Secrets of Circular Saw Safety

With great power, comes great responsibility. No, we're not talking about superheroes; we're talking about circular saw safety.

A circular saw is a useful tool and it's often one of the first power tools homeowners handle. A circular saw also has just about the most potential for mayhem of any power tool.

There are many places to learn circular saw safety and use. Most big hardware centers have regular safety talks or demonstrations to teach new circular saw owners the basics. Your local technical or community college may also offer power tool safety training.

Before you Begin

• Be sure to wear safety glasses, hearing and respiratory protection. Circular saws are noisy and create flying debris, but they also create lots of fine sawdust that you don't want to inhale.
• Unplug the circular saw before making any adjustments or changing the blade.
• Always use the correct blade for the material you're cutting. Also, make sure the blade is properly sharpened. A dull blade will bind and make the circular saw harder to use.
• Make sure your work area is clear of obstructions and that the material you're cutting is well supported. Unsupported material may pinch the circular saw blade, causing kickbacks.
• Adjust the blade height so that no more than ¼" of the blade extends beyond the material to be cut.
• Make sure the blade guard is working correctly and that the blade height and angle adjustments are tight.
• Place the cord so that it will not become tangled or move in front of the active blade.

With Saw In Hand

• Keep both hands on the circular saw if handles are provided.
• Look for and avoid knots, nails or imperfections in the wood. If it is not practical to avoid imperfections, approach these slowly with the blade.
• Be sure your footing is secure and that you're not over-extending to make the cut. If possible, don't position yourself behind the saw-you'll receive the full force of a kickback.
• Always place the circular saw base on the material (but keep the blade free) before starting the saw.
• Start the circular saw before it meets the material. Continue to run the saw until the cut is complete.
• Guide your circular saw during a cut; don't force it through the material. Let the blade do the work.
• Stop the circular saw right away if the blade binds. Unplug the saw and place a wooden shim in the cut to loosen the blade.
• Don't put the circular saw down until the blade stops spinning.