The Circular saw kickback is an issue most carpenters face every once in a while. However, in some cases handling this issue is quite challenging and it cause deadly accidents. It is possible, however, to overcome this issue by using few tips to make it sure that your circular saw does not kickbacks.
A circular saw kickbacks when you start cutting your wood piece lying on support irregularly. The ends of wood increase force on the blades. Due to which the blades pinch, while moving forward. Meanwhile, a lot of force is stored with the blades. When the saw cannot bear this force then it comes out in opposite direction of cutting.
Kickback can also occur when the wooden board that you are cutting loops in the downward direction. This squeezes the blades of the saw and it stalls. Suddenly it left off and move towards you which could be dangerous.
It also occurs when the wood piece become compressed between the saw blades and any other stalling object like railing or barrier while cutting.
What Causes A Circular Saw To Kick Back?
There are many reasons that can cause a circular to kickback. It might be due to the mistakes of the operator or the negligence in taking safety measures. To prevent the injuries that occur due to kickbacks we have to understand the causes behind it in detail and take precautions to prevent such kickbacks. Among all the causes of Kickbacks, following are the common ones:
1. Usage Of Unsharpened Blades
Using a saw with unsharpened or pointless blades might be the cause of kickbacks. Using unsharpened blades require more pressure to cut the wood which greatly increase the chances of pinching. The blade might pinch into the wooden boards, causing it to stuck in it. As a result the higher pressure on the saw may cause it to move backward.
Recommended Circular Saw Blade Sharpener: Edeardda Circular Saw Blade Sharpener (220V)
2. Over Usage Of Saw
Overusing a saw results in the overheating of saw blades. Overheating might be the result of using a dull or edgeless blade, extensive rubbing of the saw on the board, using the saw so abruptly or so slowly and improperly adjusted saw. All these things cause greater friction and leave scorch marks on the wooden board. Thus, overheating might cause saw kickbacks.
3. Using Knotted Wood
Cutting a knotted wood with saw is quite difficult . Actually, knots in the wood are more dense and deep than other parts of the wood while some knots are somewhat loose. Trying to cut these knots with saw may cause the blades to either become jammed and pinched or cause a dangerous backward projection. So, while choosing the wood we should be cautious that the wood is not compressed or knotty, so as to prevent possible kickbacks.
4. Setting Depth of Cutting Blades
While setting the depth of your saw blades you must take into account that the depth that your are selecting is not more than the actual depth capacity of your cutting blades. Because the selected depth might be greater than the actual thickness of your stock. This may be the reason behind greater exposure of the wood surface which increases the probability and severity of kickbacks.
5. Size Of Work Piece
Before cutting wood with a circular saw we should understand that the size of the work piece also matters. If you are using a small work piece than this will surely cost you later. When the wood piece is small and light , the saw blades are unable to strike the wood; this might cause a tremendous throw-off of the wooden piece. The speed of this kickback is so fast that you will be unable to it see it.
How To Prevent Circular Saw Kickbacks? [10 Proven Ways]
I’ve listed 10 Ways to control circular saw kickbacks below.
Its all about safety measures, technical adjustments and avoiding mistakes. Keep in mind these tricks to avoid them:
1. Operating The Saw
The circular saw consists of two handles i.e., front and back. Operating the saw is so simple and probably the most simple and convenient way to reduce kickbacks. While working with the saw make sure that you have a strong grip on both the handles of the saw. Moreover, just keep in mind that you are holding the trigger handle so you can easily throw the saw away if any kickback occurs.
2. Upholding Your Position
While using a circular saw one of the most important measure is to uphold your position properly. Kickbacks usually occur in opposite direction of cutting. So, in order to avoid kickbacks you must not stand just behind the circular saw.
3. Securing The Wood Piece
Before starting to work on the wood piece just make sure that its in place and tightened up properly. When tightening clamps, make into account that your wood piece is lying on the support so that you can have a proper control on your work piece. In order to secure the wood in its place you can use simple grip clamps because they are properly fine for holding larger wooden boards easily.
4. Using Good Support For Work Piece
One of the leading cause of saw kickbacks is not using a fine support between the longer piece of wood handled with saw horses on both sides. No support in the middle of the wood can cause it to bend leading to the pinching of saw blades. Therefore, before you start to work you should place a pair of supports on both sides as well as in the middle one.
5. Examine Your Circular Saw
Examining your saw before use is far more important. Make sure that you have installed your saw carefully. Check the following things before use:
- Check the blades of the saw. If the blades are bent or if their teeth are not smooth then don’t work with it.
- Check if there is any disturbance or warping in the body of blades.
- Do not let the blades of the saw overheat due to any of the factors. If you have to use the saw slowly or abruptly make sure that the blades are pretty sharp and the motor connected to the saw is strong enough.
- Make adjustments with blade depth capacity. A half inch beyond the thickness of wood is pretty fine.
- Check that the blade is strongly connected with the shaft and is not loose.
6. Correct Cutting:
Careful, cutting of the work piece is helpful in avoiding the resulting kickbacks. When you start cutting the wood check that the blades are not lying on the board. Do not start cutting the board immediately instead wait till the saw reaches its maximum speed. Then slowly start cutting the board and steadily moving through the board make a continuous cut. Make the cuts to the length which your can easily handle.
7. Ensure Cutting Pieces Placement
While cutting the board into shorter pieces just take a look that the side you are cutting is free to fall on the ground so that the blades will not bind and form knot points in the wood. Moreover, it also protect your feet from large blocks of wood that are falling.
8. Stall Immediately
If you hear any annoying or screechy sound coming from your saw blades, stop doing your work immediately. If you see any wandering from the path that you have drawn, before working, just keep the blades off and start again from the starting points but must check that you are not cutting across one path over and over again.
9. Avoiding Scratches
Avoiding making small scratches on the wooden board with the scratching shoe on the top of the circular saw. You can avoid it by using masking tape to see the scratch free board for smooth cutting.
10. Safety Measures
The best and the most effective way to prevent or reduce the kickbacks is to wear all the safety gears. This way is mandatory to prevent deadly accidents. You must wear your eye specks, dust musk, gloves, protection shield and toe boots.
