A binding circular saw can stop your work instantly and even become a safety hazard. If your Makita circular saw keeps binding while cutting, it usually means something is wrong with the setup, the blade, or the material itself. The good news is, most causes are easy to identify and fix.
Why Your Makita Circular Saw Might Bind During Cutting
- Dull, dirty, or damaged blade.
- Misaligned or warped material.
- Incorrect blade depth or angle.
- Cutting without proper support under the workpiece.
- Forcing the saw through too quickly instead of letting it cut naturally.
Inspect and Replace the Blade.
A dull or damaged blade creates more friction, making the saw struggle and bind. Keeping the blade sharp ensures smoother and safer cuts.
Unplug the saw, and then check the teeth of the blade closely. Look for dull edges, resin buildup, or chipped teeth. If you notice any of these, clean the blade thoroughly or replace it with a new, sharp Makita-compatible blade.
Check the Workpiece Support.
Improperly supported material is one of the most common reasons for binding. If the cut closes on the blade, the saw will jam.
Always support the workpiece correctly with sawhorses or clamps. Ensure the part being cut off can fall freely away from the blade so it does not pinch.
Adjust the Blade Depth.
Using the wrong blade depth puts unnecessary strain on the saw. The blade should not extend too far below the workpiece.
Set the blade depth so only one tooth of the blade sticks out underneath the material. This reduces resistance and helps prevent binding.
Keep the Saw Aligned.
If the saw is not cutting straight, the blade can twist inside the cut and bind. This often happens if you rush or push too hard.
Guide the saw along a straight edge or fence for longer cuts. Move at a steady pace, allowing the blade to do the cutting instead of forcing it.
Check the Base Plate and Angle.
If the base plate or bevel adjustment is not square, the saw blade may cut at an angle, causing it to wedge inside the material.
Use a carpenter’s square to check the alignment of the blade with the base plate. If needed, adjust the bevel setting back to zero for straight cuts.
Binding on a Makita circular saw is usually caused by either the blade or the way the material is supported. With proper setup, a sharp blade, and steady cutting, you can eliminate most problems and make cleaner, safer cuts.
FAQs
Why does my Makita circular saw stop mid-cut?
It often happens due to a dull blade or pinched workpiece. Checking blade condition and material support usually solves it.
How often should I replace my circular saw blade?
Replace the blade whenever it shows dullness, chipped teeth, or burns the wood instead of cutting smoothly. For frequent use, expect to change blades more often.
Can forcing the saw cause binding?
Yes. Pushing too hard makes the blade twist in the cut. Always let the saw’s motor and blade do the work at their natural pace.
