When cutting worktop with a circular saw with a standard woodcutting blade, which side receives the clean(est) edge:
the edge the circular saw rests on, or,
the underside?

In other words, to get the best edge, do I cut from on top or below?

TIA

 

Cut from the top. You want the rotation of the blade to go down into the worktop, the underside will have the roughest edge. With a sharp blade and a steady feed rate the underside shouldn't be too bad anyway.

 

OK, thanks.

And for the quick reply.

 

Don't even use a circular saw

 

Hand held circular saws rotate upwards, so best cut is with worktop facing down. Chop saws from the top . Best method is to use a decent router and jig.

 

I would be worried about you keeping fingers etc posting a question like this about a circular saw as you are obviously not used to using one ?

 

you wont get a clean cut with a circular saw,as andy said ,decent router ,jig and a sharp top wheel cutter,even then you have to be careful with the front edge for chipping,if you are going to use a circular saw clamp a piece of mdf on top and mark the cut on the mdf this stops the top from chipping

 

+1

 

Sorry I stand corrected alcazar, the saw does cut opposite to what I thought.
Take the advice from post below

 

Not sure if I am to late in replying to this thread.


Ok if cutting a worktop , with a circular saw.
1] use a new blade in the saw will allow a clean cut . however, the quality of the saw will or can affect the finish of the cut.
2] place the worktop underside up on to timbers.. This will support the top once the cut has been made.
3] use a straight edge to guide the saw, this being clamped in place so it cant move.
allow for the offset of the edge of the saw to where the blade is, when clamping ht e straight edge
4] always cut from the finished edge to the back of the top. this will stop any break out.


Been in the trade for 30 plus years , and always works for me.
Paul

 

Thanks to all.

And yes, I know how to use a circular saw, been using them for years, just NOT cutting worktops.

I usually use them to cut two pieces of hardwood screwed together along an edge, so as to produce a cut that, once biscuit jointed and glued, disappears. This allows me to make hardwood window sills for inside up to 4oo mm wide, whereas finding a 400 mm FLAT hardwood plank is difficult and expensive.