Abstract: Flat multi-layered work pieces, such as panels with a decorative or finish surface coating (5), are prescored and cut through by the same saw blade to avoid damage to the surface coating. For this purpose a circular saw (1) is guided along a guide rail (7) and its saw blade (4) is adjustable to a prescoring depth and to at least one lateral prescoring position to make a first prescoring cut only through the cover layer (5) in a sawing direction in synchronism with the blade rotation direction. If necessary, the blade is adjusted to a second lateral prescoring position to make a second prescoring cut only through the cover layer (5) in a cutting direction in synchronism with the blade rotation. Finally, the saw blade (4) is adjusted to its full cutting depth and to a lateral position between the two prescoring positions and a full cut is made through the entire work piece (6) in a sawing direction counter to the rotation direction of the saw blade.