In this first project, we are going to make a template for cutting strips and boards with a circular saw or table saw. The idea is to have a template that allows us to make 90º cuts without problems (although we will see later that you can also cut at an angle) and to be able to cut pieces to the same length easily and quickly. From the drawings, you can get an idea of what the circular saw template looks like, and you can also see a cutting diagram of the board. The measurements depend on the circular saw that each person has, so you have to measure carefully, as seen in the video. The supports must be the exact height so that the saw blade leaves a groove of a few millimeters in the base without cutting through it.
The dimensions of the section of the strip that is screwed to the base don’t matter much, as long as it fits under the template and is wide enough to be screwed in without problems.
I don’t know what’s happening, but the video can’t be viewed in full screen on the blog. In the meantime, you can watch it in full screen on YouTube by clicking on the YouTube icon in the video. 26/02/2013
If the vertical cuts come out inclined, it may be that the circular saw blade is not at 90 degrees to the base. Don’t forget to check the cutting angle of the blade.
Additionally, if we don’t want to cut the strip completely, but only make a box, we can also adjust the cutting depth of the circular saw. In the image, you can see the adjustment levers of this Bosch circular saw, which, although it has some wear and tear, has been performing like a champ.
09/08/2016: I currently use a different circular saw, but since my new saw has a slightly narrower base, I can use it in the same guide. However, the cutting depth is greater, so I have to adjust the cutting depth so that the saw does not cut through the baseboard of this guide completely.
These cutting guides or any use of the circular saw, if not used carefully, can cause a safety issue called kickback (YouTube). I recommend checking out the video on the dangers of kickback (YouTube).