Table circular saws are used for cutting woods to size . They are extremely powerful and dangerous if used incorrectly. DIY table circular saws are ideal for cutting manmade boards such as plywood and MDF and natural woods up to a size of approximately 50mm thickness. They can be used to cut materials for joinery, furniture and windows. A table circular saw is normally supplied with a floor stand and this lifts the saw up to a safe working height. Saws of this type are a necessary piece of equipment for heavy joinery work.
The safe use of table circular saws are outlined below. Remember, before operating any power tools you must receive training from a suitably qualified instructor. They must be used safely as an accident with this type of equipment can be very serious.

1. Always plug power tools into a RCB (circuit breaker) as a safety measure against electrical faults.
2. Wear goggles to protect eyes from dust/chippings and a face/dust mask to prevent breathing in dangerous dust particles.
3. Always read the manufacturers instructions very carefully and follow them.
4. Always seek instruction / training from an appropriately qualified instructor before using any tools, especially power tools.
5. Make sure that the mains cable cannot be tripped over or that it causes a hazard in anyway.
6. Use push sticks so that hands and fingers are kept away from the dangerous rotating blade.
7. Fit an extraction unit to remove all the dust and small practicals.
8. Keep hands and fingers away from the rotating blade.
9. Before plugging in to the mains, check the condition of the blade. Do not use the saw if the blade looks damaged or worn.
10. Check the condition of the wood to be cut especially if it is recycled. Look out for nails and screws. if these are hit be the rotating blade the wood can be thrown out of the machine at great speed. The blade will also be damaged.
11. Turn off all power to the saw when changing a blade or carrying out maintenance.

Diagram ‘A’ shows the mitre guide being used. This allows the wood being machined to be cut accurately at a set angle. The mitre guide can be set to a range of angles. This is a useful, simple accessory.
Diagram ‘B’ shows push sticks being used. They are used to push / guide the wood along the fence and towards the rotating blade. Push sticks must always be used if the operators hands move too close to the circular saw. The distance between the fence and blade can be set to different distances allowing for a range of widths of material to be cut.