Circular saw offset jig

I made a quick jig so I could accurately place my saw guide. And, as usual, I made it incorrectly and then figured out an easier way. I’m going to write up the way I did it, and then explain how to avoid my mistake.

While breaking down the plywood for the kitchen, I had many good sized rectangular offcuts and decided to make an offset jig for my circular saw. An offset jig shows me where to clamp a straightedge to guide the sole plate of the circular saw so that the kerf is exactly where I want it. This jig is specific to this saw / blade combination.

To make this jig, you’ll need a piece of sacrificial wood to span your sawhorses, the piece that’s going to be the jig, and something (a piece of 2×4 is brilliant) thick enough to butt your jig against and guide the sole plate of your saw.

  1. Clamp the 2×4 to your sacrificial piece.
  2. Butt the jig-to-be against the 2×4.
  3. Cut the jig out.
Gettin’ jiggy with it!

The piece you cut is the exact width from the outer edge of the soleplate to the near side of your kerf.

To use the jig, place it on your cut line. Mark the outside of the jig. Repeat at the other end of your cut line. Clamp your straight edge to the jig marks. Your saw blade is now perfectly aligned to your cut line.

Using the jig to place the superstut I use as a saw guide.

*** Avoid my mistake. If you clamp the 2×4 to the sacrificial board, your saw motor may interfere with the clamps. Screw the 2×4 to the sacrificial board instead***

**** Also, make a jig for the right side sole plate. ****

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Author: rexplex

With a bachelors degree in history, I turn wrenches for a living. I’m most at peace when I hear the wind in the trees or the gurgle of a brook. I’m a believer in the Renaissance Man, as epitomized by DaVinci engineer, artist, soldier, statesman. As Heinlein said, “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

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