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How To Use a Circular Saw: Saw Boards Freehand
Nail Down the Board and Use Your Finger as a Guide—Carefully!
This is a quick way to cut a few 2- to 4-in. strips, but if you have to cut narrow strips often, build a jig, as described below. For this method, you must nail the board directly to the sawhorses with finish nails. Use 4d finish nails for 3/4-in. thick wood and 8d finish nails for 1-1/2 in. boards.
Then mark the board and cut it to width. This method results in a board of consistent width and parallel sides whether the board you’re cutting from is straight or crooked. If you want to create a straight edge on a crooked board, mark the board with a straightedge or chalk line instead.
Position your hand on the wide section of the saw shoe, not on the narrow side near the blade, and grip the shoe with your forefinger and thumb. Your forefinger acts as a guide.
CAUTION: DON’T USE THIS METHOD IF THE BOARD IS SPLINTERY OR IF YOUR FINGER WILL BE CLOSER THAN 3 IN. FROM THE SAW BLADE.
As you cut, direct pressure straight ahead through the handle of the saw, and concentrate on the line. If the saw starts to wander from the line, back up to about 6 in. behind where you first strayed from the line and start again. Before you squeeze the switch to restart the cut, make sure the saw blade is perfectly aligned in the kerf and maintain a firm grip in case the blade catches and jerks the saw.
Good follow-through is the secret to an accurate finish. Guide the saw beyond the end of the board as if the line continued.
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