A circular saw is a power tool used for cutting timber or wood, it is also known as a buzz saw and is one of the most useful power tools available! Every diyer or handyman should own a circular saw. When cutting timber or manmade boards, using a circular saw will save you time and money. Cutting will be easier than using traditional methods i.e. a handsaw. A circular saw will also give you a better edge/ finish, and when used with a guide fence can provide you with dead straight cuts.

You can use a circular saw for cutting timber to size, but you can also use it for: cutting rebates, cutting mitres or chamfers at any angle up to 45 degrees, cutting wood away to start off a slot, cutting through tongued-and-grooved floorboards. As you can see a circular saw is a versatile tool and will save you time and money.

A wide range of saws are on the market and it is worth knowing the basic options before you look to buy one. Most circular saws have the same set of features, but what varies is how the manufacturer has incorporated them into the saw and how easy they can be used.

The Sole plate is the bottom of a circular saw it usually has a turned up lip around the edge so that it can move smoothly over the work surface. The motor is fixed to the top side as is (normally) the rip guide locking mechanism. A slot in the sole plate allows the saw blade to project on the underside.