How to use a circular saw safely

Teach: How to use a circular saw safely

What to say

To use a circular saw safely, clamp and support the board so the offcut falls away, set the blade a quarter inch below the wood, and stand to one side of the cut line. Hold the saw with both hands and let it reach full speed before cutting. Never pin back or remove the guard, and take a hands-on class before your first project.

What to show, in order

1. Read the saw's manual, and wear safety glasses and ear protection with sleeves rolled and nothing loose hanging.
2. Unplug the saw or remove the battery before you set the depth or touch the blade.
3. Set the blade depth so it sticks out about a quarter inch below the wood.
4. Clamp the board to a stable surface with the cut line hanging past it, supported so the cut will not close on the blade.
5. Check that the lower guard springs back freely, and never tie or wedge it open.
6. Line up the blade with the waste side of your mark and stand to the side, not directly behind the saw.
7. Hold both handles, pull the trigger, let the blade reach full speed, then push forward steadily without forcing it.
8. Release the trigger at the end and wait for the blade to stop completely before lifting the saw.

When to stop and call a professional

• You have never used a power saw: take a hands-on class at a community workshop or home improvement store first.
• The saw binds, smokes or kicks back: stop, unplug it and find out why before cutting again.
• The guard does not spring back or the blade wobbles.
• Any cut injury: press firmly on the wound and call your local emergency number, 911 in the US.

The check question

Ask: How deep should the blade be set? Answer: About a quarter inch below the wood

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.