Using a speed square with a circular saw is an effective and common method for achieving accurate, straight cross-cuts on various materials. This technique transforms your speed square into a reliable saw guide, ensuring precision without needing a full-sized track saw.
Getting Started: Essential Tools
Before you begin, ensure you have the right equipment readily available:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Circular Saw | For making the cut. |
| Speed Square | Acts as the straightedge guide. |
| Pencil/Marker | For marking your cut line. |
| Measuring Tape | For accurate measurements. |
| Clamps | To secure the workpiece and the speed square. |
| Safety Glasses | Essential for eye protection. |
| Hearing Protection | Recommended for noise reduction. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Straight Cut
Follow these steps to make precise cuts using your speed square and circular saw:
1. Prepare Your Workpiece
- Secure the Material: Place your material (e.g., a board or plywood) on a stable workbench or sawhorse. Use clamps to firmly secure the workpiece, preventing any movement during the cut. This is crucial for both accuracy and safety.
- Clear the Area: Ensure the area around your cutting path is clear of obstructions.
2. Mark Your Cut Line
- Measure and Mark: Use your measuring tape and a pencil to accurately mark the desired cut line on your material. Draw a clear, visible line across the full width where the cut is to be made.
3. Position the Speed Square
- Align the Fence: Place the speed square on the material with its thick lip (or "fence") firmly against the edge of the board. This lip will act as a stable guide for the saw's base plate.
- Match the Edge: Align the straight edge of the speed square precisely with your marked cut line. Ensure the square is perfectly perpendicular (for a 90-degree cut) or at the desired angle if you're making an angled cut.
- Secure the Square (Optional but Recommended): For added stability, especially on longer cuts or if you're new to the technique, you can use a small clamp to secure the speed square to the workpiece.
4. Align the Circular Saw and Cut
This step is critical for a precise cut:
- Place the Saw: Bring your circular saw onto the board.
- Align the Blade: With the speed square held firmly in place, slide both pieces (the speed square and the saw) until you can see the saw's blade actually touching the cut line you made. It's important to visualize where the blade will enter the material. Most circular saws have an indicator notch on the base plate that aligns with the blade's cutting edge. Use this notch, or carefully observe the blade itself.
- Position the Base Plate: Ensure the base plate of your circular saw is flat against the material and flush against the straight edge of the speed square. The speed square now acts as a fence, guiding the saw.
- Maintain Firmness: While aligning, and especially during the cut, hold the square firmly in place. This prevents it from shifting and ensures a straight line.
- Initiate the Cut: With the saw correctly positioned and the speed square securely held, engage the saw's trigger. Allow the blade to reach full speed before gently pushing the saw forward.
- Guide the Saw: Glide the saw smoothly along the speed square's edge, maintaining constant pressure against the square to keep the cut straight. Do not force the saw; let the blade do the work.
5. Complete the Cut
- Follow Through: Continue pushing the saw through the material until the cut is complete.
- Release and Review: Once the cut is finished, release the trigger, wait for the blade to stop, and then remove the saw and speed square. Inspect your perfectly straight cut!
Tips for Success and Safety
- Blade Depth: Set your circular saw blade depth so that it just clears the bottom of your workpiece (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deeper than the material thickness).
- Practice: If you're new to using a speed square as a guide, practice on a scrap piece of wood first to get a feel for the setup and cutting motion.
- Clean Blade: A sharp, clean blade will make smoother cuts and reduce the chance of kickback.
- Support Offcuts: Ensure the piece being cut off is also supported so it doesn't fall and bind the blade, which can be dangerous.
- Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
By following these steps, you can reliably use a speed square with your circular saw to achieve accurate and professional-looking straight cuts for all your woodworking projects.
