What circular saw for cutting framing timber?

[esumon21]

Hey team, I'm planning to DIY some outdoor wall panels and later indoor panels. What type of circular saw I should buy? It will be used to cut timber for outdoor framing, castellated wall panels cut to size and indoor acoustic panels cut to size. Thank you

[JacobZ]

Hi @esumon21,

You can cut everything you've mentioned using a basic 165mm circular saw, which is what every apprentice carpenter starts with. They will have a cutting depth of around 50mm, which is more than enough for cutting standard framing. If you have some battery-powered tools already, there will be a circular saw of this size to fit your battery system. 

For your framing, I would grab a speed square, which you can use for marking cut locations and running the base plate of the saw up against to get nice square cuts.

For larger panels, grab something long and straight, such as a spirit level, to act as a saw guide, and two clamps lock it in place.

With these four things, a circular saw, a square, a spirit level and two clamps, you can do 95% of the cutting it takes to build a house.

If you want a bit more accuracy and repeatability when you're cutting your framing, consider buying a mitre saw as well.

Have a look at Tools 101: How To Use Power Saws and How To Cut Laminate Benchtop for a bit of extra guidance.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[esumon21]

Hi Jacob, thanks for the suggestion. I've bought a Ryobi circular saw. Do I need a fine tooth one? Do you recommend any specific ones?

[EricL]

Hello @esumon21 

The current blade on your Ryobi circular saw should be ok to use when cutting indoor panels and framing. But if you are looking for a fine-tooth blade my best advice is to bring your current saw blade to the store to make sure you are getting the correct size. The blades come in larger sizes and larger tooth count, plus some are rated to cut multi materials so make sure you get the correct one. I advise speaking to the tool specialist who can guide you properly in choosing a fine-tooth blade.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric