I've recently started exploring some basic woodworking projects, but I've noticed that my circular saw is burning the wood when I cut it. I made sure the blade is square, and I'm working with rough cut red cedar. This issue occurred while cutting both 4x4s and 2x4s. Does anyone have tips or suggestions about what I might be doing wrong?
2 Answers
It sounds like your blade might be dull, which can definitely cause burning. Another possibility is that someone might have accidentally installed the blade backwards. Also, check to see if your fence is aligned parallel to the blade since that can affect the cut too. You said the angle of the blade doesn't matter, and I agree with that part. Just make sure the blade is in good shape and correctly positioned!
Don't forget to clean your wood before cutting! If it's been sitting on the ground, it might have grit or dirt on it, and that can dull your blade super quickly. Just a quick wipe down can help keep your cuts cleaner and reduce burning.