Cutting long pieces of wood

Submitted by TCM on Mon, 09/03/2012 - 03:46

Hi there!

I am a total newbie, and I am trying to not kill my self with the circular saw.

I have a quick question: The board I need to cut is 1 X 12 X 8. I need to cut a 39.75 inch piece off of that board. Now, I know the 39.75 piece will be my free end, but i'm not sure if I need to support it, or if it can just fall free. I'm afraid the board is going to pinch the saw.

Does that make sense?

Thank you!

TCM

Mon, 09/03/2012 - 07:16

I guess I should try to be more clear. As I understand it, I should just let the free end fall free. But I also read that with a longer piece off wood, it should be supported. I guess I feel a little "damned if you do, damned if you dont". If I leave it free to fall, it might pinch or rip, if I support it, it will pinch. I don't know what to do.

claydowling

Wed, 09/05/2012 - 19:28

If you don't support it, the wood is likely to tear out as it falls free.

This right here is also why I use a hand saw for breaking down long stock. The hand saw won't try to take an arm or a leg.

Rusty Cottage

Thu, 09/06/2012 - 10:21

Having the free end fall free is the best way to avoid binding. if you support at both ends you are likely to get kick back. See the following link:

http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Tools---Tips/DIY-Skills/Tool-Skills/c…

For the people on this site I would avoid the last two tips, they are a little more dangerous and unnecessary for our purposes.

claydowling's advice is good but make sure the two supports closest to the cut line are within a few inches so that there is chance of kick back is reduced.

Personally, I always set my blade depth properly. I prop up the board on wood on a worktable and let the other free end fall but the fall is only 1.5" leaving little to no tear out.