This PRO Technique = Cleaner Circular Saw Cuts! (But You Have to Use It SAFELY!)

[@kmbbmj5857]

Way back many years ago I was cutting some treated 6x6 for the pole barn dad and I were building on our property. The saw bound in the cut, kicked back and into my thigh. I still remember the metalic thunk of the guard slamming back into place just before the saw hit my thigh. Took a moment to realize how close that had come to disaster. Constant reminder to use the guard and all PPE for the task.

[@LloydGM]

Similarly, I shattered a blade when I hit a bolt embedded in a 4x4. Half of the blade guard shattered, pieces hit my leg but didn't cut through my jeans. If that guard weren't in place, I hate to think what the blade shrapnel would've done to my thigh. (Remember, you've got the femoral artery to worry about.)

[@Charlielizard]

Excellent reminder! When it comes to using my circular saw, I usually have my metal straight edge clamped to what I'm cutting; similar to adding a fence. To many bad memories of watching others mess around with the guard and end up running them to an ER to hopefully save fingers or a hand. Plunge cuts are another situation where I will do exactly as you, but I just avoid them as much as possible. Really appreciate your tips and info. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Shirmagedrusclau]

In the past year I bought the chop saw circular saw. I'm as green as they come when it comes to woodworking. I'll have to watch your I guess beginner classes KZbin when it comes to using the circular saw as it to me is more intimidating than the chop

[@nerknerk8834]

An "old timer", back in the 60s, ( he was younger than I am now ) demonstrated , with the saw unplugged, why saw manufacturers had to incorporate the guard. Before that, right handed carpenters would take a cut and when they brought the saw down the still spinning blade was in line with the right leg! Ouch squared! Thanks for helping to keep us safe.

[@deancitroni4447]

I love your Channel. And I always find something of Interest that after years of using certain tools you get a little relaxed good practice to always re-examine your procedures thank you

[@herberar]

I learned this technique in the 60's watching my father cutting all the interior panelling of our house. I still have his Millers Falls drill with all the accessories, jigsaw; circular saw; speed reductor and the circular bench sander with guides. Some times, I use it and it smells like our childhood! Cheers!!!!

[@irishrebel1976]

Pinning the blade guard just killed a guy here in Vegas. He was working on the site for the F1 race. The saw hit a piece of metal, kicked back and cut his neck.

[@PerroneFord]

Oh no! Come on people! :(

[@LloydGM]

Passing on tips--especially safety ones--is always worthwhile, and they're even good reminders for we who learned these from our dads/uncles/etc. /cheer

[@johngilbert974]

Nice to see advice on why / when rather than just how. Most channels just mention that “sometimes” it’s necessary to X…

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

ETHAN 🙋‍♂️,I HOPE MANY MORE ARE GETTING YOUR GUIDE,…MORE IMPORTANTLY USING THEM 🧐💚💚💚

[@davidd8435]

Great tip, a lot of great information on this channel.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks David!

[@gillgetter3004]

Reminds me of being an apprentice back in seventies. Having guards wired up was common, on the worm drive framing saws, guys just set them on there side after the cut!! One builder wanted me to use a saw that the trigger was bad, as soon as you plugged it in it’s on!!!! Told him no, he let me go wrote a check on the spot. Very common injuries to feet ( saw set on spinning blade runs over your foot etc.) Saw a guy ripping 1X holding it with one hand and sawing with other🤪😵‍💫

[@45SIG58]

Thanks for the great video.To me a circular saw is second only to a chain saw in terms of danger. I am very careful with both. When I was a kid a neighbor (carpenter with 30 years experience) lost a thumb in a circular saw accident. I don’t remember the details but I think about that every time I use one.

[@jameskroeck3178]

As always,explained very well! Thanks.

[@all-up]

Thanks for this! On my older Makita ive always had to lift the blade guard at the beginning of the cut to get int started and seeing you operate you're Makits its really helping to at least feel that my cuts could be a lot more refined; While ive honestly never ever liked using that saw that pitch is been nothing less than a shrieking terror to every nerve & cell in my body!!!

[@specialk7209]

Excellent information for a novice (myself), also pros. Thanks , much as asking others to show you or demonstrate only shows their bad habits and that they don’t know much. Your demonstrations and clear explanations I really appreciate !👍🏾😃

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you so much! We'll keep them coming. 🙂

[@danwiggin1213]

I appreciate that you actually know the work. I often buy better results with dispensing with safety. Not so much that I've had a serious injury though.

[@garymiller5937]

Thank you Ethan. Safety tips are always welcome and pros need them just as much as new users. After all, familiarity breeds contempt! Pros might think (I've done this thousands of times and never got hurt). It only takes one accident to change your life! 😮 Great video! 😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@rightlanehog3151]

Well said.

[@kristofbarta2964]

Thanks for the vid. I’m new to this machine and appreciate you teaching how to use it safe. Table saw… no problem got used to it. Having a “table saw” in handheld format is very intimidating also infinitely cool.

[@BackyardMaine]

Good information Ethan.. Thanks

[@jodilea144]

As always, good stuff. I’ve directed a few folks to your channel lately that are new to power tools and proper usage. 🙂

[@Manny-mq8gm]

Good video I operate my saw pretty much the same way as you do which I learned over time using tools every day

[@georgequalls5043]

Glad you have validated what I have been doing for years.

[@stephennadworny8401]

Ethan, thanks for all the great content in small bite-sized pieces. Keep it up. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Stephen! Merry Christmas! 🙏

[@jenlf78]

Great video as usual. I'd love to see you do one on choosing a left or right hand saw. I've seen so many opposing opinions on this subject and I'm not sure which direction to go. I'd love to get your take on all the pros and cons of each type.

[@jenlf78]

@TheBendablespoons Thanks for your insight. I'm a DIYer but not afraid to get dirty and I prefer learning more and doing things the right way. I currently have a Ryobi left hand circular saw but upon reading the instructions (safety first) before using the first time, it instructed to do left hand cutting and keep the motor housing close to me. This has been the most awkward learning experience with left hand cutting when I naturally wanted to line up my cuts on the right side. I can do it, and I can even look between the motor housing down to the blade when doing left hand cutting but I never feel very stable and have been experiencing more jacked up cuts, binding and kickback. That got me thinking I should ignore the instructions and do right hand cutting with the saw...or get a right hand saw. I've seen arguments on both (left hand saw with right hand cutting and right hand saw with right hand cutting). I've been slowly upgrading from Ryobi to Milwaukee or other higher quality tools so I am really trying to explore my options for stability, comfort, visibility and safety. Seems like I have to give up at least one of those.

[@jenlf78]

@TheBendablespoons Thanks for all the info and insight. You've given me a lot to think about, especially with the importance of feeling secure with the handling of the saw... Cutting right handed and being able to see the blade is ultimately what I want as it provides the stability and confidence I'm after. Seems so silly otherwise but you get into using these whirring wheels of death for the first time and a manual tells you one thing and suddenly you second guess your common sense. I'll check out the videos you suggested and the Metabo saw.

[@cheetoman23]

Festool's circ saw (not the tracksaw) has a lever on the trigger handle that opens the guard. Absolute genius that I wish more affordable companies would copy.

[@csehszlovakze]

I disagree, making this too easy can lead to complacency, and complacency leads to accidents.

[@frankmgallo]

Merry Christmas Ethan. Keep them coming in 2024

[@thedirtprincess3293]

This is a really good video. I have corded saws, but my main jobsite saw is a DeWalt 60v battery saw. I bought it because of working on old houses with the much harder wood, but was so aggravated when i felt the SERIOUS drag of the blade guard. First few cuts i thought, "something's wrong with the saw" as even on thick plywood it was dragging to the point i was getting edge burn. Realized it was the blade guard. I feel like the spring is too tight and it should retract more easily, but I have begun to just plan on manually rettacting the guard for every cut. It's a pain in the butt for a $300 freaking battery saw to require this, but it works. At least the little "handle" allows me to reach the front of the saw while i'm holding it.

[@amsohn1]

Thanks Ethan, great advice N Blessings ❤

[@alexlev4631]

Many thanks for handy tips. Merry Christmas!

[@bh748]

Could you do a video on cutting and drilling melamine material? I’ve been trying to drill holes for handles, using painter’s tape, with little success. Thanks and I appreciate your informative, detailed videos.

[@csehszlovakze]

if you say what problems you're running into, then you're more likely to get help, even from commenters.

[@FredD63]

Ethan I do the same as you do returning the guard to the workpiece after I have cleared the edge

[@MBMCincy63]

Enjoy learning from you 😊. Thanks 🥶🖤🔔👍💓

[@juangbetancurs6996]

Thanks.💪

[@okletsgo1905]

Great tips! I hate when it pulls. Thanks

[@gfotinakes316]

Great job as usual! Keep the videos coming, I look forward to each of them.

[@chocolat4hogs]

Do you like the Bosch CS 10 corder circular saw? I want to get one for my sister a home owner doing a big remodel.

[@tonybowers9490]

Great information.

[@csehszlovakze]

I have a smaller Makita saw (HS6601) and I personally found it safer to let the guard snap on the wood rather than coordinating a slow release, maybe because the motor is kinda overpowered for a saw that size and I'd rather hold it with both hands when it's on.

[@askoscarc6732]

I adore your videos. I am interested in renovating a small kitchen. I've just recently lost my mom and the expense of that has ended hiring someone experienced to do so. But I must say, that resources in my area for learning in like a community college, are non-existent. They just don't teach carpentry. Any suggestions? I'm just a beginner, but I"M pretty handy. Thanks.

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

Since he hasn't replied I will. I watched and helped my Father build cabinets, kitchen and living room built ins out of beautiful wood for his customers when I was young and we all worked on large household projects such as finishing the basement as children but if a skill isn't used for 20 to 30 years years you will forget. I needed some simple cabinets built but couldn't find a single carpenter who was willing to take on such a small job. There is so much new construction in my state that we have a hard time sourcing the wood you want to use let alone find a cabinetmaker and we pay far higher prices than in any other state around us due to the demand for new houses sucking up all the skilled workers. I didn't want to wait for the housing boom to end so I turned to KZbin and I have learned how to do many things and my house looks great and people are always asking who my carpenter is because they want something similar. I watched a lot of videos on how to build various things on KZbin mostly to get up the courage to waste good wood but many were well above my skill level but I learned a lot from a lot of KZbin channels and if I wasn't sure how to do something I would type in my question "how do I ....?" The first video that was the most help to me was on Steve Ramsey's Woodworking for Mere Mortals. His channel appealed to me because he showed different ways you could do something that always provided me with options based on what tools I had and his channel is designed for people new to woodworking. In regards to the box he was right, making a small box, and I do mean small, uses all of the skills you will need to build cabinets. I wanted to make sure he hadn't removed it and I had to look for it because it was some time ago but it is in his collection of Basic Projects and all you need to do is click on View Full Playlist watch the video and then get the material he says you'll need. Don't forget to get the right clamps. I thought mine would work but I was mistaken. Even though it is a small project the concept is the same regardless of the size and when that box is done you will feel more confident and if yo have doubts watch a video on how to build cabinets. Take the risk, it is so worth it. The beauty of KZbin is there are so many skilled people that have different approaches to doing the same thing you will find someone that you want to emulate and if you are willing to go it alone you will learn and you will be so proud when your project is done. Be careful because it can be addicting. I've finished all my projects and I am so proud when ssomeone says what beautiful cabinets or what a beautiful lamp, where did you purchase it. I've branched out after getting my basic skills down pat and made all the things I needed but now I had all these tools and I watched a video on bending wood and a friend converted an old very large canning boiler/ pressure cooker that I picked up for a few dollars and I am bending wood and my first project was a lamp. I can't believe that it turned out well. The mistake I made was not having heavy enough leather gloves as I secured the hot wood around my pattern but it was only mildly uncomfortable but I can't believe it works and while I can see my mistakes no one else has noticed them. Go ahead and get addicted like I did, there are far worse things to get addicted to. Good luck!

[@askoscarc6732]

Well. How do I properly address this little jewel of a response. It's been a little over a month since my mom passed, and I am forced to address all that one feels when the unexpected happens. One way to stay sane for me is to be constructive. To do or work at something that can serve a worthwhile purpose. I love working with my hands and creating something from scratch. I find it rewarding. Every so often most of us leave an offering in the form of a response or a question to a video that has peaked our interest. Very rarely do you get an acknowledgement to your query or quip. I am humbled by it. Thank U. Thank you kind sir. You took the time to go off the beat and path to show another the way. It is a moment that will cling to memory. And I thank you for that. And finally, yes. I guess I be making me a box. :)@@lmcsquaredgreendale3223

[@JackKirbyFan]

Important stuff. Circular saws have always made me a bit nervous. They can and have kicked when I use them and you have to be careful. Guards are essential but I've pulled up the guard as well but would never tape it or remove it. Power tools are dangerous enough.

[@ST-0311]

Also be aware that a large chip of wood from a cutoff can jam the guard open. It is most likely to happen when cutting split ends off of lumber. It can also happen when making a narrow cut on the end. Anything just wide enough to fit between the guard and the blade can be hazardous. My brother in law got a nasty cut on a jobsite when a large chip jammed is guard open. Not noticing and pulling the next board forward to cut he rested the saw on his thigh. He sustained a nasty 8" long cut, and I had to take him to the ER. Fortunately, it wasn't as deep as it could have been. Further, reacting to being cut he dropped the saw, and it ran across several deck boards damaging them. That one chip of wood caused an injury, half a day's work for both of us, and damage to the job. Pay attention, be careful.

[@disklamer]

I love dropsaws for this exact reason

[@wtf1185]

I do my cuts exactly the way you do, always have. Nobody told me how, it was just intuitive for me. My go to story against *_pinning_* the guard is, where I worked there was another supervisor who always pinned his guard back and one day one of his workers was making a cut where he had to reach through some bushes. I wasn't there so I don't know the particulars of how it happened but somehow he brought the saw down right on his thigh and ripped his flesh to the bone. That was back in the late 1900's (LOL) and I still cringe when I think about it. I'm cringing right now. *_NEVER PIN YOUR GUARD BACK!_* As a matter of fact, never disable any safety device.

[@joelmacdonald6994]

For some of us, it is intuitive. I’m not a carpenter, but I’ve been around power tools since I was young, been using them daily since high school, and make a living with large machine tools. I am far from a professional with many very dangerous woodworking tools, but my upbringing, schooling, and experience makes it very easy to KNOW what safety devices I can manually override for a moment, and which ones should never be removed completely. Unfortunately, there are a lot of folks out there that buy power tool simply because they can, and they really should never have them.

[@TheCyberMantis]

I've been doing this for years. Never had a problem.

[@kevinc1956]

This vid on circular saw use made me curious why you always use a RH circular saw. My early construction experience (1970’s) in working on bridges and using mostly worm drive saws for forming left me preferring LH circular saws. I like that, being right handed, I see the blade better and the main part of the saw usually stays on the saved part of the wood rather than the scrap portion. Other considerations like the left arm possibly blocking the view of the cut, etc., never seemed to be an issue for me. I don’t recall having seen any of your videos address the function and usage of RH vs LH circular saws. If you haven’t, maybe it could be a topic for a future vid, or at least be a short discussion topic in one.

[@rightlanehog3151]

The first time I saw a left handed carpenter using a so called right handed, sidewinder saw I began to understand exactly what you are saying. BTW I have asked the same question to Ethan before.

[@yourmasterrenovator86]

Thanks

[@YTubeSDD]

Thanks for the videos. For someone that is right handed what are the reasons I would choose between a circular saw with the blade on the right side versus the left side of the saw?

[@PerroneFord]

Kind of a muddy question. Blade left or blade right is kinda user preference. But blade left saws have traditionally been worm drive rear handle saws. Those are a different beast and designed to be used differently to some degree. Sidewinder saws like he is using here are traditionally blade right. They are wider and more stable, especially on sawhorses. These days you can get that style blade left which might be great for many right hand beginners. They also tend to be lighter and more maneuver.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@PerroneFord Why look across and over the saw to find the blade when you can have it positioned where you can see it easily at all times? Blades on the left work best for right handed operators. This became very clear the first time I saw a left handed carpenter using a so called right handed saw.

[@PerroneFord]

@@rightlanehog3151 Not everyone uses a circular saw on sawhorses.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

Would be interested in a router video - hoping Santa 🎅 will stuff one in stocking 🤫

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I’ll pass the message along! 😆 🎅🏻

[@UNoBugMe1]

This is exactly how I start every cut. Many times I’ll “drop” the saw onto a 2x4 just like a chop saw. Another trick to cutting very accurately is to Not move your arms to follow a pen line, yes pen and not pencil and move your torso while locking your shoulders.

[@bdm1000]

I think the answer is a track saw (not always a plunge track saw, but at least a regular track saw like the Festool HK 55 or HKC 55).

[@PerroneFord]

This negates the major advantage of a circular saw. It's primary advantage is that it is designed to go where the work is. A track saw is designed to have the work brought to it, much like a table saw or miter saw. Learning to use a circular saw properly and safely seems a better course of action to me.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thanks

[@victormarinelli5660]

One huge mistake I see new users make is laying their other hand on the piece they're cutting behind the saw when cutting plywood and wide boards. Correct hand and body posture are critical for safe operation of power saws.

[@rightlanehog3151]

True!

[@martinsvensson6884]

Never liked the circular saws. So much more prefer a track saw. Or if a narrow board then the miter saw. Feels so much safer.

[@DCgamer723]

This is exactly how I've used my circ for years. My old circ I would almost have to ram into the workpiece to get it to move. So I got used to doing this

[@anneoreilly4900]

Woohoo, Columbia sportswear!

[@darrengordon9907]

If you start your cut on the peak side of the angle it doesn't get hung . But a lot of times you have to start on the low side of the angle .

[@darrengordon9907]

I think a circular saw is not for a amateur.

[@ElementalITcc]

also, using your hand to retract the blade guard ensures that both hands are out of danger. Pinning the blade guard allows one hand to be free

[@theamerican7080]

I only pin the guard back when I'm doing continuous, numerous framing cuts, then I lay the saw on it's back strictly out of habit.

[@seymourwrasse3321]

just one time watching a circular saw run across a roof and off the the end cured me. Make sure the guard works correctly before using it. My mistake turned out ok, it could have been real bad

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

The Blade guard kicking back isn't really a deal breaker for me, since I can adjust the cut if it causes me to mess up, & if I need to make an angle cut with my circular saw I pre-cut a small line in the material so it has a soild line to stay on track. But I didn't realize the blade guy annoyed people this much. 👷🏿‍♂️

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

I think it’s especially a concern for newcomers, W. In those instances, they can’t tell if they’re doing something wrong, or the tool itself is. This is just a quick workaround. 🙂

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

@@TheHonestCarpenter Always appreciate the quick tips.

[@lazygardens]

If you hold the saw in your other hand, you don't have to reach over to lift the guard.

[@charlesviner1565]

👍

[@Jimijam22]

Circular saws are the only power tool that really scares me, I've seen too many people cut off their thumbs or fingers with them

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ethan, Are you too polite to use the Carpentry C-word? Of course I am talking about CLAMPS. Clamping the wood down makes it exponentially safer to cut. C-L-A-M-P. 🤩

[@dagored100]

This whole video you can see a clamp on the boards. But does he really need to say use clamps.

[@frfsolrac77]

Excellent tip!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@frfsolrac77 This is one of the rare KZbin 'instructional' videos where clamps are used. Sadly, he never actually said how important they are and how they crucially allow two hands to be placed on the circular saw.

[@frfsolrac77]

@@rightlanehog3151Yeah! Totally makes sense. I’m a novice looking for tips on how to use these machines safely. I shouldn’t have to go into a comment thread to find relevant, simple, common sense advice to keep myself safe. Thanks to you, I’m going to go out & get some clamps that will make my work safer. Thank you for your contribution.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@frfsolrac77 Ethan does a good job with his channel. Sadly, there are so many others on KZbin who are irresponsible and unsafe and set a terrible example. These days I buy 99% of my tools second hand. With a little patience, you will find everything you need at a fraction of the price of new equipment. Happy hunting!!

[@leonardpaciora5039]

No gaurd Period!!!!

[@ZealousDragon]

I LIKE TURTLES....

[@kerrygibbs8198]

I had an older neighbor that pinned his guard open. He finished a cut and lowered the saw blade into his knee. Uggg

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😖😖

[@susanhenley8240]

Be smarter than your tools! If not, it might be the last time you use them.

[@michaelbradford4444]

Without experience the common guy would never think to pull the guard back while the saw is in use so all your doing is subjecting the common guy to major injury by putting ideas in his head to try this...give it a break man !

[@beezo1029]

Never pinned my blade. But liffing the guard hell yeah..

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

Treat a saw like a gun, finger off the trigger until yr ready start the cut.