Handheld Circular Saws
| ToolInfoBox Circular Saws | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | buzz saws; DE: Handkreissägen |
| Type: | power tool/saw |
| Material: | wood |
| Used with: | circular saw guide, shop vac, goggles, hearing protection, circular saw blades |
| Access Requirements: | upon introduction |
| 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
Herkules BHK 1600LE "Laser Beam"
| ToolInfoBox Herkules BHK 1600LE "Laser Beam" | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | buzz saw; DE: Handkreissäge |
| Type: | power tool/saw |
| Material: | wood |
| Location: | wood workshop |
| Access Requirements: | upon personal introduction |
| Tutors: | Lukas, Martin |
| Manual: | Einhell HKS-1500 Laser is very similar |
This 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.
Festool TS 75 EBQ - Plunge Saw
| ToolInfoBox Festool TS 75 EBQ | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | plunge saw; DE: Tauchsäge |
| Type: | power tool/saw |
| Material: | wood |
| Location: | wood workshop |
| Access Requirements: | upon personal introduction |
| Tutors: | Patrick |
| Manual: | manualslib.com (or ZIP from festool.de |
The Festool TS 75 EBQ is a plunge saw, that allows, in addition to normal circular saw functions, to be pushed into the workpiece. The maximal depth is 75mm and can be adjusted in 1mm increments.
Guide Rail
The saw can be used with a Festool guide rail for ease of use. Currently we have a single 1400mm rail, but in the future multiple ones can be joined together to cut any length wished.
To avoid kickback during plunging, an endstop can be attached to the rail. When not in use it is attached to the backside of the saw.
Available Equipment
- Festool TS 75 EBQ saw (duh...)
- cable
- 1400mm rail
- Systainer (aka. fancy Festool box)
- Manual
- Splinter guard (green thingy with nut and black thing with screw)
Further Reading
- WOOD magazine - "Get better cuts from any circular saw"
