How To Operate a Circular Saw

Circular saw blades don't know the difference between 2x4s and fingers. Making that distinction is your job. I've never had anything approaching a serious injury with a circular saw, and if you practice safe cutting, you shouldn't either. Here's some advice:

• Always wear eye protection.
• Use hearing protection if you will be operating the saw for any length of time.
• Clamp the item being cut securely so that the cut end will fall away.
• Visualize the path of the blade before you start cutting. Is there, for example, a table top underneath that is likely to cross that path? Or a knee?
• Always use sharp blades.
• Let the blade get to full speed before you begin your cut.
• Let the blade come to a complete stop before setting the saw down.
• Unplug the cord before changing blades.
• Enjoy your cold beer after you've put the tool away. Operating power tools requires at least the same degree of concentration as driving a car in heavy traffic.