Friday, March 5, 2010

Circular Power Saws - How To Choose And Use Safely

Any portable saw you buy for your home or shop should be capable of cutting a 2 x 4 piece of wood at a 45-degree angle. In general, saws that have a blade diameter of 7 or more inches are good choices. Using a saw safely should be of primary importance. In this article I'll cover the basics on saw selection and safety practices.

A number of considerations have a bearing on your decision when buying a circular saw. Do you want powered or cordless? Does the saw come equipped with a depth adjustment, which enables you to make shallow cuts when required; an angled adjustment for cutting miters and bevels; and a ripping fence, which guides the saw when you want to rip a board to a specific width? It should have an automatic spring-loaded blade guard that retracts as the blade enters the work area, and then covers the exposed part of the blade as soon as the cut has been completed.

Since most present-day saws have all these features, your final choice often depends on how conveniently a saw operates and how easily the adjustments are made. Another major consideration should be the weight of the tool. Think about how long you intend to use it in any one stretch of time. Large-sized adjustment nuts are a worthy consideration, as is an easy-to-grip handle on the blade guard. In addition to the saw handle, which contains the trigger starting switch, a knob on the end of the motor housing is convenient as an extra handle for awkward situations. This feature is not essential with smaller saws.

Safety Practices

When using any portable saw, always be sure that the work to be cut is firmly supported, or held, so that it will not shift during the cut. Start the saw before the blade enters the work and guide it straight along the cutting line. Veering can cause jamming, stalling, possible motor damage, or even worse the entire tool may jump or hop out of the wood creating the possibility of a serious injury. Be especially careful not to let the saw veer when using a masonry-cutting blade. Blade breakage could result and the flying shrapnel may cause injury. If a long piece of wood is to be cut, it should be supported by a helper. It must not be moved during the cut in such a way as to close the cut and bind the blade. Keep a firm grip on the saw with your right hand, and keep your left hand well away from the saw. Make certain also that the cord is well out of the way so it will not be cut by the blade.

Maintain a strong grip on the saw to keep it from tipping or dropping at the end of the cut. Keep your hands clear of the blade during the time required for it to come to a complete stop. It's also a good idea not to touch the blade immediately after it stops as it's probably hot enough to burn you. Never adjust the saw without first disconnecting the power cord.

Picking the right circular saw is largely a matter of personal choice. Using the tool safely is a matter of common sense. Pick wisely and use it even more wisely.

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Makita Power Tools - A Long History of Quality

The Makita Corporation is a Japanese tool giant that manufactures more than 450 quality commercial grade and personal-use power tools. The company has a long tradition of making machines that can stand the test of time and tough construction jobs.

Those buying their wares can be sure they are getting top quality products that are guaranteed with a one-year warranty against any material or workmanship defects.

The History
The Makita Corporation started more than 90 years ago in 1915 in Anio, Japan. Since then the company has grown immensely, with factories in Japan, China, Germany, the UK, the United States, Mexico, Canada and Brazil.

The main focus at the corporation today is on cordless power tools that are handy for construction and repair jobs on the go. And the company is no stranger to success - the company did roughly $1.8 billion in business worldwide last year.

The Philosophy
The Makita management philosophy, as stated on the company's website, is four fold. First, the company believes in a harmonious existence with society, meaning ethical behavior at all times and observation of laws and regulations.

Second, Makita professes to be a market driven or customer-driven company. Third, the company seeks to maintain a "sound profit structure" and finally, the corporation expects its more than 10,000 employees to perform each day at their personal best to contribute to a happy corporate culture.

The Quality
The corporation has very strict standards when it comes to quality. It uses only top quality raw materials for its motors, including premium-grade steel armature shafts and gears, which results in efficient, long-lasting power tools, including many best-in-class awards.

Makita also uses 97 percent pure magnetic copper wire in its motors that allows them to perform under extreme heat. For the most efficient flow of electrical current and maximum power, the devices are also made from premium-grade magnetic steel.

In order to ensure the quality of all its machinery, the company performs at least 19 quality checks on each motor before it leaves the factory. These tests include "electrical resistance, surge durability, and mechanical efficiency" according to the company's website. It also heat treats the gears and shafts that make up its motors to increase the longevity of each one. And every device undergoes a 3-Minute Final Run Test to make sure everything is performing to its highest level.

In fact, one of Makita's marketing slogans promises that its tools are so easy and comfortable to use that "when the job is done, you'll still have energy to do the things you love."

The Warranty
Power tools from Makita can be returned for a refund or exchange during the first 30 days after purchase, regardless of the reason. During the first year, if you discover any defect in the workmanship or materials, you can return the tool for a replacement or a repair at the expense of the company.

And of course, Makita customers can enjoy the benefits of the service centers around the world. These offer free technical support from factory trained technicians. In some areas you can receive free pick-up and delivery of repair jobs as well as free loaner tools while your tools are repaired.

Makita power tools are made with care and quality and the company rewards its customers even long after the purchase with helpful support and limited warranties.

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