Seesaws may be toys, but circular saws are not. Circular saws are a leading cause of amputation and hand injuries. Hundreds of workers lose fingers to circular saws every year.
Safety is your top priority during your home renovation projects. Yet safety is also easy to understand. All you need to do is follow a few basic precautions.
Here is a quick guide on how to use a circular saw safely.
The Basics of How to Use a Circular Saw
You can't just start up a circular saw. The saw has many safety features built into it.
To begin cutting, you have to lift the blade guard. The guard has a tab on its side, so pull the tab up to remove the guard.
Rest the base of the saw on top of the material you want to cut. Adjust the bevel knob to change the angle between the saw base and blade.
Adjust the depth lock knob to set the blade depth. You usually want your blade to be one centimeter thicker than the material you're cutting.
To activate the motor, you have to deactivate the trigger lock while you pull the trigger. You continue to squeeze the trigger as you hold the handle. The blade has natural momentum, so don't push the handle.
To stop the saw, release the trigger. Wait for the saw blade to stop spinning before lifting the saw up.
Making Safe Basic Cuts
Before you even pick up your saw, put on safety equipment. Wear safety goggles and gloves. These protect you from flying wood and dust.
Wear a mask if the material you are cutting will create a lot of dust. Purchase a saw that collects dust as it falls, like a Miter Saw For Dust Collection. This will help clean-up and reduces your risk of inhaling dangerous dust.
Secure all loose clothing and jewelry. Remove anything on your cutting surface that can get caught in the blade.
Secure the material you are going to cut with a clamp. If you don't have one, pin the material down with heavy objects at both ends. Do not hold the wood down with your hand, as you could cut yourself.
Mark the line you want to cut with a thick black marker. Attach a straightedge to the right side of the line.
Move the saw in a straight line, and do not turn the saw as it is cutting. The saw could then jump back and cut you. Always push the saw away from you.
Do not use a circular saw to cut an installed rafter or wall stud. Make those cuts with a reciprocating saw.
Be a Safe Home Professional
A circular saw is a great tool for cutting objects quickly. But they can also hurt you. Learn how to use a circular saw, then learn how to be safe.
Wear safety gear, clamp materials down, and move your saw in a straight line. Hold the saw by its handles, and do not turn or twist the saw. Do not cut installed objects with a circular saw.
Safety is a top priority in every home and garden setting. Learn more safety tips every day by following our coverage.