How to Cut a Straight Line With a Circular Saw – The Family Handyman
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Preparation
No matter what you’re cutting, the first step is always the same: You have to make a straight, level line to guide your saw. And that’s where a lot of people make mistakes. They think they can just eyeball it, or that they can use the edge of the saw base as a guide. But if your cut isn’t straight, your project won’t be either. So take the time to do it right.
Choose the right saw blade
Not all circular saw blades are created equal, and using the wrong one for the job can make cutting a straight line more difficult than it needs to be. So before you start cutting, take a few moments to select the right blade for the job at hand.
If you’re cutting softwood, like pine or cedar, use a blade with fewer teeth (16 or 18). If you’re cutting hardwood, like oak or maple, use a blade with more teeth (24 or up). And if you’re unsure about what kind of wood you’re working with, err on the side of a blade with more teeth.
Measure and mark your cut line
To ensure your cuts are precise, you’ll need to measure and mark your cut line. For most projects, it’s best to use a tape measure, a speed square, and a pencil.
Start by measuring the length of your cut. Then, use the speed square to mark a perpendicular line at each end of the cut. This will be your guide for making straight, clean cuts.
Once you have your lines marked, use the pencil to trace the cutting line. For extra precision, you can use a chalk line to snap a perfectly straight line.
Cutting the Line
The first step is to find a board that is wide enough to cut your line on. Make sure the board is wide enough so that the saw can fit on it without touching the line. Place the board on a level surface.
Set your saw to the correct depth
No matter what kind of saw you’re using, it’s important to set the blade to the correct depth before you start cutting. If the blade is set too deep, it will cut into the surface below the wood you’re trying to cut; if it’s not set deep enough, it won’t cut all the way through your material.
With a circular saw, you can adjust the depth of the blade by loosening or tightening the adjustment knob on the side of the saw. Depending on your saw, you may also be able to adjust the depth by moving the entire blade housing up or down.
Once you’ve set the depth of the blade, double-check it by making a test cut in a piece of scrap wood. This will help you avoid any surprises mid-cut.
Follow your cut line
The biggest mistake people make when using a circular saw is not following their cut line. The blade on a circular saw is not perfectly straight, so if you don’t follow your cut line, your cut will be curved.
To avoid this, use a chalk line or level to mark your cut line on the workpiece. Then, align the blade of the saw with the line and use the side of the blade as a guide to keep the saw on track.
If you don’t have a level or chalk line, you can still cut a straight line by following these steps:
1. Measure the distance from the edge of the workpiece to the center of the blade.
2. Place a piece of tape on the workpiece at this measurement.
3. Extend the tape along the workpiece to mark your cut line.
4. Align the blade of the saw with the tape and use it as a guide to keep the saw on track.
Finishing Up
The best way to cut a straight line is with a power miter saw. However, if you don’t have one of those, you can use a circular saw. Here’s how:
Check your cut for accuracy
No matter how carefully you line up your saw and guide rails, your cut won’t be accurate if the edge of your blade isn’t perfectly straight. Check it with a framing square or a good-quality combination square. The distance between the end of the blade and the square’s edge should be uniform along the length of the blade. Adjust the saw’s depth of cut or replace the blade if necessary.
Make any necessary adjustments
Now is the time to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your saw is lined up correctly. The blade should be at a 90-degree angle to the base plate, and the teeth should be pointing away from you. While you have the saw turned off, make any adjustments to the blade guard so that it rests close to the workpiece without actually touching it.
