How To Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw and a Straight Edge or a Kreg Rip Cut
How To Make Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw and a Straight Edge or a Kreg Rip Cut
In this video I will show you how to make straight cuts on wood with a circular saw. You cut wood straight without a table saw using these woodworking tips and tricks. Using these methods, you’re guaranteed to make straight cuts on wood every time. One of the key woodworking tips and tricks is having the proper tools for cutting straight lines. For this woodworking hack, all you need is a circular saw and a straightedge to make straight and accurate cuts. It’s easy to cut straight a straight line on wood when you use a straight edge or an edge guide. You can make your own straight edge but the price of these options makes it much easier just to buy them. I’ve used the Kreg Rip Cut in many of my projects. It is one of the most used accessories in my shop. Using the Kreg Rip Cut on plywood gives you accurate cuts every time. The Swanson straight edge used in this video is so handy for breaking down full sheets of plywood. It’s over eight feet long so you can cut straight lines on the full length of plywood. Links below are Amazon and other affiliate links.
*Tools Used In This Video*
48 Inch Level: https://amzn.to/2I4fyT2
Swanson CG100 Straight Edge: https://amzn.to/36JbWAg
Kreg Rip Cut: https://amzn.to/36NzZ14
Kreg Accu Cut: https://amzn.to/3iHHvg4
*My Circular Saw Suggestions*
Budget Circular Saw Pick: https://amzn.to/3j2SyAC
Better: https://amzn.to/3jURwIh
Best: https://amzn.to/2GY5CdG
*Videos To Watch Next*
Two Small Projects for Beginners: https://youtu.be/-dabPELCUdo
How to Sell Woodworking: https://youtu.be/DCyBplfL2dU
Make Money Woodworking Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pIKH-BCLoA&list=PLWVlC66wUw8bSPMGr0N2QZlMPvslZyIet
Plywood Projects Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJLyHmUNa44&list=PLWVlC66wUw8bilUZqq-lxQ2-ZYkr-DeoW
I use TubeBuddy to help grow this channel and you can too by using affiliate code 731woodworks at this link https://www.tubebuddy.com/731woodworks
Get two FREE audio books from Audible by using this link: https://amzn.to/3cqvgmv I listen to a lot of books while woodworking. Give it a try, you may love it as much as I do!
*Camera Equipment Used for Videos*
Canon M50 https://amzn.to/3en9EaQ
Canon 22mm Lens: https://amzn.to/32fp79w
Microphone I Use: https://amzn.to/3crbxTX
Shirt I’m Wearing in This Video Is From: https://www.kerusso.com/
Visit the website for official coffee mugs, shirts and more merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/731-woodworks
0:00 Intro
1:00 Using a level to make straight cuts
2:48 Swanson straight edge for accurate cuts
5:44 Kreg Rip Cut Review
8:03 Outro
Disclaimer: Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel. By clicking on the links and purchasing items it provides me a very small commission but cost you nothing extra. It is a great way to support small creators like me. I appreciate the support more than you know!
Working with wood and power tools is inherently dangerous. Anyone using any of the tools or supplies used in these videos are personally responsible for learning the proper techniques involved, and he or she assumes all risks and accepts complete responsibility for any and all damages and injury of any kind.
Before using any hand or power tool with which you are unfamiliar, consult its operating instructions, and if necessary, seek instruction by a qualified person well versed in its operation and appropriate safety techniques.
731 Woodworks is intended for entertainment purposes only. There are no warranties implied and your results may differ from ours. You should NOT rely solely upon the information and techniques discussed and displayed in these videos. Rather, you should fully research each technique and decide for yourself what is the safest possible work method for you.
What is the best option to cut an 8 inches long shelf board in a straight line of course without a table saw?
I thought it was unsafe practice to put a circular saw on the fall off piece when cutting…. just asking cause that’s what I try to avoid
Thanks for the tip for the Swanson! I bought using your affiliate link!
I appreciate your suggestions, honest opinions and thorough demonstration. I’m a novice diy’er (is that redundant). I have an I-beam straight edge. I tried the Kreg cross cut guide. But I could not get my Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-1/2" circular saw to sit straight and clamp securely on it, and had to return. Mine, even the red arrow was crooked, maybe I got a bad one, but it did not look like it would work.
Question. On the Swanson 10′ straight edge, I read reviews that it bows in the middle. It seems if the screws are tight enough, it looks secure. What is your opinion regarding bowing in the middle? Was looking into the Swanson. Thank you!
Have you ever built an entry way table. If not I’d love to see one with a couple drawers in it..
Great Channel!
Really appreciate your effort, can’t afford most but enjoy watching!
I use the Swanson straight edge and it works really well except on long cuts the middle will bow out slightly from the pressure of the saw against the rail. I’ve used finish nails behind the center section, or a long piece of 1 inch material clamped to the opposite side and placed against the outside of the inner rail to keep the center in alignment. Have you seen this problem?
Please let me know where you buy your t-shirts?
They’re very inspirational.
Wow. Nice. Exactly what I need. I need to get rid of about an eight of an inch from one side. I can free-hand it for now but I will get me one of those ripcuts.
Thanks for sharing. I am a small short female, love to do cabinet. I do need something to help me do the job easier. I have problem making everything square. Do you have any suggestion?
I just picked up the Swanson vs the Kreg because the Kreg cut is only as good as the straight edge you guide with, right? Am I missing something?
I tried the way with the level. How am I to account for the blade because I measured and clamped my level down at my 22 3/8 but now it’s too long. How far do I back off the level?
About the Kregg, you have to have a straight edge to start with. I never have that. However the Swanson you can cut at any angle you want. You know how OSB gets that ragged edge. AND the Swanson gets that plate right down on the workpiece so you don’t have it lifted loosing cut depth. Thanks so much for helping me make a decision!
I didnt read all the comments so its possible someone else mentioned or does this. I did a test cut with my saw from both sides of the saw against a straight edge then measured what that offset was and using a sharpie, put those two measurements on top of the blade guard so it is right there and I just add that offset (depending on which side of the saw I am cutting from) to the measurement of what I am cutting off and it comes out perfect. I like the idea of using a cut off piece of wood but that can get easily lost (or mistaken for usable scrap wood,lol) in my small shop
Praise God for a godly man who knows his stuff!
Awesome video! I was about to take the Craig Rio cut back because I didn’t think it worked with my saw and you just saved me a trio to home depot. Thank you so much!!
Great info! Does that kreg rip cut work with the work circular saw? It’s a small saw with the 41/2 in blade.
I remember seeing this video.. forgot to watch it again during my first build last weekend
I used a right angle and my cuts didn’t all come out square
Just used my fingers to feel the right angle was flush… hopefully I can make it work
Great explanation good jobs 👍👏
I should have watched this Friday. Oh well, great tips!
No puns intended, but the way you cut this video had me cracking up in the beginning. Random shots of you with your table, genius
Another good 8′ straight edge you can use, is a piece of scrap plywood with the milled edge still intact the full length.
drax ?
I install windows but have been really curious about framing/wood working and really want to learn so you have a subscriber 💪
drax ?
I have been trying to decide on a way to more accurately cut sheet goods. Thank you for making the differences easy to understand.
Looks like dudes heiling hitler in the thumbnail
I bought a Swanson straight edge to help rip down plywood not too long ago, I would not recommend this for anything more than 4ft. With both 4ft sections together it doesn’t matter how much you crank down on the joining bracket, it flexes way too much.
I hope your saw cuts are better than your editing cuts. 😆
That was brilliant. Thanks
Thanks Matt for the video. I also use a 48 inch level and the Kreg cross cut, but It is limited in length. I am looking to get some straight edge tool to get to those longer cuts, like Bora or even Kreg products. But your suggestion of the Swanson straight edge is cheaper and will end up in my amazon cart.
if your edge of plywood is not straight, how do you get a straight cut?
Hi, love your videos! I’m trying to learn. I’ve posted a table on FB marketplace. It’s been up for a week. There have been views but it’s not selling yet. Just wondering if I need to do something else in my post. I made the table, charging $95. It’s a side table. I’m not sure how to do the selling thing
Oh I wish I would have saw your video. My work on the plywood boards are … well not perfect. Thanks for the tips!
Great tips very informative I love it thank you
Tony
I make small 2×4 blocks. I use a speed square for straight cuts.
Great tutorial..Thank you.
How about a 3/4 thick, 6 inch wide, 24” long…..and you want to cut a staight line down the middle……it is hard to get the piece held stationary….while at the same time securing a straight edge. I suppose an edge guide on the saw might work, But I have had better luck with a clamped edge guide…..Anyway any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I feel like there must be a fairly easy answer to the question but I just I’m not envisioning it
Good stuff my friend! I thought you had to drop big bucks on a table to get pro looking cuts!
Great stuff. I am building a cabin with my son and either I am getting older or my Makita 36v is not cutting as straight. That 3rd tool is going to be magic when we start sheathing and need all sorts of crazy cuts.
Check out other woodworking tips and tricks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsClV9zZNLM&list=PLWVlC66wUw8YQwF4QEfwgxh45ZcrJIE8y
Also can use mdf. Whether you take a sheet and cut down the side and leave the edge alone. Or getting an mdf shelf. Only down side is if moisture hits it, it’s done lol.
I’m in the beginnings of setting up a woodshop again … after about 25 years!
Looking for your input: With these straight edge options in mind, will I get by alright without a table saw?
Looked at several “how to cut straight line with circular saw”. Yours was the best. Ordered the Kreg saw guide. I tried the level method. I obviously didn’t get it right. Thanks!
I generally use a 4′ straight edge for cross cuts on plywood and/or a good speed square for cross cuts on dimensional lumber. I do use a Kraig rip cut guide but the only problem with it is that it is dependant on an edge that may or may not be perfectly straight. For rip cuts on 8′ sheets I use a guide with integrated clamps but they’re honestly a bit pricey for what they are.
Great sir from Philippines
I use a piece of flat metal for floor, they come in lengths of 12’
Great video. Thanks for sharing this information. Like many, I’ve spent too many years with inadequate tools just “getting by”. Your videos have provided some great tips, tricks, and insights without breaking the bank. You’ve made my life easier. Much appreciated brother.
Are we assuming that when using the Kreg Rip Cut the edge of the table must be perfectly straight, otherwise the cut will just follow the shape of the edge?
Exactly what I needed as a beginner! Thank you!