Hi Charlie, this might put a smile a smile on your face. Bought Black and Decker Circular saw in the late eighties, it died 2 years back so looked around for a replacement and bought a Ryobi RWS1250, have not used until yesterday in the wind! So set it up and start to cut and a few inches in it stops, motor working and no cutting. The old B&D was just fire it up and go, no need to adjust anything! So ended up finishing by hand. Quick hunt on TH-cam and I found your video and you answered all of my issues. Like you I had the depth adjusted too deeply - thank you Charlie for saving the day and my arm muscles!!
Many thanks for starting all the way from the scratch, of setting up the table and attaching a vacuum-cleaner. This is exactly what I have been looking for.
Good day mate. A friend of mine gave me a Ryobi saw and a 4.0 Ah battery. He said it was useless it wouldn't even cut plywood. So I took it home and tried it. He had the blade in backwards. He said I could have it. So now I have a really handy tool for the right price. If anyone one else has a Ryobi tool that's useless I'll have it.
A skilsaw and speed square, the perfect combination. I've been living in the UK for about ten years now and y'all are using the speed square more and more. Thanks for posting.
i am a furniture maker and had to spend big bucks on alot of tools, but also i still use a circ saw on a regular basis. good tips for beginning wood workers. really a must have saw.
awesome video. I was about to return my circular saw back to the store. Only because I was not comfortable with it but now I can reference this video when needed. Thank you
Got one of these, I'm a joiner, what a great saw. Got to last row of laminate flooring near wall & sods law 3 X 1" strips to finish it off😣 this baby was a god send with the guide, made it a breeze to do thanks Charlie love the vids👍👍👍
Cheers mate - and always good to get a positive endorsement from a joiner. Out of interest do you see any need for a plunge saw when you've got one of these. I'm planning a future video outlining the difference between the two. Obvs plunge saws run on tracks which is an advantage but Evolution do a circular saw that runs on a track. Possibly the best of both worlds. .🤔
@@CharlieDIYte the Ryobi does it all, just bought the evolution mitre saw 210 SMS & stand, that's great for speed for laminate flooring, cutting precise angles for spindles, both together is all the saws you need + love the multi tool...
Thank you for a great vid! I bought my circular saw in the summer and it has been a gem ever since. Mostly used it for splitting timber but now doing sheet work. Great tips about the work table, which is a pain with big heavy sheets. Now I understood how I can cut way better! Also didn't know that the depth is so important.
Great content Charlie. For a long straight edge i brought a length of Unistrut from my local air conditioning suppliers. Straight and true, and got a nice bit of weight to it. And really cheap. Great straight edge for all workshop uses.
Thanks buddy! Yes I've got something similar - a long straight bottom section (hanger) from an aluminium electric roller blind box. It works as a saw guide and as with yours, has also doubled up as a general straight edge.
I have learnt so much from you since I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I'm now going back through your previous videos to find more and more useful tricks and tips. Many thanks.
I use the exact same circular saw :) When I first bought my Ryobi tools, I got a smaller model circular saw, but it was too small for cutting 2 inch lumber which I do all the time, so it was rather useless. I then bought the model you have and It has done a ton of work for me :) edit: The other Ryobi tools I have found myself using a lot is the impact driver and the multi-tool. I don't know what I would do without them now..
Excellent video, thank you. Many great ideas. One suggestion, when setting up your saw, whether adjusting the angle, the height or whatever, keep your battery out and on the table. When in the machine you are plugged in and handling the blade and in danger. The battery snaps in easily in a second, so save it for last. I appreciate your excellent video.
great use of the speed square... i use mine a lot... also chalk line for quick full legnth eye ball cuts.. and an old full sheet ubderbeath supports the board your cutting... no drops or strains and a 1 man job
For full sheets, I stick them on the floor on top of a sheet of HD foamboard, set your blade to protrude just a few mm below your workpiece. No point wasting time and effort trying to lift full sheets. Also better cuts as the whole piece is supported so no flex and you don't have to worry about the off cuts dropping on the floor.
Sam I adapted you idea and used bubble-wrap as it was a zero cost item for me. It lasted a while but I replaced it with cardboard from old Amazon boxes. Both "spacers" worked a dream and saved a huge amount of time
@Ring Tony Great idea! I'm just getting into DIY in my retirement and happen to have an old flat door - perfect. ;-) Presumably, you "sacrifice" the door (i.e., end up with shallow tracks cut into it from sawing wood on top of it)?
I just built two redwood fences with gates, each about 15 ft long, and made all my cuts with a circular saw and rafter square. It really is a great handy DIY combo.
Thanks for posting, now I will be able to make those angled cuts. Wood is not my thing but at times we need to work with wood, such as building my work bench.
@@CharlieDIYte its a great bit of kit . Saves me going to B&Q to get timber cut to size. Thanks again for the video. I bought the Ryobi mulit tool as well with the variable angled head which is really good.If you plan to buy one or have one I would love to see the video :-)
Fantastic - nice work and thanks for letting me know. It's a game changer, isn't it!! I'm sorry I never did that video - I'll be doing one in a few months when I start videoing my wardrobe build. What design did you go for in the end? 👍
@@CharlieDIYte very basic from scrap in the shed. But with that and your great suggestion of the metal speed square, I made my first ever picture frames and mitre joins. Thank you so much, your videos gave me the confidence to have a go :)
Thank You Charlie. I have a RYOBI CORDLESS circular saw and it is great. 1)...it's light 2)...it's quite. 3) it works great. And it's such a good little friend. I have a number of circular saws, but this one I go to first time for general and light work. Thanks once again for your work.
Watched your video yesterday with the bench witness horses which was excellent..I will make one as soon as possible. I have been using a piece of board over them. And in today's video round further I also did not realise to adjust the depth of the blade when cutting. I've now subscribed and will be catching up on more of your videos..Thank you
Great video Mr Charlie. I've underused my Ryobi circular saw for 3 years. I have to say, I just cannot get on with supplied fence. Ended up going back to my saw guide. I've learnt loads from your videos. Cheers👍
Thanks Francis. Which one did you have with a supplied fence? The new RCS18X can run on a plastic track but it's not widely available for some reason. I was still love the versatility of a circular saw and made this track th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html but to rip down full lengths of sheet material you really need a plunge saw. 👊
@Charlie DIYte Hi Charlie it's an R18CSP; yours looks like and upgraded version. I can't find yours so maybe that's been upgraded as well 🙄 Ryobi themselves do 3/4 different circular saws so it's difficult to decide. Maybe I'll gift it to someone and get a newer model😂
Fantastic pieces of kit these are so versatile. Some small tips if someone is going to go out and buy one... Look for soft start and an electronic brake. These make a huge difference for me personally as I have a Makita 18v Brushless saw with these and also a 10 year old 240v version without these features and the older version feels a hell more dangerous or daunting if you like for a beginner.... Great pieces of kit with a straight edge clamped to sheet materials of a 12" rafting square! Great video Charlie... Would have gone for the slightly more Makita DHS680Z and a 5 amp battery at £200 all in from Amazon but you are invested in the Ryobi platform I presume. Thanks, thumbs up.
Great video!! I always use a corded circular saw because I don’t like how the battery ones always seem to die in the middle of a cut on me. Also if I have to cut large sheet goods. I cut them on the floor and put them on a thick layer of ridged foam insulation. This way I’m not cutting into the ground ruining my blade
I bought a new corded Makita circular saw this w/e down from £107 to £ 80 bargain !I do like Ryobi tools but couldn’t afford that one just now! Having said that this Makita saw is brilliant !
You either arent using the right saw, havent kept up with technology, or else the battery you're using is shit. The Ryobi 7 1/4 inch Brushless circ saw should not be used with any battery that isnt at least a 3.0 ah HP or better......It's all about the Battery!
Wonderful video! I just bought the Ryobi circular saw today and will receive it in a few days! I also made the decision to go with Ryobi products because the batteries work for all their power tools. am so glad I ran across your video. It's just what I needed. I cannot wait to start using my circular saw! Thank you so much!
I am a very novice woodworker aka CRAP! I never used my circular saw because it always wandered. Thank you so much for the blade height advice and I sure will try it. You have another new subscriber!
Hi Dan - I really appreciate that, thanks! Yes, definitely give that a go. I was ready to throw my circular saw away until a chippy mate pointed out the blade height thing. Now I couldn't manage without it! Finally, you're not CRAP, you just need a little practice!
I came up with exactly same kind of guide few years ago. Then I got tired of using (it was clumsy and needed clamps also) and I bought a better quality plunge saw. The guide rail you made can be adapted for cross cuts also. Cut a ~30cm piece and screw piece of plywood vertically to the end. You push that piece against the wood you are cross cutting and get 90° cut. It doesn't slip as easily as speed square and you don't need to mark that ~3cm distance between blade and end of saw table.
Thanks mate. Glad you found it useful. There's this one too th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LcrwDmYhCSpsSBEC if you're thinking of making a guide but to be honest, for ripping down full length sheets, a polling saw and metal track are the best option. Love my circular saw though.
I bought a "Guild 160mm Circular Saw - 1200W" from Argos last year when I did not have a clear understanding of choosing tools. Then I didn't really know much about B&Q, Screwfix, Toolstation etc. Now, I have many questions such as "if other Circular saws are better? If better, how? What's the difference between Guild and something like Ryobi/Erbauer when it comes to cutting and the feel on the hands/wrists due to vibration levels" etc.
Brilliant presentation, great for using with a cordless saw, problem being mine is corded. But the concept is very good to show part-time DIYers like me,
Aw, thanks so much Micheal. It's truly humbling to hear that. I did an update video on the circular saw th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html but when it comes to rails and tracks, I ended up buying an Erbauer plunge saw for my recent wardrobe build.
One of the first tools I bought, together with mitre saw. Got the Evolution pair. Cracking kit, reasonably priced and British made. I was also a little slow in realising the importance of setting the blade so that the tip of the teeth only just penetrates the thickness of the wood. Game changer after realising that.
I bought mine on eBay from America and saved a lot of money. Also non Ryobi but compatible batteries are also a lot cheaper. The bigger batteries are heavy so bigger capacity has to be balanced against weight with hand held tools.
Having fallen in love with my newly acquired circular saw, I'm now considering a router for DIY stuff. Any recommendations or videos I can watch? Thanks.
Brilliant you started me off with your wardrobe and I have bought the plainer router and circular saw and thought that's my hand cut off because I had no idea how to use them so still in the boxes. Your a life saver now time to get cracking cheers Jim
This one you have is small one which is awesome , I had same for several years , last year it was stopped working , I bough it's bigger brother (185mm) it's brushless but unfortunately the blade is at right hand side , for me the older one (one you have) was much more comfortable to use than the new one. I recommend do not do my mistake , I will buy 150mm again.
Thanks for that Mehran. It's a great little tool isn't it! Thanks for the warning about the larger one. I think my next one will be a track saw but they are bigger and heavier.
This was a very good video for me, I have been using my circular saw! I have 2 smaller and bigger and have been watching lots of videos about using it in the right ways. It never crossed my mind to use the saw guides in this was as I bought some years back for my jigsaw. Thank you for a very well made video, I used some of these tips just today working on a DIY project building a jump for my mountain bike ... fire pit jump
Hi Charlie, I bought a corded track saw from LIDE here in the UK, it cost £39:00 and you get a factory made track that is straight and only about 2mm thick and that is good as it means I can cut thicker wood and because it is made of aluminum it is light as well.
Really useful to know how to use the circular saw properly, particularly the tip about raising the height of the blade. I couldn’t get on with mine and its been left unused in the garage for years. I’ll be using it in the future now!
Ryobi’s latest is Brushless tools and HP(high performance) batteries. The tools communicate with the batteries, when the tools have a heavy load on them they communicate with the batteries and the batteries send more power.
Thanks for that. I like to do a bit of DIY - husband is a retired builder but the clue is the ‘retired’...I don’t like asking him when I’ve always done my own stuff, anyway. I have that particular circular saw so your video was particularly useful. Cheers, xxx
Well Charlie, I think your channel is ace!! I don't think it is too small. The work you have done is awesome!! I have learnt a lot from watching you!! I hope you start getting endorsements and tools to try out for free!!
I have this saw and am really very happy with it .....except for one thing. The plastic dust port nozzle just will NOT stay attached to the saw body when I have it hooked up to my vac. It constantly pulls itself out as I move down the cut. I have tried putting tape around the port to get a better friction fit but this is inconsistent and quite honestly still a huge PITA. Do you/did you have have the same problem?
What I love about this tool, or one of the many things, is that when connected to a vac extraction is pretty efficient which is remarkable considering it's a circular saw not a plunge saw. So what I've done is use a rubber reducer attachment so I can hook it up directly to the vac hose without using the nozzle that comes with the tool. The one at 9 o'clock in this link worried probably do it but I can't say for sure as I don't know where I got the attachment from. Bottom line it needs to be a flexible rubber attachment rather than a hard plastic one, and I think I've put a layer of duck tape on it for a really tight fit. amzn.to/3gj6BTz
Picking one up tomorrow to make some cabinets with for my camper conversion. Not this make but same idea. Glad I watched your video for tips. I would have set the blade far too deep like you first did. Best I get some of those horses too. Great video, thanks.
Yes I have used an angle grinder. I have 2 circular saws one battery one corded in the shed. Both sit there. I would never buy one of these things again. Old tech. Track saw even though a few bob more different class of machine. That's my take on these things. Love this channel really good
I started woodworking with essentially two tools: A circular saw and a router--on my apartment's kitchen floor and small back porch. Started with a bookcase, then a coffee table, and never looked back. A drill is important, too--but so much can be done with those simple, cheap tools.
I have bought a Ryobi 18v circular saw, it's the CCS-1801/D which happens to be the old blue saw. The tool itself is compatible with the newer One+ Lithium batteries
Thanks Charlie 👍 I have been debating over the past few weeks (lockdown projects ) whether to buy a circular saw. This has made my mind up ! Off to my local B&Q tomorrow to get one . Hope they've got one left . I'll get a speed square aswell . Thanks again .
Thanks Graeme. It's been an absolute game changer. Make sure you set the height so that half of the cutting tooth pokes out below the wood. This is key. I would have thrown this tool away if my carpenter mate hadn't shown me how to use it properly. Yes you definitely need the rafters square and it's well worth spending the time to make a saw guide if you're thinking of cutting long lengths. I'm planning a video on that at some point.
@@CharlieDIYte Will do Charlie. Can't wait to start using it .Got a new project all worked out, just got to dig the wood out of the garage to do it ha ha.
Nice video Charlie. One thing to note about circular saws especially for newbies is the riving knife, that ryobi does not have one. There are pros and cons, if you are experienced and can handle kickback then a saw without a riving knife is fine. Newbie s may benefit from one with the safety feature. Personally for me the riving knife gets in the way so have removed it from many saws.
Fast, accurate and useful...and that was just the video. I have two of these (battery and mains) which I rarely used until I got the fence (4 quid from fleabay if yours is missing). Quality blades in a cheap saw will work better than the reverse. Blade depth tip was gold.
Thanks mate!! Yep, even with the fence the blade wanders all over the place if you don't get the blade depth right. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated!
How timely to find your channel today. I was given a very old well-worn and heavy wired saw that I didn't want to use, or I should say, I was afraid to use. So, I ventured out and got a small battery powered Ryobi just two days ago! Your practical approach to using circular saws has eased my apprehension, and I look forward to testing it out and building a new door for my pump shed this week - a new adventure for this senior citizen!
You're welcome June. The critical thing is you must get the height of the blade right, otherwise it will wanderer all over the place. You want half of the tooth on the blade poking out below the sheet you're cutting. Good luck - it's a super tool, you'll love it!
@@CharlieDIYte A quick update. I have been enjoying the circular saw and finally had a chance to get the door for my pump shed done. I am pleased with the way it looks and functions. Still watching your videos and learning loads! Best to you.
Tony Shenton Thanks Tony - really hope you find it as useful as I have! I think they're a pretty complacent bunch on the marketing side - I've tweeted them a couple of times and haven't had so much as a single response. Never mind - I think their tools are ace!
i have a makita plungecut railsaw what are your opinions on them? use it all the time to cut a perfectly straight (literally) piece of ply, or trim a door down by 1mm easily. love the videos keep it up
Thanks mate - appreciate that! I have no experience personally but a mate of mine has a Makita and he's very happy with it. He also has the Makita battery powered chain saw that he loves. Convinced me to buy the Ryobi equivalent. Lovely bit of kit!
Hiya Charlie. Wanted to just throw an idea into the mix. I’ve got an Evolution circular saw ,pretty inexpensive but it’s been hard to fault in all honesty. The thing I wanted to mention was the supplied rip fence. This will probably apply to most circular saws. The standard (supplied ) item is about 3 inches long, and I tried it out. Relatively poor results. There are screw holes on my guide to allow you to attach a longer length of wood ,( in my case ,quarter inch ply off cut, with the finished face acting as the guide). I got a scrap piece of plywood about 12 inches long and attached it to the supplied fence, the difference in end results is incredible!! Long runs on a board are given a much wider and more stable support! I did all this work this on your superb Stanley workbench upload. AWESOME incidentally!! Thanks.
Hi there - thanks for the comment (and of course for supporting the channel!). That's really interesting. Are you saying you're basically extending the length of the fence by screwing the 12 inch piece of ply to it? I've got an Evolution Rage chop saw that was ridiculously cheap for what it is - think it cost about £130. Got to say I'm really pleased with it. The tool snobs on this channel would be in uproar that I didn't spend £700 on a De Walt, Makita or Festool, but as the old adage goes "bad workmen blame their tools!"
Charlie DIYte Thanks for your reply Charlie. Yes, I think that is the purpose of the two small holes on the detachable rip fence. It makes your fence a little ungainly for the tool bag but it’s worth it. The extra length greatly improves accuracy, particularly at the start of your cut where the extra fence length adds stability. Of course you need to factor in the thickness if the piece of plywood you have added to your fence when measuring. Give it a go. Great channel CheersDavid.
Hello, another great video as usual, you should really have a TV slot. I was looking at the table you made to cut large sheets. apart from the 2 x 4by2s you use down the underneath of the mdf table you made i also noticed it had an edging all away around....well I think it did - if so what is it, ? do you have the link to the video of it being made please? Chris. Thank you
Thanks Neil, I really appreciate that. Check out my update video bit.ly/3scXIjp if you have a moment. Circular saws are an absolute game changer - you actually really need one! However the question you've got to ask yourself is whether you want a circular or plunge saw, or hybrid like the Evolution. I'd probably still go for a circular saw on balance.
Ha! Funnily enough their PR got in touch with me recently ("about time" was my reply, I think :)) although I've slightly non-plussed them out as I've asked if I can interview them to really get under the skin of the brand, as I think that'd be more interesting than just trying to plug their tools on my channel.
Super vid Charlie, if you can pick up a sheet of Kingspan/Celotex insulation board it makes a perfect flat surface to saw on (works on the floor as well). It does not matter if you accidentally cut into it. Sometimes builders leave good pieces in skips. It’s very light to move around and store. Also, only an observation, just be careful of kick back when moving your rafter guide from one side to the other. Even battery powered saws can have a nasty sting in its tail. I have a large Makita track saw and I’ve learnt the hard way, limbs and fingers still in place. Look forward to the next in the series. Regards. Mike
Thanks Mike. The celotex is a great idea, and I've got plenty of it knocking about in the garage. I'm going to install the parf guide system on the work table soon, so I'll have to use 6mm MDF or ply with that.
Can you use a smaller blade in your Circular saw then the recommended size? Ie Can a Bosch GKS 190mm Circular Saw use a 185mm or 160mm blade? thanks for the great vid
I have a circular saw, but I never really knew how to use it correctly. Thanks to you I now do! I really like how you explained evrything! I subscribed and liked!
That fence your made is genius. As soon as you can do a vid on you're improved version I'll be making one. I've always struggled with getting my cut line and fence line in the right place so this should help!
This is fantastic video, would you recommend buying a folding work bench like the black and decker ones? Also where would you say is best to buy mdf online for cheapest? Also are you still using this circular saw? Thank you
If anyone is wavering at the moment as to whether to buy one of these, I've just noticed they're priced to clear at B&Q for £105 including carry case, charger and a 4Ah battery! Almost tempted to buy another myself! bit.ly/341aynM
Yes, it's essential you do that otherwise the blade will wander all over the place! Have you seen my recent update video th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html
The only size I have ever used is a jigsaw because I’ve been scared of not knowing how to use other saws and the potential danger of kickback from a table saw, etc. But, trying to use a jigsaw for everything is just very slow. I considered a miter saw but knew that I couldn’t use it to cut long pieces. You showed me, in this video, what I need. Thanks! You have a new subscriber! I’m older and a woman...and complete novice to woodworking! Looking forward to learning more from your videos!
Lovely to hear from you Marcy. There's no kick back from these battery powered circular saws - I used to use a jigsaw like you but honestly, this has been a game changer for my DIY. You just need a straight edge to push it along and then you're away. The alternative is to buy a plunge saw that has its own track that the saw runs up and down and can't deviate off. You get a more consistent cut as the problem with a straight edge is that the saw can wander a bit if you're not careful to keep applying pressure against the straight edge as you push the saw along, but circular saws are lighter and more versatile than plunge saws. I'll be doing a video all about this at some point but right now I've got a major uphill battle with the bedroom that we moved out of in February 🥺
Thanks! Yes, I don't know what I'd do without it. I'm going to do another circular saw guide video at some point but don't hold your breath! You want to check out the TH-cam videos of the guides that have a rail on both sides. The downside of mine is that it will wander if you're not concentrating and applying constant pressure to keep it against the rail.
Hi Charlie, this might put a smile a smile on your face. Bought Black and Decker Circular saw in the late eighties, it died 2 years back so looked around for a replacement and bought a Ryobi RWS1250, have not used until yesterday in the wind! So set it up and start to cut and a few inches in it stops, motor working and no cutting. The old B&D was just fire it up and go, no need to adjust anything! So ended up finishing by hand. Quick hunt on TH-cam and I found your video and you answered all of my issues. Like you I had the depth adjusted too deeply - thank you Charlie for saving the day and my arm muscles!!
Many thanks for starting all the way from the scratch, of setting up the table and attaching a vacuum-cleaner.
This is exactly what I have been looking for.
Good day mate. A friend of mine gave me a Ryobi saw and a 4.0 Ah battery. He said it was useless it wouldn't even cut plywood. So I took it home and tried it. He had the blade in backwards. He said I could have it. So now I have a really handy tool for the right price. If anyone one else has a Ryobi tool that's useless I'll have it.
A skilsaw and speed square, the perfect combination. I've been living in the UK for about ten years now and y'all are using the speed square more and more. Thanks for posting.
i am a furniture maker and had to spend big bucks on alot of tools, but also i still use a circ saw on a regular basis. good tips for beginning wood workers. really a must have saw.
awesome video. I was about to return my circular saw back to the store. Only because I was not comfortable with it but now I can reference this video when needed. Thank you
Got one of these, I'm a joiner, what a great saw. Got to last row of laminate flooring near wall & sods law 3 X 1" strips to finish it off😣 this baby was a god send with the guide, made it a breeze to do thanks Charlie love the vids👍👍👍
Cheers mate - and always good to get a positive endorsement from a joiner. Out of interest do you see any need for a plunge saw when you've got one of these. I'm planning a future video outlining the difference between the two. Obvs plunge saws run on tracks which is an advantage but Evolution do a circular saw that runs on a track. Possibly the best of both worlds. .🤔
@@CharlieDIYte the Ryobi does it all, just bought the evolution mitre saw 210 SMS & stand, that's great for speed for laminate flooring, cutting precise angles for spindles, both together is all the saws you need + love the multi tool...
Thank you for a great vid! I bought my circular saw in the summer and it has been a gem ever since. Mostly used it for splitting timber but now doing sheet work. Great tips about the work table, which is a pain with big heavy sheets. Now I understood how I can cut way better! Also didn't know that the depth is so important.
Great content Charlie. For a long straight edge i brought a length of Unistrut from my local air conditioning suppliers. Straight and true, and got a nice bit of weight to it. And really cheap. Great straight edge for all workshop uses.
Thanks buddy! Yes I've got something similar - a long straight bottom section (hanger) from an aluminium electric roller blind box. It works as a saw guide and as with yours, has also doubled up as a general straight edge.
I have learnt so much from you since I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I'm now going back through your previous videos to find more and more useful tricks and tips. Many thanks.
I use the exact same circular saw :) When I first bought my Ryobi tools, I got a smaller model circular saw, but it was too small for cutting 2 inch lumber which I do all the time, so it was rather useless. I then bought the model you have and It has done a ton of work for me :) edit: The other Ryobi tools I have found myself using a lot is the impact driver and the multi-tool. I don't know what I would do without them now..
Thank you. I constantly revisit this video for reassurance.
Aw, thanks for that. Have you watched this updated version th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html 🙏
Excellent video, thank you. Many great ideas. One suggestion, when setting up your saw, whether adjusting the angle, the height or whatever, keep your battery out and on the table. When in the machine you are plugged in and handling the blade and in danger. The battery snaps in easily in a second, so save it for last. I appreciate your excellent video.
Omg. Is was thinking the same thing. Great video though.
great use of the speed square... i use mine a lot... also chalk line for quick full legnth eye ball cuts.. and an old full sheet ubderbeath supports the board your cutting... no drops or strains and a 1 man job
For full sheets, I stick them on the floor on top of a sheet of HD foamboard, set your blade to protrude just a few mm below your workpiece. No point wasting time and effort trying to lift full sheets. Also better cuts as the whole piece is supported so no flex and you don't have to worry about the off cuts dropping on the floor.
Great tip Sam - thanks for sharing!
Sam I adapted you idea and used bubble-wrap as it was a zero cost item for me. It lasted a while but I replaced it with cardboard from old Amazon boxes. Both "spacers" worked a dream and saved a huge amount of time
I use an 8x4 sheet of 35mm kingspan insulation
@Ring Tony Great idea! I'm just getting into DIY in my retirement and happen to have an old flat door - perfect. ;-) Presumably, you "sacrifice" the door (i.e., end up with shallow tracks cut into it from sawing wood on top of it)?
I just built two redwood fences with gates, each about 15 ft long, and made all my cuts with a circular saw and rafter square. It really is a great handy DIY combo.
I agree - and I don't know what I'd do without my circular saw now!
Circular saw is a must have tool for anybody who wants to start woodworking project , this is the next level for jigsaw , etc.
Thanks for posting, now I will be able to make those angled cuts. Wood is not my thing but at times we need to work with wood, such as building my work bench.
You're a delightful young chap, Charlie. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the video. I decided to buy the Ryobi saw because of this video
How are you getting on with it? I still love mine!
@@CharlieDIYte its a great bit of kit . Saves me going to B&Q to get timber cut to size. Thanks again for the video. I bought the Ryobi mulit tool as well with the variable angled head which is really good.If you plan to buy one or have one I would love to see the video :-)
I made a saw guide! So chuffed, it works great. Thank you!
Fantastic - nice work and thanks for letting me know. It's a game changer, isn't it!! I'm sorry I never did that video - I'll be doing one in a few months when I start videoing my wardrobe build. What design did you go for in the end? 👍
@@CharlieDIYte very basic from scrap in the shed. But with that and your great suggestion of the metal speed square, I made my first ever picture frames and mitre joins. Thank you so much, your videos gave me the confidence to have a go :)
Thank You Charlie. I have a RYOBI CORDLESS circular saw and it is great. 1)...it's light 2)...it's quite. 3) it works great. And it's such a good little friend. I have a number of circular saws, but this one I go to first time for general and light work. Thanks once again for your work.
Galland 34 You're very welcome - and thanks for the comment - they're great tools aren't they!
Watched your video yesterday with the bench witness horses which was excellent..I will make one as soon as possible. I have been using a piece of board over them. And in today's video round further I also did not realise to adjust the depth of the blade when cutting. I've now subscribed and will be catching up on more of your videos..Thank you
Thankyou so much, I may finally use the circular saw that's been sat in the garage for twenty years!
You must. These things are game changers! Thanks for the comment 👍
Great video Mr Charlie. I've underused my Ryobi circular saw for 3 years. I have to say, I just cannot get on with supplied fence. Ended up going back to my saw guide. I've learnt loads from your videos. Cheers👍
Thanks Francis. Which one did you have with a supplied fence? The new RCS18X can run on a plastic track but it's not widely available for some reason. I was still love the versatility of a circular saw and made this track th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html but to rip down full lengths of sheet material you really need a plunge saw. 👊
@Charlie DIYte Hi Charlie it's an R18CSP; yours looks like and upgraded version. I can't find yours so maybe that's been upgraded as well 🙄 Ryobi themselves do 3/4 different circular saws so it's difficult to decide. Maybe I'll gift it to someone and get a newer model😂
Fantastic pieces of kit these are so versatile.
Some small tips if someone is going to go out and buy one... Look for soft start and an electronic brake. These make a huge difference for me personally as I have a Makita 18v Brushless saw with these and also a 10 year old 240v version without these features and the older version feels a hell more dangerous or daunting if you like for a beginner....
Great pieces of kit with a straight edge clamped to sheet materials of a 12" rafting square!
Great video Charlie... Would have gone for the slightly more Makita DHS680Z and a 5 amp battery at £200 all in from Amazon but you are invested in the Ryobi platform I presume.
Thanks, thumbs up.
The fact that the saw has a left sided blade is great for right handed use. It allows better vision of markings while making cuts.
Agreed. It's a great little tool 👍
Great video!!
I always use a corded circular saw because I don’t like how the battery ones always seem to die in the middle of a cut on me.
Also if I have to cut large sheet goods. I cut them on the floor and put them on a thick layer of ridged foam insulation. This way I’m not cutting into the ground ruining my blade
Billy bob Smith Thanks! The cordless saws are pretty good these days - and if you use a 4ah or 5ah battery you'll get hours of usage out of it.
I bought a new corded Makita circular saw this w/e down from £107 to £ 80 bargain !I do like Ryobi tools but couldn’t afford that one just now!
Having said that this Makita saw is brilliant !
brian flower hi mate where did you get the makita from?
You either arent using the right saw, havent kept up with technology, or else the battery you're using is shit. The Ryobi 7 1/4 inch Brushless circ saw should not be used with any battery that isnt at least a 3.0 ah HP or better......It's all about the Battery!
Wonderful video! I just bought the Ryobi circular saw today and will receive it in a few days! I also made the decision to go with Ryobi products because the batteries work for all their power tools. am so glad I ran across your video. It's just what I needed. I cannot wait to start using my circular saw! Thank you so much!
I like how you have a beare bones set up it really shows how much you can do
nice video, no padding just straight information
Thanks. With each new video I try to put as little padding in as possible, so I appreciate that!
I am a very novice woodworker aka CRAP! I never used my circular saw because it always wandered. Thank you so much for the blade height advice and I sure will try it. You have another new subscriber!
Hi Dan - I really appreciate that, thanks! Yes, definitely give that a go. I was ready to throw my circular saw away until a chippy mate pointed out the blade height thing. Now I couldn't manage without it! Finally, you're not CRAP, you just need a little practice!
Appreciate your videos!!!
You don’t just explain things expecting people to know everything already
Your channel might be small But your info is priceless man. Ideal for the DIY person. Keep the videos coming.
I came up with exactly same kind of guide few years ago. Then I got tired of using (it was clumsy and needed clamps also) and I bought a better quality plunge saw. The guide rail you made can be adapted for cross cuts also. Cut a ~30cm piece and screw piece of plywood vertically to the end. You push that piece against the wood you are cross cutting and get 90° cut. It doesn't slip as easily as speed square and you don't need to mark that ~3cm distance between blade and end of saw table.
Which one did you buy later?
Outstanding video for DIY enthusiasts 👌💪🙏 This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.
Thanks mate. Glad you found it useful. There's this one too th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LcrwDmYhCSpsSBEC if you're thinking of making a guide but to be honest, for ripping down full length sheets, a polling saw and metal track are the best option. Love my circular saw though.
This guy is brilliant! Great vocabulary too! Subscribed!
I bought a "Guild 160mm Circular Saw - 1200W" from Argos last year when I did not have a clear understanding of choosing tools. Then I didn't really know much about B&Q, Screwfix, Toolstation etc. Now, I have many questions such as "if other Circular saws are better? If better, how? What's the difference between Guild and something like Ryobi/Erbauer when it comes to cutting and the feel on the hands/wrists due to vibration levels" etc.
Just bought a similar saw, different brand. The tips on this video are most welcome though and well explained. Many thanks
Brilliant presentation, great for using with a cordless saw, problem being mine is corded. But the concept is very good to show part-time DIYers like me,
Thanks for making this video charlie! You’re an inspiration and my DIY skills have greatly improved since watching all your videos! BIG fan!
Aw, thanks so much Micheal. It's truly humbling to hear that. I did an update video on the circular saw th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html but when it comes to rails and tracks, I ended up buying an Erbauer plunge saw for my recent wardrobe build.
Good video! Thanks from South Carolina, USA.
Very informative. Thanks Charlie!
Thanks mate. Here's the update video if you're interested th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html
One of the first tools I bought, together with mitre saw. Got the Evolution pair. Cracking kit, reasonably priced and British made. I was also a little slow in realising the importance of setting the blade so that the tip of the teeth only just penetrates the thickness of the wood. Game changer after realising that.
Thanks Chris. Yep, great value for money the Evolution stuff. 👌
I bought mine on eBay from America and saved a lot of money. Also non Ryobi but compatible batteries are also a lot cheaper. The bigger batteries are heavy so bigger capacity has to be balanced against weight with hand held tools.
Very good overview of the circular saw. I learnt many things as I am new and looking into doing some DIY wood working around the house.
Thanks. There's an update video here if you have a few moments th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html
Do enjoy your videos Charlie, thanks! I'm also pleased you put links to the tools in the description because that rafters square looks very handy!
Thanks, I really appreciate that! You're welcome. The rafters square is invaluable - massively recommend if you're going to buy a circular saw.
I need one as well as a Miter and jig saw to fix stuff and build things.
Having fallen in love with my newly acquired circular saw, I'm now considering a router for DIY stuff. Any recommendations or videos I can watch? Thanks.
Brilliant you started me off with your wardrobe and I have bought the plainer router and circular saw and thought that's my hand cut off because I had no idea how to use them so still in the boxes. Your a life saver now time to get cracking cheers Jim
This one you have is small one which is awesome , I had same for several years , last year it was stopped working , I bough it's bigger brother (185mm) it's brushless but unfortunately the blade is at right hand side , for me the older one (one you have) was much more comfortable to use than the new one.
I recommend do not do my mistake , I will buy 150mm again.
Thanks for that Mehran. It's a great little tool isn't it! Thanks for the warning about the larger one. I think my next one will be a track saw but they are bigger and heavier.
Thanks for helpful video. It would be good if you give some safety tips to avoid kick back etc for beginners like me
This was a very good video for me, I have been using my circular saw! I have 2 smaller and bigger and have been watching lots of videos about using it in the right ways. It never crossed my mind to use the saw guides in this was as I bought some years back for my jigsaw. Thank you for a very well made video, I used some of these tips just today working on a DIY project building a jump for my mountain bike ... fire pit jump
Hi Charlie, I bought a corded track saw from LIDE here in the UK, it cost £39:00 and you get a factory made track that is straight and only about 2mm thick and that is good as it means I can cut thicker wood and because it is made of aluminum it is light as well.
Really useful to know how to use the circular saw properly, particularly the tip about raising the height of the blade. I couldn’t get on with mine and its been left unused in the garage for years. I’ll be using it in the future now!
I was the same mate. The height of the blade is crucial.
Ryobi’s latest is Brushless tools and HP(high performance) batteries. The tools communicate with the batteries, when the tools have a heavy load on them they communicate with the batteries and the batteries send more power.
Thanks for that. I like to do a bit of DIY - husband is a retired builder but the clue is the ‘retired’...I don’t like asking him when I’ve always done my own stuff, anyway. I have that particular circular saw so your video was particularly useful. Cheers, xxx
Good to hear from you Cathy. Yes, it's a great little tool. I couldn't manage without it!
really learned new ways of using circular saw from you, thank you for showing your ideas and skill..keep up the good work..
You're welcome - many thanks for taking the time to comment!!
Well Charlie, I think your channel is ace!! I don't think it is too small. The work you have done is awesome!! I have learnt a lot from watching you!! I hope you start getting endorsements and tools to try out for free!!
I have this saw and am really very happy with it .....except for one thing.
The plastic dust port nozzle just will NOT stay attached to the saw body when I have it hooked up to my vac. It constantly pulls itself out as I move down the cut. I have tried putting tape around the port to get a better friction fit but this is inconsistent and quite honestly still a huge PITA.
Do you/did you have have the same problem?
What I love about this tool, or one of the many things, is that when connected to a vac extraction is pretty efficient which is remarkable considering it's a circular saw not a plunge saw. So what I've done is use a rubber reducer attachment so I can hook it up directly to the vac hose without using the nozzle that comes with the tool. The one at 9 o'clock in this link worried probably do it but I can't say for sure as I don't know where I got the attachment from. Bottom line it needs to be a flexible rubber attachment rather than a hard plastic one, and I think I've put a layer of duck tape on it for a really tight fit. amzn.to/3gj6BTz
Great to see you can use fit tool and make great stuff...
That's really helpful for a beginner like me.
Picking one up tomorrow to make some cabinets with for my camper conversion. Not this make but same idea. Glad I watched your video for tips. I would have set the blade far too deep like you first did. Best I get some of those horses too. Great video, thanks.
Good work David, you'll love it. Get a rafters square and some clamps too. 👍
@@CharlieDIYte Already ordered 😁
Yes I have used an angle grinder. I have 2 circular saws one battery one corded in the shed. Both sit there. I would never buy one of these things again. Old tech. Track saw even though a few bob more different class of machine. That's my take on these things. Love this channel really good
I started woodworking with essentially two tools: A circular saw and a router--on my apartment's kitchen floor and small back porch. Started with a bookcase, then a coffee table, and never looked back. A drill is important, too--but so much can be done with those simple, cheap tools.
I have bought a Ryobi 18v circular saw, it's the CCS-1801/D which happens to be the old blue saw. The tool itself is compatible with the newer One+ Lithium batteries
Thanks Charlie 👍 I have been debating over the past few weeks (lockdown projects ) whether to buy a circular saw. This has made my mind up ! Off to my local B&Q tomorrow to get one . Hope they've got one left . I'll get a speed square aswell . Thanks again .
Thanks Graeme. It's been an absolute game changer. Make sure you set the height so that half of the cutting tooth pokes out below the wood. This is key. I would have thrown this tool away if my carpenter mate hadn't shown me how to use it properly. Yes you definitely need the rafters square and it's well worth spending the time to make a saw guide if you're thinking of cutting long lengths. I'm planning a video on that at some point.
@@CharlieDIYte Will do Charlie.
Can't wait to start using it .Got a new project all worked out, just got to dig the wood out of the garage to do it ha ha.
Got one for a birthday present! Well chuffed!
Nice video Charlie. One thing to note about circular saws especially for newbies is the riving knife, that ryobi does not have one. There are pros and cons, if you are experienced and can handle kickback then a saw without a riving knife is fine. Newbie s may benefit from one with the safety feature. Personally for me the riving knife gets in the way so have removed it from many saws.
Fast, accurate and useful...and that was just the video. I have two of these (battery and mains) which I rarely used until I got the fence (4 quid from fleabay if yours is missing). Quality blades in a cheap saw will work better than the reverse. Blade depth tip was gold.
Thanks mate!! Yep, even with the fence the blade wanders all over the place if you don't get the blade depth right. Thanks for the comment, much appreciated!
How timely to find your channel today. I was given a very old well-worn and heavy wired saw that I didn't want to use, or I should say, I was afraid to use. So, I ventured out and got a small battery powered Ryobi just two days ago! Your practical approach to using circular saws has eased my apprehension, and I look forward to testing it out and building a new door for my pump shed this week - a new adventure for this senior citizen!
You're welcome June. The critical thing is you must get the height of the blade right, otherwise it will wanderer all over the place. You want half of the tooth on the blade poking out below the sheet you're cutting. Good luck - it's a super tool, you'll love it!
@@CharlieDIYte Got it! Thanks for the reminder/reinforcement.
@@CharlieDIYte A quick update. I have been enjoying the circular saw and finally had a chance to get the door for my pump shed done. I am pleased with the way it looks and functions. Still watching your videos and learning loads! Best to you.
Thanks Charlie, you should be sponsored by Ryobi, I bought this saw on the strength of your tutorial, keep it up
Tony Shenton Thanks Tony - really hope you find it as useful as I have! I think they're a pretty complacent bunch on the marketing side - I've tweeted them a couple of times and haven't had so much as a single response. Never mind - I think their tools are ace!
i have a makita plungecut railsaw what are your opinions on them? use it all the time to cut a perfectly straight (literally) piece of ply, or trim a door down by 1mm easily. love the videos keep it up
Thanks mate - appreciate that! I have no experience personally but a mate of mine has a Makita and he's very happy with it. He also has the Makita battery powered chain saw that he loves. Convinced me to buy the Ryobi equivalent. Lovely bit of kit!
Another great tutorial for us DIY newbies. Thank you. 👍👍👍
Brilliant! I can't wait to show off the new skills I've learned. Thank you ao much!
You're very welcome!
Hiya Charlie. Wanted to just throw an idea into the mix.
I’ve got an Evolution circular saw ,pretty inexpensive but it’s been hard to fault in all honesty.
The thing I wanted to mention was the supplied rip fence. This will probably apply to most circular saws. The standard (supplied ) item is about 3 inches long, and I tried it out. Relatively poor results.
There are screw holes on my guide to allow you to attach a longer length of wood ,( in my case ,quarter inch ply off cut, with the finished face acting as the guide).
I got a scrap piece of plywood about 12 inches long and attached it to the supplied fence, the difference in end results is incredible!!
Long runs on a board are given a much wider and more stable support!
I did all this work this on your superb Stanley workbench upload. AWESOME incidentally!!
Thanks.
Hi there - thanks for the comment (and of course for supporting the channel!). That's really interesting. Are you saying you're basically extending the length of the fence by screwing the 12 inch piece of ply to it? I've got an Evolution Rage chop saw that was ridiculously cheap for what it is - think it cost about £130. Got to say I'm really pleased with it. The tool snobs on this channel would be in uproar that I didn't spend £700 on a De Walt, Makita or Festool, but as the old adage goes "bad workmen blame their tools!"
Charlie DIYte Thanks for your reply Charlie.
Yes, I think that is the purpose of the two small holes on the detachable rip fence. It makes your fence a little ungainly for the tool bag but it’s worth it. The extra length greatly improves accuracy, particularly at the start of your cut where the extra fence length adds stability. Of course you need to factor in the thickness if the piece of plywood you have added to your fence when measuring.
Give it a go.
Great channel CheersDavid.
I found that extending the fence made it too difficult to handle.
Hello, another great video as usual, you should really have a TV slot. I was looking at the table you made to cut large sheets. apart from the 2 x 4by2s you use down the underneath of the mdf table you made i also noticed it had an edging all away around....well I think it did - if so what is it, ? do you have the link to the video of it being made please? Chris. Thank you
brilliant video! Clear, concise and now really tempting me to buy a circular saw! and I don't even need one, yet.
Thanks Neil, I really appreciate that. Check out my update video bit.ly/3scXIjp if you have a moment. Circular saws are an absolute game changer - you actually really need one! However the question you've got to ask yourself is whether you want a circular or plunge saw, or hybrid like the Evolution. I'd probably still go for a circular saw on balance.
Thanks Charlie ,I'm on your wavelength ! Good stuff , cheers !
Great to hear it. I did an update video here, if you've got a few moments th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html
Come on Ryobi sponsor this guy!!
Ha! Funnily enough their PR got in touch with me recently ("about time" was my reply, I think :)) although I've slightly non-plussed them out as I've asked if I can interview them to really get under the skin of the brand, as I think that'd be more interesting than just trying to plug their tools on my channel.
Excellent video Charlie thanks.
Have you done one on routers? If so can I gave a link please.
Super vid Charlie, if you can pick up a sheet of Kingspan/Celotex insulation board it makes a perfect flat surface to saw on (works on the floor as well). It does not matter if you accidentally cut into it. Sometimes builders leave good pieces in skips. It’s very light to move around and store. Also, only an observation, just be careful of kick back when moving your rafter guide from one side to the other. Even battery powered saws can have a nasty sting in its tail. I have a large Makita track saw and I’ve learnt the hard way, limbs and fingers still in place. Look forward to the next in the series. Regards. Mike
Thanks Mike. The celotex is a great idea, and I've got plenty of it knocking about in the garage. I'm going to install the parf guide system on the work table soon, so I'll have to use 6mm MDF or ply with that.
An excellent 1-2-3 guide thanks. I feel i know everything i need to know so that i can make the most of mine. Cheers.
I use an aluminium spirit level as a saw guide with my Ryobi R18CS.
Can you use a smaller blade in your Circular saw then the recommended size? Ie Can a Bosch GKS 190mm Circular Saw use a 185mm or 160mm blade? thanks for the great vid
I use the Skill Saw mag 77 ....it the best saw I have ever used...and I have used quite a few ..
I have a circular saw, but I never really knew how to use it correctly. Thanks to you I now do! I really like how you explained evrything! I subscribed and liked!
No you don't. Watch a safety video instead before you injure yourself: th-cam.com/video/iRWOhqgyIuk/w-d-xo.html
Great review, thanks for going into such detail.
You're welcome Blake. Thanks for the comment!
This was really helpful and informative. Thank you!
I find it hilarious that a speed square is a novelty for you. Congrats on the circular saw. Definitely a must have tool.
🇨🇦
If you find that hilarious you need to get out more!
That fence your made is genius. As soon as you can do a vid on you're improved version I'll be making one. I've always struggled with getting my cut line and fence line in the right place so this should help!
This is fantastic video, would you recommend buying a folding work bench like the black and decker ones? Also where would you say is best to buy mdf online for cheapest? Also are you still using this circular saw? Thank you
If anyone is wavering at the moment as to whether to buy one of these, I've just noticed they're priced to clear at B&Q for £105 including carry case, charger and a 4Ah battery! Almost tempted to buy another myself! bit.ly/341aynM
Awesome video! Thank you so much for making and posting this, I think I’ll get one later on...
I've just realized I can adjust my blade height. Thought it was set at one level. Great video thanks
Yes, it's essential you do that otherwise the blade will wander all over the place! Have you seen my recent update video th-cam.com/video/mvcPuUz_m74/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for the demo, it really was interesting and very well explained. Good job, I will def get that Ryobi circular saw.
I saw the corded version of it in Homebase for £45 today. I'm picking up one of them for sure!
Loving the channel, Charlie. Thanks for all the effort you put into them.
Thanks mate, I appreciate your support 👊🏻 There's an update vid to this if you're thinking of making a track for your saw bit.ly/3afhzro 👍🏻
The only size I have ever used is a jigsaw because I’ve been scared of not knowing how to use other saws and the potential danger of kickback from a table saw, etc. But, trying to use a jigsaw for everything is just very slow. I considered a miter saw but knew that I couldn’t use it to cut long pieces. You showed me, in this video, what I need. Thanks! You have a new subscriber! I’m older and a woman...and complete novice to woodworking! Looking forward to learning more from your videos!
Lovely to hear from you Marcy. There's no kick back from these battery powered circular saws - I used to use a jigsaw like you but honestly, this has been a game changer for my DIY. You just need a straight edge to push it along and then you're away. The alternative is to buy a plunge saw that has its own track that the saw runs up and down and can't deviate off. You get a more consistent cut as the problem with a straight edge is that the saw can wander a bit if you're not careful to keep applying pressure against the straight edge as you push the saw along, but circular saws are lighter and more versatile than plunge saws. I'll be doing a video all about this at some point but right now I've got a major uphill battle with the bedroom that we moved out of in February 🥺
Know that you have a fan in Brazil :)
I'm learning a lot with you. Thanks!
Hi Charlie i have the same work bench it’s brilliant i need to make guide for my circular saw great video
Thanks! Yes, I don't know what I'd do without it. I'm going to do another circular saw guide video at some point but don't hold your breath! You want to check out the TH-cam videos of the guides that have a rail on both sides. The downside of mine is that it will wander if you're not concentrating and applying constant pressure to keep it against the rail.