Framers reach for larger circular saws

Circular saws larger than 8.25 inches fill a niche for contractors.

If you’re looking for a circular saw that will cut deeper than a 7 1/4" circular saw, tool manufacturers have what you need. Whether you are involved with roof construction, make concrete forms or build with large beams and timber, saws 8 1/4" and larger are likely tools for you.

“Circular saws that are 8 1/4" or bigger are primarily used for cutting thicker materials with their larger diameter blades,” says Ed Pchola, product manager of circular saws for Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. “Some good application examples include laminated veneer lumber (LVL), stacked sheet material, 4-by material, tenons in 8-by material, timber framing and oriented strand board (OSB) flooring.”

Mike McDowell, assistant product manager of circular and recip saws at DeWalt, says these specialty applications make saws in this range an interesting niche market. “Most contractors don’t use this size of saw because workers don’t like carrying around saws this large,” he says. “Sometimes it’s difficult to find blades for these saws. But if you work with unconventional and nondimensional lumber, this range will do the trick.”

“While a 7 1/4" saw often leads the pack,” Pchola adds, “it just can’t handle applications like cutting steep pitches or rip-cutting 3- or 4-by material like a bigger saw can.”

New features make saws easier to use
Because the market is small, there is not much new in this saw size range over the past few years, but many users may not be aware of what is already out there. Manufacturers point out some recent innovations which include:

• Pchola says the biggest difference between large saws relates to saws that can offer 60-degree bevel capacities or remote lower guard lift levers for easier pocket cuts, such as the Bosch 1656.

• Vince Caito, marketing communications manager at Makita USA, says his company introduced a 16 5/16" circular saw with a maximum cutting capacity of 6 1/4".

• McDowell reports that DeWalt offers an 8 1/4” saw with a unique feature that provides a rear pivot depth of cut adjustment. “It allows users’ hands to remain behind the tool, regardless of the depth of cut,” he says. “We think this makes the tool more versatile and safer because the user has greater saw control.”

Tips for better use
• Be ready with power. To increase productivity when using large circular saws, power is always an important consideration, especially when cutting stacked material or thick stock. “A 15-amp power source is important to assure the saw will have enough power to operate in these applications,” Pchola says.

• Select a saw that will last. Look for a model with ball-bearing motor design and helical cut steel gears. “These have proven to last in professional environments,” Pchola says. 

• Know how to use the saw safely. Because of their large size and power, kickback can be a problem. To help prevent kickback and promote safe saw use:

1. Read the instructions and safety manual before using the saw.

2. If the blade binds while making a cut, stop immediately. Hold the saw and workpiece completely still with two hands until the blade comes to a complete stop.

3. Use the appropriate blade for the task. The blade should be clean, sharp, in good condition and attached properly.

4. Don’t set the blade deeper than 1/8" to 1/4" below the workpiece.

5. Make sure the blade guard works properly.

6. Control the circular saw with both hands. If your hands are on the control handles, the blade can’t cut them.

7. Always stand off to the side, not directly behind the saw.

Published in the September/October, 2004 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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