A circular saw is a power tool no woodworker can do without.
If there is one power tool that is essential for every woodworker, it's a circular saw. The Skil company invented it, and the Skil brand is so ubiquitous that the name has become synonymous with the tool. A Skil saw can be dangerous, and using one requires care. It's best to practice on a few simple projects before you begin to use it in earnest.
Simple Bench
You only need rudimentary ability with a Skil saw to make a bench from 2- by-4-inch lumber. Measure out four lengths 48 inches long for the seat; four lengths 24 inches long for the legs; four lengths 12 inches long to hold the legs together; and one length 36 inches long for a lengthwise brace. After you measure each length, draw a perpendicular line across the face of the board, lay it on a bench so the off-cut is hanging over the edge, and cut through the line with the Skil saw. Hold the blade guard back with your thumb while you push the saw through the wood. When you have cut all the pieces, assemble the bench with screws.
Shelving
Making a simple shelf is a good way to get used to ripping plywood with a Skil saw. Measure and draw a 12- by-36-inch rectangle on a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood, then set the plywood on a pair of sawhorses. Adjust the depth of the saw blade to a little more than the thickness of the plywood, then hold back the blade guard while you cut along the lines to cut out the shelf. Push the saw slowly, and keep the marker on the front of the saw base aligned with the line to make straight cuts. After you're done, hang the shelves with shelving brackets.
Pet Door
A pet door that will fit in the opening of a sliding door is a good project for practicing the technique of plunge-cutting. Cut out a rectangle that will fit in the sliding door opening, then set it on a sawhorse and draw the outline of the door. Place the back of the saw base on the surface, and align the blade with the line. Tilt the saw up, hold back the blade guard and turn it on. Lower it slowly until the blade cuts all the way through, then cut along the line. Save the cut-out and hinge it to the opening to make the pet door.
Simple Pyramid
Practice bevel-cutting by making a simple pyramid that you can use for decoration or as a speaker box. Draw out three equilateral triangles of the same size on 1/2-inch plywood, then set the angle of the Skil saw blade to 30 degrees and cut them out. Keep the edge of the blade nearest you just to the outside of the line. If you cut accurately, the seams will fit tightly when you join the triangles. Spread glue on the edges, then screw them together to form the pyramid.
Tags: inches long, blade guard, four lengths, four lengths inches, lengths inches