How to choose a circular saw for your home rating of saws In this article we will talk about how to choose a circular saw for your home. You will learn about the features of the instrument and what is its purpose. Next, we’ll talk about the design features, how to choose a saw, and you will also find a rating of the best models. In the end, we will consider the rules of operation.
How to choose a saw
How to choose a handheld electric circular saw for your home? When choosing one or another electrical device, you should understand two things at once for the sake of performing what tasks you buy the device and what basic characteristics it must have in order to successfully solve them.
In the case of an electric saw, for some reason, the power of the electric motor is considered to be the most important point, it will depend on it, what size the disc and at what speed it will rotate. The more circles you plan to use, the more power the device should be, but do not forget that increasing this indicator sometimes greatly increases the weight of the device.
In general, models with a power of less than 1200 W are considered to be for household use, and they are designed for the most part for simple tasks, but devices with a power of more than 2000 W are professional.
The cutting depth is another important factor, because with a small value of this indicator, the saw simply cannot take the material intended for cutting. This criterion will depend not only on the power of the engine, but also on the size of the socket for the disc.
Please note hthen really standing models often have functions for limiting the cutting depth, due to which it is possible to cut thin sheets with even larger diameters.
The speed of rotation of the disk, if we talk about dense wood, should be as high as possible, then the cut will turn out to be accurate, and the productivity will increase significantly. For cutting plastic, such logic will definitely not work during operation, the circle can get very hot, and the plastic workpiece in this case can melt.
Expensive universal electric circular saws, which are designed to work with different materials, allow the operator to adjust the speed. At the same time, the opinion remains very popular that there is a direct relationship between engine power and maximum speed, but this is not always the case.
Most modern models have an angle cut function. If you are interested in a circular saw for cutting plywood or boards at home, then this function is unlikely to be useful to you, but for professional and construction needs such a criterion can become critically important.
In addition to the main technical characteristics that affect the production ability of an electric tool, it is impossible not to pay attention to most other useful functions. Most models today have a start using two buttons that are remote from each other, due to this, the device will not start accidentally, which minimizes the risk of injury.
The good thing about the ability to start the tool smoothly is that the disk will pick up speed, albeit very quickly, but gradually, because of which the electric motor will not experience an instant load and will wear out more slowly. Most models have a special nozzle for a vacuum cleaner in the design, and other models are even equipped with a stationary device for removing chips, this will make it possible not only to keep the workplace clean, but also to prevent dust from entering the lungs or eyes.
Note, that in some conditions, a laser pointer, illumination of the working area, protection against reverse impacts of discs and other newfangled tricks can also be of great value.
Features of the tool and its purpose
This device is required in order to primarily cut wood and its derivatives, although most specific models assume work with other sheet materials, and this can include tiles, as well as soft sheet metal.
A metal disc with special solders and sharp teeth is used as a part for cutting, and the number of revolutions of the disc for cutting is several thousand times in one minute. Such a design solution does not allow using the tool for such an action as curly cutting, but in most cases it will provide a sufficiently accurate and accurate cut in a straight line.
To save battery power, and in general, to significantly increase the level of productivity during cutting, the design in the form of a cutting element will help, which simply will not assume a reverse movement. Consequently, all movements of the sharp edge will be very beneficial, and thanks to this, energy savings of about 50% can be achieved.
Note, that expensive modern professional models of this class can work completely autonomously up to 8 hours, but the process of charging the device in this case will be only ½ hour.
Design features
An electric saw from absolutely any manufacturer and class of device is almost always the same, and the only exception will be small parts that belong more to the category of convenience rather than performance. The main driving part is precisely the electric motor, which is connected directly to either the power supply unit, or to the battery installed in the structure.
With the help of a drive belt, the torque is transmitted to a cut-off type disc, which is usually mounted on the spindle and can be changed both due to wear and in order to cut a particular material. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the working area of the cutting disc will be a reflective visor, which will not allow sawdust and small fragments of cutting material to scatter on all sides, which increases the risk of injury.
The spindle and the disc itself are attached to the cuvette, namely to the body of the unit, and hold the cutting wheel in the correct position. Precise control is carried out using a caliper, which is attached to the cuvette on a movable hinge.
This version of the design of a circular electric saw is currently considered even primitive, because it does not in any way reflect the popular desire in our time to make absolutely any device smart.
Purpose of the tool
The trade network currently has a large selection of circular saws. There are many manufacturers making these tools.
There are such types of circulars as desktop stationary and manual. They differ in design. Each of them is designed for different tasks.
The first variety is small in size. Their performance is not very high. You can use them, for example, in the construction of baths, houses, outbuildings. The advantages of such saws include mobility and ease of transportation.
Stationary circular saws are used for significant volumes of work when it is required to saw large batches of boards every day. They are large in size. To install such tools, you need a specially designated place or even a separate room.
It would be wise to choose hand-held circular saws when working on soft wood, with plastic, etc., that is, with materials that do not have high hardness. It is convenient to use them during home repairs, when high power and high performance are not required.
In addition, circular saws are also subdivided into professional and household. According to their names, they are used in different conditions. The former have a powerful engine. They are able to work for a long time without the need for rest. Their performance is very high. The latter are much less powerful. These saws are available in many home workshops.
But the most important subdivision of these tools is defined by their purpose. The following types of circular saws are used for various types of work:
- Rechargeable;
- Submersible;
- Saws for metals;
- Diamond saws;
If it is necessary to perform work in rather hard-to-reach places, then a cordless saw will be indispensable. It has its own power source, so it does not need an electrical network nearby. Such a saw can work from 30 minutes. Up to one hour. After that, it needs recharging.
When you need to cut a groove in any surface, you need to choose a plunge-cut circular saw. With its help, you can cut a part or workpiece in any desired place, and not just from one edge. This may be required, for example, when machining a piece of wood in which a sink hole is required.
Circular saws for working with metals can also be used for other materials: plastic, wood, etc. They are universal, it makes sense to choose them. Unlike other types of saws, they are equipped with a cutting blade made of a special steel with increased strength.
The diamond saw is used when cutting concrete, ceramics, stone, i.E. Hard materials. The diamond cutting blade of this device is able to penetrate 5.5 cm deep.
Types and features of saw blades
When purchasing such a device, it would be wise to choose and purchase also a spare saw blade for the circular saw, especially if there is a considerable amount of work ahead. Its cost is quite high, but such an action will save the motor and provide the required result.
Monolithic discs are often the preferred choice for sawing wood and workpieces. They periodically need to be sharpened, since they become dull rather quickly, and the teeth must be set apart. But this is not difficult, and a home craftsman can easily handle it on his own. They can be repaired if necessary.
Tungsten carbide discs are characterized by the fact that the tips of their teeth are covered with plates made of an extremely hard material: cobalt carbide or tungsten. Their cost is much higher. Their advantage is that they last much longer without the need for sharpening. You won’t be able to do this on your own, or it will be very difficult. A special machine is required for sharpening. Many craftsmen prefer to choose them. The reason for this is also the higher quality of work.
Circular saws device
The design of such a tool is not very complex. Each variety has its own distinctive features. However, they all have basic elements:
- Base or platform;
- Saw or cutting disc;
- Motor;
- A case on which there are special handles to hold and operate the device;
- Casing for protection;
- Wedging knife;
- Persistent fastening.
In addition, some models of circular saws are also equipped with a special device for measuring depth (depth gauge) with a scale printed on it. With its help, during operation, you can control the depth of penetration of the cutting blade into the material.
The hand-held circular saw has an electric motor located inside the housing, which has two handles on the outside. The cutting (saw) disc is mounted on the engine, more precisely, on a special shaft. After finishing the work, part of the saw blade covers the protective cover.
Class selection
The classification is based on the saw blade diameter and is determined by the maximum cutting depth of each model. This characteristic is necessarily indicated in the data sheet of the beveled or perpendicular cut tool and is:
- Household for the home: designed for cutting materials in sheets from 40 to 50 millimeters;
- Pro-professional: able to cope with almost any work from 50 to 65 millimeters;
- Professional: sawing to a depth of 140 millimeters.
Knowing what material to work with, you can make a choice only on the basis of this indicator. You can cut a thick block in two passes: from below and from above, so it does not always make sense to chase a deep cut.
The second indicator of the equipment class is the power of the electric motor. A good motor not only expands the capabilities of the tool, but also provides a long service life:
- Household power less than 800 W;
- Semi-professional 800 1200 W;
- Professional more than 1200 watts.
A low-power tool will overheat faster, prolonged intensive work on it is impossible. Household models are good for one-time work, if you plan to cut large amounts of material, it is better to choose a more powerful technique.
Important characteristics
When choosing a hand-held circular saw, it is useful to pay attention to a few more characteristics:
Rotation frequency. It is directly related to the power of the motor, it depends on the frequency how accurately the cutting of different materials will be performed. For sawing pressed panels, it is recommended to select a tool with the maximum disc speed.
Disk size. A very important indicator that determines the cutting depth and speed of work. Discs are produced from 150 to 260 mm in diameter. The smallest for low-power household appliances. The circles differ in the diameter of the bore, which can be from 16 to 32 mm, the most common saws are 30 and 32 mm.
Tilted cut. Most quality tools come with this option. The angle varies from 30 to 55 degrees.
Ergonomics. This concept includes the shape of the handle, the weight of the case, and ease of use. There are models with a variable handle position, which is very convenient and simplifies work in extreme conditions. For example, when renovating the roof of a house. The weight of the device depends on the case materials only in part, it is mainly formed by the mechanism. The harder the better the quality and at the same time the more difficult it is to work. It is not recommended to choose models weighing more than 7 kg. Most often, the case is made of shock-resistant plastic with rubberized handles, metal cases are rare. High-quality plastic can withstand all loads and even tool drops. There are many examples where the mechanism has already been repaired several times, and the case is only slightly scratched. Therefore, there is no point in spending money on metal, and choosing a model is simpler.
Power cable. Choose a circular saw with a cable that is at least 3 meters long. Its outlet should be located so as not to get under the teeth of the disc at the back with a hard outlet.
Purpose and device
With a hand-held circular saw, you can cut wood and any of its derivatives, plastics, soft metals, slate. The design must fulfill two basic requirements:
- Accuracy of settings;
- Work safety.
The minimum equipment consists of:
- Housing;
- Electric motor;
- Reducer;
- Protective box;
- Platforms;
- Guide.
The combination of user-friendly basic features and useful additional functions creates the ideal circular saw for home and professional use.