Using a circular saw rip fence is primarily about keeping the guide tight against the edge of the material you are cutting to ensure a straight, consistent cut parallel to that edge.
Understanding the Circular Saw Rip Fence
A rip fence is an attachment for your circular saw designed to help you make rip cuts – cuts that run parallel to the grain of the wood or along the length of the material. It attaches to the base plate of the saw and can be adjusted to set the desired distance between the blade and the edge of the workpiece. This allows you to cut boards or sheets of material to a consistent width.
Using the Rip Fence for Straight Cuts
Once the rip fence is attached to your saw and set to the correct width for your cut, the key to using it effectively during the actual cutting process is maintaining consistent contact with the reference edge of your material.
According to information from the video "THE RIP FENCE - Circular Saw Basics", here are the main techniques for keeping the fence tight to the edge while cutting:
- Pulling: Often, simply applying a slight pulling force on the saw is enough to keep the fence firmly against the edge of the material as you move the saw forward through the cut.
- Light Touching: You can also lightly touch the fence, using it as a physical guide or "check" to ensure it stays in contact with the edge.
- Visual Monitoring: Another method is to simply keep a close eye on the fence as you cut, ensuring it doesn't drift away from the edge.
The goal of these techniques is to ensure the fence glides smoothly and consistently along the edge of your workpiece throughout the entire cut, resulting in a straight line parallel to that edge. Practice helps in developing a feel for the right amount of pressure or focus needed.
Tips for Effective Rip Fence Use
- Secure Attachment: Ensure the rip fence is properly and securely attached to your saw's base plate.
- Correct Setting: Double-check the measurement from the blade to the fence to ensure your cut will be the desired width.
- Consistent Pressure: Maintain steady, consistent pressure (either pulling or touching) on the fence to keep it tight against the edge.
- Smooth Feed Rate: Move the saw through the material at a consistent speed that the saw can handle without binding.
By focusing on keeping the rip fence firmly and consistently against the edge of your material using methods like pulling, light touching, or visual checks, you can achieve accurate, straight rip cuts with your circular saw.
