Before you purchase a new circular saw, you need to put your options to the test.

 

Using a circular saw that doesn’t run well can be aggravating and unsafe. Some circular saw mishaps can be easily repaired with a quick brush replacement or a blade change. Other times, there’s a little more at stake.

 

Using a circular saw that is not performing optimally is a bad idea for many reasons. First, it can decrease productivity. A worn out motor and other factors can cause your saw to operate less quickly and powerfully than normal. You have a lot to do, so you need a circular saw that can cut through your workpiece fast.

 

But you also need precision from your circular saw. Damaged saws don’t make for straight cuts. Poor quality work is another reason not to use a subpar saw.

 

The most important reason? Safety. Using a circular saw that’s not performing at its best is dangerous to the tool, the operator, and other workers. Damaged saws increase the risk of electrical hazards, cuts to workers, and other mistakes.

 

 Image: Shutterstock 

 

Has your circular saw gone beyond repair? It may be time to replace it and look for a new model. But before you purchase a new circular saw, you need to put your options to the test.

 

You probably took a career aptitude test in high school. Picture yourself sitting in your school’s auditorium, surrounded by dozens of your classmates. You receive a giant packet full of questions about yourself and your skills, and you get to work.

 

The test wants to know about your problem solving skills, your interests, your creativity. Finally, you finish the test and you wait for your results. Your answers to those questions determine the career suggestions you get in return. The recommendations you receive are meant to represent the jobs that you would be best suited for. They’re meant to help you when deciding on a future career path.

 

Before you decide to buy a new circular saw model, give it an aptitude test. Whether or not you have some options in mind, it’s important to assess any potential buy to see if it’s the right saw for you. These guidelines will show you how to put a circular saw to the test.

 

Is your Circular Saw Set Up for Success?

 

Let’s face it, some people don’t have all the abilities necessary to perform certain jobs. For example, someone who’s really squeamish might not make the best heart surgeon. Similarly, not all circular saws are built to perform the same tasks.

 

Take a look at the type of work you will be doing to determine the type and model of saw you will need. For instance, if you need to cut long sheets of wood or perform plunge cuts, a worm drive circular saw is a suitable choice. Here are some other things to consider when deciding if a saw is predisposed to carry out the work you need completed.

 

Material Being Cut

 Image: Shutterstock 

 

While circular saws are powerful, they’re not universal tools. In other words, saws and saw blades are not designed to efficiently cut any type of material. If you need to cut a piece of plastic, using a saw and blade specific to cutting wood will not produce your desired result. Make sure the saw you purchase can cut what you need efficiently and safely.

 

You should also take into account motor strength and RPMs. If you need to cut through harder materials, you should look for a strong saw with a fair amount of RPMs. This will also help you get your work done faster and make cleaner cuts.

 

Cutting Capacity

 Image: Shutterstock 

 

A saw’s maximum cutting capacity is important to consider because the higher the capacity, the thicker the material you can cut. Pay close attention to the maximum cutting capacity at 45⁰ and 90⁰ angles. As the angle of the cut gets steeper, the depth of the cut is usually reduced.

 

The ability of the saw to cut at angles is its bevel capacity. A bevel capacity above 90⁰ is sometimes needed to make those deep cuts. In addition, try to avoid saws that have a depth of cut at 0⁰ that is lower than two inches.

 

Cordless or Corded

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Take a look at your specific needs and situation to determine which type is right for you. Corded circular saws are more powerful, but their cords can easily get damaged or cut. Cordless versions are more versatile. But they create the added hassle of having to charge them. Make a list of pros and cons for each type before you decide which will best suit your preferences.

 

If you choose to buy a corded circular saw, it is crucial that you use an extension cord that is powerful enough to work with the saw.

 

Will your Circular Saw Have Job Security?

 

If a circular saw doesn’t have important safety features, it should not remain in its job position for very long. These safety features will ensure that the power tool has job security and that workers have job safety.

 

• Blade Stabilizer
  Kickback can cause the operator to lose control of the tool in use, putting themselves and other workers in danger. Every circular saw operator wants a constant, smooth running blade. A blade stabilizer does exactly that – stabilizes the blade rotation to decrease the chance of kickback.

 

• Low Noise Level
  Circular saws can be noisy, and sometimes workers “forget” to wear hearing protection. Choosing a quieter tool reduces this noise level for the operator and other workers. But keep in mind that cutting certain materials will raise the noise levels above a tool’s listed dB level. In those cases, never “forget” to wear your hearing protection.
  

 

• Ergonomic Handles
  Ergonomic handles are designed with worker comfort and safety in mind. This feature prevents excess vibration of the power tool and allows for better handling of the saw. Long-term exposure to vibration can cause health problems, so this feature is a must.
  

 

• Double-Insulated Handles
  Does your work involve the possibility of cutting into live wires? If so, double-insulated handles are a necessity. This feature helps prevent the risk of electrocution. Important note: in some situations, insulated PPE should also be worn.
  

 

A Long and Happy Career?

 

Your circular saw should help you work smarter, not harder. When you take a job aptitude test, you should ask yourself if you can envision a long, fulfilling life in a recommended career. When you purchase a circular saw, you should ask whether the tool is built to last and if it will make your work easier.

 

You want your saw to have a long, happy career in your workshop. Look for these job-simplifying features when replacing your circular saw.