Even though they’re called circular saws, they’re not used for cutting circles or any irregular shapes for that matter. They’re for cutting straight lines.
However, making a straight cut with a circular saw can be quite tricky especially if you’re a newbie and you don’t have enough experience using the tool yet.
In this article, I’ll show you simple tips and techniques you can use to make a straight and accurate cut every time you use your circular saw.
1. Secure the wood by clamping it
Securing or clamping the wood will prevent any movement while you make the cut. Sometimes, due to your experience, you may choose not to clamp it when making cuts, especially if it’s just a small crosscut.
However, when making long rip cuts, especially if you’re just starting out with the tool, it’s advisable to use a clamp to secure the edges, so you can keep the material steady while making the cut.
That will go a long way to ensure the cut comes out as straight and accurate as possible.
2. Hold the saw properly
There’s a right and wrong way to hold a circular saw, just like there are different types.
The way you hold it will definitely affect how the cut turns out to be.
Right hand circular saws are for righties and left hand saws are for lefties. Although not using your hand type affords you greater visibility of the cutting blade, you’re able to hold the it better without hands crossing over when you use your hand type.
3. Set the appropriate depth of cut
The first thing you need to do if you want to make a straight and accurate cut with your circular saw is to set the correct depth of cut. Without the right depth of cut, the blade might deviate from the straight part and your cut might end up skewed.
Apart from that, not setting the right depth of cut is not very safe when making cuts.
You need to adjust the blade so that it just protrudes from the bottom of the wood you’re cutting, maybe by a quarter of an inch.
4. Use a circular saw guide
If you’re a first time circular saw user, one of the best ways to make straight cuts right away is to use a simple guide, like the one shown below.
Using the guide eliminates the need for making too many measurements and drawing straight lines all over the material you’re cutting.
You only have to make 2 measures and mark 2 points. Measure and mark the starting position of the cut, and the ending position, and then line the saw guide between the two points.
Depending on the type of guide you’re using, the next step is to simply cut along the edge of the guide, sliding the saw along the edge to complete a very accurate cut.
The guide not only helps with the straight edge, but also prevents splintering of the edge.
5. Mark the cut line
As a newbie, if you’re nervous about making a skewed cut with your circular saw and you don’t have a saw guide, one of the best ways to ensure you cut straight is to mark the part of the cut.
Just draw a simple straight line with your speed square or with another board with a straight edge on the piece you want to cut. Then you can guide your blade along that line when making the cut, and the resulting piece will be as straight as the line you drew.
6. Make Use of a sawhorse or workbench
A sawhorse or simple workbench helps elevate the workpiece from the ground, thus making the workpiece easier to access.
If you can use a sawhorse or have access to a workbench, always use it. It helps keep the board you’re cutting at an appropriate level, making it safer, easier and faster to make the cuts. As a result, you can produce cleaner and straighter cuts with your circular saw.
5. Avoid Splinters by cutting with the good side of the board facing down
The way a circular saw works is that the pointed side of the blade teeth rotates upwards from under it into the wood.
That means, if you’re cutting across the wood grain, there’re going to be splinters at the top. To avoid messing up the good side of your wood, always cut with the good side of the board facing down, so that when there are splinters at the top, they can stay hidden after assembling your work.
6. Allow the circular saw blade to come to full speed before making your cut
This is a very important step you need to take before making any type of cut. Once you compress the saw trigger, allow the blade to come to full speed before bringing the blade in contact with the wood you’re cutting.
If not, the blade will make a mess on the edge of the wood on its way through the wood. So, always let the blade come to full speed before making your cut.
7. Don’t forget safety
Even though making straight cuts is very important to make beautiful works in your workshop or jobsite, safety is even more important.
So, observe all the circular saw safety rules, and wear the required protective equipment like safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and debris while using your carrying out your projects.
Follow the above steps, and you’ll make straight cuts with your circular saw every time.
