It doesn’t matter if you’re into small woodwork projects or have your sights set on something bigger, like a deck or pergola – at some stage, you’ll need to use a power saw.
From complete novice to seasoned DIYer, there are a few tips and tricks that can keep you safe, save time and give better results.
Saw basics
Hang the offcut off the end of your saw horses, so it can fall away. Cutting between them will pinch the blade, causing the saw to kick back. Make sure the timber is firmly clamped so you can concentrate on controlling the saw.
Using the fence
Fix a length of hardwood to the saw’s fence attachment to help you to stay straight when you’re using it to do a rip cut.
Set your depth
Set the blade so it cuts 5mm deeper than the thickness of your material. It’ll be less likely to bind, resulting in a dangerous kickback. There’s also less exposed blade, so if something does go wrong the blade guard will quickly snap back to cover it.
Keep it straight
To cut a straight line on sheet materials like plywood, clamp a straightedge to the sheet as a guide for the base plate of the saw, so the blade is on the cutting line. Use the machined edge of another sheet if you don’t have a straightedge.
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