Handheld Circular Saws

ToolInfoBox Herkules BHK 1600LE "Laser Beam"
Synonyms:	buzz saw; DE: Handkreissäge
Type:	power tool/saw
Material:	wood
Used with:	circular saw guide
Location:	wood workshop
Access Requirements:	upon introduction
Tutors:	Lukas
Manual:	Einhell HKS-1500 Laser is very similar
Similar (More or Less):	table saw, chop saw

This page is about handheld circular saws. Other varieties exist: a chop saw is useful if you want to cut narrow planks or posts, while a table saw is especially suited for cutting medium-sized boards and panels. Perhaps we'll also build a panel saw for large stock at some point!

All circular saws cut with a rotating circular saw blade that may have teeth or an abrasive edge, depending on what material it is for.

Safety

• check the blade guard: does it move freely and cover the blade when you let it go?
• let us know when the blade is getting dull!
• wear protective goggles and ear defenders no matter what you want to cut
• hook up a shop vac before cutting
  • some sawdust will still be expelled, so you might want to put on a dust mask
• safely clamp down a fence and your workpiece to avoid surprises during the cut
• double-check the planned cut path - no clamps or table in the way?
• firmly guide the saw with both hands, that way they're clear of the blade
• turn on the saw without the blade touching the workpiece and only start cutting once it is rotating at full speed

Saw Blades

The saw requires 185/20 mm (OD/bore) blades; 190 mm blades would most likely still fit but we have not tried those yet. We have adapters for 30 mm bores as well.

Default Configuration

Our saw is equipped with a 185/30 mm, 24 tooth TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) wood cutting blade.

Further Reading

• WOOD magazine - "Get better cuts from any circular saw"