If you have a DIY project in mind for which you need a circular piece of wood, metal, or various other materials, using a circular saw can be a great and easy way to make it! In this article, we are going to find out exactly how to cut a circle with a circular saw so that you can complete the project you’re working on!
To cut a circle with a circular saw, you need to screw the saw into a movable piece of wood which is also screwed into the piece you want to cut. It’s vital that you use the correct depth setting on the circular saw and make as many passes as needed to cut the material.
Keep reading if you want detailed instructions on how exactly to use a circular saw to cut a circle in any material! In just a few moments, you are going to be an expert and will be able to safely and confidently cut a circle with a circular saw.
What Kind of Circular Saw Should You Use to Cut a Circle?
Before we find out how to cut a circle with a circular saw, you first need to know what kind of circular saw is the best option for the job.
When it comes to circular saws, there are quite a few options on the market, and it can get a little confusing as to which is the best choice for your specific project.
However, the best kind of circular saw for cutting circles is a lightweight and portable saw that you can easily maneuver into a circle.
Therefore, any large, cumbersome circular saw that you cannot gently guide is not the right choice for cutting circles.
What Kind of Blade Should You Use to Cut a Circle With a Circular Saw?
The next aspect of cutting a circle with a circular saw that you need to factor in is what kind of blade you will use.
As we will learn in the next section, the best way to cut a circle is to use minimal depth and multiple passes with the saw.
Consequently, when picking the blade to cut your circle, you should opt for one with a low depth as opposed to a larger option.
It’s also important to note that the type of blade you need will depend on the material you are cutting. If you don’t know much about circular saw blades, you should ask an expert at your local home improvement store to find out which one is best for your circle project!
How to Cut a Circle With a Circular Saw
Finally, it’s time to actually learn how to cut a circle with a circular saw! And luckily, it’s actually not as difficult as you might think.
All you need to cut a circle with a circular saw is the saw itself, the material you want to cut, an extra piece of wood, measuring tape, and a clamp.
Once you have these tools and a safe workspace, here’s what you need to do:
- Measure the Circle
- Cut a Square
- Screw in a Scrap Piece of Wood
- Use a Low Depth and Cut Gently
- Repeat as Needed
Now, we’re going to describe these steps in detail so you can cut the perfect circle!
Measure the Circle
The best way to measure the perfect circle is to use a compass. However, if you don’t have a compass, you can also use a piece of string!
Measure the string to half of the diameter you want to achieve, then tie it to a screw in the middle of the material and a pencil to the other side. Draw your circle with the pencil by pulling the string taught all the way around.
Cut a Square
Next, cut the material down to a square slightly bigger than you want the circle to be.
The best way to do so is to have at least one edge of the square line up with the edge of the drawn circle.
Screw in a Piece of Wood
If you want to cut an absolutely perfect circle, you should then take a piece of scrap wood that is slightly shorter than the diameter of your circle and screw it into the center of your measured circle.
Then you can screw the circular saw into the end of the piece of wood. This will give you a stable but mobile way to safely move the saw around the proposed circle.
Use a Low Depth and Cut Gently
It’s extremely important that you start with a low depth when you are cutting a circle with a circular saw.
Of course, the recommended depth will vary depending on the material you’re using, how thick it is, and even which blade you chose. However, the general rule of thumb is to go as low as possible for the first time around.
Precision is key to the perfect circle! So, during the first cut, be sure you move slowly but with enough force to actually cut the material.
Repeat as Needed
Because you are using a low depth, you will likely have to take several turns around the circle to completely cut it.
While you can deepen the depth after the first time around, you should still be careful not to go too deep as it will affect the precision.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to cut a circle with a circular saw, as well as which circular saw and blade you should choose for the project!
Just remember, every material, tool, and blade is slightly different. So although you have the instructions you need, you should still learn everything you can about your specific project in order to cut the perfect circle.
