A circular saw is a hand-held device for cutting a workpiece from a variety of materials: wood, plastic and metal. The device will be indispensable at the summer cottage, where the construction of any structure is taking place. In apartments, a saw is required for renovation: thanks to it, it is possible to cut plywood, laminate, door frames, plastic panels. To know how to choose a circular saw, you need to read the recommendations.
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Circular saw design and how it works
The question often arises of how to choose a circular saw for wood. Most of the devices under consideration have a similar design, the difference will be auxiliary components that expand the options of the device or increase the safety of operation with it. Key leaving behind the design of the product:
- body with 1 or 2 handles;
- protective disk cover;
- platform in order to contain the disc in the required position;
- a riving knife to free a disc that is stuck in a tree;
- an electric motor, on the shaft of which the disc is fixed by means of bolts.
A characteristic feature of the device will be that thanks to it it is possible to cut materials only in a straight line (along or across), without the option of arc cutting. The principle of operation involves the transfer of a rotary element from the shaft of the electric motor to a saw blade, which, when rotating at high speeds around the axis, will cut off wood or other material. Taking into account the cutting depth, the device will be divided into saws:
- small - 4-4.6 cm;
- medium - 5-5.5 cm;
- large - 6.5-7 cm;
- professional - 6.5-14 cm.
Circular saw selection parameters
The question often arises of how to choose a hand-held circular saw. Before buying the device in question, you should clearly know what tasks should be performed by the product. Taking into account such tasks, the choice is made on the type of device. The selection of a product is based on key parameters.
Power
The thickness and density of the workpiece will depend on the performance of the fixture. When working with wood, it should be noted that the density of the wood will depend on the species. A more productive tool is more likely to cope with dense wood.
It is required to take into account that the performance of the device is directly proportional to its mass. It is not comfortable to operate for a long period of time with a heavy device.
Having made an analysis of the expected scope of work, the performance of the product is selected, which is:
- small - up to 0.8 kW;
- moderate - from 0.8 to 1.2 kW;
- large - over 1.2 kW.
Weight
A key indicator in particular for a circular saw, which is suspended during operation. Optimally select lightweight variations.
Cutting depth
Such a parameter will largely depend on the disc used, the diameter of which varies the dimensions of the processed materials. The device, which is designed to use a disc of small diameter, will not make it possible to perform accurate cuts of large-sized workpieces.
The most common products for one-time work are products with a cutting depth of 4-5 cm. For professional work, where efficiency and quality are required, a product with a cutting depth of 6-7 cm and more is purchased.
Rpm
The performance, quality of cut and the option of functioning with various materials will depend on such an indicator. The higher the parameter, the denser the material the device can handle. It should be noted that the larger the parameters, the lower the risk that the disk will jam.
Working at an angle
Most of the products on offer can cut in a straight line as well as at a 45 degree angle. The developers are mastering the production of devices with the option of cutting at an angle and 60 degrees.
It is necessary to focus on the indicator “maximum sawing depth at an inclination of 90 degrees”, the depth of the disc insertion into the workpiece during the movement of the product perpendicular to the coating. In order to function with a workpiece up to 4 cm thick, a device with the same cutting depth is selected at a 90-degree tilt (4 cm).
Ability to work with metal
Devices that are capable of cutting metal are multifunctional devices. They are successfully used to carry out work on wood, plastic.
Compared to an ordinary grinder used for working with metal, most of the cuts that are performed using a circular saw are characterized by better parameters.
Advantages:
- increased power;
- reduction of noise and vibration;
- option to cut metal at an angle;
- there are no sparks;
- the metal will practically not heat up;
- safety (the disk will not break);
- increased service life of a carbide disc (100 times more than a disc for angle grinders);
- insignificant cost of cutting (only the guillotine is less);
- high quality cut (no burrs).
Minuses:
- overpriced disk.
Body material
Most of the products are made of highly durable plastic. The body of the professional tool is made of metal, which will increase the working resource of the device.
Diameter of discs used
The outer diameter of the blade will not affect the speed of operation, it will determine the cutting depth. This diameter will depend on the parameters of the protective cover. For most of the devices, it is in the range of 13-25 cm.
The inner diameter of the fit varies in the range of 1.6-3.2 cm. It corresponds to the diameter of the power shaft.
Additional functions
Most of the devices are distinguished by auxiliary functionality, which will facilitate work and make them more comfortable:
- Smooth start - during the cutting of the workpiece, sharp cuts into the materials are minimized, the quality of the cut increases. The working life of the electric motor increases.
- Sawdust collection - the presence of a branch pipe in the assembly in order to connect a vacuum cleaner.
- Laser mark - the laser beam forms the path along which the cut is required. The beam will make it possible not to use the guide rail while working with the device. But, in order to master the option, you will need special skills in using the device.
- Stationary chip removal system - will be practical with a small amount of work, if there is no need to connect a vacuum cleaner.
- Blocking the start - will prevent the sudden start of the device (in order to start the device, you need to press 2 keys).
Types of circular saws
A circular saw is an extremely simple power tool that is designed to cut various materials to the required size.The circular saw is intended for sawing wood, plywood, chipboard. In addition, there are rarer varieties created for the purpose of sawing stones and metal, but they are not used in private construction.
Hand circular saw
This variety is in the highest demand among home specialists due to the combination of compact dimensions and proper performance, which, taking into account the product, will be 1.2-2.2 kW. Prof. devices have a capacity of approximately 5 kW.
The cutting depth of the used device varies between 4-7 cm. Certain products provide an option to adjust the slope of the cut.
Pros:
- simple design combined with efficiency and high power;
- comfort in operation due to low weight and compact dimensions, ease of transportation;
- easy maintenance.
Minuses:
- increased noise level;
- weak coefficient of application of the disc diameter during operation;
- difficulties in adjusting the position of the cutting disc in relation to the workpiece, which reduces the accuracy of the cut.
Table circular saw
During the use of a stationary device, the device will stand in place during operation in order to cut the material to be processed, moves to the rotary element. At that moment, during the use of the manual device, the workpiece does not move directly.
The cutting depth of the device in question will fluctuate in the range of 4-7 cm. The device will effectively cope with cutting materials at different angles in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Pros:
- ease of carrying, low weight;
- option of functioning with a workpiece with a width greater than 60 cm.
Minuses:
- significant vibration reduces the quality of the cut;
- the dimensions of the workpiece are limited.
Stationary saw on the bed
An adaptation of such a plan is useful for those who have a small workshop at home. Sawing, taking into account the device, is 5-14 cm. A characteristic feature of the device in question will be the presence of a bed, which is of 2 varieties:
- Cast - used in assemblies of productive products, it is characterized by significant weight and durability. To install the product, you need a solid foundation, ideally made of concrete.
- Prefabricated - used in small machines. The characteristic feature is mobility.
The working table of the fixture can be made of a sheet of metal (aluminum, steel or cast iron). It has a special cut for the disc. The table cover is equipped with guide rails for the convenience of cutting materials.
Pros:
- the use of the bed will reduce the vibration of the device, which will increase the quality characteristics and processing accuracy;
- lowering the degree of noise;
- it is possible to process workpieces of wide dimensions;
- it is possible to set the appropriate settings for processing;
- dust collector (for many products).
Minuses:
- limited dimensions of the workpiece.
Plunge saw
The device in question was developed in order to solve the problem that arises during the processing of workpieces with a circular saw: inaccurate sawing. Positioning the device with absolute accuracy is not possible, since there is no way to control the position of the disc in relation to the workpiece.
This device has no such disadvantages, it has an unusual way of acting. When turned off, the disc is fully hidden under the cover for protection and is located above the stove. The cutting head will only go down when starting the device.
With the help of the product, it is possible to carry out minor repairs to floor boards or to cut out the necessary niche in the countertop. Cutting precision can be adjusted down to detail. The cutting depth at an inclination of 90 degrees, taking into account the product, will be 1-7.5 cm.
During operation with laminated blanks, the upper part is cut to a shallow depth, preventing chipping.
Pros:
- increased processing accuracy;
- great functionality;
- the option of making cuts across and along.
Minuses:
- overpriced in relation to ordinary products;
- difficulties in the process of cutting narrow workpieces - their smallest parameters are limited by the dimensions of the support element of the device.
Cordless Saw
The device in question is powered from an autonomous power source - a battery. The device is used for work in a difficult to access area. Taking into account the type of battery used and the capacity of its charge, the device can be enough for a short period of time in the range of 15-50 minutes. The battery then needs to be recharged, which lasts approximately 4 hours.
Pros:
- compact size, mobility;
- option to function if there is no external power supply.
Minuses:
- short duration of operation;
- overpriced for items that can last about 60 minutes.
Which circular saw to choose
To know which device to buy, you should read the advice of experts:
- In order to carry out occasional work, it is possible to buy a device with a capacity of up to 1.2 kW.
- For construction in the country, where you need to cut a bar, boards and other materials, it is possible to buy a device with a capacity of more than 1.2 kW and with a cut of at least 6 cm.
- For professional use, it is possible to buy devices with a capacity of more than 1.5 kW, with multiple rotations (more than 5,000) and a cut at an inclination of 90 degrees (more than 6 cm).
- If there is a need to make grooves in the blank, it is possible to buy a submersible device.
- During the period of work that involves the construction of metal structures, where a metal cut is required, it is possible to purchase a device for metal.
Often the question arises of how to choose a circular saw for the home. To figure out which saw to choose, it is important to read these guidelines.
