3 BEST Circular Saw HACKS + UPGRADES! (Cut Straight Every Time...#1 TIP! No TRACK SAW Needed...)

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The circular saw can be harder to master than the table saw and miter saw, because it's a FREEHAND cutting tool...

But there are very simple HOMEMADE UPGRADES that will make your circular saw cuts a breeze!

These are essentially the three best hacks and tips that I know of for circular saw upgrades. They're really a set of circular saw jigs and accessories that you can knock together in minutes...and they cost almost nothing!

There's no need to buy a TRACK SAW...when you can make your own homemade track saw in 10 minutes or less. All you need is a bit of 1/2" plywood!

Plus, see the number one material upgrade that you can make to your circular saw...adding SILICONE GRIP TAPE to your jigs and accessories keeps them stable in nearly all shop situations. This really is the ultimate circular saw hack!

Check out the video to see how I made all of these circular saw upgrades in no time at all. You'll never have difficult cutting straight with the circular saw again with these tips. :)

Thanks!
The Honest Carpenter

[TheHonestCarpenter]

*Check Out the ULTIMATE CARPENTRY CHECKLIST!!* Get your free interactive ebook here:
This *150-item Visual Glossary* covers every important topic in carpentry. Check off the tools you have, the concepts you understand. And if you don't know a topic, just click on it for an explanation. Every carpenter and DIYer needs this free guide!

[Senph]

I was always sceptical about the strength of those built-in anti-slip pads on (store bought) tracks, but seeing how stable this DIY version is I'm sure I will be building one myself soon. Thanks for another amazing tutorial, keep up the good work!

[AUSCHWETTE]

I've been following Ethan for a couple of years now.

Dude really is the most honest, straight to the points, no bull tradesman I have come across.

Yes, besides politicians and businessmen, crooked tradesmen could also be found now and then

[gregmize]

BEST VERSION OF THIS I'VE SEEN YET!

[ericarachel]

I wish I had that grip tape years ago when I was making the saw guides like you made. An old timer showed me that trick back in the 70's, works like a charm and amazes those who have never seen one before

[JackKirbyFan]

Genius. I NEVER knew about the idea of using a high friction tape like that. Utter genius. Normally I run to double sided but that's not a great application for those guides. I have made my own guides for years but dread the clamping process. You gave me a game changer!

[wayneprice]

Use an 8 foot level or a string line to verify a straight factory edge (when you buy the plywood). Then make 3 guides out of one sheet of plywood. One 8 feet long (rip cuts), one 56 inches long (crosscut plywood sheets), and one 42 inches long to crosscut doors. I use 3 /8 inch plywood to maximize depth of cut. I also use a rear handle left blade saw with a good dust chute (FLEX 24V REAR HANDLE). Do not cut full depth as the motors of many saws will interfere with the fence. I have also used a FLEX INLINE 6 1/2 inch belt driven saw where the motor does not get in the way of the fence. Some of the BOSCH PROFACTER saws have this feature. These guides make life so much easier. Cudos to the Honest Carpenter for a great video ! The guides are specific to the saw being used. Mark the guides accordingly . I have one set of guides for my Makita and one set of guides for my Flex. Spend some money on a nice 8 foot box level that will give you a precise straight edge for years to come . I bought a nice Swanson and have been very happy with the guides and the level. Just ripped a 4 inch thick southern yellow pine plank into several true 4 x 4's. These will make great legs and rails for my modified Moravian workbench .
Thanks again for the great video!

[CYMotorsport]

2:30 this is MUCH better than when people recommend applying the silicon by hand. I work with silicon in performance vehicle environments and while that's vastly different than a DIYer or weekend warrior applying silicon by hand to saw, the learnings still apply. these mixes 1: are victims of the mix itself whereas thee 3M material is already tested, engineered, and "factory" ready as a perfect mix and ready application. a lot of manufacturing research suggest at the consumer level, platinum silicon or 2 part epoxy, etc mixes are usually short the recommended mixing time and 2: these mixes are NOT applied evenly. it's nearly impossible to get a silicon mix perfectly even - much more difficult even than something like an epoxy I'd use on carbon fiber composite material. the 3M pads are day 1 level of course given the form they are manufactured in which ultimately affects your cut. your mix will make this issue range from negligible to noticeable to downright catastrophic. but no point in risking it when you can get a ready to go solution like the 3M material. Not an ad, i don't work for them haha this is just a pet peeve as someone who works with silicon a lot seeing so many woodworkers tell people to hand apply silicon to their saws or guides. don't do it. this is easier and cheaper even. i use it too - not long term but for quick and dirty things

[FranTheMann]

I love this idea and the thought of having 3 lengths of these ready to go at a moments notice.

[brucelee]

Yonks ago when this sort of jig was doing the rounds of woodworking magazines, they suggested using the wide side for the circular saw and the narrow side for a router with a half inch straight bit (you can get them up to 2 inches long) to give a nicer, 'shaved' edge. The silicone tape is a great improvement if people can find it in their area.

[jamiehutchinson]

Ethan, you have taught me so much and given me the confidence to do little projects around the house! I even added closet shelves in my daughter’s room exactly like ones you did in a video 4 years ago. Thank you for continuing to make clear and easy to follow videos. I’m a visual learner and you’re the best!!

[David.M.]

Thanks Ethan. I alway wanted to make that jig. I don't cut much plywood and have used a straight edge instead. I like the idea of using it on both sides. Cheers

[makermark]

Best tip I've seen in a long while. Thank you for sharing this one. Great channel.

[dreamie]

Would you ever consider making a shop tour video? I'm trying to get ideas for myself, and your shop in the background looks very doable and sensible.

[mikeforster]

Awesome idea. Wish I knew about it 2 years ago when I was looking for a track saw

[Asta-wljz]

One of the best videos out there. Thank you! I'll be building one soon.

[WowRixter]

Super helpful. Seen several versions of this, but never with the silicone grip tape. That puts this tip to the next level

[johnshipps]

Excellent, simple idea! I love the advice to make several sizes of these guides.

[terryl]

Excellent idea. These guides can be wood already in the shop. Thanks for the tip!

[SPLKINGS]

As always great content video audio lessons advice tutorial demonstration editing execution humbleness
Just phenomenal tips
Thank you so much it greatly appreciated