June 26, 2005
Damon’s fool-proof method for making accurate rip-cuts with a circular saw
For a lot of my projects, I have to make some long rip-cuts. I’m not very good at eye-balling with a circular saw, so I have to use a straight-edge as a guide. Measuring for, and clamping the guide accurately was always hit-or-miss until I came up with a pretty reliable method.
A pretty reliable method:
First, I measure the cutting line on the wood. In this example, I have a twelve inch section of plywood I need to rip into 2 six inch sections. So, I mark the six inch point on the wood.
Next, I need to account for the distance from the center of the saw blade to the edge of the saw fence ( on my saw, this is about 1 7/16”). To make sure I always use the same distance, I cut 2 pieces of 1” X 3” to 1 7/16”. These pieces of wood will be my guide in setting the straight edge.
Next, I clamp the guides on the cutting line at each end of the wood.
Then, I set my straight edge against the back of the guides and clamp it in place. (I use a 98” aluminum straight edge that's a bargain for less than $20.).
Once the straight edge is clamped down, I remove the saw guide blocks and I’m ready to make the cut.
When cutting, I just press the saw fence against my straight edge and cut down the length of the wood.
And I end up with a straight, accurate cut each time.
