What Is a Sliding Circular Saw?
Sliding circular saws are a type of power tool that cuts wood using a circular blade that rotates automatically.
In addition to sliding circular saws, other types of power tools used for cutting wood include handheld circular saws and tabletop circular saws. Sliding circular saws are motorized circular saws mounted on a base that can be lowered over the wood and slid to cut the wood.
Hand-held circular saws cut wood by moving the circular saw by hand. This has the disadvantage that the cutting position tends to shift more easily than with sliding circular saws, where the base and blade are integrated into one unit.
Unlike circular saws, tabletop circular saws have an integrated base and blade. Unlike sliding circular saws, the blade cannot be slid down, so the depth of cut and cutting width cannot be adjusted.
Uses of Sliding Circular Saws
Unlike manual saws and electric circular saws, sliding circular saws have an integrated base and blade, so the cutting position and angle cannot be shifted. It is suitable for cases where a precise cutting surface is required, or when multiple materials need to be cut in succession on the same cutting surface.
Sliding circular saws also allow precise adjustment of the depth of cut, making it possible to perform “trench cutting” to dig a trench of a certain depth. The applications range from craftsmen’s workplaces to DIY at home.
Principle of Sliding Circular Saws
The principle of sliding circular saws is that a small motor, powered by electricity, rotates a circular saw blade at high speed, and this fast-rotating blade cuts wood. As the name sliding circular saws suggests, the circular saw slides in a straight line by means of guide rails and a sliding mechanism.
This allows the circular saw to cut wood in a straight line over a long cutting range. Furthermore, the cutting angle can be adjusted and the cutting surface can be sloped as well as right-angled. These features combine to make sliding circular saws a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
Types of Sliding Circular Saws
There are two types of sliding circular saws: power-operated and rechargeable.
1. Power-Operated Type (Corded Type)
Compared to the rechargeable type, the power output is higher and more stable. They are also suitable for long hours of work because there is no need to worry about the power supply running out during work. Power-operated models have the disadvantage of being usable only where there is an electrical outlet and the cord may get in the way.
2. Rechargeable Type (Cordless Type)
The cordless type has the advantage of being easy to carry and can be used anywhere. Since there are products that can produce the same output as a power-operated type, it is possible to choose a high output and easy to carry. The price range is higher than that of the power-operated type.
How to Select Sliding Circular Saws
When choosing sliding circular saws, first consider the intended use and work environment. If you plan to work on a large scale or use the saw frequently, a power-driven saw is better because of its durability and power. On the other hand, if you plan to use it for work that requires a lot of movement or in places where there is no power source, a cordless type will be more convenient.
1. Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of sliding circular saws is the depth of cut and the width that can be cut. Circular saw blades with an outside diameter of 165 mm or 190 mm are commonly used. When cutting thick materials, it is best to choose a circular saw with a deep depth of cut and a blade outer diameter of 190 mm.
The wider the cutting width, the larger the sliding circular saw, and the larger the size of the sliding circular saw, the higher the price tends to be.
2. Type and Size of Material to Be Cut
If you plan to cut large pieces of wood, one with a large blade and high cutting capacity is suitable. Also, if you need to cut metal or plastic, it is important to choose a blade that is compatible with those materials.
3. Safety
It is preferable to choose a blade with a full range of safety features, such as one with a safety device to protect fingers and hands, or one with a short time to stop the blade.
4. Price and Brand
It is safe to choose a reliable brand within your budget. It is also preferable to consider after-sales service and warranty period.