Circular saw for wood how to choose. The best circular saws according to user reviews. Best circular saws

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Today we will take a closer look at the main types of circular saws. Let's define reasonable criteria for choosing a specific model. We will draw conclusions for recommendations based on the experience of practicing builders and employees of service centers. Join us.

The electric circular saw (in the popular way "circular", "parquet") appeared in the twenties of the last century. As usual, several "organizations" have worked. At first, a radial-cantilever type of wood cutting machine was developed (Raymond DeWolt), a little later, under the Skilsaw brand, manual models (Salivan and Mitchell) began to be produced. There were also separate patents for side and integrated saws to A. Emmons and A. Steele, respectively. Well, the AEG company helped to "ground" the invention and promote it to the masses, the engineers of which were the first to connect the instrument to the general 220 volt network. Nowadays, the circular saw has reached perfection, the set of options and auxiliary systems for it has not changed for a very long time, not to mention the design features. It's just that everyone is slowly pulling up to the premium class.

Circulars are considered to be one of the most technically challenging tools, even if you ignore the fact that they can have a full set of electronic bells and whistles available. The fact is that here it is necessary to constructively provide unprecedented safety measures (like all disk machines, "parquet floors" can be very traumatic), as well as to implement the high accuracy of many spatial mechanical settings. Self-repair of the circular is considered a risky enterprise due to the difficulty of restoring the correct factory settings.

The main purpose of a circular saw is to perform longitudinal cutting of wood and its derivatives (OSB, chipboard, fiberboard, MDF, plywood), because this tool perfectly keeps the line, a jigsaw is no comparison here. Naturally, cross-cutting for circulars will not be a problem either. But it would be strange if a modern cutting unit was not sharpened to work on other materials. Indeed, using various types of discs, and in some cases changing the shaft rotation frequency, it is possible to cut laminated workpieces, gypsum fiber board, plastic of various densities, multilayer materials (sandwiches), slate, plexiglass. In a word, almost all sheet panels are perfectly cut, including at an angle to the main plane. The only thing that is too tough for circulars is dense mineral materials (concrete, brick, plaster). True, some units can be equipped with a diamond disc and have a water supply, structurally these are full-fledged circulars (Makita 4101RH). There is still one iron "but" - a circular saw cannot cut along a curved line.

What is a circular for metal

We should also highlight circular saws for metal work. Although they are positioned in the market in this way, they are essentially multifunctional. It's more about the characteristics of the standard wheel, which comes in the basic configuration (this is not an abrasive, it is a hard-alloy toothed multi-purpose disc). Such units are easy to deal with pipes, tin, complex profiles, sheet steel and stainless steel (Makita 4131). It is very simple to talk with both steel and soft non-ferrous alloys (based on copper, aluminum).

But what about the angle grinder? Compared with grinders equipped with a cutting disc, we have the following:

The performance is much higher.
The operator is relieved as the machine rests on the sole.
Reduces noise and vibration.
Possible bevel work.
There are no sparks, the workpiece hardly heats up and does not "burn".
Increased safety (the rig is almost completely hidden and not subject to tearing).
The service life of a carbide disc is about 100 times that of an abrasive.
The cutting price is the lowest (only the guillotine is cheaper and faster).
There is no release of mineral dust into the air, as from a stone tool.
The cut is very high quality, without burrs.

Our masters have just tried this device, and in Europe and the USA such machines are used with might and main, quite naturally, with such and such advantages. For example, the EVOLUTION 230 XTREME model cuts sheet steel (class A-3) with a thickness of 12 mm, profiles / pipes with a wall of 4 mm, and, of course, everything else (wood, polymers).

Plunge-cut circular saw

Another class of circulars is the plunge saw. It is designed to plunge into the workpiece anywhere, not just from the edge. The lower automatic cover is completely absent here, and the disc is located above the base plate and is lowered only when the start button is pressed. Naturally, the cutting depth is adjustable, often in a range of millimeters (DWS520K).

The submersible mechanism (something similar is implemented in the wall chasers) allows for local repair of the roof, dismantling several selective floorboards, and cutting an opening in the tabletop. Grooves, slots, gutters can be made without much difficulty. For correct work with sandwiches and laminated materials - the top layer can be cut with a preliminary cut to an incomplete depth of the workpiece, thereby eliminating the risk of chips. All this is done not only perpendicular to the plane of the part, but also under a variable slope.

Cordless circular saw

More recently, such units seemed to us to be sheer fantasy. But time goes by, wireless technologies are reaching a new level. Batteries have become so capacious, special motors are so economical, and chargers are fast, that even for such a powerful tool as a circular, the developers managed to organize an uninterrupted power supply. We take two modern batteries and a half-hour charge - that's it, there will be no problems with energy (Makita BSS 610 RFE). It's even easier if your circular saw is equipped with a unified battery from the same manufacturer as the rest of your tools. The power characteristics (output power, torque) of wireless circulars are in no way inferior to those of similar networked machines - Bosch GKS 18 V-Li (cutting depth 51 mm). Well, as for mobility and ergonomics, here they are beyond any competition, especially roofers-operatives who work at height love them.

Main selection criteria

Power, speed, disc diameter, cutting depth

The diameter of the cutting disc (outer, not the size of the bore) - it can be said without exaggeration that this is the main parameter of the circular. Based on it, manufacturers are forced to compose a specific model. The larger the disc, the more powerful the motor must be in order to spin it up to the required speed, the more torque is required to maintain this speed and there is no jamming, the more technologically advanced the stabilization system should be so that there is no beating, vibration and noise, the heavier , overall, the saw will be more expensive. But on the other hand, large tooling allows you to saw more massive workpieces, thicker material.

However, it is not enough just to pay attention to the size of the circle, it is much more important to have an accurate idea of \u200b\u200bthe maximum cutting depth. Developers almost always indicate these parameters in their passports, both for perpendicular and beveled cut. There is some conditional separation:

Light class (40-50 mm) - sheet materials, work "on site".
The middle class (50-65 mm) is the most common and universal.
Heavy class (65-140 mm) - these are massive, purely professional machines.

The convention is that many companies issue their own special classification (Makitov people, for example, do not release babies at all and move a little forward in this matter). It turns out that we, ordinary users, can only listen to our needs, choose a priority in the ratio "maneuverability / versatility / strength", based on the specifics of the proposed work. For example, Hitachi C13U (weight 13 kg, disc 335 mm, 2000 watts) and Hitachi C6MFA (weight 3.4 kg, disc 165 mm, 1010 watts). The ratio of the straight cut depth for these models is 128 mm to 57 mm, respectively.

Left: Hitachi C13U, right: Hitachi C6MFA

I would also like to note that in case of emergency, you can cut a very bulky part by making a cut from both sides (yes, for correct operation, the disc does not have to go through the workpiece).

What else gives a power reserve? If there is a need to compare two circulars with the same depth, then a stronger motor of one of them will provide better frequency stability, longer continuous operation time, and will allow faster cutting of denser material. Watts under the hood are traditionally correlated with the diameter of the rig and, again, conditionally, the units are credited to one of the three corresponding classes:

Up to 800 watts.
800 to 1200 watts.
More than 1200 W (for example, Hitachi C9U2 - 2 kW, Makita 5143R - 2.2 kW).

Disk rotation speed - what does it give, besides the speed itself? There are two main nuances. First, the faster the shaft moves, the cleaner the cut is (although cleanliness depends more on the type of disc - the number and shape of teeth). Second, high speed is the opposite of torque. Third, high speed is high temperature and some plastics can melt during sawing. If the frequency has become a stumbling block (read "choice"), then you need to compare saws with the same diameter of the cutting disc. Better yet, find a model with an idle speed control.

Electronics on guard

Advanced circulars are stuffed with electronic systems to the eyeballs. This is quite predictable, since this tool is powerful and dangerous - the user needs help so that the mission is not impossible. If there is a financial opportunity, do not give up additional options, there are no unnecessary trifles for performance and safety.

For the benefit of the correct speed mode, the system for maintaining a constant spindle speed under load, the so-called constant electronics (DeWalt DWS520K), works. A special controller constantly reads the speed and when there is a local drop in speed (for example, when the feed is accelerated or when the tooling hits the compacted area of \u200b\u200bthe material), it is stabilized by an automatic increase in the outgoing power. The probability of a disc jam is reduced to almost zero, but the quality of the cut only improves. Obviously, this requires a certain power reserve (this is the prerogative of relatively large machines). Another point is the idle speed adjustment, preset. It is needed for manual selection of process parameters for materials with different physical characteristics (Metabo KSE 68 Plus). Not all models can boast of this option. And, by the way, the possibility of presetting is not a prerequisite for the presence of constant electronics, the only available frequency can also be stabilized.

In order not to overload the network when the tool is turned on, since the starting currents, albeit in a short period of time, significantly exceed their rating - almost all more or less powerful circulars have a soft start system. The rig does not accelerate immediately, which eliminates the jerk of the tool and protects the gearbox parts from unnecessary shock loads, the unit lives much longer ("Fiolent" PD 3-70E).

If the operator is in a hurry to finish what he started and does not listen to the "well-being" of the circular saw, the overload protection system will receive a signal from overheated motor windings or react to a sharp drop in power consumption and turn off the power, preserving the performance of an expensive tool.

The electrodynamic brake stops the disc abruptly after the release of the start button (AEG BKS 18). The system is designed to protect the operator from possible injury, the part from damage, and the machine from kickback.

Mechanical features

If the rig is deafly jammed, the motor can fail very quickly, there is a possibility of a kickback. To protect against such a nuisance, a slip clutch is used. The working shaft of the motor will continue to rotate even when the disc is stationary. Don't worry, the system won't work unnecessarily.

Protection against accidental activation is realized by installing an additional button in the area of \u200b\u200bthe main handle. To energize the motor, press it simultaneously with the start button (Skil 5064AA). It is, perhaps, impossible to make such a chord unintentionally, especially since the "fuse" is usually sunk into the head. Often (for other tools) this button allows you to lock the trigger on, this will not work here - the toothed disk must always be under control.

For the convenience of replacing the disc, the spindle can be locked with a button or a lever, in some models literally in any position (you do not need to scroll to look for the gripping point - Bosch GKS 65 CE Professional). If there is no lock, you have to wield two keys at once. The nut itself can be tightened with a wrench / screwdriver, or it can be made in a “toolless” version - quick-clamping.

A lot of the functionality of the circular depends on its base plate. Note that it is on it that all mechanical adjustments and fasteners for auxiliary elements are installed. Traditionally, platforms made by casting light alloys are considered to be of higher quality. They unambiguously indicate the professional class of the instrument, since they keep their geometry well (Interskol DP-235 / 2000M). However, do not discount thick stamped steel pads. They are more resistant to shock loads (do not crack from an accidental impact), have a lower impact on the price of the product, and are also used in tools for professionals (Bosch GKS 65 CE Professional).

"Interskol" DP-235 / 2000M

An important point is the adjustment of the inclined cut. Angle sawing is realized precisely by changing the position of the platform relative to the entire upper part and the disc in particular. Usually the tilt is set at different angles: 30 °, 45 °, and in some machines it is extended to 50-55 °. The mechanism for setting the cutting depth is also located here. As a rule, this is all made in the form of grooves in the shape of a quarter circle (in some cases graduated) and rods with wing / lever clamps. The main advantage of quality control elements is speed, reliability and accuracy of fixing (Kress 1400 HKS). Backlashes are extremely unwanted guests here.

Another advantage of the well-thought-out platform is the ability to set the saw in a stationary position. This refers to the option of creating a machine without using a special table. This moment will be relevant for all machines, but even more so for especially powerful and heavy ones.

To perform a high-quality straight cut, circular saws are already equipped with a parallel stop in the basic configuration, by the way, it can also be light-alloy. However, the most accurate sawing work can be achieved using a guide bar. The tire is bought separately (often they come from other manufacturers), but the sole must have a special groove. If it is necessary to work "by hand" on the markings, you need to control the line; for this, a special slotted opening is made in front of the base plate. An interesting option is implemented in the EVOLUTION 180 XTREME saw, where a laser line builder is built into the handle, during operation you just need to combine it with the marking.

A compulsory accessory for the circular saw is a spring-loaded cover that completely hides the blade and releases it only when starting cutting (you need a stop on the workpiece). The cover should slide easily and always return to its original position. To prevent the disc from being squeezed from the sides by the already cut material and not stopping, a “riving knife” is used in the design.

Ergonomics and something else

The circular is a manual tool, therefore, when choosing, special attention should be paid to the overall ergonomics of the product. Interestingly, some manufacturers even make a left-handed tool with a mirrored layout.

The most important role in the comfort of any circular is assigned to the shape and position of the handles. Obviously, each user will have different requirements. Most of the questions are raised by the front handle, which is most often straight, located perpendicular to the plane of movement of the saw blade. This design is good if you work from yourself forward, but most often the tool is guided from the side - therefore, most craftsmen prefer the mushroom version, which is easily held in any position (DeWalt D23620). Someone may be more suitable for the bracket design (DeWalt D23650K).

Give preference to models with rubberized handles, they help to securely hold and control the tool during operation.

It will not be superfluous to hold a few circulars in your hands before buying, most likely, a lot will become clear to you regarding the weight distribution of specific cars and their balance. Be sure to do this if you plan to do a lot of fieldwork.

Evaluate the visibility of the working area, the specific design features of the circular saw have a very serious effect on this circumstance. It is also important how efficiently sawdust is removed from the disc. Here, surface blowing is used (directed from the operator), a branch pipe is integrated for connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner and connecting a bag. There are options with a dust container.

Take a look at how the power cord entry point is executed. Unfortunately, users very often cut the power cable, so it is better if it is directed straight back, and the inlet sleeve is as long and rigid as possible. Maximum freedom and safety will be provided by a long power cord - 4 meters is no longer uncommon for professional models. Otherwise, you will have to regularly fight with the extension block.

Sooner or later, the circular saw will require replacement of the carbon brushes, otherwise the engine anchor is at risk. Therefore, it makes sense to "monitor" this node as well. Well, if there is a separate window for quick access to the brushes, then you don't have to disassemble the case, or go to the service for this if the device is under warranty. An excellent option is self-disconnecting brushes: the graphite is worn out - the chain is broken (Sparky TK 70). The next nuance is to indicate the status of the brushes, this is a very useful gadget for a traditional brush assembly.

Most likely, under load you will not be allowed to test the saw, but if the seller allows, plug in the saw and run it at idle speed, listen to the noise and vibration levels. Evaluate how strong the air flow is generated by the tool - this largely determines the efficiency of cooling the motor and the quality of cleaning the working area from debris.

If you plan to use circular only from time to time, then pay attention to the hobby class models from well-known manufacturers (Bosch PKS 55 A, Black & Decker CD601). They are designed for relatively short work (15 minutes work - 15 minutes rest) no more than 4 hours a day. This will be enough for home use, and you will be able to save a lot. Ironically, household models often outlive their professional counterparts a lot, and the developers provide them with a double guarantee (2-3 years).

In general, carefully predict the load that the circular saw will receive, being at your disposal, and based on this, select the characteristics of the desired model. We hope we've provided you with enough food for thought.

The circular saw is one of the tools that is used in almost any construction. Today this unit can be purchased at every hardware store. In this case, you should choose a saw based on its characteristics.

Today the circular saw is an indispensable tool in construction. With it, you can cut boards of the required size.

Saw blade design

Circular saw layout diagram.

The circular saw is designed for cutting almost any soft material (soft metal, plastic, wood). High productivity, fast and accurate cut makes this tool irreplaceable when working with wood.

Working with a circular saw is easy enough that even a beginner can operate it. However, it is very important to follow all safety rules, as violation of them can harm your health.

The main elements of circular saws are:

electrical engine;
body;
lever;
saw blade;
protective cover;
platform with a guiding device.

In the manufacture of the case, in most cases, heat-resistant and wear-resistant plastic is used. Sometimes in the construction market you can also find a metal case. Given the fact that a circular saw very often has to work in dusty conditions, most manufacturers equip the tool not only with a ventilation and cooling system, but also with a system for removing waste from the working area. If the design of the saws does not provide for an integrated dust removal system, then it is possible to connect a forced dust removal system using special adapters or industrial vacuum cleaners.

All circular saws are equipped with a collector electric motor with a power of 0.5 to 2.5 kW. This indicator will depend on such parameters of the tool as the maximum number of revolutions and the depth of cut. Not so long ago, battery-powered circular saws appeared on the building materials market. For example, BOSH has released a whole series of such tools that are equipped with batteries of different capacities.

When choosing a saw, special attention should be paid to the quality of the platform. To reduce the cost of the product, most manufacturers use a stamped platform.

However, if the circular saw will be used for professional purposes, it is better to choose a device with a cast aluminum platform, since it will cut the material with greater precision.

The circular saw platform often has a ruler built into it.

Many companies equip the platform with a special ruler that allows you to control the material handling process.

An important element of the saw is the cutting disc. Currently on the market you can buy discs that allow you to process almost any material. If you need to quickly dissolve the boards, a wood disc is perfect for you. If you need to work with laminate, then you should buy the appropriate disc, which gives a smooth and high-quality cut. All this is achieved by using special hard-alloy solders, increasing the frequency of the teeth and changing their shape.

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Which saw grade to choose?

When working with a household circular saw, it is necessary to take breaks of 15-20 minutes.

Like all construction tools, circular saws are divided into household and professional. The main difference is that in the first case, the saw must be worked with short breaks. After about 15-20 minutes of continuous operation, the motor should be allowed to cool down, as longer operating times can adversely affect its service life.

Household saws should be no more than 30 hours per month. If you plan to work harder, then you better get a professional tool. It should be noted that a professional tool is approximately 2 times more expensive.

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Table saw or hand-held circular saw?

There are special fixtures for securing the hand-held circular saw to the work table.

Stationary circular saws for domestic needs are practically not used, since they are quite difficult to operate, and the professional version is very expensive and structurally complex. Therefore, in most cases, it is hand saws that are used.

There are special attachments on the market that can be used to fix the hand saw upside down on the work table. This allows you to get a stationary mini-machine with which it will be very convenient to work. This mount does not fit all saw models. There are also models available that are equipped with mounting on the bed. These features of circular saws should be considered when purchasing them.

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Main characteristics of circular saws

Power. As with all construction tools, the main characteristic of circular saws is power, since it is this power that is the key to the smooth operation of the device. Circular saws with more power can cut material faster, and its density can be higher. On the other hand, small saws have less weight, thanks to which such a device will be much easier to operate. For example, a 2 kW circular saw will weigh 7 kg, and a 1.2 kW tool will weigh 3.5-4 kg. When choosing the power, you should also consider the size of the blade that will be used to cut the material. The smaller the disc diameter, the less power you can choose.
Circular saws are:
- low power (up to 0.8 kW);
- average power (0.8-1.2 kW);
- high power (more than 1.2 kW).
The weight. This parameter is also important. It should be especially taken into account when you are going to work with a saw for a long time and on weight. Therefore, if possible, buy a saw with a light weight.
Cutting depth. This characteristic is largely determined by the size of the disc used: the larger the disc, the larger the material can be cut with it. If, in order to save money, you decide to purchase a tool with a small disc diameter, then they will not be able to accurately cut a thick workpiece. Lightweight models that are used for household needs have a cutting depth of 40-50 mm. This size is the most common. For professional work, for example, with a block, it is recommended to use a blade with a cutting depth of 60-70 mm.
RPM. This parameter determines the quality and speed of cutting. The speed of rotation largely depends on the diameter of the disc, since it is not important how many revolutions per minute the disc makes, but at what speed its edge moves along the workpiece.
Ability to work at an angle. Most models are designed to cut at a 45 ° angle, but there are saws that can work at an angle of 60 °. You can only change the incline of the cut on one side, because the motor is on the other. On the construction market, there are models in which this parameter can be adjusted from both sides.
Autonomous work. Cordless saws allow you to work without a stationary power supply. Such models are less efficient. Before buying a circular saw with a battery, you need to think carefully, because the battery life of the device lasts for 30-60 minutes, and charging the battery can take about 5 hours.

Knowledge of its technical parameters will help to determine the choice of a tool that is used by craftsmen who are able to perform more complex work. One of these types of equipment is a circular saw for wood. How to choose it for work at home and professional activities? Feedback from experts and ordinary users will help you.

What is a circular saw for wood?

To choose the right disk drive, you should start with its essence. This tool is a cross between a simple electronic jigsaw and a chainsaw that can cut thick tree trunks.

The equipment is intended for use both at work by professionals and at home. The cuts are accurate and fast. The lines with the presented technique are straight and can be produced in wood of various thicknesses.

Disc cut wood in various configurations. This equipment can cut various decorations on the material, but the operating time will be longer than that of a low-power jigsaw.

Comparing the work of the presented technique with the principle of operation of a chainsaw, it should be noted that the circulation is more accurate. More powerful equipment is designed for rough cuts. With a circular saw, you can make neat cuts.

Device

The constituent elements of such a tool as a circular saw for wood deserve consideration. Experts advise how to choose the most optimal model.

The heart of the instrument is the electric motor. The saw blade is fixed on its shaft. Most often, according to expert reviews, synchronous collector motors are used. They include special brushes that can wear out over time. If you miss the moment to replace this part, the engine may break down. Therefore, when choosing a circular saw, it is best to select a mechanism with automatic motor shutdown.

The engine power determines the performance of the entire mechanism. The higher it is, the thicker the boards can be cut with this equipment. The diameter of the knives used for tools such as circular saws for wood depends on the power. Their price directly depends on this indicator.

The weight of the circulator will also be higher with more equipment power. Therefore, before making the choice of a circular saw, it is necessary to determine the amount of work to be done. It is not worth overpaying for high power that will not be used.

Equipment parameters

One of the main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing a handheld circular saw for wood of an electric type is the number of revolutions. It would be more correct to choose equipment with the ability to control this indicator. This feature will allow you to produce a better cut with an optimal level of load on the equipment.

Must have protective functions for electronics. This will help protect both the equipment and the operator in case of emergency situations at work. An accidental start lock must be present.

It will be useful to evaluate the appearance of the equipment upon purchase. It is very convenient to use an additional handle. The material of the product itself must be strong, capable of withstanding loads and mechanical stress.

Depending on the price, circular saws for wood are distinguished by the cleanliness of the assembly. The balance should be comfortable, the handles should not slip. This will allow you to firmly hold the technique in your hands.

Equipment types by functionality

There are several main types of circular saws.

Mini-circular saw is the first type of the presented tool. This is a portable equipment equipped with an electric motor. It is a handy tool for small to medium-sized jobs.

The fixed type disc for wood is composed of a support. The saw is located on it. Unlike a mini circular saw, the engine of such equipment is located under the support and is started from a stationary network using a cord.

The third are battery circulators. This is a fairly common type of equipment.

Another variation is the miter saw. It has a simple design with a handle with a start button, an operating unit and a saw blade.

Details

The electric circular saw for wood involves cutting both in a flat plane and at an angle. For this, support plates and pins are used. An eccentric system is attached to them. The pin allows the equipment to be held at an angle of typically 45˚. There are models that allow you to set a slope of 60˚. The tilt is made only to the right. The engine is usually located on the left.

It is possible to set the level of immersion of the saw in the material. The mechanism fixes the equipment on a fixed axle. It is located in front of the support.

One of the most popular devices is the protective cover. Above, the protection is mobile, and below it is fixed. From the latter, you can remove sawdust with a vacuum cleaner.

The wire must be protected by strong rubber insulation. Use rechargeable batteries only when necessary, for example, in equipment such as mini circular saws.

Types depending on power

Three types are distinguished depending on the power:

The circulating saw motor has a power of 800 to 1200 W. The thickness of the cut with this tool will be about 45 mm. Discs with a diameter of up to 160 mm are suitable for them. These are the cheapest types of equipment presented. Most often used at home.
The tool is equipped with an electric motor of the order of 1800 W. Its cutting depth reaches 60 mm. This is a semi-professional circular saw. The diameter of its knives reaches 190-200 mm.
The most productive type of tool, the motor of which has a power of more than 2000 watts. Discs of such circular saws are used from 190 to 350 mm in diameter. Most often, the tool is attached to a workbench. These are the most expensive professional, powerful saws.

Saw blades

Saw blades differ in different technical parameters. Discs are usually divided into types - for wood and similar materials, for metal.

Wood saw blades have tines angled in the direction of travel. The more parts there are, the more accurate and accurate the cutting itself will be. Otherwise, the cut will be rough and ragged.

A hand-held electric circular saw for wood, which will be used to cut fiberboard, boards, will require a type of knife with frequent teeth (about 100 pcs.). For cutting wood with many knots, a reinforced blade with 24 cutting edges should be selected.

Knife markings consist of two numbers. The first characterizes its diameter, and the second characterizes the diameter of the landing rod. Discs with a lower value than that provided by the saw should not be installed on the equipment. Otherwise, there will be a space between the part and the casing where a hand can accidentally get into.

Sharpening discs

Working with blunt knives is hard enough and the engine is heavily stressed. Therefore, over time, it will be necessary to sharpen the circular saw for wood.

Initially, the teeth are bred using a special tool. The sharpening of the circular saw for wood is carried out initially from the back surface of the teeth, and then the front row is processed.

The beginning of the work performed must be marked with a marker. Each tooth should be sharpened the same number of times and with the same effort as the first.

After the performed manipulations, the disc must be checked. A trial cut is in progress. If there is extraneous noise, uneven feed of the bar, this is a sign of non-uniformity of the teeth in height. This can be verified by holding the marker up to the cutting surface. After turning the knife, you need to inspect it and identify irregularities in sharpening.

Reviews of experts about saws for wood

According to experts, the choice of a good, high-quality tool directly depends on the popularity of the manufacturer, as well as the cost of the equipment. Cheap Chinese tools can not only reduce the quality of the work, but also cause accidents. It is better to purchase a circular saw from a reputable manufacturer (eg Makita, Bosch, etc.). Their cost, albeit higher, is fully justified.

Circular saws for wood, the price of which is somewhat lower than that of foreign counterparts, are produced by domestic manufacturers. For example, the Russian company "Interskol" produces a wide range of models of circular saws for wood.

Based on the feedback from professionals and ordinary consumers, we can say that a guarantee from manufacturers proven by years of work will be able to ensure high-quality and reliable operation of the equipment. Cheap, but unknown firms often cannot provide the required level of durability. And working on such equipment exposes the master to the risk of injury.

Saws "Interskol"

The Russian company Interskol has proven itself well in the market of equipment for sawing wood. This is one of the most famous domestic manufacturers, whose products are distributed not only in our country, but also abroad. The relatively low price of the equipment (about 3000 rubles) makes it attractive to consumers.

Among the advantages that the Interskol circular saw for wood is endowed with are durability, good ergonomics of models, as well as the quality of the actions performed with its help.

A wide range of equipment parameters (cutting depth, power and functionality) will help you choose a tool for a variety of needs in wood cutting.

The existing additional functions of the circular saws of the presented company will make it possible to give comfort when handling this technique.

Saws Bosch

The equipment for cutting wood of the presented company is produced for both home and professional use. Its cost is slightly higher than that of domestic counterparts and is about 4500 rubles.

Of the advantages that the Bosch circular saw has, according to the reviews of experts and consumers, it should be noted the convenience when holding the tool in the hands, as well as lower vibration noise. It is very convenient to use in work due to the existing speed control.

It should also be noted that there is a blockage when the engine is overloaded, which can sometimes save equipment from breakdowns. The electronic system controls the functions.

This is one of the most famous companies. The quality of its products is widely known in our country and around the world. Therefore, the durability and quality of work on this tool can be guaranteed.

Additional saw functions

Manufacturers sometimes provide additional features to ensure the most comfortable work with such a tool. Among the most common additions, the following should be noted:

The hand-held circular saw for wood can be immersed in the material. This allows cutting from the middle of the sheet.
There are two types of speed control - mechanical and electronic. This will allow you to make clean, neat cuts on a variety of materials.
Increases the level of safety by the function of sharp braking of the saw blade.
Safety-enhancing functions also include the smooth starting of the knife. More often this feature is found in powerful professional saws.
Built-in laser marking and illumination increase the cutting accuracy.

For saws for wood with a powerful motor, it is possible to mount them on the surface, which will allow sawing large volumes of material.

Safety regulations

To avoid accidents when handling the tool, you must follow the safety precautions provided by the manufacturer of equipment such as a circular saw for wood.

How to choose the right piece of equipment? You should familiarize yourself with the requirements that must be met when working on such equipment:

The material must be secured to a stable surface.
It is strictly forbidden to turn the tool upside down while it is running.
Use only discs of the correct size and type for the job.
It is forbidden to clamp the power button in ways not specified by the manufacturer.
Wear protective goggles only.

If you follow all the rules and recommendations presented, the work will be of high quality and safe on equipment such as a circular saw for wood. How to choose the presented tool? Knowledge of their existing types and characteristics will help you. Observing all the requirements when working on the presented equipment, there is no doubt about the safety and durability of the equipment.

Power saws are the most demanded type of tools for work in the country. The range of their capabilities is very wide: from felling tall trees to figured cutting of ice figures. The latter, of course, is exotic, but it also takes place.

What are the saws

The breadth of the tasks facing the saws gave rise to a variety of their schemes. However, for us, summer residents, two classes of structures, fundamentally differing in the type of working bodies, are of interest. And here you should immediately draw a line between these types of machines, so as not to confuse them in the future:

Circular saws - technically correct name of the tools used as a working body saw blade.

AND chain saws - the general name of the tools, the working body of which is chain with cutting teeth... Depending on the type of drive (electric motor or internal combustion engine), the latter are divided into electric saws and gasoline-powered saws (they are often called chainsaws by the people, which is, strictly speaking, incorrect) . But we will talk about them another time.

Hand circular saw

This is one of the first tools that a summer resident acquires. We can say that such a machine is "tough" for any business. During repair and construction work, hand-held circular saws (in common parlance "circular") are used for longitudinal and transverse cutting of boards and beams, as well as MDF, chipboard, laminate and even aluminum.

The main advantage of a circular saw is the relative ease of execution with its help. long and even cuts. It is indispensable when sawing a large number of boards (for example, when making edged boards). This car also has a noticeable drawback - the circular saw cannot cut in a curved line.

Design At first glance, the "circular" is quite simple:

electric motor located under the housing,
reducer,
saw blade, covered with covers,
flat wide base with guide stop
and a riving knife behind the disc.

However, among experts, a circular saw is considered a very complex tool in technical terms. The bottom line is what is needed here constructively ensure justified safety requirements (saws remain quite traumatic machines) and maintain high precision of saw blade settings.

Do we need more power?

The main characteristic of a circular saw- engine power (electric motors are installed on "circulars"). A high-power saw can cut, for example, a coarse log by selecting the maximum blade size. More power, however, inevitably increases both weight and price.

On the other hand, power headroom is a useful thing. The mighty motor provides better speed stability, allows for faster cutting of dense material. By this parameter, "circulars" are conventionally divided into three classes:

up to 800 W;
from 800 to 1200 W;
more than 1200 watts.

So that the saw will serve you longer, and the engine does not fail due to overheating, choose model with a mandatory power reserve.

Do we need high speed?

The engine power and blade speed determine the performance of the saw. The quality of the cut also depends on the speed. True, it should be borne in mind that the optimum cutting speed will also vary for different materials... So, polymers with a low melting point are best processed at a low rotation speed (so as not to melt the edges), and hard wood and MDF - at a high one.

It is for the target setting for the desired material that it is used speed control... In other cases, this option remains unclaimed. Therefore, circular saws often have only one idle speed - about 5000 rpm. So that advice for summer residentsnot striving for the heights of sawing creativity: get single speed saw.

How the saw blade works

The quality, speed and convenience of work are determined by the cutting tool, in our case - the saw blade. They are differ:

by type of processed material (wood of various density and thickness, plastic, aluminum profile, etc.);
by the size and shape of the teeth and on the corner of their sharpening.

Discs with a small number of teeth (12-16) will do well fast work, but the results will look relatively sloppy. As a rule, with an increase in the number of teeth (and there may be more than a hundred of them), the quality of the cut increases, but the cutting speed decreases.

The cutting blades have several radial expansion slots that prevent possible warping in the event of excessive overheating and, as a result, additional vibration and noise.

Cutting disc diameter - the main consumer parameter of the "circular". However, it is not enough to know the size of the circle: it is much more important for the user maximum cutting depth... For most models, it is about 40% of the diameter of the disc itself.

Read the information on the disk: everything is written there

Information about the parameters of the cutting blade is presented on its flat side. Most often, you can find a designation consisting of three numbers, where:

the first number corresponds to the outer diameter of the disc in millimeters,
the second reports the number of teeth,
the third is equal to the diameter of the shaft that turns the disk itself.

In addition, the maximum permissible number of revolutions per minute is indicated, often the thickness of the cut and, what is most important for us, the material for which the disc is intended. The teeth of the discs are made of diamond-ground carbide. For various types of materials, special designs of teeth have been designed, optimal in shape and type of sharpening. For instance:

For sawing wood are used discs with ATB teeth.
If the wood can contain nails or it is necessary to "deal" with cement-based fiber board, - take disks with FWF teeth;
laminated chipboard double-coated and aluminum structures easy to succumb to small cutter teeth TCG-forms.
Fine-toothed precision discs very universal... They cut not only wood, but also fiberglass-reinforced plastics and non-ferrous metals.

We saw on batteries

The circular saw consumes a lot of energy during operation. Nevertheless, modern battery technology has made it possible to equip it with "batteries". Cordless circular saw good where it is not easy to pull up the "electricity". For instance, when performing roofing works you no longer have to drag a multi-meter extension cable to the roof, always getting confused under your feet.

There is work for battery models and in excessively damp rooms, for example, basements, where often "knee-deep water". In this case, the main argument for their use will be safety precautions. Indeed, in a humid room, 18 V battery voltages, even in the most extreme case, will not harm the operator. The same cannot be said about 220 V mains power supply.

How does the saw keep you safe?

Circular saw - really traumatic thingthat must be handled with care and respect. The designers have done a lot to prevent accidents with this high-speed and sharp machine.

Here are some examples of this concern:

Cutting disc from above closes stationary protective cover, and from below - a movable spring-loaded sector, which hides the disc until the saw comes into contact with the workpiece being cut. When the tool is fed forward, the sector guard should be slightly turned, and the workpiece to be sawn will already push back and expose the saw blade. After removing the "circular" from the material, the lower part of the casing automatically returns to its original position thanks to the compressed spring.
The tool is equipped special safety device - slip clutch. It works with possible jamming disk in the blank. This is often the case with gambling beginners. In this case, the disc stops rotating and the motor continues to run. And the best part is that it does not burn out and does not lead to unplanned expenses.
Protection against accidental activation performed by installing a special button next to the start key. To turn on the saw, press them simultaneously. It is perhaps impossible to perform such a combination of different movements by chance.
Another great invention - shaft braking unit after shutdown engine. It limits the "stick out" of the drive and stops it immediately after the user removes his finger from the trigger.

To replace the saw blade just press the locking button of the rotating shaft, and the disc is removed using the wrench included in the delivery. If the locking option is not provided, then two wrenches must be used, one of which fixes the shaft, and the other removes the disc.
If necessary, you can cut a very large piece of material by making a cut on both sides... After all, it is not at all necessary for the saw blade to go through the workpiece.

What kind of saw do you use?

When making a choice of a circular saw for a home or summer cottage, a number of parameters should be considered. The presence of a circular will allow you to process wood, spending much less effort and achieving a better result compared to using hand tools such as a saw or a hacksaw. The circular saw is presented in a wide price range, differs in technical characteristics and functionality. Among this variety, you need to make a choice.

The best option for a circular saw for a home or summer cottage is its manual modification. Hand-held power tools are capable of handling:

Wood of any density;
Lumber derived from wood (fiberboard, chipboard, MDF, etc.);
Polymer blanks (plastic);
Some grades of metal, etc.

However, the circular saw is not designed for cutting:

Concrete;
Bricks;
Plasters.

When performing a straight cut, the design must meet two main requirements. You need to rely on them, making a choice in favor of one or another circular.

Precise settings. You should be able to fine-tune your equipment as precisely as possible to make a quality, accurate and even cut.
Safety. Working with the circular should not be accompanied by a potential hazard to your health. For this, the design and electronics of the circular provide appropriate solutions.

Circular device

If we take the example of the simplest circular saw for working at home or in a summer cottage, then the device will consist of the following main structural components:

Circular saw body (metal, plastic or their combination);
Circular electric motor of various power;
Circular reducer;
Protective device case;
Working platform;
Circular saw guides.

The selection of the circular should be based on the selection of the optimal technical characteristics, basic parameters and auxiliary capabilities.

We turn directly to how you can independently choose a suitable circular saw for a summer residence or at home.

Nuances of choice

The selection of circulars is made based on three main criteria:

Equipment class;
Device specifications;
Additional possibilities of circular.

You should go through each of the points separately in order to understand in more detail the nuances of buying a circular saw.

Class

The class of the circular saw is determined depending on two parameters.

Working disc diameter and cutting depth limits.
The power of the electric motor installed on the circular saw.

The ranking of the leaders in the circular segment is largely based on these characteristics, since they are decisive in determining the capabilities of a power tool. At the same time, each rating focuses on certain parameters, ignoring others.

Three classes of circulars are distinguished depending on the diameter of the saw blade and its maximum depth of entry into the workpiece.

Household class of circulars. It is recommended to choose such saws for home or summer cottages for those who have to process sheet lumber. Household models are designed for a maximum cutting depth of 40-50 millimeters.
Semi-professional grade circular saws. A versatile miter saw class that tops more than one rating. The functionality of the equipment allows you to process almost all types of workpieces with a cutting depth of up to 65 millimeters.
Professional grade circulars. This hand tool is capable of cutting to a depth of 140 millimeters.

It will not always be wise to choose a tool that can cut to the maximum depth for a summer cottage or at home. When working at home, you can easily cut thick material with a circular saw on both sides. Therefore, depth is not a fundamental criterion. For cutting at home, you can get by with a tool that can enter the workpiece to a depth of 60 millimeters.

Another principle for classifying circular saws is based on the power of the installed electric motor. Depending on it, there are three classes of devices.

Domestic. This version of the hand saw has a power of up to 800 watts.
Semi-professional. This category includes saws with a power of 800 to 1200 watts.
Professional. This class is characterized by motors with a minimum power of 1.2 kW.

Specifications

When choosing a circular saw for work at home, you should pay special attention to the following technical aspects.

Circular saw blade rotation speed. This parameter is directly related to the power of the installed electric motor. It the speed of rotation of the saw wheel depends on the accuracy, accuracy and quality of cutting a workpiece from a particular material. If we are talking about pressed material, then it is recommended to choose the tool with the maximum rotation speed;
Circular sawing circle. On most hand-held circulars used in the home, the rim for the saw blade is 30 millimeters. In this case, there are models with 16 and 32 millimeters. This point is worth paying attention to as you will inevitably have to buy new circles. The outer diameter of the disc determines the speed of rotation and the depth of the wheel's entry into the material being processed. The outer diameter varies from 150 to 260 mm. For home use with a low-power circular device, the smallest disc is suitable. Discs with a diameter of 200 mm are able to satisfy almost all household needs. Some circles can be sharpened. Other discs will need to be replaced as they wear out. To sharpen the disc, a special machine is used. Or you can sharpen the working circle by contacting a specialized workshop;
Inclined saw cut. The vast majority of modern circular saws are equipped with an inclined sawing function. It ranges from 30 to 55 degrees. Therefore, when a rating is drawn up, experts no longer pay attention to this parameter so closely. But for work from home, the lack of a tilt can negatively affect productivity and the tasks available to complete;
Ergonomic parameters. Ergonomics is the convenience of the master himself when working with the device. This is an individual parameter that focuses on the personal preferences of the user. Let's just say that very heavy hand tools will not allow you to work for a long time without interruptions. Plus look at the handles so that they are covered with special anti-slip rubber;
Cable. It is recommended to select a model with a minimum cable length of 3 meters.

Additional functionality

Electronics. Increases the cost of the tool, but expands its functionality, allows you to control and adjust the operating parameters, and also extends the service life of the tool. From the electronic filling, we recommend choosing a soft start system, overload protection, speed control and speed maintenance. The choice of a laser pointer for professionals is not relevant, and it helps beginners to cut smoother.
Change of disks. Obsolete circular models use a circle replacement system using a pair of keys. It is long and inconvenient enough. The best option is a modern fixation based on a fastening device on the shaft.
Accumulator battery. Its presence allows you to work with a circular at a distance from the nearest electrical network. In this case, the batteries are limited in terms of the duration of autonomous work. If you need such functionality, it is better to choose a circular with the maximum battery capacity and buy two of them at once. While one is working, the other will be charged.

The choice of circular saws is not difficult if you correctly approach the solution of this issue.

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