How to Cut a Straight Line With a Skill Saw
"Skil Saw" is actually a trade name for a circular type saw. The electric-powered, hand-held saw is used to cut boards and rip plywood into smaller pieces. A problem with the circular saw is cutting a straight line on long and wide pieces of material, such as plywood or house siding. Although there is a "V" notch to identify the blades path, it can sometimes be difficult to maneuver the saw over long distances. By using two spring clamps and a straight edge board, a straight cut can be achieved every time you use the saw. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Full sheet plywood ( 4-by-8 feet)
- Straight edge board (1-by-4 inch, 8 feet long)
- 2 spring hand clamps
- Skil circular saw
Instructions
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1
Measure the distance on the bottom of the Skil saw guide table from the outside edge of the table to the inside edge of the saw blade. This measurement will vary from 2 ¾ inches to a full 3 inches, depending on the model of the saw. Use the pencil and make a note of this measurement on the saw itself. This will help you remember the measurement.
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2
Mark and identify the overall width you want to remove from the work piece. The work piece is a full sheet of plywood that is 4-by-8 feet. Mark the plywood as if you want to rip the piece completely in half lengthways. Make a small pencil mark at 24 inches on either end of the plywood.
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3
Deduct the measurement you marked on the saw from the overall measurement of 24 inches. In the case of a 3-inch distance, this would be 21 inches. Mark the plywood at 21 inches with a small, two-sided arrow. Make the point of the arrow exactly at 21 inches on the tape measure.
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Lay the straight edge 1-by-4 inch board on the plywood. Move to one end and hold the edge of the board to the arrow mark. The 24-inch small pencil mark you made should be exposed. Attach the spring hand clamp to hold the board in place. Perform the same task at the other end of the plywood.
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5
Lay the saw to the top of the plywood. The "V" notch should now be perfectly aligned with the small 24-inch pencil mark. Start the saw and use the 1-by-4 inch straight edge board as the guide. Run the saw down the length of the plywood using the straight edge as the guide for the cut.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using the saw for personal safety equipment. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
Use a circular saw with sharp blades. Dull blades may cause the saw to perform erratically.
