Build Like a Pro: Cutting Curves with a Circular Saw

A worm-drive saw is one of the most versatile power tools you'll ever own. Well, Scott Grice, a Portland, Ore.-based general contractor, certainly believes so. In this video, he shows you three typical applications that he uses to make different cuts. First, he cuts a radius for a door jamb, then he makes a plunge cut in the center of a sheet of plywood to accomodate a pipe fitting. Lastly, he dropcuts a board under a staircase, letting the weight of the saw power the blade through the 2x.

To learn more about worm-drive saws and their features, read Testing Worm-Drive Saws from Fine Homebuilding Issue #192 (Dec 2007/Jan 2008), pp.64-69.

Product Finder: Related Products

(1 user review) DeWalt - DW369CSK Circular Saw(2)
DeWalt's DW369CSK circular saw features a blade guard that operates smoothly at all angles

Hitachi - C7BMR Circular Saw
Hitachi's C7BMR circular saw shows little defelction during heavy use

Makita - 5007MGA Circular Saw
Makita's 5007MGA circular saw has rubber-covered everything for comfort as well as a dual LED headlight to illuminate the cutline

Milwaukee - 6394-21 Circular Saw
This circular saw from Milwaukee features a rear handle that can be rotated into eight positions

Porter-Cable - PC15TCSMK Circular Saw
Porter-Cable's PC15TCSMK features smooth guard operation and its blade visibility is good