Handheld Circular Saw Introduction

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This is the content required for an introduction to our handheld circular saws - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Patrick, Lukas, Martin, Keno, Johannes, Luzian, Utis

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual:

Safety

Personal protection: Protection - goggles.svg Protection - hearing.svg

(a dust mask could also be necessary depending on your material)

Dangers Precautions
sharp and rotating exposed blade - will keep spinning for a bit after turning the power off!
  • keep the saw secure after your cut until is has come to a complete stop
  • make sure the cutting path is free of obstacles (except your workpiece of course)
kickback: if the blade binds with the material it can push the saw back towards the user - this usually happens when the blade is pinched or the saw is started while already touching the wood (see video)
  • let the saw start before the blade touches the workpiece
  • plunge saw (Festool TS 75):
    • when doing a plunge cut, make sure the rail/workpiece can't move sideways. This could cause the blade to bind and kickback.
    • attach the endstop to the rail to reduce the chance of kickback
    • use an appropriately sized riving knife (DE: Spaltkeil) for the blade you're using
sawdust and small splinters can fly towards the operator and others
  • hook up a shop vac, taking care that the hose can move freely when you push the saw
  • wear goggles
  • dust mask: depending on the material you're cutting

Whenever you are cutting larger pieces, get a helper who can hold your cutoff so it doesn't fall down!

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:


Festool TS 75:

  • change cutting angle
  • change cutting depth