How to Cut Thick Wood with Circular Saw – Tools Advisor Pro

A circular saw is a must-have tool for a carpentry job. They give a slike and professional look to your wood projects.

Cutting thick wood with a circular saw is an  easy task and can be really efficient. Your saw will go right through the wood if you know how to use it in a correct manner.

So, here are some methods that will help you to cut thick wood with a circular saw.

Cutting thick wood boards using a Circular Saw 

Circular saws have an exposed blade that can either be mounted to make vertical cuts or pivoted sideways to make sideways cuts. They work efficiently and result in accurate cuts if used correctly. 

As mentioned priorly, the circular saws can go through thick wood with ease. However, if the blade is shorter than the wooden base it can be a little hard to cut accurately.

Let’s see the step-by-step process.

Step #1: Prepare your Equipment

The first and foremost thing you need to do before the cutting process is to prepare all the necessary tools for it. 

These tools include your circular saw, tools for wood thickness measurements, and safety equipment as well. 

This will allow you to save time and streamline the entire cutting process. Besides that, it will also help you to determine the blade size required for your circular saw.

But how is it relevant to the wood thickness?

Let’s say you have a 6-inch wooden board that you need to cut. You will need at least a 3-inch cutting depth blade to make sure your cuts are precise. 

Otherwise, you’ll have to make the cut multiple times on just one side. Even then, you won’t be able to reach the required depth to cut it.

Step #2: Prepare your Wooden Boards

When it comes to woodworking projects, it is quite essential to make sure that your wood is clean and placed correctly.

But why is it important to clean my wooden boards?

In some cases, external factors like dust can interfere with the precision of your cuts. You can easily clean your wood with a clean piece of fabric.

It is important to note that you should clean your blade as well. Sometimes, the residual chips from a previous woodworking project can interfere with the edge of the blades.

How else can I prepare my boards?

Another good practice that a lot of professionals recommend is to put marks around the wood. This way you will be able to cut in a straight line with your table saw.

You can also mark your boards in a curved line. This will help you to adjust conveniently if something goes wrong along the way.

Step #3: Cutting Process

After you have made sure that you have a sharp blade and the wooden boards are in place, it is time to start the process. 

Place the wooden board just right before the blade of your circular saw and turn it on. Once the blade reaches its optimum RPM, slide the wooden board towards the blade.

Is it important to turn the blade on first?

Yes, you should always turn the blade on first before you start cutting. If you place the board right on the edge, it can seriously damage your blade.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t apply force while moving the blade towards the blade. It will cause a jerk-back reaction and your cut won’t be as precise as you want it to be.

How do I avoid this?

All you need to do is just gently move the board towards the blade. Once the blade latches onto the board, the blade’s rotation will do the rest. 

You don’t have to apply extra force to move the board towards the blade. 

What if I am cutting a curved angle?

If you are cutting in a curved pattern, all you have to do is guide the board along the marked line. 

Step #4: Complete the Cut

The final step of the process to cut thick wood with a circular includes multiple things. First, you have to turn the wooden board 180-degrees and move it towards the blade’s exposed part.

You have to make sure that the cut is clean from edge to edge. This will help you to spot any irregularities. 

Once you do that, run the board again along the marked lines. This way you’ll be able to get an accurate cut down to the millimeters.

These are all the things to know about cutting thick wood with a circular saw. Let’s take a look at some important tips and tricks.

Important Things to Keep in Check

There are multiple things that can affect the overall results when you use a circular saw for wood-related projects, these include: 

• Always clean your blade thoroughly before you decide to work on any project. Make sure that there are residual elements on the blade’s exposed part.
• Always use a saw with a chip-collection system. Otherwise, your whole workspace will turn into a mess in no time. 
• You should always wear protective gear. This includes gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask. 
• Oil your saw appropriately before every project. Sometimes, a rusty saw is unable to achieve the optimum RPMs and interfere with your cuts.
• Always measure and mark the wood with a pencil. Cutting along the guided lines can go a long way.
• Keep your hand away and clear of the blade. Especially when you rotate the wood in a different position. 
• Always keep a strong grip if you are using a portable saw. If you are using a table saw, make sure to clamp it down properly.

Now, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the preferred blade size?

In most cases, you can use any blade that is above 3-inches of cutting depth. It will help you to make accurate cuts. Smaller blades require extra effort when it comes to making deep cuts.

Is it important to use clamps for my saw?

Yes, you always use strong clamps for your circular saw. It will keep the blade stable and provide you with a lot of precision.

What kind of circular saws are best for cutting thick wood?

The two best saws for cutting thick wood are table saws and portable circular saws. Table saws are generally preferred due to their raw power and ability to smoothly cut through hard timber materials.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to thick timber materials, cutting can prove to be tedious. However, knowing the proper tricks can save you a lot of time and effort. 

We hope this article provides all the necessary information required for you to make efficient cuts.

This brings us to the end of our guide on How to Cut Thick Wood with a Circular Saw.

Do let us know what you think about our guide.