Circular Saw Jigs

Ever wish your table saw were more portable?  Do you have a circular saw?  With the use of circular saw jigs, you can do many of the same cuts with your circular saw as you can on your table saw, and accurately.

What is a Jig?

A jig is an accessory to a tool to help improve the functionality of that particular tool or to make the use of the tool easier for the user.  In the case of circular saw jigs, they are a type of guide for the saw to go along so as to mimic a table saw.  Think of it as a table saw in reverse.  A table saw has a guide, or fence that the wood is pushed along and the table saw is stationary, attached to the table.  With a circular saw jig, you slide the saw along the jig and the wood and the jig are both stationary.   Circular saw jigs allow you to get more out of your circular saw and allow you to get more work done outside of the workshop.

Types of Circular Saw Jigs

Circular saw jigs are numerous.  There are cross cut jigs, ripping jigs, straight cut jigs, and many others based on what a project requires.

The smaller cross cut jigs and straight cut jigs are more portable and most can be easily taken to and from jobsites.  The larger ripping jigs tend to be more elaborate.  Transporting them will require care not to damage the jig in the process.

A simple internet search will garner lists of different plans for whatever jig you might need.  Many are free and some are available for a minimal cost.  You can also find plans for circular saw jigs at your local home improvement center or lumberyard.  Be sure you understand the use and construction before building your jig, with so many variations you need to know that this is the right one for what you want it to accomplish.

Using Your Circular Saw Jig

The most common trait of all the circular saw jigs is that the saw’s shoe slides along the path of the jig.  The material is generally clamped to the jig, or visa versa, to ensure the cut line is maintained.  Once the wood is secured to the jig, set your circular saw shoe into or along side of the guide path of the jig.  Start the saw and cut as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If you are carrying your jig from worksite to worksite, be mindful of the condition of your jig.  If it becomes unstable, there is the potential for bad cuts, damage to equipment and materials, and even personal injury.

Make sure you are taking care to follow all safety precautions at all times.  Be aware in the event of kick back, watch for knots, do not force the saw into the wood, and always use your blade guards.