Circular hand saw - device, principle of operation, features of different types

To work with wooden, plastic and even metal workpieces at home, a circular hand saw is often used as a more productive analogue of the simplest sawing tool. It has several varieties and application nuances that are important to consider when working.

Circular hand saw device

When constructing and repairing both your own home and on a professional basis, a circular hand saw becomes a convenient aid in your work. The tool is very convenient for sawing wood of different thicknesses, thin metal and plastic products, such as baseboards. There are several varieties of this manual circular saw, but the design of each of them is typical. The standard design consists of:

1. Protective plastic housing with one or two handles.
2. A special casing for the saw blade that performs protective functions during operation.
3. Platforms for holding and guiding the disc. It is necessary to adjust the depth and angle of the cut.
4. Riving knife. It is needed to free the knife if it gets stuck in the wood.
5. Electric motor. A special disk is attached to its shaft using bolts.

Types of circular saws

A stationary circular saw is installed on a stationary workbench or table. It has high productivity due to its powerful engine and large saw blade. In addition, the presence of a stationary working surface allows for convenient and accurate cutting of long pieces of wood.

Circular machine

A hand-held circular saw is usually used in everyday life. Its main advantages are small dimensions, weight and mobility. It allows you to cut small wooden boards and bars, as well as wood products. You don't need a workbench to use it. Almost all models are equipped with an adjustable sole, which makes their use more comfortable.

Hand circular saw

Compact size and weight allow the table saw to combine the positive qualities of the types described above. They are distinguished by mobility and the ability to finely adjust the cutting angle. The disadvantage of such a tool is the small radius of the saw blade and the low power of the electric motor.

Table saw - machine

The plunge-cut circular saw is a modernized hand-held circular saw. Design features allow for more precise cuts at different angles relative to the horizontal plane, as well as for making local cuts. The main disadvantage of the tool is its high cost.

Plunge circular saw

Application area

A circular saw is mainly used for working with wood products. With its help you can perform the following types of work:

• Longitudinal and transverse cutting of workpieces;
• performing local cuts;
• trimming ends;
• firewood preparation;
• production of boards, bars and other wood products.

In addition, when installing a specialized cutting element, they can be used to cut plastic, artificial stone and tiles.

We also recommend reading a useful article about techniques for even cutting with a circular saw with and without attachments. The article discusses the most necessary techniques and techniques for cutting various materials, from unedged boards to timber and logs.

Working principle of a circular hand saw

The tool is used for even sawing of surfaces, longitudinally or transversely. Arc cutting is not possible with a circular hand saw. The principle of operation of such a unit is simple:

1. Torque is transmitted from the electric motor shaft to the cutting disc.
2. The sawing disk rotates around its axis at high speed, making it easy to cut the desired surface.

Depending on the cutting depth, the tool is divided into several categories:

1. Mini circular hand saws are capable of cutting material up to 46 mm thick.
2. The average tool can handle surfaces up to 55 mm.
3. Large equipment can cut workpieces with a thickness of about 70 mm.
4. Professional equipment cuts products about 140 mm thick.

Video description

Video review of mid-price models from popular manufacturers:
Bosch GKT 55 GCE - deciding which manual circular saw to choose for professional work. This is a lightweight model (4.7 kg), which, with a power of 1.4 kW, reaches up to 6250 rpm. The cutting depth with a 20/200 mm disc is 57 mm. The platform tilt reaches 47 degrees.

Bosch GKT 55 GCE Source bricoman.pl

According to users, the advantages of the tool are as follows:

• high productivity throughout the day;
• You can cut wood, plastic, and low-density materials;
• there is a pipe for connecting a dust collector;
• ergonomics;
• there is adjustment and auto-stabilization of speeds;
• smooth start;
• cutting is possible anywhere on the workpiece.

Masters also pay attention to the disadvantages. This is not a precise enough adjustment of the cutting depth; it requires effort to change the position of the platform relative to the angle.

Types of Circular Hand Saw

There is a large selection of circular saws on the shelves of construction stores. All variety can be divided into:

1. A hand tool that the master moves independently.
2. A stationary saw on a special table, designed for placement in work shops and workshops.

The circular hand saw is divided according to power classes into:

1. Household appliances with power up to 2.2 kW.
2. Semi-professional models that are more powerful than household ones. They have great functionality.
3. Professional units with increased power and functionality. Used in production.

Another difference is the method of transmitting torque, so they distinguish:

1. Electric models connected to a standard power supply.
2. A cordless hand-held circular saw is convenient where you don't need a nearby power outlet.
3. Models with manual drive, which are currently practically not used, are becoming a thing of the past.

Main features of the tool

The design of the device is incredibly simple. Its main working element is a powerful electric motor, from which torque is transmitted via a shaft to the cutting disc. Stationary saws are equipped with a belt system and pulleys. Often, hand tools are made in one body and have small dimensions.

Since the device is subject to increased safety requirements, only reliable and high-quality materials are used in its design. Particular attention is paid to balancing and alignment of rotating parts. Additionally, the disk pair and the engine are equipped with a variety of mechanical and electronic protection devices and interlocks, which makes it possible, in the event of an accident, to instantly de-energize and stop the operation of the saw.

The principle of operation of the device does not raise any special questions. A rotating circular saw, equipped with many teeth, cuts wood materials while simultaneously moving forward. It should be noted that this type of tool is not suitable for making curly cuts. Some models provide adjustment of the angle of the cutting part.

How to choose a circular hand saw?

When purchasing a tool, you should focus on a number of specific parameters:

1. Engine power. The higher it is, the faster and with less effort you can cut. In addition, large-diameter cutting discs can be installed on powerful saws (from 3 kW).
2. Cutting depth. There are 4 standard sizes that you need to select based on your needs.
3. A hand-held circular saw for wood can have an adjustable cutting angle.
4. Stationary chip removal system or the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner. A very convenient option that allows you to work practically without dust and debris in the workshop or at home.
5. The start lock is an important safety feature that prevents the tool from being started accidentally.

Functions of a circular hand saw

The main “duty” of a circular saw is to cut large quantities of boards, drywall, laminate, plastic panels, soft metal and more. It is indispensable when building a house or cottage, and is also useful when laying floors in an apartment or covering walls with decorative panels. For speed of work and ease of use, the circular electric hand saw is equipped with a number of additional functions:

1. Immersion in the material. This function is very convenient when working with large slabs.
2. Adjusting the speed of rotation of the cutting disc. To work with different materials, different rotation speeds are required to obtain an even cut without burrs.
3. The soft start function is necessary to increase the service life of the cutting blade. Thanks to it, the saw smoothly picks up speed after starting, rather than immediately spinning the shaft to maximum speed.
4. A laser pointer is an optional accessory for a handheld circular saw. However, such a pointer is convenient to use when carrying out quick work.

Circular saw blades

An important consumable in a cutting tool is the cutting disc. Each model has its own characteristics:

• height and number of teeth;
• cutting profile geometry.

Conventionally, all disks for hand-held circular saws are divided into:

1. Consumables for soft materials such as wood or plastic. They have a positive sharpening angle, the number of teeth is about 50-100, which ensures an even cut.
2. Discs for hard materials are produced with a negative sharpening angle and fewer teeth. They can cut through harder materials, but the edges will be more jagged.

Types of disks

To work with wood, it is not enough to purchase a good electric tool with one cutting wheel. This widely demanded material comes in many varieties. And each of them has its own hardness and elasticity.

In addition, in the process of work, tasks of varying complexity arise. And solving them requires an individual approach. That is, the use of a specific attachment suitable for the highest quality processing. Therefore, the master’s arsenal must be equipped for all occasions.

The circular saw blade for wood is available in only two types. The monolithic structure consists entirely of either high-carbon steel or high-speed steel. An inexpensive product that can handle any wood. In addition, it can cut polymer alloys.

A good advantage of a cast disc is its ease of sharpening. Moreover, it can be done repeatedly and independently. Because of this, the tool has a very long service life.

Set of cast saw blades Source prom.st

The carbide structure is made of tool steel. But its teeth are made of very strong alloys, to which tungsten carbide is added. This solution allows you to saw not only the most capricious wood, but also process many metals.

In addition, the design with hard solders has a number of advantages compared to the monolithic one:

• The disc does not require tooth alignment.
• One sharpening of the cutters allows you to work out the time during which the monolithic analogue will be sharpened several times. Therefore, the service life of a carbide disc is several times longer.
• It cuts through any material with literally a perfect clean cut and takes less time.

But sharpening a carbide blade for a circular saw cannot be done at home. This requires special equipment. And the price for such an instrument is very high. True, experts say that the disc manages to pay for itself even before re-sharpening. And many craftsmen do not spend money on it, but immediately buy a new cutting wheel.

Disc with carbide cutters Source s-bol.com

In addition to the main two types of disks for circular saws, mention should be made of disk cutters. The tool was developed for metal processing, but many wood operations are performed with its help. For example, a milling cutter is used when you need to select a groove in a wooden product.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in redevelopment of country houses of any complexity

Rating of circular hand saws

Professional builders and home craftsmen identify certain tool models that have the most optimal characteristics for the job. Among them:

1. Makita HS7601
   is an excellent device for home use with two branded disks included. Cost – $121.
2. DeWALT DWE560
   is a model with the ability to connect a construction vacuum cleaner. Cost – $140.
3. Hammer CRP 1500 D
   is a high-quality lightweight saw with a convenient carrying case. Cost – $93.
4. Bosch GKS 190
   . The Bosch hand-held circular saw is considered one of the best tools in its price segment. Cost – $128.

Hand circular saw table

When working with a large volume of sawn material, it is not always comfortable to hold the tool in your hands for a long time. It is much more convenient to secure the tool on a special table, so the cut will be more accurate and faster. All masters prefer to use:

1. Factory tables purchased from a store. They can be either stationary or portable.
2. Homemade tables, the advantage of which are individual sizes suitable for the workshop area and additional options.

After making your own table, it is important to know how to properly secure your handheld circular saw to your table. There are just a few rules here:

1. The instrument is placed inside a prepared compartment that is exactly the right size for the instrument.
2. The saw base is securely attached to the table with bolts.
3. The disk should fit freely into the slot.

Rating of electric saws for quality and reliability

Looking at the circular saws on the shelves at a power tool store, it may seem that they are not much different from each other. But in fact, some instruments cease to please a couple of weeks after purchase, while others serve the owner for many years. I will try to build my rating based on reviews from real customers.

Bosch PKS 40

A simple and reliable household circular saw with an 850 Watt motor and a cutting depth of 40 mm. For work, 130x16 mm discs are used.

• When connecting a vacuum cleaner, the standard dust removal system works well. There is a small amount of debris after work, but there is no “pillar of dust” effect.
• Compact and lightweight – the tool is designed for suspended work.
• High quality stock disc. But we must take into account that it has a large number of teeth and is not always suitable for working with multilayer materials - chips may form.
• It is possible to start sawing the workpiece from the middle.

• A budget support platform made of stamped metal, however, with acceptable rigidity.
• The lightness of the tool gives the impression of being “flimsy” - if you have any preconceptions about this topic, then it is better to hold the saw in your hand before purchasing.
• There is no riving knife - if the saw stops during operation, you will have to move it back before starting it again.

Price: from 5,379 rub.

The first impression is an excellent saw, small, light, moderately resourceful and the most interesting thing is how the magpies pecked it. BEAUTIFUL, if only I could pay attention to the power. In terms of quality, of course, the thing is not bad, but the stated cutting depth of 40 mm does not work, the saw gets stuck and cannot cope. 12 mm plywood, also saws with tension. Therefore, I had to purchase another, more powerful saw.

Bison ZPD-900

High-quality domestic entry-level circular saw. Powered by a 900 Watt motor with 140x20 mm discs. It provides a maximum cutting depth of 45 mm, and the support platform allows you to cut at an arbitrary angle.

• Value for money and characteristics.
• The weight of the saw allows you to work with it with one hand - a good option for use in hard-to-reach places where you have to hold the tool suspended.
• Durable and stable metal sole.
• The original system for setting the cutting depth and the shape of the rest for the second hand.
• When registering on the manufacturer's website, the warranty period increases to 5 years.

• The short length of the network cable is only 2 meters.
• There is a slight play in the sole - it does not affect the quality of work, but it is unpleasant.
• The maximum reach of the rip fence is only 17 centimeters.
• The location of the disk does not allow direct observation of the cutting area - you have to navigate solely by the mark on the bed.

Price: from 3,260 rub.

The case material is of good quality, the power is quite decent. The brushes are of low quality, under load they burn out and the speed begins to float (the problem is solved by replacing the brushes with copper-graphite ones). A gearbox without bearings on metal bushings, almost without lubrication, has strong backlash. The original saw blade can be immediately thrown away or used for rough cutting (the sharpening of the blade is simply terrible, it doesn’t saw, but gnaws). The disc height adjuster is very flimsy. The saw sole is weak, deforms when sawing, and also has lateral play. It’s not suitable for professional work; it’s better to pay extra and buy a saw from another manufacturer.

AEG KS 55-2

The 1.2 kW motor rotates the working disk at a nominal speed of 6100 rpm. The base sole allows cutting at angles of 90° and 45°, with cutting depths of 54 and 41 mm, respectively. For work, discs with diameters of 165x20 mm are used - outer and landing.

• Cast sole made of light metal alloy - a combination of strength and light weight. If it has a slight play, it only appears when fully lowered for the minimum cutting depth.
• The relatively light weight of 3.3 kg allows you to work while holding the saw with your arms outstretched.
• The package includes a rip fence and a carrying bag.
• A long network cable - 4 meters is enough for comfortable work.
• Good ergonomics and weight distribution of the tool - it fits comfortably in your hands and moves easily across the surface.

• There is no smooth start - with an engine of such power, it is felt, although not strong, but a noticeable jerk at start.
• If you have experience with other saws, you may be confused by the lack of a power button lock.
• The diameter of the vacuum cleaner nozzle is most likely made according to American standards - it may not fit a home vacuum cleaner. It can be treated by purchasing an adapter.

Price: from 7,779 rub.

Great saw. It cuts clearly and without any problems. The angle is precise, the saw is even and smooth. More than enough power. But the frame is made of cheap plastic; if you press it, it will crack. Adjustment of the inclination and depth of the cut using eccentrics, which are very poorly tightened and always release spontaneously. AEG service is complete nonsense. Replacement parts cost the price of a new tool and are usually out of stock. To order from China, it takes about two weeks in transit through Germany.

How to use a circular hand saw?

There are standard instructions on how to use a hand-held circular saw, which for different models will differ only in nuances:

1. Before starting work, it is important to ensure that the tool is in working order.
2. Secure the cutting blade, adjust the position of the guide pin, check the protective cover and the parallelism of the stop with the groove and the pin.
3. Set the minimum required cutting depth.
4. Set the guide to the size of the material and mark it.
5. Make a test cut 3-5 mm long.
6. Continue working without stopping along the entire movement of the disk.
7. You can use adhesive tape at the cut site to prevent chipping.

Additional devices

Additional functionality will not only extend the life of the saw, but also prevent situations that are dangerous for the master.

1. The soft start device will protect the engine from overloads;
2. The speed control device automatically adds power for denser material;
3. The anti-jamming device will prevent the disc from breaking when it is clamped by the material;
4. Overload protection will protect the tool from damage;
5. The instantaneous braking device will stop the rotation in the shortest possible time;
6. Adjustment of rotation speed and depth of cut;
7. The sawdust drainage pipe will keep the work surface clean;
8. The laser pointer and LED are optional, but can greatly simplify the work in some cases.