How to use a Circular Saw - Part 1 of 3 - Trades Training Video Series

In this video, we review the circular saw, its parts and pieces, as well as how to make several types of cuts - cross cuts, bevel cuts, rip cuts and plunge cuts.
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[@johntrim7169]

I think the most important thing about choosing a circular saw is being able to see the blade. This is one time left-handed people have the advantage, because direct drive saws are cheaper and most of them have a right-hand blade. So, unlike right-handed folks, they don't have to hunch over the saw to see what they're doing. That said, I'm right-handed. My favorite is an old Skil worm drive with a 6 1/2 inch blade and it allows me to see the blade easily. Another advantage, and it's a big one, is the blade being six or eight inches beyond my hand, because it lets me push the saw further away and make a longer cut. There are a few left-handed, direct drive saws around. I bought a Porter-Cable 7 1/4 a few years ago and it's not bad at all. No matter what kind of saw you use, the easiest way to make an accurate cut is to watch the side of the blade closest to you, which, unfortunately, often means the weight of the saw will be on the portion that falls away. Practice, experience, is everything.

[@ConstructionEd]

Great comments - and as a right handed person I agree. But Joe likes the worm drive in part due to the weight and power.

[@johntrim7169]

@@ConstructionEd I'm confused. I assumed Joe ran this site; how many people are on your team? I don't see any advantage in a heavy saw, but the increased power and torque of worm drives makes their extra weight well worth it.

[@ConstructionEd]

This channel is used for our public distribution of some of our video lessons. My name is Michael - Joe and I run a social enterprise called TEACH Construction where we create many types of Instructional Resources, mainly for teachers and trainers.