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Any portable saw you buy for your home or shop should be capable of cutting a 2 x 4 piece of wood at a 45-degree angle. In general, saws that have a blade diameter of 7 or more inches are good choices. Using a saw safely should be of primary importance. In this article I'll cover the basics on saw selection and safety practices.

A number of considerations have a bearing on your decision when buying a circular saw. Do you want powered or cordless? Does the saw come equipped with a depth adjustment, which enables you to make shallow cuts when required; an angled adjustment for cutting miters and bevels; and a ripping fence, which guides the saw when you want to rip a board to a specific width? It should have an automatic spring-loaded blade guard that retracts as the blade enters the work area, and then covers the exposed part of the blade as soon as the cut has been completed.

Since most present-day saws have all these features, your final choice often depends on how conveniently a saw operates and how easily the adjustments are made. Another major consideration should be the weight of the tool. Think about how long you intend to use it in any one stretch of time. Large-sized adjustment nuts are a worthy consideration, as is an easy-to-grip handle on the blade guard. In addition to the saw handle, which contains the trigger starting switch, a knob on the end of the motor housing is convenient as an extra handle for awkward situations. This feature is not essential with smaller saws.

Safety Practices

When using any portable saw, always be sure that the work to be cut is firmly supported, or held, so that it will not shift during the cut. Start the saw before the blade enters the work and guide it straight along the cutting line. Veering can cause jamming, stalling, possible motor damage, or even worse the entire tool may jump or hop out of the wood creating the possibility of a serious injury. Be especially careful not to let the saw veer when using a masonry-cutting blade. Blade breakage could result and the flying shrapnel may cause injury. If a long piece of wood is to be cut, it should be supported by a helper. It must not be moved during the cut in such a way as to close the cut and bind the blade. Keep a firm grip on the saw with your right hand, and keep your left hand well away from the saw. Make certain also that the cord is well out of the way so it will not be cut by the blade.

Maintain a strong grip on the saw to keep it from tipping or dropping at the end of the cut. Keep your hands clear of the blade during the time required for it to come to a complete stop. It's also a good idea not to touch the blade immediately after it stops as it's probably hot enough to burn you. Never adjust the saw without first disconnecting the power cord.

Picking the right circular saw is largely a matter of personal choice. Using the tool safely is a matter of common sense. Pick wisely and use it even more wisely.