How to Make a Long Circular Saw Guide

Circular saws are versatile tools which are popular with amateur and professional woodworkers. However, getting a clean straight cut with a circular saw on a large long piece of lumber can be difficult. They tend to rip the wood as they cut leaving edges crooked and uneven. The solution is as simple as using a long guide with your circular saw.

Long guides are a must for any woodworker who regularly saws larger pieces of lumber. They can easily be made with a few quick supplies and tools from your local home improvement store.

Step One

Purchase your supplies for your project. They should include: A piece of lumber which is eight foot-long by one inch by four inches that has very straight edges. This will act as the edge for the guide. Next you will need an eight foot-long by 16 inch one quarter inch or one half inch piece of plywood. This will serve as the base for the guide. Finally to assemble the project you will need small screws, nails, wood glue and a hammer.

Step Two

Once you have your supplies in hand it's time to assemble the guide. First place the one by four about one and one half inches away from one edge of the plywood. The edges of both pieces should be parallel to one another. Once in the proper position glue and nail the boards together. Next use the circular saw to cutoff the excess plywood from the base. Do this by setting the saw on the base with side of the saw's shoe resting against the one by four. Run the saw the length of the plywood. When finished your guide's base should be the width of the saw's shoe. The guide is now ready for use.

Since the size of saw shoes differ on each power tool, a separate guide should be made for each different saw.