Circular Saw and Jigsaw Safety and Use
The circular saw is the most essential power tool in carpentry. Before use: check that the blade guard is functional and retracts freely, set blade depth to 1/4 inch more than material thickness (minimum exposure reduces kickback risk), and ensure the workpiece is firmly supported on both sides of the cut. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory: safety glasses or face shield, hearing protection, and dust mask. Never wear loose clothing or gloves while operating rotating tools. Kickback — the saw binding and violently kicking back toward the operator — is the most dangerous circular saw hazard. Prevent kickback by: supporting the cutoff properly (it must not pinch the blade as it falls), using a sharp blade, and not twisting the saw in the cut. A jigsaw uses a reciprocating blade for curved and irregular cuts. Secure the workpiece with clamps; never hold the work in your hand. Start from a drilled entry hole for interior cuts.