It is almost mandatory for all woodworkers to own a circular saw because of its versatility and extreme cutting capacity. The circular saw can accomplish most tasks that other power saws aren’t capable of accomplishing.
Also, woodworkers will use the circular saw with a table, mostly. However, there’re some unavoidable conditions where you will have to leave the table to operate the circular saw. Although it is not impossible, it is challenging for sure.
Hence, most woodworkers ask, “How to use a circular saw without a table?” Luckily, there’re multiple ways to operate the circular saw even without the table. We have picked two effective methods of using the saw without the table.
During our selection, we have made sure that these two methods provide as much accuracy and comfort as a circular saw with the table would have provided.
So, aren’t you interested?
How to Use A Circular Saw Without A Table-Effective 2 Method
A circular saw has widespread variations, each having various cutting capacities. Its round-shaped blades with high-performing cutting teeth offer an exemplary woodworking experience. It can perform both rip and crosscuts with the best effects.
However, its cutting accuracy depends largely on its table that supports the tool with a stable working surface. But with little adjustments and trickery, you can get a similar precision in cuts without the table even.
The two methods for the circular saw usage without the table includes-
- Use a power saw guide and sawhorse
- Use a track
Now, let’s see these two processes in detail.
Method 1: Use A Power Saw Guide Instead of The Table
The use of the saw guide to cut with the circular saw is the most popular and practical solution when you can’t use the table. Also, it is convenient and easy to use. A correctly made guide will provide tailored cuts on the wood with premium precision.
You will also need a sawhorse to use the circular saw without the table.
Step 1: Understanding the process
The use of a guide instead of the table for circular saw actually suggests using wood or plywood board as the guiding material. The wood or plywood needs to be treated so it can handle extreme pressure. The pressure cured guide material also needs to have sufficient moisture.
Furthermore, you will require using a ‘right blade’ for working with the plywood. This right blade is made specially to work with moisturized wood blocks without damaging them. The blade equips with a non-stick coating.
It reduces the friction while the blade performs fast cutting on the wet or moisturized wood materials with the circular saw.
Step 2: Adjusting the edge guide
Once you have prepared the edge guide accordingly with your sawing requirements, you will have to adjust it. Adjust the saw position with the guide properly. The saw should move freely across and parallel with the edge guide without any turbulence.
As the guide fits properly, the saw will move appropriately on the cutting material and offer accurate and even cuts.
Step 3: Adjusting the cutting depth
Now you will have to adjust the cutting depth of the circular saw blade according to your cutting necessities. While you adjust the cutting depth, make sure the edge touches the material only slightly before you turn on the power tool.
If you push the blade too hard into the plywood or wood board, the teeth might get damaged soon. If you can get a blade for the circular saw with one-quarter of cutting depth, it will work fine in most woodworking projects.
Step 4: preparing the material for cuts
When you have fitted the saw guide properly, mark the cutting points on the material from the starting point to the ending point. It will help you accurately cut right where you aim to cut. You might use a marker to outline the cutting points on the wood or lumber.
Step 5: Perform the cut
The sawhorse refers to a four-legged beam. It is not as wide as a table surface, but it can hold the working material stably. The sawhorse pair offers remarkable support to planks, large lumbers, and even scaffolding.
When you place the wood on the sawhorse, make sure the cutline sits perfectly on the sawhorse beam. The aim is to stabilize the material so that it doesn’t move when you operate the circular saw. You might use the clamp to secure the working material.
Also, depending on the size of the wood you will cut, you might have to use multiple sawhorses. Once the wood board is placed and secured properly, you can turn on the circular saw and make the first cut without the table.
Method 2: Using A Saw Track Instead of The Table
Another potential and highly recommendable alternative of the table for the circular saw is the saw track or rail. You will have to fit the circular saw underneath the saw track and perform the cut. It is easy to follow the guideline.
Step 1: Collecting the necessary equipment
When you use the circular saw by fitting it below the track, you will need a set of gear for it. The list includes-
- Measuring tape;
- Marker;
- Combination square;
- Chalk line,
- Wood screws,
- Drill and
- Regular drill bit;F
Step 2: Choosing the wood for track sawing
You will have to accommodate two different woodblocks. One woodblock must be two and a half inches wider than the other block. You can use the measuring tape to find the wider woodblock correctly. Also, it is recommended that you choose either hemlock or pine wood.
Hemlock wood is more robust than pine and offers maximum stability. Also, your chosen wood blocks need to be straight as an arrow.
Step3: Preparing another piece of woodblock
The third woodblock needs to be ¾” thick and 10-12 inches long. At about the 4-1/2” cut, the wood width to match it with the circular saw base. You might opt for the hemlock or pine wood. Also, make sure the width cutline is straight and flawless.
Step 4: Securing the cutting material
Choose the shorter sized wood firstly. Then, place it right on the previously drawn cutline. Use clamps to hold the material correctly and steadily. Use the drill to make some holes in the smaller wood block. Tighten the screws in those holes to stop the back and forth movement of the clamped wood block.
Step 5: Attaching the large woodblock
Once you have firmly connected the larger wood piece with the power tool, make a plunge cut in it. Now position the base of the saw, ensuring that it touches the smaller wood block. Once the alignment is done properly, cut away the excess part of the larger wood piece.
The blade needs to touch the wood piece horizontally, and it will act as the reference point.
Step 6: Perform the cut
Now hold the actual cutting piece underneath the track firmly. Attach the saw base on the material and make sure the blade touches the larger block. Once you are all set, switch on the tool and cut through the material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I use when I don’t have a circular table saw?
You can use a track guide or other assorted equipment to use the circular saw. It will benefit you in cutting wider and thicker materials with extreme accuracy.
What I can use for the circular saw instead of the sawhorse?
When you don’t have the sawhorse, we recommend you using the saw track instead. Also, you can fix the cutting material on a flat surface. But, make sure you have at least a 1-foot distance from the cutting material for security purposes.
Conclusion
When you work in a tight or congested place, you might not access the large table to use with the circular saw. Hence, knowing how to use a circular saw without a table is crucial for professionals and homeowners.
You can use the sawhorse with the edge guide instead of the table. It will yield excellent cutting results. But you might need multiple sawhorses if the thickness of the material is extensive. Alternatively, you can use a DIY track for it.
