Guide rails?

[Sage55]

Since I don't have a table saw I'm thinking about getting a straight edge, or guide rail for my circular saw.

I've found the Bora clamp edge which seemed to be a nice price and I like the all-in-one design. But I've also found the E. Emerson straight edge.

Have any of you tried these guides and if so what are your thoughts about them?

 

[JASTECH]

My Dad bought one from Menards and likes it, but not either of those so not much help. Just to compare, his adjust for length and one end hooks to wood, other clamps. I don't recall the brand but they make other tool/wood tool accessaries in dark red packages.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know Sears carried a three piece set similar to the Bora stuff. It was just a few bucks more than a single piece.

I generally use a piece of flat aluminum stock. I hold it down with a spring clamp on both ends.

 

[Regnar]

You can make saw guides out of a sheet of hard board pretty cheap. I was able to make an 8 ft , 5ft and a 3ft out of a single sheet. I also like the fact it keeps the saw off the work and I don't have to measure the offset.

Hopefully this link will work.

 

[JayL]

I have the Clamp and Cut in 50". It does have some play on it while clamped. My solution to this was to use additional clamps on the straight edge middle part whenever possible ( like Irwin Quick Grips )

The Emerson Tool I do have also but is only 24 inches long. It is sturdy but I just don't know how it is with their 50 incher.

If it's for a circular saw then why not build some sleds. I built my CS sleds using 1/2" MDF.

 

[Sage55]

Regnar - thanks for the video link. Very clever way to make a homemade jig.

JayL - How well does the Emerson work for you, even at the smaller size?

 

[Cookannapurna]

You can make saw guides out of a sheet of hard board pretty cheap. I was able to make an 8 ft , 5ft and a 3ft out of a single sheet. I also like the fact it keeps the saw off the work and I don't have to measure the offset.

Hopefully this link will work.

X2 best guide availiable, cheap, easy, no measuring offset, and make any size you want. I have several sizes for all my circular saws hanging on the wall in the shop.

Any sheet stock will work, I prefer good 1/4" finish grade plywood.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have the three piece set from Bora. I will be adding the 100" one as well. They not only work great for guides, but you can also use them for large clamps for gluing wood, etc.

 

[admranger]

I have been using this Emerson one extensively over the past week as I build my cabinets. It works really well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TXSAHU/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

 

[472scout]

You can make saw guides out of a sheet of hard board pretty cheap. I was able to make an 8 ft , 5ft and a 3ft out of a single sheet. I also like the fact it keeps the saw off the work and I don't have to measure the offset.

Hopefully this link will work.

This! I was going to buy the Makita track saw for $440 but it only comes with one 55" track and I already have a Mag77. The commercial universal guides work well, but dealing with the offset is a hassle and wastes time.

edit: Not sure why he used door board. Most guys use plywood or plywood with a 1x2.

 

[T_Hed]

You can make saw guides out of a sheet of hard board pretty cheap. I was able to make an 8 ft , 5ft and a 3ft out of a single sheet. I also like the fact it keeps the saw off the work and I don't have to measure the offset.

Hopefully this link will work.

Thanks for that video, That's a really useful tool to keep in the shop.

 

[JASTECH]

Ok it's FKS 115 made by Wolfcraft. Hope this helps, don't know the cost but I would like to have my Dad's.

 

[BMS]

http://www.festoolusa.com/products/guide-rails/overview.html

But it is $$$$

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow, they really like to complicate it and make it expensive these days...

Either the Masonite setup. (which makes cutting setup easy, fast, and simple as it allow for blade kerf) or I've had this one for around 20 years. Two 4 ft sections with an 18" split to make it 8 ft. A couple of C clamps at the edges, and it just works... I've made furniture and kitchen cabinets with this setup. Not sure if anyone still sells such a simple deal anymore. The only drawback to a clamped straightedge is you have to make sure you have allowed for both the blade kerf and the blade offset to the saw shoe.

 

[tarbellb]

ive been using the Emerson 3pc set for a couple of years now. they are great!

i was told by a sales guy at Toolking that the Bora set isnt quite as nice? something about the aluminum extrusion not being as beefy? the emerson show little to no flex under load.

one reason i really like the Emerson set is the low profile clamping head, you can clamp 3/4" materials without having to prop it off the work surface.
the downside is that you have a smaller clamping area if your trying to substitute as a clamp?

one thing i dont like and have noticed is the metal bar used for its locking mechanism gets chewed up in the common lengths (ie 12", 24", etc..) and then doesnt like to clamp down as easily.

if your not into spending hundred$ for a track system, go for this, totally worth it.

 

[Sage55]

Lots of good ideas and advice - I do appreciate it. I was PM'ed another suggestion to use a metal stud and some wood clamps for a guide. Thinking I might give this a shot too.

 

[darkk]

these are nice...
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25134&site=ROCKLER

 

[woody 73]

Just my two cents and for what it's worth maybe a cup of joe... but every week I see at least half a dozen posts on CL to sell a used table saw for not a lot of money ;around $100.00 dollars for old table top saws with Guide rails.

Now if other members are posting products for guide rails at $30.00 dollars, then why not save up some money and buy a table saw.

Well just a thought...

 

[Sage55]

woody, you make a good point. I've found some smaller end table saws that would be in that range too - like a Ryobi 15amp saw or Skil 15amp saw as well.

Though I'd think some cuts still might be a bit easier using a guide than a table saw.

 

[admranger]

The commercial universal guides work well, but dealing with the offset is a hassle and wastes time.

I just wrote on my Emerson with a pencil the two offsets so it's easy to add whichever to my measurement. Really simple.

Festool is sweet stuff, but day-um -- I'd need to build a whole lot of stuff to afford one tool.

 

[admranger]

woody, you make a good point. I've found some smaller end table saws that would be in that range too - like a Ryobi 15amp saw or Skil 15amp saw as well.

Though I'd think some cuts still might be a bit easier using a guide than a table saw.

Yeah, I tried a little table saw like the Ryobi and it blew when cutting sheet goods or long stock. Just not stable enough.

Ended up renting a Rigid contractor's saw (r4510, iirc -- retails at $499, rental was $41/24 hours). We still did the sheet good cross cuts with the small circular saw and Emerson guide. Too easy to use vs. lugging the full 4x8 sheet over the saw.

 

[mtnwalton]

Tried the Bora clamp straightedge but sent it back - way too flimsy for me

 

[Sage55]

I just wrote on my Emerson with a pencil the two offsets so it's easy to add whichever to my measurement. Really simple.

Festool is sweet stuff, but day-um -- I'd need to build a whole lot of stuff to afford one tool.

Are you talkinga bout the Festool plunge circular saw? If so then yeah I'd have to agree with ya, that's just a bit out of my range too.

 

[admranger]

Are you talkinga bout the Festool plunge circular saw? If so then yeah I'd have to agree with ya, that's just a bit out of my range too.

Yes. Yes I am. Indeed!