How to Cut Angles with Circular Saw (DIY)

Cut Angles with Circular Saw

If you are a beginner who owns a circular saw and wants to cut angles, we’ve got you covered in this article. 

We understand it can be a little intimidating since circular saws can be a little difficult to use. However, if you know the correct technique you can master it all. 

We have added tips, tricks, and FAQs to help make the process easy for you. 

Quick Summary


This guide has everything you need to know including: 

  • How to cut different angles with a circular saw 
  • Precautionary methods you should take 
  • Factors to consider before you cut an object with a circular saw

Without wasting any time, let’s get straight into it. 

How to Cut Angles with Circular Saw – In-Depth Guide

There are several different angles you can cut with a circular saw blade. However, the techniques can vary slightly depending on the angle you want to cut. 

We have mentioned a quick and easy way on how to cut different angles with a circular saw blade.

Without wasting any time, let’s dive right into it. 

How to cut a 90 Degree Angle with a Circular Saw 

For a 90 degree angle, the first thing you need to do is inspect the lever at the front of your circular saw. 

You need to ensure the lever is at the 0 marks. Then, place the tip of the base plate on the material you’ve chosen to cut. 

 

Important Note: Your base plate should level on the wood pointing downwards. 

 

Start your blade and push the wooden plank against the saw. 

Slice the wooden plank to the end to make a smooth 90-degree cut. 

How to make a 60-degree cut with a Circular Saw Blade 

It is crucial that you check the lever angle to see where the marker points on the base of your plate. 

 

Note: Your marking should be 30 degrees on the base plate. 

 

You can loosen your lever to adjust the measurement.

Adjust the base plate on the wood you want to cut. Your blade should be bent inwards. 

Now start the blade and cut across the wood so you can get a clean 60-degree angle. 

How to Cut a 45-Degree Angle with a Circular Saw 

Cutting a 45-degree is not as intimidating as you think. It is quite similar to cutting the previous angles. 

First, you need to set the lever at a 45-degree angle and place the base wood firmly. 

Follow your markings and slice of the wood by cutting with your circular saw. 

How to Make Clean Angle Cuts – Everything You Need to Know

If you want to make clean cuts for your DIY projects, we have mentioned everything you need to know in this section. 

Follow this guide step-by-step to ensure that you make clean cuts:

  1. Adjust the depth and place the board 7.5cm into the board. 
  2. Lock the lever once you have adjusted and tightened the ever. 
  3. Align your blade with the guiding line you have drawn
  4. Slowly push the wood piece into the blade to make the cuts 

How to Make Rough Cuts with a Circular Saw – Step-by-Step Guide 

Rough cuts are made usually for pieces that are not going to be placed outside. These are not external pieces for aesthetic use. 

Here’s what you need to do to make rough cuts with a circular saw:

  1. Position your circular saw blade parallel to the guide-line you have drawn 
  2. Adjust the bevel of your blade 
  3. Make small cuts according to your preference

Things You Should Know Before You Cut Angles 

Before you get started with your DIY project, there are a few things that you should know. 

Let’s take a quick look at what they are: 

The Angle Lever 

An angle lever sits on the front of the saw attached with a small metal plate. This usually has markings from 0 to 45. You can rotate the dial to loosen or tighten the lever. 

When the lever is at 0 that means that the circular saw blade will cut 90-degrees. Similarly, if you set the lever at 30, you will have an angle of 60-degrees between the blade and the base plate. 

Base Plate Markings 

The base plate has markings from 0 to 45. These notches help you determine the angles and the direction of the circular saw blade. 

If you do not reset the lever and your notch is at 0 that means your circular saw blade is at a 45-degree angle. 

Precautionary Measures

It is crucial that you take precautionary measures before you cut any angle with a circular saw. This could save you from any unforeseen accidents. 

Here are some safety tips you should take in mind:

  1. Always remember to unplug your circular saw before you use it 
  2. Wear safety gloves to protect your fingers 
  3. We recommend goggles because wood shavings could damage your eyes 
  4. You can also use noise-canceling headphones
  5. If you are a beginner, we would suggest that you go through the manual first 

cut angles on circular saw

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

How long can a circular saw blade last? 

Your circular saw blade can last for approximately 12 to 120 continuous hours. However, this could depend on the type and quality of the blade. 

How thick wood can I cut with a circular saw? 

A circular saw with a 7 ¼ inch blade can cut up to 2 ½ inches depth. However, the depth could vary depending on the individual blade you use. 

Which saw it the best for cutting thick wood? 

We highly recommend circular saws for thick wood-cutting projects. This is because circular saws are portable, you can cut from different angles easily. 

What does the number of teeth on a circular saw blade determine? 

The teeth of a circular saw will help determine the type, speed, and finish of the blade. 

Blades with more teeth give a clean finish, However, blades with fewer teeth cut faster. 

What materials can I cut with my circular saw? 

A regular circular saw will only cut wood or wood composites. However, you can also cut wood, steel, ceramic tiles, and masonry. 

Read the manual of your circular saw to understand which material your saw can cut. 

Final Verdict 

Now that we have reached the end of this article, we hope it is easier for you to understand how to cut several different angles yourself. 

Always remember to wear protective gear to prevent any future accidents. 

We hope this article helped clear any confusion. If there is anything more you would like to know, leave a comment down below. 

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