Used a circular saw without a guide rail and it came out way straighter than I expected

I've always used a track saw for long cuts because I thought circular saws wander too much. Last week my guide rail was busted so I just clamped a straight board down and went for it on a 6 foot plywood rip. The cut came out maybe 1/16th off over the whole length. Made me realize I've been overcomplicating things and spending too much on specialty gear. Anyone else find that basic methods work just as well once you get the technique down?

2 comments

2 Comments

taylor_wells3d ago

Clamping a straightedge is the secret really... I've done it for years and my circular saw cuts are usually within a 32nd or so. The trick is keeping the saw plate tight against the board the whole time, don't let it drift even a little.

linda_butler3d ago

Yeah that's all it takes really, just steady pressure against the board.