Circular Saws: Types, Features, and Uses

Circular Saws

• A handheld power tool used for cutting wood and other materials
• Consists of a circular blade attached to a motor
• Types:
  • Sidewinder (most common): motor located beside the blade
  • In-line (also known as worm drive): motor located behind the blade
  • Hypoid: motor located behind the blade, similar to in-line, but with a more efficient gear system
• Key features:
  • Blade diameter: typically 6.5-7.25 inches
  • Power: 10-15 amps
  • Speed: 5,000-6,000 RPM
  • Bevel capacity: ability to tilt the blade for angled cuts

Router Tables

• A stationary power tool used for routing and profiling wood
• Consists of a table with a mounted router
• Key features:
  • Table size: typically 24-36 inches wide and 12-24 inches deep
  • Router power: 1-3 horsepower
  • Fence system: adjustable fence for precise routing
  • Bit capacity: ability to hold various router bits

Drill Presses

• A stationary power tool used for drilling precise holes in wood and other materials
• Consists of a drill bit attached to a spindle and column
• Key features:
  • Spindle travel: distance the spindle can move up and down
  • Speed: variable speed control for different materials and drill bits
  • Chuck capacity: ability to hold various drill bits and sizes
  • Table size: typically 12-20 inches wide and 12-20 inches deep

Miter Saws

• A specialized power tool used for making precise crosscuts and angled cuts in wood
• Consists of a circular blade attached to a swing arm
• Key features:
  • Blade diameter: typically 10-12 inches
  • Power: 10-15 amps
  • Speed: 3,000-4,000 RPM
  • Miter capacity: ability to make precise angled cuts
  • Bevel capacity: ability to tilt the blade for compound angled cuts

Impact Drivers

• A handheld power tool used for driving screws and other fasteners
• Consists of a motor and gearbox that delivers high torque
• Key features:
  • Power: 10-20 volts
  • Speed: 0-2,000 RPM
  • Torque: 100-200 ft-lbs
  • Chuck type: typically 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch hex chuck
  • Battery life: variable depending on the tool and battery type

Circular Saws

• Used for cutting wood and other materials
• Consist of a circular blade attached to a motor
• Types include sidewinder, in-line, and hypoid, with differences in motor placement
• Typically have a 6.5-7.25 inch blade diameter, 10-15 amps power, and 5,000-6,000 RPM speed
• Feature bevel capacity for angled cuts

Router Tables

• Used for routing and profiling wood
• Consist of a table with a mounted router
• Typically have a 24-36 inch wide and 12-24 inch deep table
• Feature 1-3 horsepower router power, adjustable fence system, and bit capacity

Drill Presses

• Used for drilling precise holes in wood and other materials
• Consist of a drill bit attached to a spindle and column
• Feature variable spindle travel and speed control for different materials and drill bits
• Typically have a 12-20 inch wide and 12-20 inch deep table and chuck capacity for various drill bits

Miter Saws

• Used for making precise crosscuts and angled cuts in wood
• Consist of a circular blade attached to a swing arm
• Typically have a 10-12 inch blade diameter, 10-15 amps power, and 3,000-4,000 RPM speed
• Feature miter capacity for precise angled cuts and bevel capacity for compound angled cuts

Impact Drivers

• Used for driving screws and other fasteners
• Consist of a motor and gearbox that delivers high torque
• Typically have 10-20 volts power, 0-2,000 RPM speed, and 100-200 ft-lbs torque
• Feature 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch hex chuck and variable battery life depending on the tool and battery type