Does cutting in a straight line seem like a daunting task? Then a circular saw is the ultimate solution for you. Equipped with the right blade, these types of saws are capable of cutting masonry, steel, ceramic tile, and wood, so here is a quick buying guide for choosing the right one to make your project a success.
Circular saws explained:
A circular saw is a robust tool that is capable of directly and accurately cutting a variety of materials, particularly wood, sheet, and heavy-duty wood materials. Plus, you can outfit your circular saw with a variety of blades that can literally tear anything from concrete blocks to bricks to wood. They can even be ordered in various sizes and all have a specific depth of cut, with the cutting capacity directly related to the diameter of the blade. With circular saws, you won’t need to invest a lot in accessories, but if you want to increase the flexibility and precision of your tool, it’s a good idea to get a rip fence or rip fence.
Circular Saw Design Options
It is important to choose the correct circular design to determine which options are right for you. With circular saws, there are three main designs to choose from, so it is important to read the characteristics of each type to invest in the perfect one for your project and sometimes depending on your needs, you may need more than one type of saw. circular.
Different types of circular saws:
Worm gear saws:
This type of circular saw gets its name (endless screw) from its drive system due to its spiral-shaped design. Like most circular saws, the worm saw motor is aligned with the blade, which weighs between 12 pounds and 15 pounds, with a diameter between 6-1 / 2 inches and 8-1 / 2 inches. The worm saw motor boasts superior horsepower and torque, and enough to cut concrete or even cut wet wood, making them an ideal choice for major renovation or framing jobs. Helical saws are also quite heavy, so they are also ideal for projects that do not require you to hold the unit while you work, such as trestle projects. Also, the shape of a helical circular saw allows you to make deep and plunge cuts more efficiently and smoothly. Worm gear saws are equipped with a handle, which is positioned further behind the blade to give the operator better kickback resistance and help control the heavy saw through long cuts.
Sidewinder circular saws:
With these types of saws, the motor is positioned next to the blade, making them extremely light and easy to use for a long day. They are equipped with a blade that measures between 5 inches and 10 inches or more in diameter and can weigh between 6 pounds and 11 pounds. Unlike worm gear saws, where the motor is hidden behind the blade, the motor on sidewinder saws is located to the left or right side of the blade. It is important to pay attention to the location of the blade, as it dictates your comfort level with a side saw. For example, left-handed users should make sure that the blade is located on the right side so that the blade does not block your view when cutting something and works in the opposite way for right-handed users. If you are looking for a saw that is lighter and capable of cutting materials like concrete and plywood, then investing in a side winding saw is your best option.
Trim circular saws
For small-scale projects, such as panel carpentry work, finishing work, or simply cutting materials that are quite thin, circular cutting saws are an ideal choice. They are extremely lightweight, which makes them easy to control when using them. Added to this, they weigh between 4 and 8 pounds, with a blade diameter of 3-1 / 2 “to 4-1 / 2”.