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An Introduction to Circular Saws
A good circular saw is critical to any serious woodworker and the go-to electric tool for most carpenters. The circular saw’s versatility is partially due to the fact that it can be either table mounted or hand held. For straight cuts, it is recommended that a circular saw be clamped to the wood with a straightedge. This will give you a straight cut akin to a table or miter saw. A quality circular saw will also allow you to adjust the cut depth and angle of the cut.
When choosing a circular saw, there are three central questions you must ask:
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What kind of cutting power do you really need? There are two primary types of circular saws to choose from: worm-drive saws and sidewinder saws (also known as in-line saws). The big difference between the two is where the motor is situated and the torque that the motor placement provides.
On a worm-drive saw the motor is placed parallel to the blade which gives the saw considerable power. A worm-drive saw can cut through just about anything, even concrete, making it a popular choice for professional tradesmen. In fact, I would recommend that only professionals use worm-drive saws because of the inherent danger of wielding such a powerful tool.
If you are a more of a hobbyist, the sidewinder is a better alternative. Also known as an in-line saw, it also comes in two varieties, regular and small. A small sidewinder is a good pick for slighter body frames or people who prefer a lighter weight tool. While we are on the topic of safety, I cannot stress enough how important power tool safety is. Be sure to always wear protective gear! Also, I highly recommend a saw that features electric brakes. These “brakes” will reverse electricity flow when the trigger is released. This stops the blade in about two seconds flat and really improves the overall safety of the tool.
- Is portability important? Electrical power tools can be cumbersome on the work site. If you want your circular saw to have maximum agility, I would recommend a cordless version. Cordless circular saws eliminate the inconveniences of lunging around extension cords and generators allowing you to easily navigate around a job and save time. With the cordless variety you will have to sacrifice some torque. Also, keep in mind that there is a time limit to any battery.
- What kind of features matter to you? Think about the types of projects you plan on doing that will require a circular saw. How deep do your cuts need to be? The saw’s blade capacity dictates the depth of the cut. Obviously, larger blades cut deeper, so make sure the blade is large enough to accommodate your project plans. Now consider how often you will need to change out the saw blade. Will you need to make different depth cuts and change blades frequently? If so, shaft locks make blade changes fast and easy and are worth looking for if you foresee having to make a lot of blade changes.
About the Author
About the Author: Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for electrical power tools. Headquartered in Wantagh, New York, Ace Tool offers over 70 major brands of electric hand and power tools and is also home to a full service center. Please visit Ace Tool Online for more information.
Construct Parallel – #7 Compass & Straightedge with GeoGebra
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DEWALT DW6913 Router Edge Guide with Fine Adjustment and Vacuum Adaptor $35.00 Get precise performance and keep your work area clear with the DeWalt DW6913 router edge guide. Designed to work with all DeWalt routers and to attach to standard 1-1/4-inch, 1-3/8-inch, and 1-1/2-inch shop vac hoses, this straight edge guide offers a parallel fence that can be adjusted precisely using a fine, easy-to-read adjuster for precision set-up…. |
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24 in. Straightedge 2 parallel edges $221.64 … |
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Deluxe Brd w/Str Edge 30×42 $175.60 Durable Phenolic blade keeps parallel by gliding up and down on guide wires. Nylon bearings under straightedge assure smooth running action. Features include an elevated acrylic inking edge for smudge-free results, a twin braking system to lock straightedge securely in any position, rubber grip tracks that allow board to overhang a table edge for a comfortable working angle, and foldaway legs with… |
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Deluxe Brd w/Str Edge 24×36 $153.25 Durable Phenolic blade keeps parallel by gliding up and down on guide wires. Nylon bearings under straightedge assure smooth running action. Features include an elevated acrylic inking edge for smudge-free results, a twin braking system to lock straightedge securely in any position, rubber grip tracks that allow board to overhang a table edge for a comfortable working angle, and foldaway legs with… |
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PARALLEL STRAIGHT EDGE 36in Drafting, Engineering, Art (General Catalog) $57.69 PARALLEL STRAIGHT EDGE 36in. Alvin ®, Guide-Line Acrylic Parallel StraightedgeAn affordable acrylic straightedge that features an elevated ruling edge for smudge-free inking. Smooth operation is provided by self-lubricating pulleys. The dual-function tunnel cap serves as a finger grip and cable channel…. |
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Mayline Mobile Parallel Ruling Straightedge 42 in. $190.00 These models have the same features as other Mayline(R) straightedges. The Armoredge is a nearly invisible protective strip of 8 mil. stainless steel that is applied to the leading edge of the Mayline(R) straightedge to resists nicks and dents from drawing tools…. |
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Alvin Deluxe Parallel Board with Straightedge $329.99 A Word from the Manufacturer Alvin and Company has been a leading source of drafting and drawing supplies since 1950, and it continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers with value and innovation. The ever-expanding range of Alvin products includes papercraft, fine arts, hobby and craft, drafting supplies, drafting tables, and more. Alvin serves today’s needs – and tomorrow’s, too – for g… |
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35 in. Straightedge 2 parallel edges $240.23 … |
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35 in. Straightedge, 1 parallel edge $114.39 … |