Use these homemade jigs to make straight, even cuts with a portable circular saw:
- Circular Saw Crosscut Guide: Screw two pieces of lumber or plywood together at a right angle to form a “T” shaped jig. Position the jig on a scrap board, hold the circular saw firmly against the fence of the jig, and cut through both board and one arm of the jig. This will trim off the excess cleat on one side so the guide is the exact width of the saw. To use the crosscut guide, mark the board where you would like it cut, position the guide so the cleat is even with the mark, hold the jig firmly against the board, and make the cut, keeping the saw base against the guide fence.
- Circular Saw Rip Fence: Unplug the circular saw and clamp a straight board to the base to act as a fence. Make sure the measurements from the front and back of the blade to the fence are the same. Hold the guide firmly against the edge of the stock, and make the cut.
Watch the video above to find out more.
Further Information
- Understanding Power Tools (article)
- Choosing a Saw for Your Workshop (article)
