Thanks Rob! This is kind of a combo of beginner info and advanced info. I just wanted it all in one place, since it’s all relevant to adjustments and maintenance . 🙂
Next on my buy list is going to be a cordless circular saw and probably an impact driver, I had no idea that you could adjust the soul plate if they ever got out of wack! I got a job as a construction labourer three weeks ago and I eventually want to head down the path of being a carpenter.
Thank God for your videos. I bought a circular saw brand new. Looked at some things you mentioned with no understanding. I had others but old and worn that I got from people. I could never cut straight but only needed them for cutting up old wood for easier bagging and dumping because I never understood about their uses until I looked into their uses on RUclips videos. I learned about making a jig guide and using the saw to improve straight cuts. But after watching your very excellent video I got just a basic idea about what to look for and what challenges I can try out for myself following your safety guide always disconnecting the power before trying looking for your guided tips. I will have to look over your great video a few times as I become aware of features and really gain better understanding of these features and where and when I want to use them. Your great video and good technique to both teach and help older people like myself and others will definitely be followed by plenty of plusses and positivity for me as a new user of power tools and guides to use them. Great job. Great teaching and great at helping to know the tools of their choices. Thanks a million
This interesting to me. I had no idea you could replace the brushes on the saws, and worm drives have oil for the gears. Learn something new every day. Thank you for the information Mr. Ethan
Ethan, Thanks for another highly useful video. 🙌🙌On the weekend I bought a second hand Skil 553* helical gear/sidewinder saw in excellent condition. It had been purchased in the late 1980s and the owner was surprised to learn the small button behind the motor was a blade lock. For all these years he had been jamming the blade into a 2X4 when it was time to change it. If any of your subscribers are fortunate enough to own an original Porter-Cable/Rockwell helical gear saw, they should be made aware of the grease cup at the back of the motor that allows for a regular lubrication of the inner gears and bearings. * Skil 553C Type 7 made in Toronto to be specific. 😉
Thank you for all the tips, Ethan. I need to adjust my sole plate to 90 degrees and had no idea how to do it. You've just helped me a lot, and I sure do appreciate it! I hope next wèk is a great one for you. 😃😃😃😃😃❤️❤️❤️👍👍
Thank you. I just got a Ryobi circular for DIY applications (to complement dewalt miter and table saw). I built a small platform for it with slot cut out to let the blade hang out so the plate can be flat. Thank you for the tips. I know tools are meant to be used, but they should be treated with respect, too.
Sadly corded saws and maintenance in general is going out the window for most people. They just buy another cordless saw when something happens to it and it gets cheaper build quality as tome goes on. On my jobsite we have old beasty a 1980s all metal mag 77 with a less than straight shoe on it. It has a 25 ft 12g cord on it and is used for "rough" sizing. The state of battery powered saws is just phenomenal power weight and ease of use. On our side besides the mag 77 there's a flexvolt rear handle and a m12 and gen circ saw. Thoes cover all the needs we could want one lighter other can't bog it down. We have been known to use a concrete blade on the 60v and cut block or trench with it. I see brushed corded saws going away and yes the more expensive cordless brushless models taking over(plus it's safer no cords to trip over). A tip for people buying saws avoid steel shoe plates that come with budget or kit saws at least cordless. Magnesium really is best for longevity and will stay flat longer.
Ok boomer. I’m guessing you had to walk 10 miles to the hardware store, uphill both ways, in winter. (That’s how I remember your generation making fun of your parents so I figured I’d bust it out.)
30s general contractor is that a boomer these days? I run my own thriving business with employees so I think you missed the mark. Reread before you comment "Never feed the trolls 🧌"
Great episode, Ethan. Could you cover the different types of circular saws (sidewinder/hypoid/worm drive) in more detail. I've seen worm drive saws for sale but never really knew anything about them (pros/cons). Thanks!
BtDT. Good info. Thanks for letting the "newbies" in on the way to do things. Still gots all fingers after 66 years since Pappy started me doing woodwork. Still using his 6.5 inch Skill saw for odds and ends of cutting stuff.
@@SteinerHaus I have a Skil 552c which is a heavy duty, made in Canada version of the Skil's 6 1/2 sidewinder saw. I think mine was made in the last few years before the Toronto plant was free-traded to oblivion.
@@rightlanehog3151 I honestly don't know if my old man's saw is a Canadian made unit or not. My earliest recollection of the saw is from 1956 (I was 3 +), it was loud. It has been a faithful companion for as long as I can remember. Dad *might* have bought it in Newfoundland, he was there '52-'56. I was born there in '53. Or perhaps he bought it before re-upping for Korean War in '52. I grew up using it and continue to do so from time to time. It is one darn fine machine that is damn near as old as I am at this point.
Ethan, well done. LOVED the Matrix reference. Laughed my head off. Also great tips. I actually gave up on a worm drive saw - mainly because I didn't want to deal with the oil issue and for what I do now - no need for the extra torque.
@@rightlanehog3151 You're right! Thanks for pointing that out - I just updated my comment. I was tired when I posted before and was running a bit on "auto pilot" and used his last name. Thanks for alerting to this.
I've never used power tools but I've been wanting to for a long time. Just never got around to learning how to do it. I need very thorough instructions and am a visual learner, with all the common beginner tools at least. I know I could look around on RUclips but ideally would like to get it all in one place. Might be wrong but I think your channel is a little more for the already seasoned folks. Are there other channels you'd recommend if you don't have them here?
Hey Chris, check out my online course! It’s by far the most comprehensive and straightforward guide to learning power tools that you’ll find anywhere! www.thehonestcarpenter.com/power-tools-explained
Nice video as always. Do you know if there are any risks with pulling a circ saw backwards, as in pulling the saw towards you with the blade then cutting below the dust port? What I’m thinking of here is if you plunged in a bit too far forward on a work piece and want to just quickly cover the 1-3 inches you were supposed to cut behind where you plunged.
Do NOT ever try to cut backwards! I your situation, tilt the back of the saw up and out of the cut, then slide it back, carefully plunge where you originally intended to, and complete your cut moving forward.
Nice Matrix reference! Do you have any interest in finishing your in-depth video series that you started before the move? Just curious! Thanks as always
Thanks Jason! I am indeed wrapping up the second course. I went with a mug narrower focus for this one-sort of a guide to the extreme basics. But having to build out the new shop has just delayed me finishing it so much!
I have a Porter Cable circular saw that I hardly ever use. It’s about 15 years old and of the type you used to demonstrate blade depth adjustment. It lives in its case rather than on a shelf. Can this type of saw lose the effectiveness of its lubricant over time?
My Porter-Kable kirkular saw did not allow to adjust the base plate whose edge was not parallel with the blade. I had to unscrew the plate, file down on one side of the joint on the body, and put a washer to create distance on the other side. Re-screwed it and now it's perfectly parallel. But this was a factory defect and it caused hell of a lot of frustration before I realized what was wrong.
not sure I'd classify the latter things as adjustments so much as how to MAINTAIN a circular saw. but yeah, the average person is likely not to know about maintaining brushes and oil. and few people will think about truing up the shoe.
it could be just skill issue on my part, but I found rip fences utterly worthless at keeping my cuts straight, it was like not even having it on. instead, I bought some Makita tracks (my saw is Makita, too), and a track adapter made by them, and I didn't have to spend a lot of money on a dedicated track saw! my cuts have been a lot faster and safer ever since, I can only recommend it.
Believe it or not, I’ve never had a track or track saw! I have to try one soon! I included rip fences here though because they do sometimes come with the saw. You’re right though, they can be clunky…but helpful in a pinch!
In over 60 years, I have never seen a riving knife on a circular saw in the US. I understand they exist in Europe, but I don't know why, nor would I want one. A riving knife would make plunge cuts impossible, which is an essential function of a circular saw, IMO.
I am a little disappointment that aligning the sole plate once it gets out of alignment, or was not properly align from the factory, which I believe mine was the latter. I am in the process of aligning my saw sole plate, but wanted to be sure there was not a way designed to do it.
I’m still using an OLD Black & Decker saw from around the 60s or 70s that I inherited from my father in law. Doubt it has all the features that the newer ones have. The blade & kick plate are STILL aligned !! Haven’t noticed any drop in power so no need to change the brushes just yet. I doubt I can even get a manual for it. It’s THAT OLD !! lol
I really like your videos. So many folks don't maintain stuff anymore. You give them no excuse!
I went into this expecting to not learn anything, and was surprised with almost half of the tips! Great job!
Thanks Rob! This is kind of a combo of beginner info and advanced info. I just wanted it all in one place, since it’s all relevant to adjustments and maintenance . 🙂
Next on my buy list is going to be a cordless circular saw and probably an impact driver, I had no idea that you could adjust the soul plate if they ever got out of wack!
I got a job as a construction labourer three weeks ago and I eventually want to head down the path of being a carpenter.
Thank God for your videos. I bought a circular saw brand new. Looked at some things you mentioned with no understanding. I had others but old and worn that I got from people. I could never cut straight but only needed them for cutting up old wood for easier bagging and dumping because I never understood about their uses until I looked into their uses on RUclips videos. I learned about making a jig guide and using the saw to improve straight cuts. But after watching your very excellent video I got just a basic idea about what to look for and what challenges I can try out for myself following your safety guide always disconnecting the power before trying looking for your guided tips. I will have to look over your great video a few times as I become aware of features and really gain better understanding of these features and where and when I want to use them. Your great video and good technique to both teach and help older people like myself and others will definitely be followed by plenty of plusses and positivity for me as a new user of power tools and guides to use them. Great job. Great teaching and great at helping to know the tools of their choices. Thanks a million
This interesting to me. I had no idea you could replace the brushes on the saws, and worm drives have oil for the gears. Learn something new every day.
Thank you for the information Mr. Ethan
👍😁
Thank you so much for all the information. I will be using it all ❤
Ethan, Thanks for another highly useful video. 🙌🙌On the weekend I bought a second hand Skil 553* helical gear/sidewinder saw in excellent condition. It had been purchased in the late 1980s and the owner was surprised to learn the small button behind the motor was a blade lock. For all these years he had been jamming the blade into a 2X4 when it was time to change it.
If any of your subscribers are fortunate enough to own an original Porter-Cable/Rockwell helical gear saw, they should be made aware of the grease cup at the back of the motor that allows for a regular lubrication of the inner gears and bearings. * Skil 553C Type 7 made in Toronto to be specific. 😉
Good info, Right Lane! A lot of the old ones used the 2x4 blocking method. The blade lock button was a huge improvement! 😁
@@TheHonestCarpenter 👍
Thank you for all the tips, Ethan. I need to adjust my sole plate to 90 degrees and had no idea how to do it. You've just helped me a lot, and I sure do appreciate it! I hope next wèk is a great one for you. 😃😃😃😃😃❤️❤️❤️👍👍
Brother you are the king when it comes to tools. Appreciate your educational videos. God bless
Thank you, Agelu! 🙏
Thank you. I just got a Ryobi circular for DIY applications (to complement dewalt miter and table saw). I built a small platform for it with slot cut out to let the blade hang out so the plate can be flat. Thank you for the tips. I know tools are meant to be used, but they should be treated with respect, too.
Agreed.
Great video. I purchased the Makita saw which you used in the video. Thanks for all your videos!
Very, very helpful, thank you 🙂I've been using my circular saw for many years and have never thought to change it's height based on depth of wood 🤦♂
Sadly corded saws and maintenance in general is going out the window for most people. They just buy another cordless saw when something happens to it and it gets cheaper build quality as tome goes on. On my jobsite we have old beasty a 1980s all metal mag 77 with a less than straight shoe on it. It has a 25 ft 12g cord on it and is used for "rough" sizing. The state of battery powered saws is just phenomenal power weight and ease of use. On our side besides the mag 77 there's a flexvolt rear handle and a m12 and gen circ saw. Thoes cover all the needs we could want one lighter other can't bog it down. We have been known to use a concrete blade on the 60v and cut block or trench with it. I see brushed corded saws going away and yes the more expensive cordless brushless models taking over(plus it's safer no cords to trip over). A tip for people buying saws avoid steel shoe plates that come with budget or kit saws at least cordless. Magnesium really is best for longevity and will stay flat longer.
Ok boomer. I’m guessing you had to walk 10 miles to the hardware store, uphill both ways, in winter. (That’s how I remember your generation making fun of your parents so I figured I’d bust it out.)
30s general contractor is that a boomer these days? I run my own thriving business with employees so I think you missed the mark. Reread before you comment "Never feed the trolls 🧌"
🙋♂️THANKS ETHAN,FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE ,HELPING MANY PEOPLE LEARNING THE PROPER WAY 🧐 TO USE AND MAINTAIN THE MOST COMMON OF POWER TOOLS 💚💚💚
Great advice and helpful information regarding all aspects of the trade
Thank you sir for the tips.
I LOVE YOUR HONEST CARPENTRY!!! PLEASE DO MORE!!!! AGHHHH!!! please sign me up for the mailig list im so high
Great episode, Ethan. Could you cover the different types of circular saws (sidewinder/hypoid/worm drive) in more detail. I've seen worm drive saws for sale but never really knew anything about them (pros/cons). Thanks!
BtDT. Good info. Thanks for letting the "newbies" in on the way to do things. Still gots all fingers after 66 years since Pappy started me doing woodwork. Still using his 6.5 inch Skill saw for odds and ends of cutting stuff.
That’s the way to do it, Kurt 👍😆
Is that a Skil 6.5 worm drive or sidewinder?
@@rightlanehog3151 It's a sidewinder. And an old favourite.
@@SteinerHaus I have a Skil 552c which is a heavy duty, made in Canada version of the Skil's 6 1/2 sidewinder saw. I think mine was made in the last few years before the Toronto plant was free-traded to oblivion.
@@rightlanehog3151 I honestly don't know if my old man's saw is a Canadian made unit or not. My earliest recollection of the saw is from 1956 (I was 3 +), it was loud. It has been a faithful companion for as long as I can remember. Dad *might* have bought it in Newfoundland, he was there '52-'56. I was born there in '53. Or perhaps he bought it before re-upping for Korean War in '52. I grew up using it and continue to do so from time to time. It is one darn fine machine that is damn near as old as I am at this point.
Fantastic video. Many thanks to you.
Thank you! 😊
Ethan, well done. LOVED the Matrix reference. Laughed my head off.
Also great tips. I actually gave up on a worm drive saw - mainly because I didn't want to deal with the oil issue and for what I do now - no need for the extra torque.
Thanks Dave! The framers fight me on it, but really do think work drives are a bit overkill for general carpentry 😅
Thank you
Thanks Ethan for your honest no BS information. Today I picked up the Dewalt locking bit holder that you recommended. You are awesome.
Thanks Rod! I hope you get some great usage out of it. 😄
The Bosch is good too
Helpful as always - thanks!
Hi Ethan, great video! I have the same Mikita circular saw, and never knew I needed to replace the oil. Thanks for that, and the other tips!
There's no oil in the Makita. In this video it's only in the worm drive Skilsaw, but all brands of worm drives are the same.
@@rightlanehog3151 You're right! Thanks for pointing that out - I just updated my comment. I was tired when I posted before and was running a bit on "auto pilot" and used his last name. Thanks for alerting to this.
@@jeffb5798 OK! I have deleted my earlier comment.
Great video ethan.
Great vid, glad you are back!
Great video. Don
Thank you, Don!
Great videos!
Your content is so beneficial!!!!!
Thank you, D! I really appreciate that 😄
Great stuff, thanks for sharing your hard won knowledge!
Thanks for watching, Eric!
Thank you!
Thanks for those great tips!
Is there any way to access (and tighten/ change) the blade-guard SPRING, on a Sidewinder Circular Saw?
Thanks! I think there is, but I have never really effectively changed or fixed one before 😕
Thank you Ethan, can you please make the same videos for jig-saws and chain-saws?
Cool thanks for the info
Thanks for watching, Beetle!
I've never used power tools but I've been wanting to for a long time. Just never got around to learning how to do it.
I need very thorough instructions and am a visual learner, with all the common beginner tools at least. I know I could look around on RUclips but ideally would like to get it all in one place.
Might be wrong but I think your channel is a little more for the already seasoned folks. Are there other channels you'd recommend if you don't have them here?
I'll just check out your playlists and go from there thanks
Hey Chris, check out my online course! It’s by far the most comprehensive and straightforward guide to learning power tools that you’ll find anywhere!
www.thehonestcarpenter.com/power-tools-explained
Nice video as always. Do you know if there are any risks with pulling a circ saw backwards, as in pulling the saw towards you with the blade then cutting below the dust port? What I’m thinking of here is if you plunged in a bit too far forward on a work piece and want to just quickly cover the 1-3 inches you were supposed to cut behind where you plunged.
Do NOT ever try to cut backwards! I your situation, tilt the back of the saw up and out of the cut, then slide it back, carefully plunge where you originally intended to, and complete your cut moving forward.
Finally bought the Makita Mag and it fell off a bench and I had to replace the the depth adjustment quadrant arm before it had few minutes on it.
Yup…didn’t know a lot of this.
I didn't know I could adjust the plate, thanks. Now I need to check my saw to see if it is actually square.
It’s a good reassurance, David!
Nice Matrix reference! Do you have any interest in finishing your in-depth video series that you started before the move? Just curious! Thanks as always
Thanks Jason! I am indeed wrapping up the second course. I went with a mug narrower focus for this one-sort of a guide to the extreme basics. But having to build out the new shop has just delayed me finishing it so much!
"they look like the thing in neo's stomach" LOL!!!
I have a Porter Cable circular saw that I hardly ever use. It’s about 15 years old and of the type you used to demonstrate blade depth adjustment. It lives in its case rather than on a shelf. Can this type of saw lose the effectiveness of its lubricant over time?
My Porter-Kable kirkular saw did not allow to adjust the base plate whose edge was not parallel with the blade. I had to unscrew the plate, file down on one side of the joint on the body, and put a washer to create distance on the other side. Re-screwed it and now it's perfectly parallel. But this was a factory defect and it caused hell of a lot of frustration before I realized what was wrong.
I never knew if I could adjust the sole plate back to 90-deg. Im going to have to check mine when I get home...I'm at work 😆
Check it out! 😁
not sure I'd classify the latter things as adjustments so much as how to MAINTAIN a circular saw. but yeah, the average person is likely not to know about maintaining brushes and oil. and few people will think about truing up the shoe.
it could be just skill issue on my part, but I found rip fences utterly worthless at keeping my cuts straight, it was like not even having it on. instead, I bought some Makita tracks (my saw is Makita, too), and a track adapter made by them, and I didn't have to spend a lot of money on a dedicated track saw! my cuts have been a lot faster and safer ever since, I can only recommend it.
Believe it or not, I’ve never had a track or track saw! I have to try one soon! I included rip fences here though because they do sometimes come with the saw. You’re right though, they can be clunky…but helpful in a pinch!
@@TheHonestCarpenter mine (Makita HS6601) came with a rip fence, too.
❤❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Wow, today I learned that I should probably check the oil in my saws....
Never hurts! That was my first time checking the skil, and you could see the gear glitter in the old oil 😅
👍🏽
Also, make sure that your square is actually square because you'd be surprised at how many of them aren't lol
How would you find out?
@@pamelah6431 there is a method with drawing a line, then flipping it and drawing another one to see if they are parallel.
I could neever afford those super quality circular saws
✌💪💯
Why have the manufacturers stopped fitting riving knives?A very valuable safety device for ripping.
In over 60 years, I have never seen a riving knife on a circular saw in the US. I understand they exist in Europe, but I don't know why, nor would I want one. A riving knife would make plunge cuts impossible, which is an essential function of a circular saw, IMO.
I am a little disappointment that aligning the sole plate once it gets out of alignment, or was not properly align from the factory, which I believe mine was the latter. I am in the process of aligning my saw sole plate, but wanted to be sure there was not a way designed to do it.
Really appreciate The Matrix reference. And I really appreciate the different ways to adjust the saw. I've mainly just used The Default Setting. 👷🏿♂️
Thanks, W! Overall my Makitas have lasted a long time even with very little maintenance. 🙂
I've had my saw for 25 years and aside from replacing the blade I've never done any of these things.
Thank you for the update!
Maybe it is time to replace my 40 year old saw 😂.
That was so much great knowledge concerning the circular saw; most,of which; I definitely needed. Thanks for being willing to share it....🔧👍🦾
You’re welcome, thanks for watching! 😄
I’m still using an OLD Black & Decker saw from around the 60s or 70s that I inherited from my father in law. Doubt it has all the features that the newer ones have. The blade & kick plate are STILL aligned !! Haven’t noticed any drop in power so no need to change the brushes just yet. I doubt I can even get a manual for it. It’s THAT OLD !! lol
Black and Decker was a serious brand back then, Bill! 👍😆
@@TheHonestCarpenter yes it was.
🙋♂️THANKS ETHAN,FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE ,HELPING MANY PEOPLE LEARNING THE PROPER WAY 🧐 TO USE AND MAINTAIN THE MOST COMMON OF POWER TOOLS 💚💚💚
Thanks as always, Budget! 😁