How to Use a Circular Saw Without a Table

Published on: January 6, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

If you are a carpenter, you might have already encountered a situation when you needed to perform your cutting task with a circular saw without a table due to unavoidable circumstances.

It’s now an established fact that even without a table a circular saw can produce an excellent cutting result through some versatile methods proven by the professional carpenters. There are few options to make a cut with a circular saw without a table which are not that much complex. 

There are different types of circular saws assembled with various power ratings. The round-shape combination blade with a set of sharp teeth has the potential to split through the wood. The round-shape combination blade is designed for ripping and cross-cutting tasks.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a circular saw without a table. To learn how to use it safely & effectively. A proper guide might be used to cut the long bevel.

It’s always good to optimize your apparatus to be compatible to work in different situations either in a workshop, home or outreach sites to maximize its benefits.   

Let’s have a quick look at the methods through this article to discuss how to use a circular saw without a table. 

First Method: Using Guide

The first method needs to use a guide to make a tailored cut with the saw combining the following steps:   

Step 1: 

​This method recommends using pressure cured plywood or any kind of wood having adequate moisture. Another aspect is to use a right blade particularly potential for plywood. This special kind of blade assembled with non-stick coating is able to reduce the risk of abrasion while cutting excessively wet wood with the circular saw. 

Step 2: 

Then the next step is to fit the saw with an edge guide which ensures an even cut as it moves in parallel with the plywood or the lumber. 

Step 3: 

In this step, make sure the depth of the blade has been set correctly to allow the blade to touch the wood and cut it through. It’s good enough to get a blade with about a quarter inch of depth. 

Step 4: 

Then, take a piece of plywood or a lumber, mark the area over it and place it on the sawhorse which would make you able to cut your board right through the way from one point to another you intend.

Before cutting, make sure the area that was marked on your wood for cutting properly lies between the sawhorses. Always take care of your setup and blades to achieve any kind of cut.

Please note that you may need more than one sawhorse subject to the sizes of the wood. If the board is too long or too thick, you might need multiple sawhorses to accomplish your project work precisely. 

Second Method: Using Track

Using track is another potential option for the circular saw to be fit underneath the track to perform a cutting task without a table. 

Step 1: 

For track setup, the things you need to gather are as follows:

• Measuring tape;
• Marker; 
• Combination square;
• Chalk line, preferred color code black or blue; 
• Wood screws, a drill with countersink bit having a rate of 8/10; 
• Regular drill bit;
• Circular saw for trimming or worm drive; 

Step 2: 

Take two boards of which one should be about two and half inches wider in size compared to the other one. If you need consultation for proper measurement, it’s recommended to contact professional carpenters to rip a piece of wood for your track or you can manage a truest 1/3 pine or 1/3 hemlock. Hemlock could be more effective in terms of strength and stability needed for this task. Also try to take as straight a board as you can.

Step 3: 

Then take another board, either plywood of third quarter in size or other type of wood with 11 to 12 inches wide and third quarter of inches thick. Then cut it according to the base of the circular saw. For this task, mark a straight line towards up to 4 and half inches on the wood. However, it’s a little complex procedure to obtain a flawless line. 

Step 4: 

Now set a smaller piece of wood aligned with the line drawn before. Then take the countersink drill immediately after the vertical edges of the woods have been affixed to allow them to remain steady.

As the upper smaller board wraps tend to constantly move backward and forward after clamping, drill some holes with the countersink drill along the way through the smaller wood and screw them to hold the boards securely and avoid unintended movement.   

Step 5: 

Then the next step is to attach the larger board with the table as firmly as required and trim that into accurate size as recommended. To do this task, make a plunge cut and set the circular saw base next to the smaller wood and cut the extra portion from the larger piece.

This task allows your circular saw blade to touch the horizontal edge of the wood piece and gives a vital reference to make a cut through any type of wood. 

Step 6: 

Now place a plywood sheet or any wood material underneath the track and affix it firmly. Then place the base of the saw following the previous technique which is able to touch a smaller wood. Make sure the blade is placed next to the larger piece. Now your circular saw is ready to cut through the wood. You just run the saw all along the way through the larger piece to cut. 

Modifications or Accessories Should Use to Make Using a Circular Saw Without a Table Easier

Here are a few options:

1. Guide rail: This accessory attaches to the saw and provides a straight edge for making cuts.
2. Crosscut jig: This jig is a guide for making crosscuts with a circular saw.
3. Rip fence: This accessory is used for making straight cuts along the length of a board.
4. Miter gauge: This accessory helps you make accurate angled cuts.
5. Clamping system: This system provides a way to clamp your workpiece to the saw’s base.
6. Dust collector: This accessory attaches to the saw and collects sawdust, making the cutting process cleaner.

Additional Tips

Make sure your circular saw is quite functional including all separable parts as well as unwrapped electric wires.

Make sure the depth of the saw has been set to 1/8 inch thicker than the cutting wood piece.

Assess the sharpness of the blade on some kind of disposable or tussle wood and make sure your saw blade is sharp enough to efficiently cut before cutting your project stock.

Make sure the blade guard has enough flexibility to move freely to both open and close position

Once the cut is finished, allow enough time for the blade to stop spinning before moving on to the next cut.  

Before replacing the battery, unplug the saw from power and disable it completely. 

Don’t work alone and employ someone to work with while performing cutting tasks. Use both hands to hold the saw to ensure you stand in the right position to start cutting tasks securely and avoid the risk of potential kickback. 

The working surface should be stable enough to securely perform the cutting task.

It’s always good to start the cut with the shorter materials before going for the longer ones. 

Wear all Personal Protection Equipment including safety goggles, earmuffs, gloves, face shields, boots, nose masks,s, etc. You must have to adhere to the safety issues to prevent workplace hazards and injuries.

Safety Measures to Take When Using a Circular Saw Without a Table

When using a circular saw without a table, you should take the following safety measures:

1. Wear protective eyewear and hearing protection.
2. Use a clamp or another device to secure the material you’re cutting.
3. Make sure the saw is properly tightened and in good working condition before use.
4. Keep both hands on the saw at all times.
5. Stand firmly on both feet and maintain a good balance.
6. Do not overreach or attempt to make cuts you’re not comfortable with.
7. Keep your hands and fingers away from the blade at all times.
8. Turn off the saw before removing it from the cut.

Concluding Remarks

I hope that the guidelines and procedures discussed in this article would help you perform your cutting task accurately with the circular saw without a table.

This is an extremely potential option to perform cutting tasks anywhere regardless of the workshop, outreach sites, or home. You just have to carry a kit and one portable circular saw.

Either method would be viable for you to go with to obtain an excellent cutting task with a circular saw. Try to strictly follow the safety tips to achieve outstanding results and prevent workplace hazards and injuries. 

I would love to hear from you about your valuable comments and feedback at your earliest convenience. I would appreciate it if you would share this article with your family and friends so that we could reach out to more people in the coming days and offer our best clients service.

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