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!
Forums
TCM
Mon, 09/03/2012 - 07:16
I guess I should try to be
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
Support It
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
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.
claydowling
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 15:02
Hand saw for the win
One of the reasons I prefer the hand saw is the lack of kick back.