Making and Using a Circular Saw Jig

For beginning woodworkers who walk into a tool supplier or another woodworker's shop, the number of tools (and the potential expense in obtaining all of those tools) can seem quite daunting. For instance, even the most basic quality woodworking table saw can cost several hundred dollars at the bare minimum. But does one have to have a table saw to begin woodworking?

Not at all! With a little bit of common sense and a couple of much less expensive tools, a beginning woodworker can perform a number of tasks that would normally be reserved for the table saw.

One such task is ripping stock with a circular saw. In this quick tip, we show you how to make and use a Circular Saw Jig. Employing this jig with a straight-edge will allow any woodworker to measure and cut stock quickly, consistently and precisely, without an excessive amount of math. This jig is so simple and easy to use, you may wonder why you haven't used one before.

(c) 2007 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.