Cordless handheld saw: what should you know about it?
The cordless circular saw is a basic piece of equipment not only for carpenters but also for various professionals involved in renovating and finishing homes, gardens, or driveways. Choosing the right blade allows you to cut not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and even light construction materials. Why should you add one to your workshop? See for yourself!
Construction and applications of the cordless saw
At first glance a cordless handheld saw is not an elaborate device. However, it contains many important components and parts that have been designed in an extremely compact way. What does the construction of a circular saw look like?
The heart of every device is its electric motor. It determines the rotational speed of the blade (approx. 5000 rpm), which translates into efficiency and quality of work.
A powerful battery means you can take the circular saw anywhere, for example to the garden where a new gazebo is being built.
A durable mounting for the saw also allows for quick blade changes.
The main handle allows secure control of the tool and making straight cuts. An additional handle provides even better guidance of the cordless saw when cutting harder materials or making more complex bevel cuts.
Depth and angle adjustment give great possibilities to shape the cut materials to specific needs while maintaining high cutting precision.
The upper fixed guard attached to the body works well together with the lower guard that retracts during operation. These largely ensure user safety.
The base plate, which also serves as the guide for the cordless saw, together with the parallel guide, ensures that every cut is smooth and straight.
This design means that circular saws are excellent for trimming parts and performing long straight or bevel cuts. They handle not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and some construction materials.
Key features of handheld cordless saws
Due to their design, a small cordless circular saw allows very precise cuts in various materials. That alone makes it worth having this tool in your workshop. Many models are, however, equipped with additional accessories for the circular saw that make work easier and expand the capabilities of the tool. Besides the previously mentioned guards and depth and angle adjustments, this can also include additional work area lighting.
Straight and bevel cuts
Most often, straight cuts are made with a handheld saw. These can be short (trimming boards or metal rods) or long (such as shortening an OSB panel). In the latter case the best results will be achieved with a cordless saw with a guide rail. After setting the appropriate width of the piece to be cut, the cut will be not only precise but also even.In many cases, however, chamfering is required. This is necessary when trimming two elements that meet at a corner of a room. It is in such cases that a handheld saw performs best. Adjusting the angle between the blade and the base (main guide) allows cutting with the circular saw at any angle, not only the most commonly encountered 30° or 45°.
Depth adjustment
A cordless handheld circular saw allows not only angle adjustment but also depth adjustment. A wing screw is used to set the correct blade protrusion depending on the thickness of the piece being cut. It is recommended that the saw blade protrudes below the material by no more than the height of one tooth.
Dust extraction adapter
Cutting produces chips as a byproduct. To keep the workspace tidy, the circular saw is equipped with a chip ejection port to which a vacuum hose or an additional fabric bag can be connected. Such a dust extraction adapter is useful not only for indoor work but also outdoors, for example when carrying out small garden architecture projects, to prevent the area from being contaminated with chips.
LED lighting
Proper visibility is crucial during precise trimming. When guiding the electric circular saw along the cut line, use additional LED lighting. A small lamp is aimed directly at the material being cut. LED lighting is also useful when working in the evening or in a dim room.
Modern brushless motor
The drive is the heart of every device. The motor for a circular saw must provide sufficient blade speed so it does not jam in the material. The most common are cheaper brushed electric motor models. However, these require regular brush replacement to operate correctly. That is why professionals opt for modern brushless motors. An electric circular saw powered by such a motor is less prone to failure and more durable. They are also more efficient, which increases maximum runtime on a single battery while maintaining better operating parameters.
Safety when working with a handheld circular saw
The basic protection against injuries are the blade guards: the fixed one mounted directly to the body and the lower pivoting one that retracts during cutting. Handheld circular saws also have two handles that provide better control over the tool. It is recommended to use both handles while working, especially when trimming thick or large elements.A good circular saw is additionally equipped with a switch lock. To prevent accidental startup of the device, it is necessary to press the lock release first. The blade brake is activated after switching off the device to stop the spinning blade more quickly. This way it will not pose a danger after putting the electric saw aside. At the same time, this mechanism increases the durability of the blade and the tool.
Additional accessories for handheld saws
In addition to the built-in conveniences, it is worth equipping yourself with additional accessories for the cordless handheld saw. One of the most useful purchases is an extra18 V battery. With its help you will avoid sudden interruptions during work. Especially since all Högert cordless tools in the 18 V system are compatible with the same cells. Thus the battery you buy can also be used with the drill-driver, angle grinder or impact wrench from our brand. The cordless circular saw also works with an additional guide rail. It provides greater precision during cutting.
Choosing the blade for the material being worked
A cordless circular saw allows easy blade replacement. To do this, simply place the tool on a flat surface and, after clearing away chips, loosen the mounting screw. After unscrewing it and replacing theblade with a new one, the screw should be tightened again with the appropriate force. When mounting the blade it is necessary to check the direction of rotation. This is usually marked by an arrow, which must match the rotation direction of the blade after mounting.For cordless saws, mainly circular saw blades are used. They are equipped with large teeth that allow efficient cutting of wood. They are made of metal and can be resharpened multiple times. A circular saw for wood is used during renovations and when building wooden structures.An alternative is carbide-tipped blades. They are made from two materials. The blade core is made of flexible steel to make it resistant to cracking, while the teeth are made from hard sintered materials that can handle materials such as plastics, metals, or light construction materials.
What to pay attention to when buying a cordless circular saw?
Cordless handheld saws work excellently for trimming and cutting wooden, metal, or light construction materials. Their main advantages are precision and cut quality. They are often chosen also for their bevel-cutting capability. But which circular saw will be the best?A properly selected model must ensure high blade speeds, reaching up to 5000 revolutions per minute. It is also worth opting for portable cordless models. With such a setup, durability and reliability of the tool are important. In this respect, saws with brushless motors are significantly better than ordinary electric motors with carbon brushes. An additional advantage of modern motors is their higher efficiency, and therefore longer runtime on a single battery.So if you are looking for the ideal solution both for professionals and for a home workshop, choose Högert devices with an interchangeable battery system for all 18 V power tools.
Car warning vest should be in every vehicle – in case of a breakdown it will allow the driver standing next to the vehicle to remain visible even after dark. However high-visibility vests are also an essential piece of equipment for construction workers, road workers and many other jobs. Check what to consider when buying a warning vest!
Is a warning vest mandatory?
A warning vest is an inexpensive item of clothing that everyone should have. It is useful not only in the car, but also when cycling after dark or even as protection for a pedestrian walking on the roadside.
Do you have to have a warning vest in the car? Polish regulations do not impose such a requirement on drivers. They indicate, among other things, the need to have a reflective triangle and a fire extinguisher. Although you won't get a fine for not having a warning vest, it is definitely worth having one. If you often travel with passengers, it's best to equip yourself with reflective vests in quantities sufficient to provide visibility to passengers if needed.
Reflective warning vest – a requirement in many professions
While a high-visibility vest for a motorcycle, bicycle or car is not required by regulations, in some professions it is. Professional high-visibility clothing is a necessary part of the wardrobe for airport workers, heavy equipment operators, construction workers, and people performing official duties on roads or in railway areas.
As for warning vests, regulations in 2023 require them to be one of three colors: yellow, orange or red. In addition to fluorescent colors, they must also have reflective elements.
High-visibility clothing is divided into class one, two and three. In the case of warning vests only classes one and two are possible, because class three requires reflectors on the sleeves or trouser legs. Such a standard is met, for example, by warning jackets.
A class one high-visibility vest must have 0.14 m2 of fluorescent background, while the total area of reflective elements must be 0.10 m2. For class two these values are 0.50 m2 and 0.13 m2 respectively. A professional class 2 vest is ORLA Warning Vest. Available in two colors – orange and yellow, it meets EU standards EN ISO 20471 and EN ISO 13688. Two reflective strips 5 cm wide provide visibility, and the anatomical fit guarantees comfort of use of the reflective warning vest both during work duties and while traveling by bike, motorcycle or on foot.
Summer and winter warning vest to suit your needs
When choosing a reflective warning vest for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists, pay particular attention to its size and the quality of the material. Contrary to appearances, fit is very important – especially if you will be wearing the vest for a long time. This type of body-protecting clothing is available in standard sizes – from S to 3XL. Importantly, these products are not divided into men's and women's high-visibility vests – they are universal garments with a simple cut.
In cold months, an insulated work warning vest will provide protection against cold, wind and precipitation. The REMS insulated warning vest model has a warm inner layer. An additional convenience is a zipper closure instead of traditional Velcro. This solution allows better protection against low temperatures and weather conditions. The REMS warning vest also has two inner pockets that allow for storing accessories useful at work.
How much does a reflective warning vest cost?
Purchasing a reflective PPE vest will not usually ruin the household budget of someone who wants to be visible while cycling or to have such important protection in the car.
You can also find much cheaper products in stores and at online auctions. Do yellow and orange reflective vests for 4–5 PLN differ from those from a trusted manufacturer costing a dozen or so zlotys? Although they may look the same at first glance, you will notice the difference in how long the product lasts. The reflective warning material on high-quality vests is much more durable – it retains its shape after many wash cycles. Meanwhile, cheap reflective vests often lose their properties after just 2–3 washes.
So if you don't want to spend two years wearing a vest that has never been washed, choose a higher-class product. Quality matters especially when you buy reflective warning PPE vests for your employees.
Of course you'll pay more for an insulated warning vest with pockets. For the aforementioned REMS model you'll pay 166 PLN. In this case, however, you should particularly take quality into account. A vest of poor quality, made of non-breathable material, will cause significant discomfort during work. It is definitely better to opt for products from a trusted warning vest manufacturer.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
WHAT IS THE CE MARK?
The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is the European conformity mark. Its use on a product's packaging indicates that the manufacturer has applied and fulfilled the relevant requirements contained in European directives/regulations, as well as in the European standards covering the product. A product that meets safety requirements will be marked with the CE mark, thereby informing the user that it is safe and has been properly placed on the market.WHY WAS IT INTRODUCED?
After the European Union removed trade barriers between Member States and established a common policy toward partner countries outside the EU, an area of free movement of goods was created within the Community. However, the main barrier to trade remained national requirements concerning, for example, the quality and safety of products. The national systems of regulations and standards used by countries often differed significantly from one another. This caused a range of problems for manufacturers who, in order to sell their product in different countries, had to meet separate requirements each time.
Because consumer safety could not be compromised by eliminating standards, the only solution was to harmonize national systems so that goods would be subject to the same requirements throughout the Community.
In 1993, European legal acts called NEW APPROACH DIRECTIVES were created at EU level. They defined essential safety requirements for different groups of products that must be met before they can be placed on the market or put into service on the Single European Market.
IS CE MARKING MANDATORY OR VOLUNTARY?
if a product falls under one of the New Approach Directives, CE marking is mandatory.
applying CE marking to products that are not subject to the New Approach Directives is prohibited.
WHO CAN AFFIX THE CE MARK?
CE marking may be affixed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative. Most products fall under Module A, i.e., the manufacturer's self-assessment module. If another module applies (B or D), an EU type-examination certificate must be obtained in cooperation with a notified body (a certifying institute).
WHAT IS A CE CERTIFICATE?
The term "CE certificate" does not exist in the nomenclature of the New Approach directives. If someone talks about a CE certificate, they most likely mean the EU declaration of conformity or the EU type-examination certificate confirming the product's conformity with the relevant EN standard.
Currently, the process of marking and certification is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC.
Source: https://www.oznakowanie-ce.plAuthor: Grzegorz Nowak
In 2022 as many as 66,606 occupational accidents were reported in Poland. 365 of the injured suffered very serious injuries, and the number of fatal accidents amounted to 180. In almost 80% the lower or upper limbs were injured. Among the most common causes was contact with a stationary or moving object. These data clearly indicate how important it is to provide employees with appropriate protective clothing.
Differences between protective clothing and workwear
To begin with, it is worth dispelling an important mistake. The term „occupational protective clothing (PPE)” and “workwear” are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing. To fully answer this question, it is useful to know the exact definitions of both concepts.
Definition of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear is clothing used in the workplace when there is a high risk of soiling or damaging outer garments. In other words, workwear replaces the employee’s clothing in situations where it may become dirty or ruined while performing duties. The use of uniform work outfits may also be related to building brand recognition (e.g., bank or insurance company employees).
And what is protective clothing? The definition states that it is clothing used in the workplace that is intended to cover or replace personal clothing. In addition, it is designed to provide protection against hazards. Both conditions must be met, so workwear that does not protect against specific dangerous substances or events is not protective clothing.
Applications of workwear and protective clothing
When is protective clothing used? Examples of such situations can be found in every industry. It is most often used by employees on production floors and those working in the field, and its purpose is to protect against impacts and cuts (such as protective boots with a steel toe cap). There is also protective clothing for welding and heavy aprons for laboratory technicians who come into contact with hazardous substances.
Work clothes are used even more frequently. They can be found in organizations that care about brand recognition linked to employee attire. Work uniforms are also widely used in the catering industry.
Types of protective and work clothing
Any clothing can be divided according to the part of the wardrobe it represents: protective or work gloves, trousers, jackets, boots or vests. It is worth paying more attention to the classification of protective clothing depending on the hazard it is meant to protect against. In this context, one can list:
Protective clothing for welders, protecting against electric arc, burns and splatter.
Harnesses related to working at heights.
Insulating protective clothing, used by electricians.
High-visibility clothing, protecting road workers, as well as emergency services operating at the scene of a road accident.
Chemical protective clothing, resistant to short-term exposure to hazardous corrosive substances.
Protective earmuffs that protect against excessively loud equipment noise.
Flame-resistant protective clothing for firefighters and people working near open flames.
Additionally, categories of protective clothing may also concern seasons, such as winter and summer protective clothing.
Protective clothing markings
Types of protective clothing can also be characterized by the areas of the body they are meant to protect.
Protective clothing (symbol U).
Lower limb protection (symbol N).
Upper limb protection (symbol R).
Head protection (symbol G).
Face and eye protection (symbol T).
Hearing protection (symbol S).
Respiratory protection (symbol D).
Protection against falls from height (symbol W).
Full body insulating protection (symbol I).
So how to choose the appropriate protective and work clothing for your workplace? That is always the employer’s responsibility!
Employer's obligations regarding protective and work clothing
Under current labor regulations, the employer is obliged to provide the employee free of charge with workwear, protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) if required by the working conditions. Importantly, the decisive factor is the conditions prevailing in a given work environment, not, for example, the job title. For this reason, employees in similar positions at different companies may receive a different set of clothing.
Protective clothing is the employer's obligation
The employer must determine what professional workwear and protective clothing are needed for each employee. This usually takes place during a dialogue with employees or their representative. These arrangements are then entered into the work regulations, which define the conditions for being in the workplace, as well as equipping employees with tools, materials, protective and work clothing and personal and hygiene protective equipment. Typically the details are presented as a protective clothing allocation table for each position.
Work clothing and footwear provided by the employer
Work and protective clothing are provided free of charge. At the same time, they remain the property of the employer. This means that upon termination of employment, all personal protective equipment and allocated clothing must be returned to the supervisor. Also, in the event of clothing being destroyed due to the employee’s fault, reimbursement of the purchase costs is required (after accounting for depreciation).
Employer's duties regarding employee safety
The employer’s duties related to protective clothing and workwear also include cleaning, maintenance, repair, dust removal and disinfection. However, employees often wash their work clothes themselves. In such cases they are entitled to reimbursement of the costs they incur.
Standards and certifications of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear does not require certification, because its primary task is to protect personal clothing from dirt or damage. However, specialist protective clothing for workers must meet specific standards and criteria in order to effectively protect against hazards in the workplace.
Clothing materials: what determines their protective properties?
Protective garments are made from natural materials (cotton), regenerated (cellulose-based) and synthetic materials (polyester or polyamide). From these, several dozen popular materials with specific properties have been developed. Among them you can find:
Ortalion made from polyester. It is characterized by very low weight and high resistance to damage.
Fleece, a soft and warm polyester knit.
Stretch, i.e. stretch fabrics with added Lycra or PBT.
Corduroy, a warm cotton fabric resistant to cuts and tears, but prone to abrasion.
Ballistic nylon, also used in the production of bulletproof vests. It is very resistant to damage and abrasion.
Kevlar, an elastic material that is also extremely durable.
The choice of the appropriate material depends on the work environment and the conducted occupational risk analysis.
Certification by EN ISO standards: what does it mean for protective clothing?
In Poland, EU Regulation No. 2016/425 of 16 March currently applies. It specifies a number of standards for particular types of protective and specialized clothing. It is there that the exact parameters that protective clothing for firefighters, welders and other positions must meet are defined.
All protective garments must also have certificates confirming compliance with the above standards. To obtain them, clothing undergoes rigorous laboratory tests, which must then be repeated at regular intervals.
Summary: protective and work clothing
There are still many workplace accidents in Poland. To provide employees with the best possible protection, protective clothing and personal protective equipment are used in accordance with the protective clothing allocation table. Each such garment must meet protective clothing standards, confirming protection against hazards in the working environment.
In many positions, an employee also receives workwear that protects personal clothing from damage or soiling. In this case, there is no need to obtain certifications.
Both workwear and protective clothing belong to the employer, who should care for them: clean, repair and maintain them.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
