Circular saw guide/sled

Submitted by Veronica P on Thu, 01/22/2015 - 17:46

Until now I've been doing the majority of my project cuts with my $30 jigsaw. Yes, it took about ten times as long as yes it was not quite as accurate so I ended up putting more time into sanding to clean things up after but I just didn't feel comfortable using the circular saw.

Well, I've got a list a mile long of things I'd like to build so it's time to  put on my big girl panties and get comfortable with the circular saw. So...I read a ton of tips and tricks online and saw a number of different guides.

Taking a little from a few different pictures of guides and using the scrap wood from an old dresser, I put this together. I clamp it to the top of my work table and go to town. I love it and now feel comfortable using the circular saw. I'm sure it's helped me make more accurate, straighter cuts than I would otherwise have made too. 

Estimated Cost
Scrap
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Tony

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 07:12

By using this jig, you are losing the full potential of your blade depth. A speed square would work just as well as this system and provide you with a full blade depth worth of cuts. I've seen systems like this before but really only useful for ripping long lengths of plywood/MDF/etc and not for cross cuts. I'm not trying to knock the way you do wood work, simply providing others with an alternative and easier way.

Veronica P

Fri, 01/23/2015 - 12:39

You're absolutely right that by using this I'm limiting the depth of my cuts to some degree. I have used the speed square as well and it's definitely a great tool that I'll use more in the future. The jig just offers me a little control until I grow more comfortable with the circular saw. Just an option for other newbies like me who might be apprehensive about using the circular saw.