Doors and Windows - Problems cutting door down to length.

I need to cut about 3/8" from the bottom rail of a door so it swings freely over the carpet. But I recently ruined an oak door, because my circular saw bogs down when I attempt to make the cut. I get about 6 " into the door rail when the saw starts smoking while the blade rotates. Any attempt to force the saw causes it to bog down or worse go off course of my line. I assume I need a fine tooth blade. Is my blade too dull? Any suggestions? Thanks! :wall:

If the blade, not the motor, is smoking, then yes, that is a sure sign to replace the blade.

Also, a fine tooth works best for sawing wood doors to prevent splintering. However, the Masonite (pressed hardboard) doors will cut satisfactorily with an all purpose blade.

I hate to see it, but I've also seen some people try to cut with the blade in backwards. That will make a plywood blade smoke for sure. The sharp side of the teeth should be coming up through the bottom of the door if you have it laid flat on sawhorses. Scoring the top of the veneer with a sharp knife will also help eliminate any tearout along your cut, and makes a nice line to follow with the side of your blade.

Also, a plywood blade will probably burn up in oak. I'd use a 40 tooth carbide.

And if all the above doesn't help, I would try a different saw.
Because quite frankly some saws are garbage.

Also try clamping a straight edge ( a four foot level works well)to the door to guide the saw, you will get a much cleaner cut and minimize accidentally twisting the saw and binding it up.

I agree with xsleeper as well on scoring the door with a utility knife before cutting, makes a world of difference in the finished product.

Originally, I was using an old plywood blade. Looks like that was my problem(s). I purchased a new 40 tooth carbide and it cuts through that oak effortlessly. Thanks for the help gang. Expensive lesson but lesson learned! :rolleyes: