Home Improvement Ideas Home Remodeling Carpentry How to Use a Circular Saw Learn how to use this common DIY power tool on home improvement projects. By Timothy Dale Published on May 18, 2024 Close Photo: Getty Images / apomares Project Overview Working Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Skill Level: Intermediate Estimated Cost: $100 A circular saw is an affordable, versatile type of saw that's ideal for various home improvement projects. However, learning to properly use a circular saw is necessary to ensure the best project results. Circular saws are handheld saws with a powerful motor, a large cutting blade, and a trigger to activate the blade. They're typically held by a handle in one hand, though some models have a secondary grip near the front of the saw to steady the blade. Use this guide to learn more about circular saws and how to use one for your next home renovation project. The 10 Best Circular Saws That Smoothly Cut Through Lumber Parts of a Circular Saw Before using a circular saw, it's a good idea to understand its various parts, including the handle, trigger lock switch, front grip, shoe, and more. Handle: Grip the handle to lift, carry, and control the tool. The trigger is located in the handle, making it easy to activate the blade with a squeeze of your finger.Trigger Lock Switch: Since the saw is so easy to activate, manufacturers usually include a trigger lock switch to prevent the user from accidentally turning on the blade. Press down on the trigger lock switch before squeezing the trigger to activate the blade.Front Grip: At the front of the saw is a secondary handle for the user to grip. It improves the user's control of the saw.Shoe: The shoe refers to the metal plate at the base of the saw.Blade Guard: The large cutting blade has a retractable blade guard that covers the circular saw blade when the tool is not in use. The blade guard retracts to allow the saw to cut through the target material.Power Source: Corded circular saws use a power cable to connect to a nearby power outlet, while cordless circular saws use a rechargeable battery to power the tool.Bevel Adjustment Knob: This knob changes the angle between the shoe and the saw blade, allowing the circular saw to make angled cuts.Depth Lock Knob: Use this knob to determine how low or high the blade sits in the saw. The lower the blade, the deeper the cut. 10 Simple DIY Wood Projects Anyone Can Make Safety Tips When using a power tool, proper safety precautions are essential to avoid injury. Precautions are especially important when learning to use a new power tool like a circular saw. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a long-sleeve shirt. Also, keep long hair tied back and avoid wearing loose jewelry or clothing. Next, prepare the area where you will work. Clear a place on a stable surface and inspect the circular saw to ensure there are no problems. This should include checking the safety features, blade, blade rotation, depth setting, and bevel setting. For the best results, select the saw blade based on the type of material being cut. When operating the saw, wait for the blade to reach full speed before cutting through the material. Don't try to twist the blade or force the saw while cutting. Frequently check for obstructions in the material, like staples or screws, and keep two hands on the saw to improve control and stability. After you finish with the saw, unplug it or remove the battery to avoid accidental activation. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Circular saw Framing square Pencil Straight edge Clamps Materials Wood Instructions How to Use a Circular Saw Set Up the Circular Saw The blade on a circular saw can be adjusted with the bevel adjustment knob and depth adjustment knob. Set the saw down on the target material and use the depth adjustment knob to lower the blade to the point where it sits about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deeper than the thickness of the material. Lock the blade in place. Next, check the angle of the blade by sliding the blade guard out of the way and use a framing square against the blade and the shoe. Ideally, the blade will already be square, but if it isn't, adjust the angle to a true 90 degrees using the bevel adjustment knob. Measure and Mark the Work Material Measuring and marking the material is always an important part of the job. Use a tape measure to measure the material, and then use a pencil and a straight edge to mark where you want to cut. Also, check to ensure the work material is free of any obstructions from underneath. Otherwise, when you are cutting, the saw blade will cut through the work material into the workbench or support. Once you are satisfied with the position, use clamps to hold the material in place. Line Up the Circular Saw Blade Rest the circular saw's shoe on the work material, ensuring that the shoe is sitting flat. Adjust the saw's position until the blade lines up with the mark you made on the work material. Use the guide at the front of the saw to ensure the blade is lined up correctly. Activate the Circular Saw Squeezing the trigger on the circular saw activates the blade, although on most models, you need to press the trigger lock switch first to free the trigger. After you engage the blade, wait for the saw to get up to full speed before proceeding. Trying to force the blade into the material before it is at full speed can cause the tool to kick back toward the user. Cut the Work Material Once the saw blade is up to full speed, move the saw forward at a slow, smooth pace, ensuring that the blade remains in line with the mark in the material. Use both hands to control the saw as it cuts into the material, and avoid forcing, jerking, or twisting the saw while cutting. Try to keep the saw moving at a consistent pace until it completely passes through the material. Release the Trigger After the saw blade completes the cut, release the trigger and allow the blade to come to a complete stop. Repeat these steps for any additional cuts. Unplug the tool or disconnect the battery when you are done using the circular saw. Wipe the blade clean and store the circular saw in a safe location. Types of Circular Saws Most DIYers use a sidewinder circular saw, though there are three common circular saw types: sidewinder, worm drive, and hypoid circular saws. Sidewinder or in-line circular saws are the most common option. This type of circular saw is exactly what most people picture when thinking about the standard circular saw. The motor and saw are side-by-side, making it more compact than a worm drive or hypoid saw. Additionally, these saws weigh less than other types of circular saws and can operate at higher speeds for smoother cuts.Worm drive circular saws have a rear-mounted motor, which makes them longer and narrower than a sidewinder saw. While a worm drive circular saw can't operate at the same speed as a sidewinder saw, it does have more torque, making it easier to cut through tough materials. This saw typically requires more maintenance than a sidewinder saw to keep it in good condition.Hypoid circular saws look similar to worm drive circular saws with a rear-mounted motor. However, the transmission and gearbox are significantly different. Hypoid saws use a hypoid gear to improve blade contact, cutting power, and efficiency. The design means a hypoid saw is quieter and smaller than a worm drive saw, although it's still heavier than a sidewinder saw.