It can be somewhat tricky to rip narrow boards using a circular saw, especially if you don’t know how to do it perfectly. Maybe the blade is wandering away from the marked line. In this case, the blade can bind up if you try getting it back on track.
However, you need to follow the right procedure for you to slice through narrow boards with your circular saw. Even though circular saws cannot move in a straight line, you can still achieve accurate cuts with them.
We shall be looking at how to rip narrow boards with a circular saw.
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Is it really difficult to Rip Narrow Boards with A Circular Saw?
Without the right tools and skills, it can be difficult to slice through narrow boards with a circular saw. Generally, a circular is the go-to power tool for a woodworker looking for a portable tool. It is packed with a powerful motor, and it spins the blade at super-fast speeds. So, it is considered the perfect tool for making accurate straight cuts on materials in the construction industry.
Even for woodworking projects, a circular saw allows you to make straight cuts on boards and sheets of any length. It would be a good alternative to a circular saw for a DIYer or a homeowner.
Step By Step Instructions of How To Rip Narrow Boards With a Circular Saw
With the right approach, you can be sure of having an easy time ripping through narrow boards with your circular saw.
Required Tools
- A measuring tape
- A pencil and square for marking the ripping line
- Wooden board larger than the board you wish to cut
- A pair of clamps (for attaching the larger board)
- A stand or sawhorses for placing the wooden board
- And a circular saw
Step By Step Process
To successfully cut through narrow boards, follow these steps;
Step One: Find the Right Platform
First off, you need to choose a long piece of wood or slab, which should be straight enough to act as your platform. Depending on the height, you may require more than one slab. Keep in mind that a longer slap will give you an easier time. ensure that the slab is thicker than the narrow board.
Step Two: Clamp the Saw Sole to the Platform
You now need to clamp the circular saw sole to the slab or platform. Do so at the two points. For a firmer grip, you can use some wood bits.
Step Three: Make a Reference Cut
Once the saw is well clamped to the platform, find a piece of wood, which will be used to make a reference cut. After you cut, measure the thickness of the cut and ensure that it is the right width. You can adjust the thickness to match your preference.
Step Four: Ensure the Blade is Parallel to the Face of the Platform
You must ensure that the blade is parallel to the face of the platform, or else it will warp as you cut through the wood piece. Plus, it will put more strain on the motor. To know if the blade is perfectly parallel, you will need another small piece of wood that you won’t be using.
Push the piece of wood slowly into the blade from the front of the saw, then turn it over. This means that the new reference cut will be on the underside. Feed the same wood piece into the blade from the back of the saw. You will have to remove the blade guard to make this cut.
If the two cuts on the piece of wood meet at the same point, then the blade is perfectly parallel. But if they don’t, you will need to adjust it by loosening the clamp at the back of the unit.
Step Five: Adjust the Blade Height
Preferably, the blade should be almost touching the table surface. So, you may have to adjust the height if it is further from the table surface. To ensure it is at the right height, try sliding a piece of paper under it. The piece of paper should pass smoothly, but space should be barely noticeable.
Extra Tip;
Suppose the body of the saw is at a slight angle to the sole, you will need to adjust the parallelism again. Ensure that the blade is perfectly perpendicular to the table. Shoving a wedge between the motor casing and the sole of the saw can help.
Step Six: Get to Ripping
Now that the saw, blade, and platform are in perfect position and condition, you can start cutting through the narrow board. Press and lock the trigger of the saw, then start feeding the board gradually through the blade.
Safety Precautions
Even with the best Cordless Circular Saw, you will still need to be extra cautious with it. It isn’t just about going through the Compact Circular Saw reviews and applying your skills and experience. Rather, you should observe the proper safety precautions when working with a circular saw. Here are tips to help you;
- Always wear the right safety gear, which includes goggles, dust masks, and earmuffs.
- Check that the saw blade is sharp enough for the best results
- Disconnect the saw from the power source if you need to change the blade
- Avoid working with loose clothes or loosely hanging jewelry
- Check that the surface you want to work on is free of metallic objects like nails or screws
- Stand on either side of the saw to be safe from possible kickbacks
- Ensure that you have a firm grip on the saw whenever you want to use it
- watch the video to learn more.
Final Words
There goes How To Rip Narrow Boards With a Circular Saw. Now, you can confidently go for the best circular saw and be sure of getting the most of it as you cut through narrow boards. You can also check other worm drive saw reviews for further advice on how to use a circular saw perfectly.