When it comes to cutting wood, a circular saw is a handy tool to have. However, using it without proper guidance can result in uneven or inaccurate cuts, which can be frustrating and costly. That’s where a guide comes in. But what is a guide for a circular saw called? Let’s find out.
Circular Saw Guide Rail
A guide for a circular saw is typically called a guide rail or saw guide. A guide rail is a long, straight rail that attaches to the base of a circular saw. It provides a straight edge for the saw blade to follow, ensuring a straight and accurate cut.
Guide rails come in various lengths, ranging from 24 inches to 118 inches, depending on the length of the material you’re cutting. They’re usually made of aluminum or steel and have non-slip strips on the bottom to prevent the rail from moving during use.
Guide rails can be used for both rip cuts (cuts made parallel to the wood grain) and crosscuts (cuts made perpendicular to the wood grain). They’re especially useful for cutting large sheets of plywood or MDF, which can be difficult to handle on a table saw or miter saw.
Circular Saw Rip Fence
Another type of guide for a circular saw is a rip fence. A rip fence is a guide that attaches to the base of a circular saw and runs parallel to the saw blade. It’s used for making rip cuts, where the blade is cutting parallel to the wood grain.
Unlike a guide rail, a rip fence is adjustable, allowing you to set the distance between the blade and the fence. This is useful for making repeated cuts at the same width, such as when cutting boards for a project.
Some circular saws come with a built-in rip fence, while others require you to purchase one separately. Rip fences are typically made of aluminum or steel and have a locking mechanism to keep them in place during use.
Circular Saw Jigs
In addition to guide rails and rip fences, there are also circular saw jigs that can be used for specialized cuts. Jigs are custom-made guides that attach to the base of a circular saw and are designed for specific types of cuts, such as bevel cuts or dado cuts.
There are a variety of circular saw jigs available, or you can make your own using plans or templates found online. Jigs can be made from wood, plastic, or metal, depending on the type of cut you’re making and the material you’re working with.
Conclusion
A guide for a circular saw is an essential tool for achieving accurate and precise cuts. Whether you’re using a guide rail, rip fence, or jig, having a guide will help you make straight cuts, avoid mistakes, and save time and money. So, the next time you’re cutting wood with a circular saw, make sure you have a guide to help you along.
More to explore: Which Way Do You Put The Blade On A Dewalt Circular Saw?
FAQs for What Is A Guide For A Circular Saw Called?
What is a guide for a circular saw?
A guide for a circular saw is a device that helps keep the saw blade straight and on track while making cuts. It can be attached to the saw or used separately.
What are the benefits of using a guide for a circular saw?
Using a guide for a circular saw can help ensure accurate and straight cuts, which is especially important when working with large or expensive materials. It can also help prevent accidents and injuries by keeping the saw blade on track.
What are some common types of guides for circular saws?
Some common types of guides for circular saws include rip guides, which help make straight cuts parallel to the edge of a board, and crosscut guides, which help make perpendicular cuts across the grain of a board. There are also specialty guides for making angled or curved cuts.
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