How to Use a Straight Edge and Circular Saw

A straight edge will help to ensure a perfect cut.

A straight edge is a tool used to provide straight cuts when sawing wood. It is typically a flat piece of bar stock made of either steel or aluminum. Straight edges are secured to cutting surfaces, providing a guide for the saw. When using a straight edge with a circular saw for the first time, you must determine the distance between the edge and the saw's blade. This is accomplished with a piece of scrap lumber before cutting into your project wood.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap lumber
• Straight edge
• Clamps, 2
• Circular saw
• Tape measure
• Project wood
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Clamp the straight edge to a piece of scrap lumber. The clamps should be tightened on both ends of the straight edge to ensure that it does not move.

2. Press the circular saw's shoe against the straight edge as you make a cut into the scrap lumber. The cut only needs to be a few inches long.

3. Measure the distance between the straight edge and the cut.

4. Draw a line on the wood for your project where you want your cut.

5. Use the measurement from Step 3 to draw a second line on the "keeper" side of the wood -- the part of the wood not being cut off and discarded.

6. Clamp the straight edge on the wood, aligned with the second line. Make a perfectly straight cut exactly along the first line -- be sure to keep the saw's foot against the straight edge for the entire cut.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember the measurement from Step 3 and you will not have to do the first three steps for future cuts.

• Wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting the wood.

References

• Evenfall Woodworks: The Utility of the Straightedge
• Family Handyman: How to Use a Circular Saw