Circular saw issue

[Mik]

Never run across this before. Cutting 2x4 pressure treated into 15" lengths. The first three cuts were fine, smooth as silk. On the 4th cut and since, the blade guard is not retracting so the cut won't continue. Same dang board, no changes made to the saw. I can manually move the guard easily as ever, depth adjustment is fine. Any suggestions?

[Renauda]

@Mik

Have never encountered anything like that. Have you tried experimenting on discarded cut ends or scrap pieces of plywood to see what’s going on?

[Mik]

Yeah, these pieces are just to raise up a plastic planter in a flowerbox so the weight is not resting on the rim. Fine cuts are not required as it will never be attached or seen. I've played with the blade depth and it doesn't make any difference.

[Jolly]

Sounds like the lip is not catching as the cut is being started. Change in technique as the board is getting shorter (Maybe you're raising the heel a bit too much?)

[Mik]

Thanks, Renauda and Jolly. I went ahead and just cut it manually.

Why would the length of the board matter if I had it clamped to a work surface for the cut?

[taiwan_girl]

Okay, all that sounded in-understandable to me.

Reminds me of the Steve Martin joke:

QUOTE
Ok, I don’t like to gear my material to the audience but I’d like to make an exception because I was told that there is a convention of plumbers in San Francisco this week – I understand about 30 of them came down to the show tonight – so before I came out I worked-up a joke especially for the plumbers. Those of you who aren’t plumbers probably won’t get this and won’t think it’s funny, but I think those of you who are plumbers will really enjoy this…

This lawn supervisor was out on a sprinkler maintenance job and he started working on a Findlay sprinkler head with a Langstrom 7″ gangly wrench. Just then, this little apprentice leaned over and said, “You can’t work on a Findlay sprinkler head with a Langstrom 7″ wrench.” Well this infuriated the supervisor, so he went and got Volume 14 of the Kinsley manual, and he reads to him and says, “The Langstrom 7″ wrench can be used with the Findlay sprocket.” Just then, the little apprentice leaned over and said, “It says sprocket not socket!”
UNQUOTE

[Jolly]

@Mik said in Circular saw issue:

Thanks, Renauda and Jolly. I went ahead and just cut it manually.

Why would the length of the board matter if I had it clamped to a work surface for the cut?

Shucks, I'd of just wired the guard up and cut away. Just be careful with your leg and other hand.

[Jolly]

As for length, lots of times on multiple cuts, I mark them off at one time and cut them all at one time, end to finish.

[Jolly]

Lastly, if you don't have a 10" slider, buy one. Doesn't have to be professional quality. ..

A 10" slider is the most used saw I own.

[Renauda]

@Jolly

Although for the past 20 years or so, I almost always use my mitre saw for dimensional lumber there was a time that I too would have just wired up the guard and cut away and, as you have safely advised, paid appropriate attention to safety.