Cutting Box
Repetitive cuts can be cut squarely and
accurately every time with this cutting box for your circular saw. It is easy
enough to make that different sizes can be made for projects as they come along.
The one shown here is for straight cuts, an angle version could be made for
cutting the top of fence boards.
Most of it can be made from any material that you
have available, you may have to buy the angle iron, the dimensions are only
suggestions, the important part is making sure the runners are square to the
box.
The Box
Assemble the base as
shown using 3/4" material, these dimensions will allow you to cut a finished 2
X6 (1 1/2" X 5 1/2"), to cut
landscape ties or 4X4's a narrower version with
higher sides can be made, you will have to make one cut and then turn the
material over and make a second cut.
The Runners
The runners are made
from 3/4"angle iron 24" long, drill and countersink two holes in each so that at
least 9" of the runner is over-hanging
the front of the box, then attach the
left runner to the box, use a square to position it perpendicular to the rear
side of the box. Fasten the second runner parallel to the first so the base of
your circular saw will fit between the runners. Apply paste wax to the surface
of the runners.
How to Use
Adjust the depth of
your saw to just
cut into the base of the box, place the saw on the runners and make a cut
through the box . Place the material in the box against the back , align the
position of the cut to be made with the
slot in the box. Place the saw on the runners, hold the wood in position making
sure your fingers are outside the runner and
push the saw along the runners through
the material making sure the saw clears the back side so the blade guard closes
over the blade.
When cutting long boards fasten the box to a
plank supported by two sawhorses, lay strips of wood the thickness of the base
across the plank outboard from the box to support the ends of the board. Place a
stop block on one end to cut multiple boards the same length.
