1. What is the Chord Length Formula?

The chord length formula calculates the straight-line distance between two points on a circular arc. For circular saw tools, this helps determine the cutting width at a given depth.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the chord length formula:

Where:

• \( c \) — Chord length
• \( r \) — Radius of the circle
• \( d \) — Depth of cut

Explanation: The formula calculates the straight-line distance across a circular segment at a specified depth from the edge.

3. Importance of Chord Calculation

Details: Accurate chord calculation is crucial for circular saw operations to determine cutting width, blade selection, and material removal rates.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the radius of your circular saw blade and the desired cutting depth. Both values must be positive numbers, and depth cannot exceed radius.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is chord length important for circular saws?
A: It determines the actual cutting width at different depths, affecting material removal and blade performance.

Q2: What units should I use?
A: Use consistent units (inches or mm) for both radius and depth. The calculator will return chord length in the same units.

Q3: Can depth be greater than radius?
A: No, the depth must be less than or equal to the radius for a valid chord calculation.

Q4: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For woodworking, 1/64" (0.0156") precision is typically sufficient. For metalworking, greater precision may be needed.

Q5: Does blade thickness affect the calculation?
A: This calculation is for the theoretical cut width. Actual kerf width includes blade thickness which should be considered separately.