Jig for circular saw

[Phil Phelps]

Hello folks. Here is a simple jig I've been using for years. It allows you to hold a 2x4 steady whilie you cut them square. Works well on wider material, hence why I've made an extended guide. If you make one, you'll need to attach your guide enough to the left so that the first cut trims the bed. This way it is set for your saw and you reference the bed to the mark for a flush cut.

This one's for right handed people, Arbuckle. :p

[Jason Roehl]

Hey, Phil!

Is there some sort of fence on the bottom to register the jig against the edge of whatever you're cutting (like against the long edge of the 2x4)?

[Phil Phelps]

Originally posted by Jason Roehl
Hey, Phil!

Is there some sort of fence on the bottom to register the jig against the edge of whatever you're cutting (like against the long edge of the 2x4)?
Thanks, Jason. Yes there is a 1/4" lip underneath. :rolleyes:

[Jason Roehl]

Sure enough! Now I see it. At first when I looked at it, I thought it was laying flat, but now that you say there is a lip there, I see the angle in the shadow. Great idea...I was just thinking of making something like that myself. I've even seen similar jigs that are made to work with I-joists--they sit between the top and bottom flanges of the I-joist, and still allow you to make a square cut. Thanks again for sharing!

[Tom Gattiker]

Sounds like a useful jig but I must not be seeing something in the photo.

[Hal Flynt]

I can't see it either.

[Dave Arbuckle]

Phil, if it were for left-handed people I think I would understand how it works. Since it ain't, I guess I don't. I'll go stand over there with them other guys now... ;)

Dave

[Bob Janka]

Let me see if I can figure this out...

You put the jig as is on top of a 2x4 running cross-wise to you. I.e., point the long ends to your left & right with the wide side up. Then, butt the lip of the jig tight up against the top near edge of the 2x4. Align the right edge of the jig base to your cut mark. Place the circular saw on top of the jig and butt the left edge of the guide plate upto the fence pointing away from you. Turn on the saw, push it through the 2x4, and voila! you have a square cut-off end.

Clamps are optional ;)

The hole in base of the jig appears to be a hand-hold and/or view window to help align the 2x4. The base and fence of the jig looks like they can cross-cut 2x6, 2x8, 2x10, even 2x12.

So, Phil, how'd I do? Anywhere close? :)

Cheers,
Bob

[Jason Roehl]

Stupid generic paint wouldn't let me go any smaller with the text, so pardon the kindergarten look (not intended to insult you guys).

<img src = "http://www.mintel.net/~roehl95/jig.jpg">

[Tom Gattiker]

what is the piece of plywood running left to right for? Must be there to confuse those of us who are easily confused. :) Thanks Jason.
Tom

[PeterTorresani]

I don't want this to sound negative, but wouldn't a $.99 plastic quick square do the same thing ?

Or am I missing something (not an uncommon occurrence)

[Jim Becker]

I don't want this to sound negative, but wouldn't a $.99 plastic quick square do the same thing ?

Sure it would. The larger jig, however, may be more stable to handle for some folks. The same design could be used for a circular saw as well as a jig saw...heck, even a router for dados. (It's clampable for the latter task)

[Jason Roehl]

Peter,

This jig's edge would go on the cut mark--place jig to mark, then saw, instead of place saw to mark, place square, then cut. It's just a little more convenient.

[Dr. Zack Jennings]

Thanks for the explanation Jason. I can't tell you how stupid I have felt all week tryin' to figure out that Jig ! I've stared at that picture for hours.

[Michael Cody]

Makes sense to me now -- I too didn't get it ... I personally use a speed square but this would make it easier to nail the line every time, in particular if you are doing a bunch of them, the minor time savings and precision would add up quite quickly... but I bet you can't hang it from your belt :( -- which would be my only real objection..