Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum circular saw use?

Hi folks....with the snow almost gone I am back in the swing of things and working on the manShed (TM)....a 16x20 derivative of the Sobon Shed.

First few projects were with hand tools and now I like to use my 7.25" circular saw for cutting tenons with a speed square. Works great. But I also procured a 16" Makita...and have read about improving the base for but have never seen any pics of such improvements. And holding a speed square with one hand and the saw with the other is asking for trouble!

I am contemplating making a clamping speed square and then use two hands on the saw but was wondering how others cut with the big circ saws?

Bruce:

The Guild now sells the aftermarket base for the Big Mak:
http://tfguild.stores.yahoo.net/prsawba.html

You'll find that there's no steering the Big Mak once you're about an inch into the kerf. If you're off the line, you'll need to pull back and take another run at it. Clamping a square to the side of the timber, measuring the distance from your line to position the clamp, etc, will slow you down tremendously. Granted, we're a production shop, with skilled joiners running the saw, but I think you'll find with a little practice, you'll be able to follow the line. But definitely keep 2 hands on the saw at all times! CB.

Thanks for the link.....do they make a significant difference?

With the design in my head making a clamping speed square would be quick to set up and use. Just need to find the time to finish it.

Bruce,

Being able to split the line with a saw (or chisel or axe) freehand is definitely a very important skill for a carpenter to develop. And there is really only one way -- lots of practice.

The precision bases are very nice -- in my opinion, they make a huge difference. Especially when making a beveled cut.

gh

They do make a huge difference. The stamped metal one that comes standard is really flimsy. I have the aftermarket bases for both my 16 and 10. I was talking with a Makita sales rep at the ILBA conference last week. He showed me the new version of the 10 inch saw that is now available in Canada. It has a very nice cast base. He says the 16 will get one soon, but he did not know how long it would take to get them here in the States.

Gabel is right about the practice. Also, forget about lining up a notch or mark on the leading edge of the base. Keep your eye on the line and the kerf. CB.

hi, i use my 16" saw all the time. i have used the new base and even though i am quite skilled with my saw, i perfer the old base for square cuts. you wont be super great with saw till you have made hundreds of cuts! practice, practice! I do tie my guard back (don't tell osha) and watch my blade on all three lines i can see. if my cut starts to wonder i stop and start over back at the begging of the cut. listen to the saw, it talks to you. if it is really binding chances are you off your line! good luck hope i helped
matt