Most contractors and DIY users desire to effortlessly make straight cuts with a circular saw. However, there are some techniques and ways you need to learn to achieve straight cuts with this type of saw. This is because the circular saw always wanders away from the pencil line, making rough, disorganized cuts.
Learning how to cut straight with a circular saw is a very simple task, and the simple techniques we will share in this blog can help you accomplish it.
What Is A Circular Saw?
A circular saw is used to cut through different materials in carpentry and construction projects. It is designed for the particular tools it is supposed to cut. For example, it can make rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both when it comes to wood cutting.
Types Of Circular Saw Cuts
Let's check out some of the types of circular saws that one can use in their projects.
Cross Cut
The cross-cut is used for dividing the material into smaller pieces in a perpendicular length.
Rip Cut
The rip cut is cut parallel to the grain. This is particularly useful for cutting along the 8 sides.
Bevel Cut
The bevel cut is achieved by cutting the material at an angle. Although it is cut in a straight line, the saw blade is tilted at an angle.
How to Cut Straight with A Circular Saw
The process of how to make straight cuts with a circular saw is shared below:
1. Speed Square
A speed square is the easiest tool for cutting straight with a circular saw in your carpentry projects. It enables quick measurements and angles, allowing straight cuts with a circular saw. It also serves as a protractor for measuring angles.
How it Works
- Triangular Design: Speed squares are triangular, with one edge featuring a lip or flange.
- Measurement Markings: The tool has markings along its edges for measurements in inches, centimeters, and angles.
- Square Checking: The lip allows for checking 90-degree angles by aligning it with the edge of the material.
- Angle Markings: Pre-marked angles like 45 and 30 degrees aid in quick angle measurements and marking.
- Protractor Feature: It doubles as a protractor, facilitating measurement and marking of angles beyond the presets.
- Guiding Cuts: The lip can serve as a guide for making straight cuts with circular saws or jigsaws, ensuring accuracy.
- Versatility: The speed square can be applied for roofing layouts and woodworking projects.
2. DIY Circular Saw Cutting
This type of circular saw makes clear crosscuts and miter cuts. It serves as a guide for making a straight edge for a circular saw. Its fence allows the saw to make precise cuts the way the users want them. It can be used in different wood projects to deliver the best results.
How it Works
- Measure and Mark: Measure and mark the locations on the workpiece where the cut is desired.
- Place and Clamp: Position the edge of the cutting guide on the marked locations and secure it in place with clamps to prevent shifting during cutting.
- Align and Cut: Place the base plate of the circular saw against the fence of the cutting guide and guide the saw along the length of the guide to cut accurately.
3. Kreg Rip-Cut
The Kreg Rip-Cut is a cutting guide designed to work specifically with circular saws. It allows users to make straight circular saw cuts and precise cuts in plywood and other sheet materials. It has a rip-cut fence that allows for accurate cuts every time as it guides the saw to make a straight cut. It allows for repetitive rip cuts after setting the fence only once, which is the best for DIY projects.
How it Works
- Measure and Mark: Begin by measuring and marking the locations on the workpiece where the cut is desired.
- Adjust the Fence: Set the fence of the Rip-Cut to align with the marked cut line, ensuring the circular saw blade will follow the mark accurately.
- Use the Handle: Grip the handle of the Rip-Cut and press the fence firmly against the workpiece to stabilize it during cutting.Kreg Accu-Cut
4. Kreg Accu-Cut
The Kreg Accu-cut is another way of cutting a straight line with a circular saw. It allows users to cut any width board or wood precisely. It is important to note that there are two versions of Kreg Accu cuts. The normal Accu cut makes cuts up to 50 long and the Accu cut XL cuts up to 100 long. It has an anti-slip that gives balance during operation and helps in making straight and accurate cuts.
How it works
- Measure and Mark: Start with marking areas on the wood where you wish to cut.
- Place the Accu-Cut: Make sure the edge of the Accu-Cut guide track matches the edge of the Accu-Cut guide track. Additionally, mark the areas on the wood where you wish to achieve the cut line.
- Position the Saw: Then, position the circular saw onto the guide track of the Accu cut, making sure the saw blade is placed on the marked areas of the cut line.
- Make the Cut: After making sure everything is in the right position, make the straight and precise cut.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you understand how to cut a straight line with a circular saw in your different wood projects. You also need to learn and follow the guidelines for operating the type of saw you prefer to use. Considering how well-versed you are with the circular saw, you can choose the ways to make straight, precise cuts with it.
Whether it is the speed square, DIY circular saw cutting guide, Kreg rip cut, or Kreg accu cut, all these different ways of operating circular saws can give you the straight cuts that you need in your plywood projects.
