New Man How-To Guide

How to Use a Skill Saw

Not to insult your intelligence, but we’re guessing that you may not even know what a skill saw is or what it’s used for. So we’ll start there. A skill saw (also known as a table saw) is the one with a circular blade. The blade has different widths and circumferences, which allows precision cutting. The huge advantage of a skill saw is the ability to cut exactly where and how you need to cut: straight lines, angles, and curves. You will never meet a handyman who doesn’t own one. It has tremendous value for working with any type of wood-related project. Here are some brief tips:

1. This is dangerous. Be very careful and don’t cut your fingers off. (Think “one-armed man” from Arrested Development.)

2. Make sure you are using the correct blade and that it’s properly seated and tightened. Always use a sharp blade. Dull blades can bind and overheat. Check the blade guard. Is it in good shape and functioning properly?

3. Set the depth of the blade to no more than one-quarter inch more than the thickness of the wood to be cut. The workpiece is more likely to kick back if you have too much blade exposed.

4. Support the work on both sides. Clamp it on one side if you have to.

5. Look for knots and nails before you begin. Avoid them if possible; if they cannot be avoided, be cautious when approaching them.

6. Start the blade before it meets the work.

7. Stand to the side when you saw, in case the wood kicks back, and don’t overreach.

8. Don’t push the saw; just guide it with a little pressure.

9. Let go of the trigger if the blade binds, and stick a wooden shim in the cut to release it.

10. Wait for the blade to stop completely stop before removing it from the wood.

Warnings:
1. Familiarize yourself with your saw. Read the owner’s manual carefully and heed all safety suggestions.

2. Wear goggles and a dust mask when operating your circular saw.

3. Never saw wet wood. 

This article was taken from How to Hit a Curve Ball (Tyndale) by Stephen James and David Thomas. To order the book click here!