Open Works has several circular saws and track saws. You must complete Wood Shop 1 before using these tools.
Circular saws and Track saws are very similar. They are handheld power tools used for making straight cuts in panels and the only real difference is how they sit on the workpiece.
Tool | Type | Number available |
---|---|---|
Circular Saw | Craftsman CMCS551 Type 1 | 2 |
Track Saw | Dewalt DWS520K | 1 |
Track Saw | Skilsaw SPT67WM | 2 |
While all three of these tools are different, they all operate in very similar ways and have very similar functions that are pretty easy to extrapolate from one to the other.
The main difference between the track saws and the circular saws is that the track saw rides on a track on top of the material instead of directly on the material.
Most of these tools should have the wrench for the bolt that secures the blades clipped on somewhere on the body of the tool.
¶ Acceptable Materials
Hardwoods.
Softwoods.
Plywood.
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Always check moisture levels with the moisture meter and look for nails with the metal detector.
Reclaimed lumber.
Logs.
Slabs.
Green wood.
OSB.
Particle board.
MDF.
Hardboard.
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS
DO NOT, under any circumstances, cut the following materials with the circular saw:
Pressure treated wood.
Materials containing or coated with lead or lead-based paint.
Any pre-finished woods (for example: finished flooring, old bar tops, etc.).
Safety Check:
Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn while machines are running.
A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
For more information on shop safety visit Wood Shop under "Safety."
The saw cuts through the workpiece. The blade guard can not protect your fingers or anything else underneath the workpiece.
If your material is warped in any way, consider processing it through the jointer and planer before using the router. Material with paralled faces will produce a cleaner cut and be safer to work with.
These saws cut through the workpiece, so it is important to elevate the workpiece above any surface below to avoid damaging the surface or the saw. If the workpiece is not heavy enough to resist the force of the saw while cutting, it needs to be clamped down. Additionally, depending on how the workpiece was secured, the cut piece may fall off.
Letting the workpiece flex under the saw will cause the saw blade to bind and possibly kick back.
It is important to set the cut depth. If cutting all the way through, the blade should protrude one tooth below the material.
The track saw has a knob and depth scale.
The circular saws have adjustment levers.
If a specific depth of cut is desired, measure from the foot or sole of the tool to the furthest tooth of the blade.
These saws have the ability to tilt side to side to create beveled cuts.
The track saw has a knob and angle scale.
The circular saws have adjustment levers and angle scales.
If a specific angle of cut is desired, use an angle measuring tool to verify the angle between the sole/foot and the blade.
Circular saws are typically used freehand with only a drawn line to guide the path. Attempting to do a curve will result in the blade binding in the material. If some sort of guide can be set up, it is very helpful.
Track saw has the track which it locks into. The track is designed to sit on the material and stay in place with a rubber strip. If that's not enough, clamp it in place.
The guide clearance of the track saw must be very small for best cutting results and can be set with the two track adjusters.
Vacuum up your work area, the floor, and the saw with any of the available shop vacs.
Motor spins but blade doesn't.
All instructions adapted from the following manuals.
Product page for the DeWalt track saw at which the manual is available.
Product page for the SkilSaw Circular saw at which the manual is available.
Craftsman manual.