How To Cut 2×4 With a Circular Saw (5 Easy Steps)

Hi! Are you planning on building a piece of furniture using a 2×4 lumber? Or maybe you are interested in learning how to cut a 2×4 lumber with a circular saw. If your answer is yes, you will love to read this post.

What is a 2×4 lumber?

A 2×4 (2 inches by 4 inches) lumber is credited as the most versatile piece of lumber in woodworking and construction. The lumber can be used for a myriad of projects from simple furniture making, to large construction tasks.

If you are looking to put together a wooden table for reading purposes, a large shelf, a cot for your baby, or a beautiful dresser for your partner, you can’t escape using a 2×4 lumber.

As versatile and unique as a 2×4 lumber is, it doesn’t come ready-made for your task. You might need to saw it into two or make a few cuts on the lumber before you go ahead with your task.

There are many methods to cut a 2×4 lumber, but using a circular saw would rank at the top of those methods. By the time you are done reading this post, you will have figured out the perfect way to cut your 2×4 lumber.

So grab a chair and enjoy the interesting steps to effectively cut your 2×4 lumber to the required size.

Related Read — How to Rip Narrow Boards With a Circular Saw?

Why Do You Need To Cut a 2×4 Lumber?

The primary reason why people cut a 2×4 lumber is because of size preference. The lumber might just be a tad too long, too wide, or too short for the task at hand.

Other reasons for cutting the lumber vary based on the woodworker or carpenter.

Why Should You Use a Circular Saw to Cut 2×4?

As stated earlier, there are dozens of methods to cut a 2×4 lumber, but there is hardly any that comes close to using a circular saw.

The circular saw blade comes in different variations, each packed with dozens of sharp-edged teeth. The circular saw also has a motor capable of generating a tremendous amount of power. Other tools like the jigsaw can cut the 2×4 lumber, but not as fast and easy as the circular blade.

To put it in a much simpler perspective, the correct circular saw blade will cut through your 2×4 lumber like a hot knife through butter. With the circular saw, you can successfully cut through dozens of 2×4 lumber in minutes.

Tools needed to cut a 2×4 lumber

Using a circular saw takes some level of getting used to. You need to practice and have a bit of experience to use the tool, so get yourself acquainted with how to use the tool properly if you are a beginner. To use a circular saw to effectively cut a 2×4 lumber, you need the following:

• Safety gear: for this task, you need gloves and eye protection (goggles).
• A circular saw: It’s important to pick out a saw that feels handy, light and generates enough power to execute the task. Check here our review about circular saws.
• A circular saw blade: the “combination blade” is suited for cutting a 2×4 lumber.
• A power source and outlet if you are using an electric circular saw: most circular saws are electrically powered.
• A clamp: this is to hold the lumber in place while cutting. If you don’t have a clamp, make sure to get something that can hold the 2×4 lumber firmly while sawing.
• A marker and a ruler: you can get a pencil. A marker and a ruler will allow you to make straight markings on the point of the 2×4 lumber you want to cut.
• A measuring tape: this is used to measure the length and breadth of the area to make accurate markings and cuts on the 2×4 lumber. A tape rule or measuring tape will suffice.

Related Read — Best Small Circular Saws

How To Cut 2×4 Lumber With a Circular Saw?

Cutting a 2×4 lumber with a circular saw is an easy task as long as you make use of the appropriate tools and blade. Let’s explore the step by step process of cutting your 2×4 lumber.

1. Measure The Area

Put on your safety gear. This is gradually becoming a cliché with posts on this website. This is because of your safety while working is very important to us.

Use your measuring tape to get the precise measurement of the area you need the 2×4 lumber for. Also, use the measuring tape to measure the corresponding measurement on the lumber.

2. Mark The Points

Mark out the point you want to saw by using your pencil and a steel ruler. Ensure the points marked are accurate. A straight line is vital for correct cuts.

3. Pick The Blade

Pick out the appropriate blade for cutting the lumber. A combination blade is advised. If your blade isn’t already fixed in the chuck of the circular saw, you need to fix the blade perfectly to do a good job.

If you do not know how to correctly fix in the blade, consider checking out previous posts on this website “about how to change blades on a circular saw.” It’s fun and enlightening.

4. Lock The 2×4 Lumber

Set down your 2×4 lumber and keep it firmly locked down. You can use a clamp for this. If you do not have a clamp, consider putting a bit of your weight on a part of the lumber by pressing down on the shoe of the saw against the lumber with your hand (the shoe is the metallic end of the saw). Place your lumber in such a way that it’s convenient and easy to saw.

Related Read — How to Cut Wood With a Circular Saw?

5. Start Cutting

With the blade fixed in and your lumber ready to be cut, plug-in and turn on the circular saw. Then apply pressure on the trigger button to start cutting.

Be sure to start slowly with little pressure on the trigger button and gradually increase the speed by applying more pressure on the trigger as you saw through the lumber. You should have a straight cut on your lumber when you are done.

Don’t worry if it takes a while for you to get the hang of using the tool. After a while, you will get a more consistent and effective result

Tips and Pointers on cutting a 2×4 lumber with a circular saw

Cutting with a circular saw can prove difficult if you are inexperienced so take note of the following tips to help you get an accurate cut easily and rapidly.

• Use the correct blade. Circular saw blades come in different designs, several teeth and each has a specific purpose. To cut a 2×4 lumber, use a combination blade. The combination blade is a kind of all-purpose blade for woodwork. Using the wrong blade will give you a very uneven and messy result
• Always start slow. Don’t be too hasty to cut through if you are inexperienced.
• Secure the wood firmly while cutting: if your lumber is not firmly locked in, your blade can get stuck leading to a kickback. A kickback is when the wood thrusts backward at a very high speed.
• If you discover that your cut is not aligning with the marked line, stop and start over to ensure a clean and accurate cut.

Related Read — Plunge Saw vs Circular Saw?

Follow the steps above and you would be happy with your result. Let us know if any part of this post proves useful in your task by leaving a comment.

You can also check out other interesting posts on this website. Have a wonderful cutting experience.