Safe Working with a Circular Saw
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If you’re using a corded saw, keep all cables and leads away
from the cutting path.
Never take your eye off where you’re cutting - that’s how you lose
fingers.
If you cut between two points of pressure, you’re likely to squeeze
the blade during the cut (called binding), possibly causing kick back.
Make sure your workpiece is supported properly when you're
cutting. Use a work bench and clamps for smaller pieces, and an
extension table or roller supports for larger pieces.
Make sure the excess wood (waste side) is free to fall away after a
cut, while your "keep side" stays firmly in place.
Wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
Your saw blade should be in good working condition and sharp
before you attempt to cut anything.
Most saws are designed for right-handed people and therefore if
you’re a leftie, you need to be extra vigilant against chips and saw
dust. Waste material will normally be ejected to the left of the saw.
Circular saws have an impressive kickback when they first begin to
cut. Watch the position of your body and stay slightly to one side of
the tool.
Don’t set your blade depth too deep. The saw blade should come 510mm past the depth of the wood you're cutting. The more exposed
blade you have, the bigger the risk of your saw binding or kicking
back.
Make sure the retracting guard blade is working correctly. With your
saw unplugged (or with the battery out), test the guard can freely
move back and forth (most blade guards will automatically spring
back into the safety position when a cut is complete).
Double check for nails or any other metals your saw might come
into contact with. Nothing will damage your saw more, or create a
stronger kickback, than a circular saw hitting something metal.
Get to Know Your Circular Saw
Before we get started with any cutting, it’s worth taking a good look at
your circular saw and familiarising yourself with all the functions and
feature. Not every circular saw is set out the same, but the diagram
below should give you an idea where the various parts of a saw are. If in
any doubt, check through your instruction manual.
Depth adjustment - This is normally a knob or a lever that can be used
to move the base-plate / shoe. Always remember to tighten the depth
adjustment lever or knob after you’ve set the depth of your cut.
Base-plate/ shoe - Allows you to set the depth of cut by exposing more
or less of the blade.
Trigger - Unlike other power tools, a circular saw has only two speeds;
on and off. As soon as the trigger clicks the motor is trying to bring the
cutting blade to full speed. Always give the saw a few moments to reach
top speed before you begin your cut.
Retracting blade guard - When not in use, the blade guard will cover
the saw, keeping it safe. Typically, when you push a saw onto a piece of
timber the blade guard will retract automatically. When you’ve finished a
cut the blade guard should spring back into place. The blade guard is the
most important safety feature of the tool because a circular saw takes
time for the blade to come to a complete stop after a cut has been made.
Check the blade guard is working correctly before even plugging it in.