
Choosing the right circular saw for the job increases efficiency.
Purchasing the right tools for construction work is an important task, especially since quality, durability, price, safety features and performance can make a difference. Because buying the wrong circular saw can mean wasting money, slow down work performance and end up with a contractor having to find a different saw as a replacement, knowing what to look for is important before that initial purchase is made. Just as having the right equipment for the job can make a big difference in the smoothness of operation, taking continuing education contractor classes helps a contractor stay on top of the game and add to his or her skillset and expertise.
Look for Comfort
A circular saw that is unwieldy and has an uncomfortable grip gives the worker less control during the cutting process and can cause fatigue faster. Besides having a comfortable grip while using barehanded, keep in mind that in colder climates the worker may need to wear gloves. In addition, check the trigger clearance. While some circular saws have good trigger clearance for a worker who is using the saw barehanded, there might not be enough clearance if the worker is gloved.
Check Bevel Capacity
Many, but not all, circular saws can make bevel cuts that are over 45 degrees. Many also have stops for the more common angles. Depending on what the worker is cutting, this can interfere with work, particularly if the worker is hand framing a roof. Choosing the right circular saw when bevel capacity is out of the ordinary is an important consideration.
Decide What Type of Shoe You Want on the Saw
The type of metal on the circular saw shoe http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-circular-saw/ can make a difference in performance. See whether the shoe is made of steel, aluminum or magnesium. Less expensive circular saws frequently have steel shoes, which can have a downside. Steel shoes sometimes have rolled edges that can interfere with cut accuracy, and a circular saw with a steel shoe can end up with a bent shoe if it falls or is dropped.

Circular saws come in many types.
Look at Whether Lighting Options Are Important for the Job
While lighting might not be necessary if the work is being done in bright light, in other dim light situations, purchasing a circular saw with a lighting feature can help avoid cutting errors and make it easier and faster for the worker, especially if the employee is less experienced working with a circular saw. By illuminating the area that is to be cut, it can help the employee work faster and more efficiently.
Examine How Easy It Is to Change Blades
Many employees who use circular saws would consider having a wrench included as part of the saw an important feature. Some models of circular saws include a wrench to change saw blades and are either attached to the saw cord or stored on the saw itself. Most also include a spindle lock to prevent rotation of the motor shaft while changing blades. Look for both of these features when choosing a circular saw. If the included wrench is an Allen wrench, even better, since this type of wrench won’t slip.
Look Over How Easily the Depth Adjustment Operates
Most circular saws have outboard levers on the left side. However, some companies include indents at the most common depth levels. This makes it easy to go from one size board to another and maintain the correct depth for the blade.
Using the right tools for the job requires knowing what to look for before purchasing them. Taking required contractor classes to renew a license is also an important decision to ensure that the classes will not interfere with your work schedule. Convenience and affordable prices are a big consideration.
PDH Contractor Academy offers preapproved online and correspondence courses for multiple states so that contractors can complete required courses easily and whenever and wherever it is convenient. Once you have completed your contractor classes, we notify the appropriate board of your successful completion and give you a copy of your completion certificate for your own records. To learn more, you can browse courses by state, to see how easy it is to complete your continuing education requirements.