Cutting a 4x4
Updated: July 9, 2012
Tools:
Speed square
Pencil
Eye protection
Circular saw
Sturdy base to cut on (i.e. sawhorses)
When you're working with a circular saw and a four by four block of wood, the saw blade is not going to cut completely through the wood. So try this tip. Take a speed square and a pencil and on your mark draw a straight line across the top of the board. Mark all four sides and continue the line all the way around the board. Now when it comes time to cut, all you have to do is follow your lines and you will end up with the perfect cut.
Here is some more information we found for you when it comes to saws.
When you are cutting with a power saw, make sure that the waste piece can fall freely after the cut. If not, the blade will bind and the saw will kick back. This is very important, make sure you are standing to the side of the saw; always keep your body out of the potential kickback path directly behind the saw. Make sure the blade is up to full speed before pushing it into the cut. Think through what will happen to the board's balance when the cut is complete.
Never try to turn the blade in the wood you could end up causing the blade to bind.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid the most common mistakes people tend to make when sawing with a power saw.
Never set a board to be cut between two supports. Instead, cantilever the board over the outside of one support to avoid binding the saw blade when the board drops. This method will also avoid "kick back".
In fact, when it comes to sawing and assembling, one of the most useful accessories you can have in your work area is a pair of sawhorses. Sawhorses can mean the difference between an easy, comfortable task and a difficult one. Sawhorses support both ends of your work while allowing room for the saw.
Be sure you choose the appropriate saw blade for the material you are cutting. Always use the proper cutting edge for the job as well. That means one that is sharp and is made for the material you are cutting.
A circular saw is one of the most common and most popular tools. It has a replaceable blade and a blade guard. Part of guard blade is spring loaded to move out the way as you saw. A circular saw also has a sole plate, which may or may not be attached to a ripping fence; a cutting guide; and knobs to adjust the cutting angle and depth of the blade. You can set the cutting depth to 1/8" more than the thickness of the board (if it is not a 4x4). You can avoid binding by keeping the sole plate flat on the surface of the wood. There are two basic kinds of circular saws. The worm drive saw is used for heavy-duty framing-type work. The sidewinder is used for lightweight jobs and finishing work.
Here is some information on other types of power saws.
The jig saw or saber saw is used to cut curving lines or make detailed cuts. When starting your cut from inside a piece of wood, you can drill a starting hole to cut openings in paneling, drywall, or counter tops. Most models can accommodate a circle guide and angle cutting and ripping accessories.
A reciprocating saw is generally used to cut openings in existing walls. It is ideal for remodeling or demolition work. A reciprocating saw can also rough-cut green wood, metal, leather, rubber, cloth, linoleum, and plastic.
Often times table saws are referred to as bench saws, they can crosscut rip, miter, groove, and bevel. With a 71/2" to 12" blade, this saw can cut depths of 1 1/2" to 3 3/8". With accessories, it will make moldings, and sand stock. Smaller table saws are good for general hobby and repair work.
Speed square
Pencil
Eye protection
Circular saw
Sturdy base to cut on (i.e. sawhorses)
When you're working with a circular saw and a four by four block of wood, the saw blade is not going to cut completely through the wood. So try this tip. Take a speed square and a pencil and on your mark draw a straight line across the top of the board. Mark all four sides and continue the line all the way around the board. Now when it comes time to cut, all you have to do is follow your lines and you will end up with the perfect cut.
Here is some more information we found for you when it comes to saws.
When you are cutting with a power saw, make sure that the waste piece can fall freely after the cut. If not, the blade will bind and the saw will kick back. This is very important, make sure you are standing to the side of the saw; always keep your body out of the potential kickback path directly behind the saw. Make sure the blade is up to full speed before pushing it into the cut. Think through what will happen to the board's balance when the cut is complete.
Never try to turn the blade in the wood you could end up causing the blade to bind.
Here are some tips that will help you avoid the most common mistakes people tend to make when sawing with a power saw.
Never set a board to be cut between two supports. Instead, cantilever the board over the outside of one support to avoid binding the saw blade when the board drops. This method will also avoid "kick back".
In fact, when it comes to sawing and assembling, one of the most useful accessories you can have in your work area is a pair of sawhorses. Sawhorses can mean the difference between an easy, comfortable task and a difficult one. Sawhorses support both ends of your work while allowing room for the saw.
Be sure you choose the appropriate saw blade for the material you are cutting. Always use the proper cutting edge for the job as well. That means one that is sharp and is made for the material you are cutting.
A circular saw is one of the most common and most popular tools. It has a replaceable blade and a blade guard. Part of guard blade is spring loaded to move out the way as you saw. A circular saw also has a sole plate, which may or may not be attached to a ripping fence; a cutting guide; and knobs to adjust the cutting angle and depth of the blade. You can set the cutting depth to 1/8" more than the thickness of the board (if it is not a 4x4). You can avoid binding by keeping the sole plate flat on the surface of the wood. There are two basic kinds of circular saws. The worm drive saw is used for heavy-duty framing-type work. The sidewinder is used for lightweight jobs and finishing work.
Here is some information on other types of power saws.
The jig saw or saber saw is used to cut curving lines or make detailed cuts. When starting your cut from inside a piece of wood, you can drill a starting hole to cut openings in paneling, drywall, or counter tops. Most models can accommodate a circle guide and angle cutting and ripping accessories.
A reciprocating saw is generally used to cut openings in existing walls. It is ideal for remodeling or demolition work. A reciprocating saw can also rough-cut green wood, metal, leather, rubber, cloth, linoleum, and plastic.
Often times table saws are referred to as bench saws, they can crosscut rip, miter, groove, and bevel. With a 71/2" to 12" blade, this saw can cut depths of 1 1/2" to 3 3/8". With accessories, it will make moldings, and sand stock. Smaller table saws are good for general hobby and repair work.
