Handheld Circular Saw Introduction

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

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

• Herkules BHK 1600LE "Laser Beam"
• Festool TS 75 EBQ (plunge saw)

Safety

Personal protection:

(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 remove the riving knife for plunge cuts, otherwise it can get in the way
sawdust and small splinters can fly towards the operator and others	hook up a shop vac, but be aware the dust extraction from our "Herkules" saw is very incomplete 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:

• using the proper circular saw guide

Festool TS 75:

• change cutting angle
• change and lock cutting depth