lessen the chance of injury during your work. Specifically, you can use steel toe footwear.
Then, put on safety glasses. It will protect your eyes from the scattered particles of rubbish. Also, hand gloves are necessary for protecting your hand from injury.
Finally, a good quality mask is vital for safety purposes. Sometimes it produces dust while cutting things. Dust can be harmful to your lungs. Safety experts recommend using a good respirator mask.
You can find details of other necessary safety equipment here: 7 Types of Protective Equipment to Guarantee Your Safety.
2. Safety Check
You should check the circular saw before work. A damaged saw can cause the worst kinds of accidents. So, before going to work, you should check every part of the saw. First, make sure the saw is unplugged. If the saw is cordless, remove the batteries. This procedure helps to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Follow that by checking the blade itself. If any part of it is damaged, then using the saw can be dangerous.
Retracting the lower guard of a circular saw is the most crucial safety feature. Make sure that the retracting lower guard is retracting correctly.
3. Choose the Sharpness of the Blade
Always use a sharp blade. If the edge is dull, then it will be harder to operate correctly. You will have to put extra effort to cut. It might even cause accidents. A sharp blade will ensure an effortless experience.
4. How to Hold the Saw Properly
It would be best if you learned to hold the saw properly. An accident can occur if you lack this knowledge. The circular saw is of two types. One is a right-hand circular saw, and another is a left-hand circular saw. So, people who are righty should use a right-hand circular saw. Also, people who are lefty should use a left-hand circular saw. Read more: Cordless Mini Circular Saws Analysis
When a righty holds a right-hand circular saw, he/she grips the main handle with the right hand. And the auxiliary handle with the left hand. In this process, the hands are not crossed.
If the righty holds the left-hand circular saw, he/she will grip the main handle with the right hand. And the auxiliary handle with the left hand. As a result, both hands will be crossed, which is not the ideal way.
Keep in mind that you should not bend too much towards the saw. When you push the circular saw towards the cutting area; if it might move backward. If your body is close to the equipment, an accident might occur. Always keep enough space between your body and the saw.
5. Do Not Overreach
When you are cutting longboards, remember not to reach beyond your area. You can extend your reach by placing a foot forward. But there is a chance you might lose your balance if you do so. Always keep your balance with the ground using both of your feet. And use your both hands to maintain the saw.
6. Safety Depth of the Cut Settings
Before cutting a board or wood, you should match the blade’s depth with the wood’s thickness.
Make sure the blade doesn’t overreach beneath the material. It is better to keep the lowest tooth of the blade in the 1/8 inch range beneath the material. This is a suitable method to ensure fast and exact cutting.
7. Checking the Stock or Wood
You should check the stock or wood properly before cutting. Sometimes many foreign bodies like screws, nails, etc. are attached to the material. Without checking the material, if you try cutting it, it will damage your saw. Also, it
can cause injury. So, make sure your material is free from nails, screws, etc. See also: Circular Saws with Dust Collection
8. Make Straight Cuts Only
The circular saw is designed for straight cutting. If you try to adjust your direction in the middle of your cut, it may kick back and cause an accident. Always make the cuts in a straight line.
9. Focus on Your Work
When people work as a team, they always chit-chat and have fun with each other. It may be okay for hammering nails, screws, or tightening bolts, but not for a circular saw. Always give your 100% concentration in cutting. Otherwise, it can cause an unwanted accident.
10. Unplug the Saw After Using
Always unplug the saw after work. If you plug in electricity after work, it may cause an unnecessary accident. Also, for a cordless circular saw, it is crucial to remove the battery after work. Otherwise, anyone can switch the saw and get injured. Also, keep in mind that you should unplug the saw while changing the blade.
Are the Safety Tips for Circular Saw and Table Saw similar?
Yes, safety measures for table saws and circular saws are similar. Both require proper eye protection, secure handling, and the use of a push stick or fence when cutting. It’s crucial to keep the work area clean and free of clutter to minimize the risk of accidents.
Summary
Tools are not a toy. So, you should always be aware while using one. The circular saw might seem like a complicated tool. But, by practicing. You will learn to control it. If you do not handle this instrument carefully, then it may cause real misshape.
Please read the manual. Try to understand all the directions it contains. Only putting safety equipment will not guarantee safety. It only lessens the accident.
Besides the manual, you should follow these tips. I hope that these 10 safety tips about circular saw will help you to handle it properly. Also, try to enjoy your work.
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About This Writer
Hi, I am Eric Devin and I am a professional interior architect. Since childhood, I've always enjoyed DIY projects! And, I have loved to solve simple household problems using essential tools and equipment. I have also acquired a lot of information about basic household tools settings by working with contractors.
