circular saw guide – AllFlavor Workshop

Top 5 Best Circular Saw Guide Rail in 2026 (Ranked)

About the author, Lukas — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:16:20 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

Top 5 Best Circular Saw Guide Rail in 2026 (Ranked)

When it comes to getting precise and accurate cuts in woodworking, having the best circular saw guide is crucial.

With so many options out there, finding the right circular saw guide rail for your needs can feel overwhelming. There are different features, materials, and compatibility to consider, making it hard to know where to start.

Best Overall

Most Affordable

Best Compatibility

Best Overall

Kreg KMA2700

Most Affordable

BORA 543050

Best Compatibility

KREG KMA2685

In this blog post, I’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of each circular saw guide, giving you all the info you need to make a choice. Whether you’re a pro or just love DIY projects, a circular saw guide rail is a must-have accessory that will help you achieve great results. It’s okay if you don’t have a table saw in your workshop, the majority of cuts can be made with a circular saw.

Are you looking for a guide that can make precise cuts, straight cuts, cross cuts, and angled cuts?
Which circular saw guide works with different saw models?
If you have a bigger budget, are you willing to invest in a top-notch guide rail system for better performance?
What should you consider while looking for a circular saw rail guide?

With my several years of workshop experience, I’ve done a thorough research and covered everything you need to know.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to choose the best circular saw guide for your woodworking projects. So, keep reading and discover my top recommendations!

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

What I Look for in a Circular Saw Guide Rail

Compatibility	Can you use the guide with other circular saws as well? Can you use the guide with other tools?
Size	What are the dimensions of the guide? Is it easily portable? Is it heavy? What is the length of the rail?
Use	What types of cuts can you make with the guide? Does it allow for both crosscuts and rip cuts?
Attachment and Clamping	How do you attach the guide to the material and the workbench? Are there any attachments? Are there slots for clamps?
Durability	Is it durable? What is the material the guide rail is made of?

The Best Circular Saw Guide Rails Overview

Here are my current top recommendations for the best circular saw guides available in the market today.

Best Overall – Kreg KMA2700
Most Affordable – Bora 543050
Best Compatibility – Kreg KMA2685
Best for Rigidity – Emerson Tool Co. C50
Most for Length – Makita 194368-5

Eager to uncover more specific details about your specific saw guide?

The Best Circular Saw Rail Guides Comparison

Circular Saw Track Guide	Type	Length of the guide	Weight	Material	Clamping system
Kreg KMA2700	Circular Saw Track	48 inches	5.05 pounds	Aluminum	track clamps
Bora 543050	Straight Edge (Track)	50 inches	2.4 pounds	Aluminum	Integrated Clamps (Side Clamps)
Kreg KMA2685	Rip Guide	Rip length of 24 inches	2.45 pounds	Aluminum	None
Emerson Tool Co. C50	Straight Edge	50 inches	1.76 pounds	Nylon	Integrated Clamps (Side Clamps)
Makita 194368-5	Guide Rail (Track)	50 inches	6.7 pounds	Metal	track clamps

Detailed List Of The Best Circular Saw Guides

These are my top picks for the best circular saw guides on the market.

1. Kreg KMA2700 Circular Saw Track

Dimensions: 27.5 x 8.75 x 2.5 inches
Blade Length: 48 inches
Weight: 5.05 pounds
Material: Aluminum
Warranty: 90 days

Versatile guide rail for a variety of cuts.
Achieves accurate and straight cuts without splintering.
Easy setup and convenient control.
Dual guide strips eliminate the need for clamps.
Lightweight and portable design for easy transportation.
Suitable for professionals and beginners alike.

It’s a track system, not a traditional guide rail, which may not be preferred by some users.
Some users might have a preference for a traditional guide rail design.

Why I Picked It

The Kreg KMA2700 Circular Saw Track is a great tool that takes your circular saw to the next level of precision cutting. With its Accu-Cut Circular Saw Guide Track System, you can achieve straight and accurate cuts without worrying about splintering. The guide allows the circular saw to move in a straight line enabling you to get perfect crosscuts, angled cuts, or rip cuts up to 48 inches long on large wood panels.

The saw guide’s universal sled makes it compatible with the most popular circular saw models. It is specially designed to be compatible with the Kreg Rip-Cut and other Accu-Cut family products.

KREG KMA 2700

Oversize edge guide for precise control throughout the cut

Kreg KMA2700 is equipped with dual guide strips, which eliminates the need for clamps and prevents slippage, providing you with hassle-free operation. The anti-chip features ensure clean and splinter-free cuts, while the anti-slip coats keep your workpiece securely in place.

What’s great is that this guide rail is lightweight, portable, and easy to assemble, making it suitable for both seasoned professionals and woodworking beginners.

2. Bora Clamp Edge Saw Guide

Dimensions: 62.75 x 3 x 1.5 inches
Blade Length: 50 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Material: Aluminium

Reliable and adjustable clamp
Locking handles provide stability
Budget-friendly option
Versatile for making angled cuts
The ideal length for larger projects

Works best with a Bora saw plate (additional purchase may be required)

Why I Picked It

The Bora Clamp Saw Guide is an excellent option for those who prefer not to spend a fortune on guide rails while still achieving precise cuts. It is an affordable choice that delivers exceptional performance.

This guide rail comes in a convenient 50-inch length, allowing you to effortlessly tackle larger projects without the need for constant realignment. Even for smaller projects, this length remains versatile and easy to handle.

What I really like about this guide is its practical design. It is equipped with an adjustable clamp on the side, which securely holds your materials in place, ensuring accurate cuts. The inclusion of locking handles further enhances stability, preventing any unwanted movement during the cutting process.

Additionally, the Bora Clamp Edge Guide offers the flexibility to make angled cuts, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking applications. While it works best with a Bora saw plate (sold separately), this guide rail remains an affordable choice for those seeking precision without breaking the bank. It is definitely one of the best guide rails for the money.

3. Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide

Dimensions: 30.88 x 8.75 x 2.5 inches
Rip Length: Rip length of 24 inches
Weight: 2.45 pounds
Material: Aluminium
Warranty: 90 days

Decent rip length of 24″
Sturdy guide rail construction
Lightweight and made from aluminum
Easy to adjust for precise cuts
Reversible edge guide

Plastic sled could have been of higher quality

Why I Picked It

If you’re searching for a guide rail that offers compatibility with almost any circular saw on the market, the Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide is a great choice. Crafted from lightweight aluminum, weighing just 2.4 lbs, this guide rail is easily portable and easy to handle.

What sets this guide rail apart is its ability to connect to both the left and right sides of the blade effortlessly. A rip length of up to 24 inches is more than sufficient for a wide range of projects. However, it’s important to note that while 24 inches is generally sufficient, if you require wider cuts, you may need to consider using additional guides.

KREG KMA 2685

Make rip cuts and crosscuts up to 24″ wide

When it comes to stability, the Kreg KMA2685 excels. It remains firmly in place during use, providing confidence and ease of operation. Setting up and adjusting the guide rail is very simple, allowing you to focus on your woodworking tasks.

The only drawback is the plastic sled, which may feel slightly less durable compared to other models. However, considering its overall performance, the Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide remains an excellent choice.

4. Emerson Tool Co. C50

Dimensions: 1.8 x 60 x 3.5 inches
Blade Length: 50 inches
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Material: Nylon

Why I Picked It

The Emerson Tool Co C50 is a lightweight and versatile straight cut guide that offers smooth operation and quick setup. The extra-strong nylon clamp ensures stability and secures the guide rail firmly in place, resulting in precise cuts.

While the price may be slightly higher compared to other options, the C50 is constructed from high-grade aluminum, making it durable for professional contractors while still being suitable for home hobbyists. Also, there are additional attachments are available to enhance its functionality with routers.

Unlike some inexpensive guide rails that lack rigidity, the Emerson Tool Co C50 excels in providing a sturdy and reliable cutting experience. Its combination of aluminum and nylon materials ensures both strength and lightweight portability. The self-clamping straight-edge feature guarantees stability during use, allowing for accurate cuts with confidence. Due to its rigidity, the Emerson C50 is one of the best cut guides to make straight cuts.

Manufactured from aluminum and nylon
Self-clamping feature holds everything securely
Enables straight and smooth cuts
Lightweight design for easy handling
Easy to adjust

Not compatible with Ultra Series or Twin Series accessories

5. Makita Guide Rail

Dimensions: 55.11 x 7.28 x 0.43 inches
Blade Length: 50 inches
Weight: 6.7 pounds
Material: Metal

Generous 55-inch rip length
Easy setup and adjustment
Rigid aluminum guide rail
Minimal movement during use
Surprisingly lightweight considering its size
Works great with Makita saws

Limited compatibility with some saws and routers

Why I Picked It

The Makita Guide Rail is perfect for tackling larger projects, thanks to its impressive 55-inch rip length. Despite its size, it remains sturdy and reliable. Made of metal, it weighs around 6.61 pounds, which is still relatively light given its long reach. Setting up and adjusting it is really simple, and it operates smoothly without any hassle.

However, one drawback is its compatibility. It may not work with every saw or router on the market, so it’s important to check if your specific model is supported. It’s primarily designed to pair with Makita circular saws, ensuring a seamless fit. There it excels.

Makita Guide Rail

55″ Guide Rail

Wrap Up

To wrap up, the selection of the best circular saw tracks (guides) presented here offers a range of great options. While each guide rail has its own strengths, two favorites that stand out are the Kreg KMA2700 and the Bora Clamp Edge Saw Guide.

The Kreg KMA2700 is a versatile and universal guide track, that allows for various types of cuts that can be used with almost any circular saw track. Apart from that it is easy to use and set up and you’ll be able to achieve precise and professional-quality cuts.
On the other hand, the Bora Clamp Edge Saw Guide is a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on quality. Its non-skid contact points ensure secure attachment to the workpiece, while its lightweight design adds to its convenience. Additionally, you can enhance it with accessories that can be used together with the guide.

Source: Boratools

What to Consider While Looking for a Circular Saw Guide?

When you’re looking for the right circular saw guide, there are a few important things to think about. You’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your tools, the size fits your needs, it has good attaching and clamping features, and it’s durable enough to last. These factors are essential for getting the best performance and accurate cuts in your woodworking projects.

1. Compatibility

Ensure that the circular saw guide is compatible with your specific circular saw model and other tools you might want to use, such as a trim router. This allows for versatile usage and expands your woodworking capabilities.

2. Size

Consider the length and overall dimensions of the circular saw guide. A length of around 50 inches is generally sufficient for most tasks, providing ample cutting capacity. A wider track as it offers better stability during cuts and is gentler on the material being cut. However, keep in mind that larger guides tend to be heavier, which can affect portability.

3. Attaching and Clamping

Look for a circular saw guide that offers secure attachment and clamping mechanisms. This ensures that the guide remains locked in place while cutting, providing enhanced stability, accuracy, and precision. A solid and reliable clamping system is essential for achieving precise straight cuts.

4. Durability

Pay attention to the material of the circular saw guide. Many guides are made of aluminum, which is a great choice because it’s strong, stable, and easy to carry around. Aluminum guide rails ensure your cuts stay straight without warping or bending. It’s important to choose a guide that can handle regular use and will last a long time, giving you reliable performance project after project.

Make a DIY Circular Saw Guide

Apart from shop-made guides, you also have the option to make your own circular saw guide. In fact, there are several DIY guides that are relatively easy to create. Making your own guide not only serves as a good woodworking practice but can also help you save money.

However, it’s important to consider a few drawbacks as well. Here are the pros and cons of making your own guide:

PROS:

Making your own track guide can be a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a pre-made guide.
With careful construction and precise measurements, you can achieve accurate and satisfactory results with your DIY circular saw guide.

CONS:

DIY guide tracks may not always be as durable as commercially available options, especially if they are made from less robust materials.
Homemade guides may lack certain features or functionalities that professional guides offer, such as integrated measurement scales or advanced clamping mechanisms.
Creating your own guide requires time, effort, and some woodworking skills. It may not be suitable for those seeking a quick and ready-to-use solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Circular Saw Guides Universal?

Circular saw guides are not universally compatible. Generally, they are designed for specific models and brands of circular saws. However, some guide rails are available in universal designs that can be used with various circular saws and even other tools.

What are the Benefits of a Circular Saw Guide Rail?

A circular saw guide rail offers several benefits. It provides enhanced precision and stability during cuts, enabling you to achieve accurate rip cuts, straight cuts, and even angled cuts. This level of control helps you attain professional-quality results in your woodworking projects.

What is the difference between a Circular Saw and a Track Saw?

A circular saw is a handheld power tool used for making cuts, while a track saw is a specialized type of circular saw that operates on a guide rail, offering increased accuracy and control.

Can I Use a Circular Saw Guide With Other Tools?

Circular saw guides are primarily intended for use with circular saws and may not be directly compatible with other tools. However, there are some guide rails available that offer adapters or additional features, allowing for compatibility with certain other tools.

What Safety Equipment to Use With a Circular Saw?

When using a circular saw, it is essential to wear safety equipment such as safety goggles, ear protection, and gloves to protect yourself from potential hazards like flying debris and loud noise.

READ NEXT:

This post Top 5 Best Circular Saw Guide Rail in 2026 (Ranked) first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

Simple DIY Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots (Step-by-Step Guide)

About the author, Lukas — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 13:04:14 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

Simple DIY Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you own a circular saw, then you’ll definitely want to know about one of the most useful saw jigs out there: the circular saw guide, also known as a track saw guide. This woodworking jig opens up a world of possibilities by allowing you to make incredibly precise long straight cuts. Whether you’re working on long rip cuts, crosscuts, angle cuts, or even resizing larger wooden boards, this guide has got your back.

Unfortunately, track saws can be quite pricey. As an alternative, you can make your own DIY circular saw guide. It is a fantastic and cost-effective alternative to shop-made saw guides. You won’t need a lot of power tools to build it – just your circular saw will do the job just fine.

This saw guide features a t-slot that makes it easy to attach the guide to a workpiece or workbench using clamps. You can even use homemade t-track clamps or standard t-slot clamps for added versatility.

The beauty of homemade circular saw guides lies in the fact that there are countless variations to choose from – short, long, with/without guiding tracks, designed for different purposes. For further inspiration you can take a look at the best DIY circular saw guides and build one based on your specific needs.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of building your own circular saw guide step-by-step. We will be using plywood and HDF (MDF) as our primary materials, both renowned for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand pressure.

RELATED:

How To Make a Circular Saw Guide Video

If you want to see how it is done, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to build a circular saw guide.

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DIY Saw Guide Video
The Material you will need
General Questions
1. What is a Circular Saw Guide?
2. What is a Track Saw Guide?
3. What are the Slots on a Track Saw Guide?
How to Make a DIY Circular Saw Guide (Step-by-Step)
1. Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces for the Base
2. Step 2: Cut the Bottom Clamping Slot
3. Step 3: Assemble the Track Base
4. Step 4: Make the Upper T-track
5. Step 5: Finish the Guide
How to Use a DIY Track Saw Guide
Conclusion

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!

The material you will need to build it

Circular Saw Track
A sheet of plywood for the guide
HDF Strips for T-slots
Plywood (Base) – 700 mm x 130 mm x 12 mm – https://amzn.to/3TPULp2
HDF (Base) – 700 mm x 140 mm x 4 mm
HDF (Base) – 700 mm x 84 mm x 4 mm
HDF (T-tracks) 2x – 700 mm x 13,5 mm x 4 mm

Other:
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Sandpaper Sheets – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p
Wood Screws – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ
DIY T-track Bolts

Tools:
Trim Router – https://amzn.to/3HbQcOg
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Cordless Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
T-track Clamps – https://amzn.to/3tEKaCW
One Hand Clamps – https://amzn.to/48jGxkZ
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1

Check all the Tools I Use

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

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What is a Circular Saw Guide?

A circular saw guide is a woodworking tool that helps achieve precise cuts with a circular saw. It acts as a straight edge guide, allowing for perfectly straight and accurate cuts in various applications. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of using a circular saw guide:

Pros of a Circular Saw Guide:

Enables precise straight cuts: The guide ensures accurate cuts, whether for rip cuts, crosscuts, or angle cuts.
Versatile functionality: It enables a wide range of cuts, including straight cuts, bevel cuts, and compound cuts.
Portability: Circular saw guides are typically lightweight and portable, making them easy to transport to different job sites.
Cost-effective alternative: Building a DIY circular saw guide is a budget-friendly option compared to purchasing an expensive track saw.
Universal: Can be used with almost any circular saw.

Cons of a Circular Saw Guide:

Setup: Setting up and aligning the guide properly can take some time, especially for precise and exact cuts.

What is a Track Saw Guide?

A track saw guide is a woodworking tool that helps achieve accurate and precise cuts with a circular saw. It consists of a guide rail or track that the saw glides along. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of using a track saw guide:

Pros of a Track Saw Guide:

Precise straight cuts: The guide ensures accurate cuts, even for long and angled cuts.
Versatile functionality: Offers various applications, such as ripping, crosscutting, and bevel cutting.
Robus build: Provides better stability and control, resulting in cleaner and smoother cuts.
Setup: The edge of the guiding rail determines where the cut will be made.

Cons of a Track Saw Guide:

Price: Initial investment required to purchase a quality track saw guide.
Proprietary: Can be used with specific track saws only.

What are the Slots on a Track Saw Guide?

The slots on a track saw guide are channels or grooves that serve multiple purposes.

Firstly, they allow you to attach the guide securely to your workpiece or workbench using clamps. This ensures stability during cutting.
Additionally, the slots provide flexibility by allowing you to connect two or more guides together. This is useful when you need an extended guide length for cutting larger materials.
Furthermore, the slots on the track saw guide can be compatible with accessories like T-track clamps or stops, adding versatility to your cutting setup.

Let's start building!

Making a DIY track saw involves making the straight edge guide along with the sliding base and the T-tracks for clamping and attachment.

The jig features two convenient t-slots (upper and bottom), allowing you to clamp the guide and the workpiece to a workbench or to add another guide and prolong the edge of the base. The base is made of 5mm HDF, which allows for the circular saw to slide along the track easily and does not take much from the cutting capacity of the saw blade. The guide is made of a 12mm plywood piece, which is sufficient for a T-track to be sunk into it.

Saw guide properties:

Material: Baltic birch plywood, HDF
Total dimensions: 700mm x 230mm x 16mm (27.6 inches x 9.1 inches x 0.6 inches)
Clamping and attachment: Homemade/ Shop made T-track clamps

How to Make a DIY Circular Saw Guide (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces for the Base

The first step is cutting all the plywood and HDF wooden pieces for the base (find the measurements at the top of this article).

The best and quickest way how to cut the pieces is by using a table saw. Although if you don’t have one you can easily use the circular saw. As a temporary guide, you can use a spirit level or any other long straight piece of wood or metal.

NOTE: Using an HDF board for the track is a great choice. HDF is strong and does not warp or bend easily. Additionally, the straight and smooth surface of HDF provides optimal conditions for the saw to glide effortlessly along the track.

Step 2: Cut the Bottom Clamping Slot

Start by marking the slot on the plywood piece using a marking gauge. Then, use a trim router to cut the slot along the marked lines. You can use a long piece of wood or aluminum as a guide or a dedicated router slot-cutting jig.

Finally, smooth out the slot with sandpaper, ensuring a clean and polished finish.

Step 3: Assemble the Track Base

To assemble the track base, start by gluing the two HDF pieces to the plywood piece. This combination will create a T-slot where you can conveniently attach clamps. Be careful to avoid getting any glue inside the track itself, ensuring it remains clean.

To ensure a strong connection, insert screws around the T-slot area, securing the HDF boards firmly in place.

NOTE: Start by gluing the smaller HDF board first. Once the glue has dried, insert spacers into the slot before attaching the second board. This way you will ensure that the boards are perfectly parallel to each other.

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Step 4: Make the Upper T-track

Start by cutting two thin HDF strips. Once you have the strips ready, measure and mark the desired position of the t-track on the track base. Use a trim router to carefully cut slots.

To secure the HDF strips in place, you can apply a small amount of glue to the outer slots. Be cautious not to let any glue get into the center slot. Additionally, if you want you can add a few screws to reinforce the attachment of the HDF strips.

NOTE: There are different methods available for making custom t-tracks, and the approach described here is just one of them.

Step 5: Finish the Guide

To complete the guide, the next step is to trim off the excess wood from the saw track. At this point, the width of the track should be slightly wider than the distance between the edge of the saw base plate and the saw blade.

Once the excess wood is removed, the new edge of the cutting guide will serve as a reference for making accurate cuts. This ensures that your cuts will be precisely aligned based on the position of the new edge of the guide.

And this is what the finished saw guide track looks like.

How to Use a DIY Track Saw Guide

These steps provide a more detailed guide on how to effectively use this homemade track saw guide during your woodworking projects.

Begin by drawing a straight line on the workpiece to indicate where you want to make the cut.
Position the edge of the saw guide directly on the marked cut line.
Secure both the guide and the workpiece in place using clamps to ensure stability during the cutting process.
Place the circular saw onto the saw guide, utilizing the plywood as a guiding fence to maintain a straight cutting path.
Adjust the depth of the saw blade to the desired cutting depth.
With a firm grip on the circular saw using both hands, slowly guide the saw along the track, steadily making the cut.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, a saw guide is a must-have jig for your circular saw. It’s a versatile tool that allows you to make straight cuts and explore different cutting techniques.

The best part is, it’s much cheaper than buying a saw track from the store, and you won’t need any extra tools besides your trusty circular saw. As for the material you will need a piece of plywood or you can use some scrap pieces of wood you can find in the workshop.

By building this simple cutting guide, you’ll not only save money but also have the satisfaction of creating something yourself. It’s a great DIY project and a fantastic way to have fun and gain more experience in woodworking.

How to Build a Circular Saw Cutting Guide

Woodworking Jigs I used to build it:

While building the circular saw cutting guide, I only used a ruler marking gauge that made the process easier. You can build the guide with just the circular saw you already have, no other tools are necessary.

This post Simple DIY Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots (Step-by-Step Guide) first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

4 Simple DIY Circular Saw Guides (Best For Beginners)

About the author, Lukas — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 18:00:36 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

4 Simple DIY Circular Saw Guides (Best For Beginners)

Using a circular saw guide is vitally important to make accurate cuts with your circular saw. From making short precise cuts to ripping large sheets of wooden boards a circular saw guide can help you achieve your goals. In this blog post, I am listing the top 4 DIY Circular Saw Guides you will ever need for your workshop.

When I started with woodworking a circular saw was one of the first tools I got for my workshop. However, I soon found out that making long straight cuts and crosscuts or ripping large sheets of plywood freehand is not that easy. And very often the result was not what I was hoping for. Experience is so much needed.

Using a circular saw guide simplifies the process of making long, straight cuts. This tool not only ensures your cuts are precise and accurate but also enhances safety during use. A circular saw can be a little intimidating, especially if you are new to the tool and it is important to feel comfortable using it.

I was looking for a few shop-made circular saw guides for my workshop but the prices are pretty high and for a starting woodworker it can be a decisive expense. While these guides are undoubtedly helpful, they might not be a priority purchase for beginners. I decided to make my own circular saw guides and couldn’t be happier with the result.

Creating your own saw guides not only saves you money for other workshop needs but also offers valuable hands-on projects to enhance your woodworking skills.

Over the years, I have built various circular saw guides. However, these top 4 DIY Circular Saw Guides stand out, equipping you with the tools needed to tackle nearly any woodworking task.

Read below how to build these saw guides, what material you will need, and what is the best way to use them. I have built them and used them all. Read through the article to find out their benefits and how much money and time it takes to create them.

RELATED:

What are the most important things when making a DIY Circular Saw Guide?
DIY Circular Saw Guides
1. DIY Circular Saw Guide for Long Straight Cuts (Straight Edge Guide)
2. DIY Circular Saw Track for Short Straight Cuts
3. DIY Circular Saw Guide for Straight Cuts and Crosscuts

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!

Circular saws are powerful and you should treat them with respect. Make sure to follow all safety precautions.

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What are the most important things when making a DIY Circular Saw Guide?

1. Safety

Safety is definitely the most important thing when building a guide for a circular saw. Every circular saw is different and the build of the saw guide needs to be tailored to the type of circular saw used. A circular saw is a powerful tool, you should treat it respectfully and follow all safety precautions when working with it.

2. Design

Spend some extra time to validate the design of your guide. Think about how you will handle it, how you will use it, and what are the main cuts you will be making with it.

3. Build

The build must be solid. The construction needs to be strong enough to withstand all kinds of different cuts. If using glue is not enough and screws are needed, add them. Adding a sturdy guide rail is a good option. A guide rail typically holds the circular saw in position and prevents it from wobbling or tilting.

4. Saw blade

Use the right circular saw blade for the job. Depending on the type of material and the type of cut you should be using the right blade. A suitable blade will make sure the cuts are clean and will prevent the wood from splintering.

5. Circular Saw

The great thing is that you can use almost any circular saw you have in your workshop. Nevertheless, make sure the saw is safe to use, powerful enough to cut through different materials, and you are using the right saw blades.

What is the difference between a circular saw guide and a track saw guide?

At a glance, both circular saw guides and track saw guides aid in precision cutting, but they differ fundamentally in design and application.

Design and Construction: A circular saw guide is typically a straight edge or fence that helps guide the saw for accurate cuts. In contrast, a track saw guide is a specific track or rail where the saw fits and slides along.
Compatibility: While circular saw guides can be used with a standard circular saw, track saw guides are specifically designed for track saws, ensuring a tighter integration and smoother operation.
Precision & Finish: Track saw guides tend to offer cleaner cuts with fewer chances of blade wander due to their secure fit. Circular saw guides might not provide the same level of precision, especially over longer distances.

Best DIY Circular Saw Guides

Type of Circular Saw Guide	Time to Build	Difficulty	Cost of Build	Best For
Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide	3-4 Hours	Beginner, Advance	Few tens of dollars	SLong Straight Cuts
Cirular Saw Guide Rail	2-3 Hours	Beginner	Few tens of dollars	Short Straight Cuts
Circular Saw Guide and Crossct Jig	4-6 Hours	Beginner, Advance	Few tens of dollars	Short Straight Cuts
Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots	2-3 Hours	Beginner, Advance	Few tens of dollars	Short Straight Cuts, Adjustable

Here’s a guide on creating your own DIY circular saw guides. I’ve ranked them based on how frequently I use them in my projects.

In most cases to build the saw guides the only power tool you will need is a circular saw, which you probably already have, but in some specific circumstances, additional tools might be required (trimming router, jigsaw). For more details on each type of circular saw-cutting guide, check out the relevant article.

Best DIY Circular Saw Guides

1. DIY Circular Saw Guide for Long Straight Cuts (Straight Edge Guide)

The saw guide can be used to make both long straight rip cuts and crosscuts. It can be used to cut and break down larger sheets of plywood and can make any degree miter cut.

The circular saw track contains several pre-drilled clamping holes along the board for fixing the guide and material cut to the workbench as well as an anti-slip tape attached to the bottom of the guide that helps when used without being attached to a desk.

This is the most difficult guide to make but definitely worth it. The circular saw is attached to a shoe that slides on the track. The shoe holds the circular saw the entire time straight in position making sure the cuts are always straight and precise.

To build the saw guide you will need a circular saw, a trim router, and a hand drill. Some of the cuts can be made with a jigsaw instead of a circular saw.

Material and tools needed	Time to build	Cost of build	Difficulty
Birch Plywood Aluminum L Angle Aluminum flat bar Drill bit - 2mm Forstner bit - 35mm M6 Bolts, M6 Wing Nut Wood screws, File Sandpaper, Anti-slip adhesive tape Double-sided tape	Several hours (around 3 hours)	Few tens of dollars	Beginner Advanced

Woodworking jigs that can be used to make the straight edge guide (not a necessity though):

CONCLUSION: This multipurpose circular saw guide will help you make straight cuts, and crosscuts and will let you cut large sheets of plywood. This is my preferred and most used guide.

2. DIY Circular Saw Track for Straight Cuts

The saw guide can be used to make short straight and precise cuts.

The circular saw moves on a track and gets support from two aluminum rails on both sides. The rails keep the circular saw straight during the cut and prevent the saw from tilting, resulting in nice perpendicular cuts.

The guide can be used freely or can be clamped down to a workbench for better stability and accuracy. Out of the 3 guides, this is the easiest one to make that requires the least material.

To build the saw track you will need a circular saw and a hand drill or a jigsaw.

Material and tools needed	Time to build	Cost of build	Difficulty
Birch Plywood Handle Aluminum guide rails Bolts, Washers, Nuts Double Sided tape Forstner bit	Few hours (around 2-3 hours)	Few tens of dollars	Beginner

Woodworking jigs that can be used to make the circular saw track (not a necessity though):

CONCLUSION: I have been using this saw guide for a lot of shop projects. It is easy to build and quick to set up and use due to its size. You don’t need a lot of tools and materials to build it. A perfect guide for quick short straight cuts.

3. DIY Circular Saw Guide for Straight Cuts and Crosscuts

The saw guide can be used to make both straight cuts and 90-degree crosscuts.

The build is solid, and the straight edge guide and the crosscut fence are made of aluminum L angles. The guide can be easily set up and used right away. The crosscut fence on the bottom of the guide makes sure you will be able to cut at 90 degrees.

It can be used freely thanks to the anti-slip tape on the bottom of the guide or can be clamped down to a workbench using predrilled clamping holes.

To build the guide you will need a circular saw and a hand drill or a jigsaw.

Material and tools needed	Time to build	Cost of build	Difficulty
Birch Plywood Aluminum L Angle Handle Double Sided Tape Wood Glue Anti-slip adhesive rape	Several hours (around 5 hours)	Few tens of dollars	Beginner

Woodworking jigs that can be used to make the circular saw crosscut guide (not a necessity though):

CONCLUSION: A great guide to making both straight cuts and crosscuts. It is really easy to set up and make a cut. This is the best guide for crosscuts, especially if you want to cut wood prisms.

To be able to make precise 90-degree crosscuts you have to ensure during the build, that the crosscut fence is perpendicular to the blade. This is the most crucial part of this build.

Personally, I am not using this guide that much since the majority of the cuts I am able to make with the other ones. It is quite time-consuming to build it and since the circular saw gets support only from one side the resulting cuts are not always perpendicular and sometimes you end up with a beveled edge.

4. DIY Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots

The saw guide is a hybrid of a simple cutting guide and a track saw and can be used to make all sorts of different cuts – straight cuts, crosscuts, and angled cuts.

It has two in-built T-slots that allow you to easily attach it to your workpiece or workbench using clamps. You can use both homemade or standard shop clamps designed for t-slots.

Setting up and using the guide is very simple. Place the edge of the base along the line where you want to make a cut, attach the guide to the workpiece with clamps and you are ready to go.

Material and tools needed	Time to build	Cost of build	Difficulty
Birch Plywood HDF Wood Glue T-track Clamps	2-3 hours	Few tens of dollars	Beginner

My Experience

In the workshop, these circular saw guides are incredibly useful, allowing you to tackle a wide range of projects. By creating them yourself, not only can you save money, but you can also use the savings for other workshop needs. Personally, I’ve relied on these guides for several years and they’ve consistently performed well.

But if you want to jump directly on building projects check out these top circular saw guides on the market and start right away. If you don’t have a circular saw yet and you’re willing to invest a bit more then I would recommend one of these best track saws.

KEEP READING: 5 DIY Jigsaw Guides for Your Workshop

Must Have DIY Guides for a Circular Saw

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This post 4 Simple DIY Circular Saw Guides (Best For Beginners) first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

Simple DIY Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide (With Pictures)

About the author, Lukas — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 19:54:19 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

Simple DIY Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide (With Pictures)

I have built a few circular saw guides for my workshop, from very basic ones to more complex ones. Each of the guides has its advantages and their use varies according to the situation. These 4 DIY circular saw guides are the only guides you will need in your workshop.

This straight-edge guide for circular saws is quite detailed. It’s designed for both long straight rip cuts and crosscuts. You can use it to process larger sheets of plywood and to execute miter cuts at any angle.

If I had to choose which circular saw guide to make first again, I’d pick this one, especially for its capability to cut large wooden boards.

Features and Capabilities

The track saw contains several pre-drilled clamping holes along the board for fixing the guide and cut material to the workbench as well as an anti-slip tape attached to the bottom of the guide when used without being attached to a desk.
It is attached to a wooden shoe, which can be very easily mounted on the track. Such a design in comparison to a simple cutting straight edge guide holds the circular saw the entire time straight in position making sure the cuts are always straight and precise – basically, it works like a track saw. This is especially useful for the starting and ending cuts.

It took me around 3-4 hours to build the guide. All the material needed is readily available in any hardware store. I used Baltic birch plywood for the track and the wooden shoe, while the guide and runners were made using an aluminum angle bar and a flat bar.

This is not a project for complete woodworking beginners and some experience is needed. If you are just starting out, you might want to build this circular saw guide first.

RELATED:

How to build a DIY straight edge for circular saw video

The video below shows step-by-step how to make a DIY straight edge for circular saw.

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Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide Video
DIY Track Saw Plans
The Material you will need
General Questions
1. 4 tips to make straight cuts with a circular saw
How to make a Circular saw straight edge guide
1. Step 1: Measure and cut the shoe for the Circular Saw
2. Step 2: Cut 4 strips and attach them to the shoe
3. Step 3: Make a plunge cut
4. Step 4: Make a sliding bar
5. Step 5: Cut the slot for the shoe
6. Step 6: Attach the sliding bar to the shoe
7. Step 7: Add a guide rail for better shoe stability
8. Step 8: Add anti-slip tape
How to use circular saw guide
1. How to cut straight with a circular saw
2. Tips for achieving the best result with a circular saw
Woodworking jigs used for the project

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools, especially with a circular saw. Safety comes first!

DIY Track Saw Plans

Download the Corner Clamp Plans here

Download plans here

Material needed to build a Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide

DIY Circular Saw Guide:
Plywood – 120 mm x 225 mm x 12 mm – https://amzn.to/3NO62SX
Aluminum L Angle – 120 mm x 15 mm x 1,6 mm

Circular Saw Guide Shoe:
Plywood 9mm – 162 mm x 340 mm x 9 mm
Plywood 12mm – 162 mm x 20 mm x 12 mm
Aluminum flat bar – 380 mm x 20 mm x 4 mm
Aluminum L Angle – 200 mm x 14 mm x 1,2 mm

Check all the Tools I Use

Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Trim Router – https://amzn.to/3HbQcOg
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1
Chisel Set – https://amzn.to/3tHNJrT

Other:
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Epoxy – https://amzn.to/3tJ5R4L
Double-Sided Woodworking Tape – https://amzn.to/3tPMGpM
Drill bits – 2mm – https://amzn.to/48Kaaf7
Forstner bits – 35mm – https://amzn.to/3Hd1aDb
M6 Bolts, M6 Wing Nut, Wood Screws – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ
Steel File – https://amzn.to/3TLSBHd
Sandpaper Sheets – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p
Anti-slip Adhesive Tape – https://amzn.to/3S9hR9a

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

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Benefits of Using a Track Saw Compared to a Circular Saw

When choosing between a circular saw and a track saw, understanding the unique advantages of each can greatly influence your decision. Here’s why a track saw might be a more beneficial choice over a circular saw for many users:

Consistency: The rail system of a track saw ensures every cut is straight, giving you consistently accurate results.
Safety: With its design, a track saw reduces the chance of kickbacks, making it safer and offering better control during operations.
Flexibility: Track saws can handle a wide variety of materials with ease, especially larger sheets, giving the user more flexibility in projects.

RELATED: Circular Saw vs Track Saw

4 tips to make straight cuts with a circular saw

Use a DIY circular saw cutting guide or a shop-made guide. A circular saw guide will help make accurate and precise cuts every time.
Use a speed square. Using a speed square is one of the best and easiest ways to make short and precise cuts.
Use a circular saw fence. Once attached to a circular saw the fence follows the edge of the material cut resulting in clean straight cuts.
Use a track guide. The circular saw rides on a track which allows for making long straight rip cuts and crosscuts. The guide can be also easily adjusted and can make cuts at any angle.

Let’s begin!

I am using birch plywood for the build. Both for the saw track and the shoe. For the guides, I am using aluminum bars. A 4mm thick aluminum bar that is attached to the bottom of the shoe slides in the slot and one aluminum angle bar serves as an additional guide for the wooden shoe.

You could also use a wooden runner (bar) instead of the aluminum one, but the aluminum bar won’t change its shape as much due to external conditions.

The track saw can be used freely thanks to anti-slip strips, or it can be clamped down to a workbench with hold-down clamps. The cut circles on the track are designed specifically for this purpose.

This track saw guide is the jig you want to use if you want to cut large sheets of plywood.

Circular saw straight edge guide parameters:

Total dimensions – 120 mm x 225 mm x 12 mm
Straight cuts up to 1200 mm in length
Quick assembly, quick setup
Cutouts and drilled holes for easier manipulation and saw guide attachment

To build the saw guide you will need a circular saw, a trim router, and a hand drill. Some of the cuts can be made with a jigsaw instead of a circular saw. For smaller pieces and more delicate cuts, I am using a jigsaw table.

How to make a DIY circular saw straight edge guide

Step 1: Measure and cut the shoe for the Circular Saw

Measure the base plate of your circular saw. Mine is 300 x 132 mm. Add around 20 mm to the front, back, and sides, and cut a plywood piece that will serve as a shoe for the circular saw.

I am using a simple circular saw track to make the cuts.

Step 2: Cut 4 strips and attach them to the shoe

Cut 4 plywood strips and attach them to the plywood shoe tightly around the circular saw to fix the saw in position. I am using a jigsaw table for these delicate cuts.

Cut the front and the back strips to size. Attach the front strip to the base, wait until the glue dries, place the circular saw on the base for reference, and attach the back strip. Additionally, fix the strips with screws.

NOTE: The front and back edges of the circular saw’s base are usually raised. Ensure that the plywood strips you cut are taller than this base.

Repeat the process and attach the side strips around the circular saw. Since I had some leftovers in the workshop instead of wood strips, I am using aluminum L angles for the side attachments. There is no difference between those.

Step 3: Make a plunge cut

To finish the wooden shoe, make a plunge cut for the saw blade. Place the circular saw in the shoe, secure the shoe with clamps, and slowly make a plunge cut.

Get familiar with these circular saw safety tips before making a plunge cut and make sure you take all necessary safety precautions.

NOTE: Making a plunge cut with a circular saw requires skill and experience. If it feels unsafe to you or you don’t feel comfortable with it, don’t do it. Alternatively, you can also use a router or a jigsaw to achieve the desired cut.

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Step 4: Make a sliding bar

Take an aluminum bar measuring 380 x 20 x 4mm and drill multiple holes along its length. This bar will later be fixed to the shoe from underneath in step 6, functioning as a slider or miter bar. Remember to countersink the holes for a smooth finish.

Round the corners and edges of the bar to make it slide easier in a slot.

NOTE: While you could use a wooden bar, I wouldn’t advise it. The aluminum bar will glide smoothly in the wooden slot and remain unaffected by workshop temperature changes, ensuring consistent performance without expansion or contraction.

Step 5: Cut the slot in the track for the shoe

First, cut the plywood for the circular saw track to size (1200 x 230 x 12 mm). Since you don’t have a guide yet, you can use a straight edge like a lever to make long straight cuts.

Mark the position of the slot – 50 mm from the edge and cut a slot in the track guide either using a router dado jig or any straight edge that can serve as a guide for the router (a lever or an aluminum bar would do fine). Sand the edges of the slot.

NOTE: The width of the slot equals the width of the sliding bar. The cut depth should be just a bit more than the bar’s thickness.

It is better to make the slot tighter. You can always sand the edge and adjust. The right width of the slot should hold the miter bar tightly, allowing for a nice slide.

Step 6: Attach the sliding bar to the shoe

Apply epoxy on the aluminum bar, glue it to the bottom of the shoe, and secure it with screws (make sure the screws are countersunk).

The distance between the edge of the bar and the cut slot on the shoe should be just a little less than 50 mm.

Then place the circular saw with the shoe onto the guide track and cut off the wood excess. This way you will get a straight and clean edge.

Step 7: Add a guide rail for better shoe stability

First, drill a few holes with a Forstner bit along the cutting guide to be able to fix the guide and cut material with clamps to the workbench.

Place the shoe on the guide and mark the edge of the shoe in several places. Attach an additional aluminum rail along the marked places. The aluminum rail provides enhanced stability for the shoe and prevents it from tipping, ensuring straight and perpendicular cuts.

To attach the aluminum rail, I am using double-sided tape and screws.

Step 8: Add anti-slip tape

Add anti-slip tape to the bottom of the cutting guide. This way the guide will hold in position without being clamped down to a workbench.

This is a great weekend project and one of the “must have” saw guides for your circular saw. It is definitely one of the best circular saw jigs I am using the most for my projects.

How to use a DIY Circular Saw Guide for Straight Cuts

Provided steps below describe how to use a DIY circular saw guide and how to cut straight with a circular saw. Keep in mind to use the right saw blade for the job. Every material requires a different type of saw blade. Also, keep safe and take all necessary safety precautions.

How to cut straight with circular saw

Mark the locations for the cut. Begin by carefully measuring and marking the desired cut line on your material.
Align the circular saw guide with the marks. By ensuring that the guide edge matches your marked line, you’re setting up for a cut that stays true to your intentions.
Firmly clamp down both the saw guide and the material. Securing them in place eliminates any chances of them shifting mid-cut
Position the saw onto the guide track and make sure it sits snugly against the guide rail.
Make sure nothing is obstructing the cut, both above and below the guide
Make the cut

Tips for achieving the best result with a circular saw

To achieve the best result, cut slowly and steadily. Keep the circular saw in a straight position, hold it with both hands, don’t push too fast, and let the circular saw do the work.
In order not to damage your workbench or run your circular saw into concrete when working on the ground place an MDF desk or a rigid foam board under the cut material.
Select the appropriate blades for the specific materials you’re cutting.

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I hope the information was helpful and now you are adding this circular saw jig to your next builds. 😉

DIY Track Saw

Other Jigs used for this project:

This post Simple DIY Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide (With Pictures) first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

DIY Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide

About the author, Lukas — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:58:41 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

DIY Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide

A circular saw is one of the most useful power tools in the workshop. It is the perfect tool for both professionals and DIYers. They can easily cut through different types of materials with high accuracy and together with their portability, it makes them one of the most versatile tools in the shop.

The two main types of cuts that can be made with a circular saw are called a cross-cut and a rip-cut. A cross-cut is a simple cut across the length of a piece of timber, against the grain. A rip-cut follows the length of the timber and goes with the grain. Rip-cuts need more practice than crosscuts and generally are more complicated.

There are a few woodworking guides that can be used together with a circular saw. A straight edge guide to make long straight and accurate cuts or a rip fence edge guide for parallel rip cuts.

The circular saw straight edge guide can be used to make both rip cuts and crosscuts, unlike the rip fence guide which is intended for rip cuts only.

In this article, I will be walking you through the process of making a DIY circular saw rip fence guide. This is not a beginner-friendly project and you should have experience with a circular saw, specifically with using a rip fence guide. Check out the jigs I used to build it. (see at the end of this article).

RELATED:

When working with a circular saw it is important to stay safe. Make sure to avoid these 9 common circular saw mistakes. It will help you work with a circular saw more safely and effectively.

How to Make a Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide Video

If you want to see how it is all put together, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to build a DIY rip fence for a circular saw.

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How to Make a Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide Video
Downloadable Rip Fence Guide Plans PDF
Material Needed to Make a Rip Fence
General Questions
1. Can you Make Rip Cuts With a Circular Saw?
2. What is a circular saw rip fence?
3. What are the benefits of a circular saw rip fence?
4. What are the drawbacks of a circular saw rip fence?
5. What is a rip cut?
Step 1 – Make the Circular Saw Rip Fence Base Plate
1. Cut a slot for the slider
2. Cut a slot for the marking ruler
3. Make an attachment for the circular saw
Step 2 – Make the Circular Saw Ripping Fence
How to Use this Circular Saw Rip Fence Step-by-Step
Woodworking jigs used

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with a circular saw. Safety comes first!

Circular Saw Rip Guide Plans

Download the Circular Saw Rip Guide Plans here

Download plans here

Material needed to make a DIY Circular Saw Rip Guide

Circular Saw Rip Fence – Base:
1x MDF desk (525 x 330 x 6 mm)
Birch Plywood stripes (2x – 160 x 15 x 12 mm; 2x – 330 x 15 x 12 mm) – https://amzn.to/3H9Q3Ly
6x Wood Screws – 12 x 0,95 mm
Dado Router bit – ø6mm – Straight Router Bit

Circular Saw Rip Fence – Fence:
Birch Plywood – (300 x 170 x 9 mm) – https://amzn.to/3NV7LWW
Plywood Strip – (120 x 15 x 6 mm)
2x – M6 Bolts, Washers, Knobs
3x wood screws – 12 x 0,95 mm
Hardware Assortment Kit – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ

Check all the Tools I Use

Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Jigsaw – https://amzn.to/3S85cDr
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1
One Hand Clamps – https://amzn.to/48jGxkZ
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
Machinist Square / Speed Square
Center Hole Punch – https://amzn.to/48Fq7mv
Chisel Set – https://amzn.to/3tHNJrT
DIY Marking Gauge

Other:
Double-Sided Woodworking Tape – https://amzn.to/3tPMGpM
Self-Adhesive Measure Tape – https://amzn.to/3TTjGZb
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Epoxy – https://amzn.to/3tJ5R4L
Drill bit ø6 mm – https://amzn.to/48Kaaf7
Handle
Sandpaper Sheets – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

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Can you Make Rip Cuts With a Circular Saw?

Yes, a circular saw is capable of making rip cuts, and it is a widely used tool for creating straight cuts in wood. Nonetheless, achieving accurate and straight cuts without a guide can be challenging.

Thankfully, a circular saw guide can aid in making precise cuts by providing a straight edge for the saw to follow. The guide can be attached to the saw’s base plate or used as a separate accessory.

The use of a circular saw guide has numerous advantages, such as ensuring that the saw blade stays on track and makes a straight cut. This is particularly critical when cutting large sheets of wood or when making multiple cuts that require precise alignment.

Furthermore, a circular saw guide can assist in preventing the wood from splintering or tearing during the cut. This is a common issue when using a circular saw freehand.

What is a Circular Saw Rip Fence?

A circular saw rip fence is a parallel edge guide usually mounted laterally to the base plate of a circular saw. The rip fence serves as a guide for a rip cut. Most rip fences are reversible and they can be attached to a circular saw on either side of the saw. To set the width of the cut a screw is used to tighten the rip fence guide at a given position.

What are the Benefits of a Circular Saw Rip Fence?

Easy installation – Installing and setting up a rip fence on a circular saw is quick and easy. The fence can be completely setup in a matter of minutes.
Fast cuts – A rip fence allows to make fast rip cuts on a short notice. This is a huge advantage specially when traveling with a saw.
Repetitiveness – Once the rip fence is set it allows to repeatedly cut pieces of wood of equal width.
Narrow Cuts – The rip fence allows to cut narrow pieces of wood from a long board.

What are the Drawbacks of a Circular Saw Rip Fence?

Accuracy – Usually the length of the fence is much shorter in comparison to the length of the circular saw which may lead to undesired wobbling, snatching and possibly even kickback.
Precision – Starting and finishing the cut can be difficult. It is easy to veer off track which may result in an inaccurate cut. In order to avoid a skewed cut, the circular saw needs to be pushed at 90 degrees to the edge the entire time.
Length – Usually rip fences are short in length which allows for narrow cuts only.
Size – The size of the rip fence may interfere with other objects while cutting. Make sure there are no objects which could come into contact with the guide.

When it comes to ripping a piece of wood the circular saw is no match for a table saw. Ripping with a table saw is much more accurate and precise.

Unfortunately, a rip fence is one of the circular saw accessories that is used quite often, yet poorly designed by manufacturers.

What is a Rip Cut?

A rip cut is a basic and easy cut that follows the grain of the wood. A crosscut, the opposite of a rip cut, is a cut perpendicular to the wood grain. In order to achieve an accurate and clean rip cut, a table saw, a rip saw or a band saw are the best tools to use.

Ripping wood is easier than crosscutting. When ripping wood, the grain naturally parts, less load is put on the saw, and the cuts result in cleaner and smoother edges.

DIY Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide

The circular saw rip fence guide consists of 2 main parts:

Base plate– made out of MDF. The circular saw is mounted into a slot on the base plate.
Ripping Fence – made out of plywood. Serves as a guiding fence for the circular saw.

Step 1: Make the Circular Saw Rip Fence Base Plate

I started by cutting an MDF desk for the base plate. The base is 52,5 cm long and 33 cm wide. The reason I decided to go with MDF is that it is straight and it slides nicely on other materials.

1. Cut a slot for the slider

The fence is sliding in a slot on the base plate.

I marked a centerline on the base plate and cut a slot using a router dado jig. The slot is 33,5cm long and 1,5cm wide. To cut the slot I used a 1,5cm wide plywood stripe as a reference which I later used to make the fence.

NOTE: I used double-sided carpet tape to tape the stripe on the board (right on the centerline), set the router dado jig, and made the cut. You can use a square to make sure the slot is perpendicular to the edge of the base.

Sand the edges and round the corners of the plywood stripe to achieve a good slide in the slot.

TIP: Use the router dado jig on a mat or a board so you don’t route in the workbench.

2. Cut a slot for the marking ruler

I routed an additional slot 0,5 cm right above the first one. The slot is 40cm long, 1,3cm wide, and 1mm deep. Once finished with the base plate I will tape in a self-adhesive ruler to measure and easily set the width of the cut.

NOTE: The ruler is placed on the bottom side of the base plate (an easier option). A better option though would be to have it on the top.

3. Make attachment for the circular saw

First I cut off the unused corners of the base plate. This is optional, but I like it better and it makes the base lighter.

The circular saw is attached to the base into a “shoe”. I cut 4 plywood stripes, mitered the edges on a jigsaw cutting station, and glued the stripes to the base around the circular saw base plate.

Make sure when you position the circular saw it is perpendicular to the routed slot for the fence. It is important the circular saw blade and the fence are exactly parallel to each other.

Additionally, I secured the shoe with a few screws to make sure it really stays in position.

Then I cut a slot in the base plate for the circular saw blade. To make the plunge cut I used the circular saw.

WARNING: I don’t recommend making a plunge cut with a circular saw unless you are 100% confident and you know what you are doing. It takes experience and it is not the safest approach. Check out these circular saw safety tips.

Consider if you have any other option to make the cut. It is much better to cut the slot with a router or a track saw.

Optionally, you can make 2 cuts both for left-handed and right-handed use. As demonstrated in the video I am using the jig left-handed.

Finally, I taped the self-adhesive ruler in the slot on the base plate.

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Step 2: Make the Circular Saw Ripping Fence

First, cut the plywood for the rip fence. The longer the fence, the better. The jig will be more stable since the fence has a larger area to slide on. I was using a shorter fence first but then I made a longer one. (The one on the pictures is the shorter one – 24cm in length, now I am using a 30cm long one.)

Mark the centerline on the fence and glue the plywood stripe to it – the one you were using as a reference for cutting the slot.

NOTE: Make sure the thickness of the plywood stripe is less than the thickness of the baseboard and it does not protrude above the board. You can sand it if needed.

Drill 2 ø6mm holes in for 2 M6 bolts and chisel out a hexagon to fully sink the bolt’s head. Make sure the bolt’s head is not protruding and is completely flush with the board. Use epoxy to glue the bolts.

I also screwed a few screws in to make sure the plywood stripe stays in position.

Place the fence in the slot and secure it either with wing nuts or wooden knobs. I am using wooden star knobs made on a star knob jig.

Finally, I attached a handle to the base plate for better manipulation.

And this is what the finished DIY circular saw rip fence looks like.

How to use this Circular Saw Rip Fence Step by Step

Step 1: Make sure the Circular saw is unplugged

Safety first! Before setting up the circular saw and the rip fence make sure the circular saw is unplugged. This step is absolutely crucial. Do not just turn off the circular saw but make sure it is actually unplugged.

This is much safer than just powering off the saw. Many accidents happen only due to improper and incorrect handling of the tool. To make sure you are taking all necessary safety precautions while working with a circular saw check out this article: 9 common circular saw safety mistakes and how to avoid them.

Step 2: Set the width of the cut on the rip fence jig

Set the width of the cut on the rip fence jig first before mounting the circular saw. It is easier to set the desired width first than to manipulate the rip fence jig with the circular saw mounted.

Step 3: Secure the rip fence

After adjusting the width, secure the rip fence position with 2 wooden knobs. Securing the fence is a must. Not only the fence stays in position making sure the cuts are straight but it is also much safer to operate the circular saw.

Step 4: Mount the circular saw rip fence

Mount the circular saw on the base plate and make sure it fits properly into the marked rectangle. Set the right depth of cut and make sure the circular saw blade runs parallel to the rip fence.

Step 5: Use the rip fence as guide for cutting

With the circular saw mounted, secured, and turned on you can start making the cut. Make sure the cut path is clear without any obstacles and you are following all safety precautions. Slowly and steadily make the cut.

Unplug the circular saw first, before making any adjustments to the rip fence.

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Power tools can be dangerous, including a circular saw. Always be cautious and careful when using any power tool. It is necessary to follow certain safety guidelines to avoid any injury. Read this blog post before operating a circular saw: 9 common circular saw safety mistakes and how to avoid them.

If you have any questions on the jig I might have missed in the post let me know in the comment section below.

How to make a DIY rip fence for circular saw

Jigs used for this project:

RELATED: Interested in other saw guides? Take a look here: Circular Saw Guides

Circular Saw Stright Edge

DIY Circular Saw Guide Track

DIY Circular Saw Crosscut Guide

This post DIY Circular Saw Rip Fence Guide first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

How to Make a Circular Saw Guide and Crosscut Jig

About the author, Lukas — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:24:04 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

How to Make a Circular Saw Guide and Crosscut Jig

Not only it is useful to have a circular saw guide in the workshop, I believe it is a must. There are many opportunities when you need to make a straight and precise cut. Using a circular saw freehand will end up with a somewhat straight cut but not a perfectly straight one. This circular saw guide serves as a straight-edge guide as well as a crosscut guide.

I already made a circular saw track in the past. It was a great upgrade for my circular saw but it allows me to make only shorter straight cuts and does not allow me to make crosscuts. (I am still using that guide to this day though. It is easy to set up and a great guide for precise straight cuts.)

So I decided to make a new one that would help me solve these previous shortcomings. The overall dimensions are 700 x 400 mm which makes it easier to cut larger sheets of plywood (cuts around 500mm) and additionally, it allows me to make 90-degree angle cuts.

RELATED:

Best Must-Have DIY Woodworking Jigs for the Workshop

How to make a Circular Saw Guide Video

If you want to see this build in action, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide and detailed instructions.

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Circular Saw Guide Video
Circular Saw Crosscut Jig Plans
The Material you will need
General Questions
1. Is it difficult to make a circular saw guide?
2. How to cut straight with a circular saw?
3. Is more teeth on a circular saw blade better?
4. Should I get a Jigsaw or a Circular saw?
Making the Circular Saw Guide Base
Attaching the Guiding Rail for Straight Cuts
Attaching the Crosscut fence
Finishing the Circular Saw Guide
1. Adding clamping holes
2. Adding a handle
3. Adding anti-slip tape
4. Final Touches
How to Cut with a Circular Saw Guide and Crosscut Jig
Woodworking jigs used

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!

Always be cautious and careful when using any power tool. If you are not feeling comfortable with a certain technique look for other options on how to do it.

Circular Saw Crosscut Jig Plans

Download the Circular Saw Crosscut Jig Plans here

Download plans here

Material you will need to build a Circular Saw Crosscut Jig

Circular Saw Guide DIY:
1x Plywood desk (Baltic Birch 700 x 400 x 9 mm)
Straight Edge Guide – 1x Aluminum J Channel (700 x 20 x 9 mm) – https://amzn.to/3vms9tv
Crosscut Fence – 1x Aluminum L Channel (395 x 15 x 11,5 mm)

14 x Wood Screws – 10 x 3 mm
14 x Washers – for screws above
Hardware Assortment Kit – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ

Check all the Tools I Use

Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
CMT Circular Saw Blades – https://amzn.to/4afI9gr
Jigsaw – https://amzn.to/3S85cDr
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
Large L Angle – https://amzn.to/4aGaT2D
One Hand Clamps – https://amzn.to/48jGxkZ
Machinist Square / Speed Square
Center Hole Punch – https://amzn.to/48Fq7mv

Other Material:
Double-Sided Woodworking Tape – https://amzn.to/3tPMGpM
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Anti-Slip Adhesive Tape – https://amzn.to/47p8fLM
Jigsaw Blades – https://amzn.to/4aXeF83
Forstner bit – 35mm – https://amzn.to/3Hd1aDb
Handle 140 x 30 mm + screws for attachment
Sandpaper – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

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Is it difficult to make a Circular Saw Guide?

No, it is not difficult to make this circular saw guide. This is a beginner/intermediate woodworking project. It is fairly easy to build though there are a few tricky parts that will require attention. The steps are straightforward and you will be able to complete the build in a day.

You can check the list of materials here. All the material is affordable and available in any local hardware store. You’ll spend only a few tens of dollars on this guide. Apart from the material, you will need a circular saw and potentially a hand drill or a jigsaw, or any other power tool to make the cuts. But probably those are the tools you already have in the shop.

In the video, you’ll see I’m using one of my circular saw tracks to make this crosscut jig. You might be wondering, “What if I don’t have a guide like that?” Well, I had one, so I used it because it made the cutting easier. But the truth is, you don’t actually need it to build this saw guide.

How to cut straight with a Circular Saw?

Although it is easier with a circular saw to make a straight cut as opposed to a jigsaw, a circular saw will not be able to make a perfectly straight cut by itself. If you are using a circular saw freehand most probably the blade will wander away from the cutline and you will end up with a crooked cut.

You have a few options for how to achieve an accurate and straight cut with a circular saw. You can either use a fence or a cutting guide.

If you are looking for a solution on the market you can check the guides from Kreg Tools. These products are accurate and you’ll achieve straight cuts every time. But if you are looking for a cheaper solution you can also use a straight piece of wood, a square, or a DIY circular saw cutting guide. With all these options it will be easier to make a precise, accurate, and straight cut.

When using a board or a square or a DIY circular saw guide as a straightedge make sure the circular saw presses firmly against the guide. Hold the circular saw tightly and push it slowly and steadily. For better results, you can additionally clamp the guide in position.

TIP: Make the cuts on an MDF desk or a hard foam board. You will be able to easily cut the wood piece but the board will prevent you from cutting your workbench accidentally.

Is more teeth on a Circular Saw Blade better?

It depends on the type of cut you are making and the material you are cutting. As a general rule, the higher the amount of saw blade teeth the smoother and neater the finish will be as well as the quality of the cut. The number of blade teeth also determines the speed of the cut. The more teeth the slower the cut. A blade with a lower amount of teeth will cut faster but the rougher the finish will be.

If you are looking for the right saw blade a simple rule of choice is to compare the thickness of the material with the number of teeth touching the material while cutting.

The high amount of teeth (5+) – Cuts will be slow and the material may get burnt
Low amount of teeth (1-2) – Cuts will be fast, rough but the material may get splintered
The optimal amount of teeth (2-4) – Cuts will be smooth with a fine finish

The type of cut also determines the saw blade to be used. For ripping a saw blade with a lower number of teeth is needed in comparison to crosscutting where a saw blade with a higher amount of teeth serves better.

Rip cuts – ripping blades tend to have fewer teeth, typically between 24-40. They also have deeper gullets between the teeth for quicker removal of sawdust from the cut.
Crosscuts – crosscut blades tend to have more teeth, typically between 60-80, and they have more shallow gullets.

To get a nice clean cut on plywood without tearing out or splintering you can use a saw blade with around 60 teeth.

CMT Blades

To be used on radial arm saws, miter saws, and table saws for cutting soft/hardwood. Good on plywood.

Should I get a Jigsaw or a Circular Saw?

Since you are looking for a way how to make a crosscut jig for a circular saw you probably already have one. But let’s say you’re still in the process of making your choice. 😉

The answer is simple: you should get both. These tools are different from each other both aesthetically and functionally, they both serve a different purpose and they are used in different situations. Nevertheless, both of these basic saws are much needed in a workshop and they usually are the first saws that a beginner woodworker or a DIYer should get.

The question is which one to get first. Taking into account the usability of the tools, the projects you would be working on as a woodworking beginner, and my own purchase decision I believe a jigsaw is the better choice as the first power saw. Here’s why:

With a jigsaw, you will be able to make more intricate and difficult cuts. You’ll be able to cut different shapes, and sizes and make cutouts.
The blades for a jigsaw are quite inexpensive and are easily replaceable.
It is fairly easy to cut 2x4s with a jigsaw and even though a jigsaw is not suitable for long straight cuts a straight-edge cutting guide will help you with that.
There is a minimal learning curve in comparison to a circular saw.

It is not an easy choice. A circular saw has many advantages over a jigsaw as well. But for a DIYer and a woodworking beginner, I believe a corded Jigsaw is a better choice with greater potential. I bought a Jigsaw as the first power saw. It is a Bosch and I’ve been using it for a few years now – it is a great tool and I am really satisfied with the purchase, no regrets.

Let's Build It

The circular saw guide will let you make cuts up to 50 mm in length. It is built for and will help you mainly with these cuts:

Rip cut – a cut that travels in the same direction as the wood grain.
Crosscut – a cut that travels across the wood grain.

The guide is not designed for miter cuts.

It consists of 2 main parts:

Straight edge guide – serves for long straight cuts. An aluminum U angle is used as a guide.
Crosscut fence – serves for crosscuts. An aluminum L angle is used as a crosscut fence.

All circular saws have different sizes. Take into account the size of your saw base when building this jig. I am using a Makita circular saw.

How to Make a Circular Saw Crosscut Jig

Step 1: Make the Circular Saw Guide Base

I started off by cutting the plywood desk (9 mm) for the base. The base is 700 mm long and 400 mm wide. To cut the base you can use a spirit level to make a straight cut.

Draw the design of the circular saw guide and cut out the extra parts. For the inner parts, drill several holes in the corners and then use a jigsaw to cut out the extra material. For the outer parts, I used a circular saw.

Getting rid of extra material will make the guide lighter and easier to manipulate.

NOTE: It is better to get rid of the extra material at the beginning before the aluminum guides are installed. It would be more difficult to do that afterward.

Sand all the edges and corners.

At this moment you have the base ready. Let’s continue with the guide rails.

Step 2: Attach the Straight Edge Guide Rail

First, let’s build the straight edge guide. That will help us later on to make the crosscut fence.
Measure the length and cut the guide to size.

NOTE: I am using a U-shaped aluminum angle. Keep in mind that the height of the angle should be less than the space between the circular saw and the surface when completely set down. Thus you will allow for the circular saw to cut even in the lowest position. The height of the angle I am using is 9 mm.

Use a marking punch to mark the position of the holes on the guide and drill the holes using a ø4mm drill bit.

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Use double-sided tape to temporarily fix the angle to the base. Add several strips evenly across the guide. The more the better. It will prevent the guide from moving when additionally fixing it with screws.

To fix the guide to the base first mark the position of the guide on the base. The distance from the edge should be a little greater than the distance between the circular saw base edge and the saw blade.

NOTE: In my case, I am setting the guide 105 mm from the base edge since the distance between the plate edge and the blade is 10cm. This will create a wood excess of 5 mm on the base which will be cut off in the next step.

Additionally fix the guide to the base with screws and washers.

Cut the wood excess now.

Clamp the base to the workbench. Press the circular saw firmly against the guide, hold it tightly and push it slowly and steadily. Now you have a straight edge along the entire length of the guide.

NOTE: If cutting directly on your workbench, to protect it from the saw blade, put a layer between the guide and the workbench. A hard foam board or an MDF desk will work fine.

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Step 3: Attach the Crosscut Fence

Once having the straight edge guide in place you can continue with the crosscut fence. It is better to build the guide in this order since you will be using the straight cut to make a 90-degree angle.

This part requires attention. Spend extra time on this step so you get the 90-degree angle right. This is probably the most difficult part of this build.

NOTE: The aluminum angle for the crosscut fence can be higher than the angle used for the straight guide. In fact, using a higher guide will make working with the circular saw crosscut jig easier.

Turn the guide upside down. Attach a long right-angle ruler along with the straight cut you made, place it in position, and fix it with clamps.

The process for attaching the crosscut fence is the same as for the straight-edge guide.

Pre-drill holes on the aluminum angle
Use double-sided tape to temporarily fix the angle to the base
Adjust it as necessary
Use screws and washers to fix the fence permanently

Step 4: Final Touches on the Circular Saw Guide

The following steps are optional but will make it much easier to work with the circular saw guide. Additionally, you can add:

Holes for clamping and better grip
A handle for easier manipulation
Anti-slip tape for reducing the movement of the guide

1. Holes for Clamping

Drill several holes below the crosscut fence with a ø 35mm Forstner bit. When using the guide for crosscutting they can be used for clamping or when cutting narrow strips for better grip.

2. Handle for better Manipulation

Attach a handle to the base piece of the guide with screws and washers. I am using two plywood pieces to raise the holder a little.

The handle will not only help you manipulate the guide easier but you can also put pressure on it when cutting to fix the guide and the cut piece in position.

3. Anti-Slip Tape

Add anti-slip tape to the bottom of the guide (grip tape for stair steps). The tape will help to prevent the guide from moving and will better fixate the cut piece in place.

How To Cut with a Circular Saw Guide and Crosscut Jig

The guide can be used to make straight rip cuts and crosscuts.

1. How to Make Rip Cuts

Draw a line on the piece of wood you want to cut
Align the edge of the circular saw guide with the drawn line
Use clamps to fix the guide and the cut piece in position
Press the circular saw against the guide, hold the saw tightly and push it forward slowly and steadily

2. How to Make Crosscuts

Press the cut wood against the crosscut fence
Depending on the size of the wood piece fix it either with clamps or hold it with a hand if possible using pre-drilled holes
Mount the circular saw on the guide and make the cut

My Experience

This is one of the best DIY Crosscut Jigs for a circular saw and it pays off to have in the shop. If you are building a small workshop or if you are just planning to make an upgrade for your circular saw I would definitely recommend building it. It doesn’t cost much but will help you so much with your projects.

Over time I figured out that I am using this saw guide mainly for ripping longer sheets of plywood and for shorter crosscuts including 2x4s. For precise straight cuts, I prefer to use this circular saw guide track. I feel the rails on the sides hold the saw in place better.

What I like about this guide is how freely you can move it around and how easy it is to set up. You just place it on the piece you want to cut and then you make the cut. I added anti-slip tape to the bottom of the guide which reduces the movement a lot when cutting, nevertheless, I would still recommend clamping the guide to a workbench.

Those 700 mm in the length of the guide are just right to make a clean quick cut. Having a longer guide would make you lean over it when cutting which is neither comfortable nor safe. In that case, go for a long straight-edge guide.

KEEP READING:

DIY Circular Saw Track

DIY Circular Saw Rip Fence

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Make a Circular Saw Crosscut Guide

Woodworking Jigs used for this project:

This post How to Make a Circular Saw Guide and Crosscut Jig first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

Easy Circular Saw Guide Rail (Step by Step with Pictures)

About the author, Lukas — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:27:53 +0000

AllFlavor Workshop

Easy Circular Saw Guide Rail (Step by Step with Pictures)

A circular saw is one of the very basic tools every workshop should have. It is one of the most common beginner power saws and a great tool to use when you are starting in the craft. Due to its versatility, in many cases it can replace a table saw if used correctly.

Circular saws are great for making quick, precise cuts, but when it comes to handling large workpieces, it can get a bit challenging. It’s possible, but not easy.

However, a simpler and more effective solution is to use a circular saw guide rail. The downside is that these accessories can be pretty pricey. So, why not craft your own circular saw guide track?

Making a saw track is a fairly simple and quick project and it will help you so much in your workshop. You don’t need to buy new tools, you can make a saw track for the circular saw with the tools you already have in the workshop.

With the instructions and video provided in this blog post, you will learn step-by-step how to make a DIY circular saw track guide.

RELATED:

DIY Circular Saw Track Guide Video

If you want to see how to make a circular saw guide, check out the full video below for a step-by-step guide.

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Free DIY Circular Saw Guide Plans
Materials and Tools
Circular Saw Guide FAQ
How to make a Circular Saw Guide Track
How to set up and use a Circular Saw Track
Circular Saw Guide Video
Jigs used for the project

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!

Circular Saw Guide Plans

Download the Circular Saw Guide Plans here

Download plans here

What you'll need to build the Circular Saw Guide Track

Circular Saw Track
Birch Plywood – (700 x 335 x 12 mm)
2x Birch Plywood – (35 x 25 x 12 mm)
Handle – 140 mm length
4x wood screws
2x Aluminum guide rails – (700 x 14 x 12 mm)
Hardware Assortment Kit – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ

Check all the Tools I Use

Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Jigsaw – https://amzn.to/3S85cDr
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1
Machinist Square / Speed Square
Center Hole Punch – https://amzn.to/48Fq7mv
Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/3TN0SKM

Other
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Double-Sided Woodworking Tape – https://amzn.to/3tPMGpM
Forstner bit ø20 mm – https://amzn.to/3Hd1aDb
Sandpaper – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p
14x bolts ø4, 1,6 cm + washers, nuts
Metal Drill Bit ø4,2 mm

We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy something through our retail links. As an Amazon Associate AllFlavor Workshop earns from qualifying purchases.

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What is a Circular Saw Guide?

A circular saw guide is a tool that ensures precise and straight cuts when using a circular saw. It acts as a guide to help keep the saw on track along the intended cutting line. This guide is essential for various woodworking and DIY projects, such as cutting plywood, lumber, or other materials accurately. By preventing the saw from wandering off course, it guarantees clean and professional-looking cuts.

Why should I buy or make a circular saw guide?

Cost is the main reason to consider if you’re thinking about making your saw guide.

Price-wise, a commercial track saw could set you back hundreds. For those setting up a workshop on a budget, that might not be the wisest place to allocate your funds. Instead, you’d rather invest in a high-quality blade for your circular saw if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

Making this DIY track saw cost me about $15 in materials. Your costs might vary, but you’ll still end up spending just a fraction of what a new track would cost.

On the flip side, a store-bought guide offers more flexibility. A homemade guide usually fits only one type of saw, while a commercial guide can accommodate various saw types, like the one below.

KREG KMA 2700

Oversize edge guide for precise control throughout the cut

How hard is it to build a circular saw track?

Not hard at all! This is an easy project for beginners requiring very basic tools.
The project is straightforward and the cuts are simple. You can build the entire saw track in a few hours.

Do you need a lot of tools to build a circular saw track?

You don’t need much—just a circular saw, a hand drill, and a hand saw will do!

You could also use a jigsaw to shape the main part of the circular saw track, but it’s optional. While a jigsaw excels at quick straight cuts, crosscuts, and inside corner cuts, a hand saw can handle the job too.

Let's Start Building!

The circular saw track consists of 2 main parts – the base, and the guiding rails.

The base is made of birch plywood, and the guide rails are from aluminum L angles. Plywood is a great material for making woodworking jigs. It is strong, durable, and doesn’t warp easily. All the material is easily available in a local store. The overall dimensions are 700 x 335 mm.

NOTE: The circular saw track is designed for a Makita Circular Saw. Similarly, it can also be made for other types of circular saws.

Before we get into the building read the information below on the material.

The key component in the design is the aluminum guide rails. They need to be shorter than the circular saw at its lowest setting. This ensures the guide rails don’t block the saw, allowing you to use the maximum cutting depth possible.

How to make a DIY Circular Saw Guide

Step 1: Make the Circular Saw Guide Base

Draw the design of the saw guide on the plywood sheet and cut out the shape. The design is available in the video or as free plans above.

NOTE: Check the width of your circular saw and adjust the design accordingly.

A jigsaw in combination with a jigsaw guide track turned out to be a good way to easily cut out the shape. If you’re going to use a circular saw to cut out the shape you can use a straight edge to do that. I used an aluminum spirit level.

Sand all the edges and corners smoothly to get rid of splinters.

Step 2: Attach the Aluminum Guiding Rails

The width of my circular saw is 133 mm. Take into account the width of your saw to install the guide rails accordingly.

Tape one side of the circular saw to leave a bit of extra space between the rails for a better slide.

Cut the aluminum rails to size.

First, use double-sided tape to attach the guide rail to the base. Once the rail is in position, fix it additionally with screws and nuts.

Make sure the screws are flush with the bottom of the base.

To attach the second guide rail place the circular saw right next to the first one (with the tape on) and fix the second guide rail accordingly following the same steps as before.

NOTE: A thin aluminum bar can easily bend. Take care while placing the bar on the base.

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Step 3: Cut the Slot

This circular saw track doesn’t have a stopper, neither at the start nor at the end. My goal was to maximize the usable space on the guide. However, without a stopper, it’s quite easy to cut through the guide itself, so bear this in mind when building it.

Place the circular saw where you want to start cutting.
First cut a very shallow slot along the entire length of the guide to mark a line.

Cut several “sight holes” along the entire length of the cut. I used a 20mm Forstner bit.
These sight holes will help you adjust the guide when making cuts.

IRWIN Forstner Bit Set

Ultra-Sharp Cutting Teeth Specifically Engineered To Cut Through Hard And Soft Woods Smoothly And Efficiently

Image: Amazon

Once finished with the sight holes cut a slot in the track saw. (Again be mindful that there is no stopper.)

Sand the slot to get rid of splinters and sand the surface of the guide track for the circular saw to slide easier. I used sandpaper of different grit sizes ranging from P200 to P800 to get a very smooth slide.

Step 4: Attach the Handle

I added a handle to the base for better manipulation. You can press it down and fix it in position while cutting (although to get the best results, fixing the guide using clamps is still necessary).

NOTE: The handle I used didn’t provide enough space for my hand – so I added extra pieces of plywood to create more room.

Pre-drill holes for the screws and attach the handle to the base.

And this is how the finished circular saw guide track looks like.

How to use a Circular Saw Track

The steps below describe how to set up and how to use a circular saw guide track.

Draw a line on the piece of wood where you intend to make the cut.
Secure the piece you’re cutting with clamps to prevent any movement.
Place the circular saw track over the line, adjusting its position by looking through the sight holes.
Fix the saw track to the workbench using clamps to enhance stability and accuracy during the cut.
Mount the circular saw on the track and slowly make a cut.

NOTE: Remember to consider which side of the line you intend to cut on and position the guide track accordingly. Also, take care to avoid cutting into the workbench. Using a thicker pad to raise both the guide and the circular saw can help protect your work surface.

My Take

Making this circular saw guide rail is surprisingly simple. It’s fast to assemble, straightforward to use, and much cheaper than the commercial circular saw guides available in stores. You can put together this “track saw” for just a few tens of dollars.

Consider using the money you save to invest in a high-quality blade for your circular saw. A good blade can significantly improve the cleanliness and accuracy of your cuts. Absolutely worth the investment!

This guide is best suited for making short straight cuts. However, for longer straight cuts or crosscuts, there are other saw guides available that will be more suitable for those tasks. Check them out. HAPPY BUILDING!

KEEP READING:

Remember, power tools can be dangerous, including circular saws. Always be cautious when using any power tool. It is necessary to follow certain safety guidelines to avoid any injury. Read this blog post before operating a circular saw: 9 common circular saw safety mistakes and how to avoid them.

How to make a Cutting Guide For Circular Saw

Woodworking Jigs used for this project:

This post Easy Circular Saw Guide Rail (Step by Step with Pictures) first appeared on AllFlavor Workshop and is written by About the author, Lukas

circular saw guide – AllFlavor Workshop

Top 5 Best Circular Saw Guide Rail in 2026 (Ranked)

What I Look for in a Circular Saw Guide Rail

The Best Circular Saw Guide Rails Overview

The Best Circular Saw Rail Guides Comparison

Detailed List Of The Best Circular Saw Guides

1. Kreg KMA2700 Circular Saw Track

Why I Picked It

2. Bora Clamp Edge Saw Guide

Why I Picked It

3. Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide

Why I Picked It

4. Emerson Tool Co. C50

Why I Picked It

5. Makita Guide Rail

Why I Picked It

Wrap Up

What to Consider While Looking for a Circular Saw Guide?

1. Compatibility

2. Size

3. Attaching and Clamping

4. Durability

Make a DIY Circular Saw Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Circular Saw Guides Universal?

What are the Benefits of a Circular Saw Guide Rail?

What is the difference between a Circular Saw and a Track Saw?

Can I Use a Circular Saw Guide With Other Tools?

What Safety Equipment to Use With a Circular Saw?

Simple DIY Circular Saw Guide with T-Slots (Step-by-Step Guide)

How To Make a Circular Saw Guide Video

Table of Contents

The material you will need to build it

What is a Circular Saw Guide?

Pros of a Circular Saw Guide:

Cons of a Circular Saw Guide:

What is a Track Saw Guide?

Pros of a Track Saw Guide:

Cons of a Track Saw Guide:

What are the Slots on a Track Saw Guide?

Let's start building!

How to Make a DIY Circular Saw Guide (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces for the Base

Step 2: Cut the Bottom Clamping Slot

Step 3: Assemble the Track Base

Find This Blog Post Useful?

Step 4: Make the Upper T-track

Step 5: Finish the Guide

How to Use a DIY Track Saw Guide

Conclusion

How to Build a Circular Saw Cutting Guide

Woodworking Jigs I used to build it:

4 Simple DIY Circular Saw Guides (Best For Beginners)

Table of Contents

What are the most important things when making a DIY Circular Saw Guide?

1. Safety

2. Design

3. Build

4. Saw blade

5. Circular Saw

What is the difference between a circular saw guide and a track saw guide?

Best DIY Circular Saw Guides

Best DIY Circular Saw Guides

My Experience

Must Have DIY Guides for a Circular Saw

Simple DIY Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide (With Pictures)

Features and Capabilities

How to build a DIY straight edge for circular saw video

Table of Contents

DIY Track Saw Plans

Material needed to build a Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide

Benefits of Using a Track Saw Compared to a Circular Saw

4 tips to make straight cuts with a circular saw

Let’s begin!

How to make a DIY circular saw straight edge guide

Step 1: Measure and cut the shoe for the Circular Saw

Step 2: Cut 4 strips and attach them to the shoe

Step 3: Make a plunge cut

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Step 4: Make a sliding bar