Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide

Product Information

Follow these steps for cross-cutting. Here, you need to understand that these steps are generic, and you may have to make changes according to your wood type and project requirements. Something worth noting here though is that these saws respond better if used as intended. Don’t go at it with a westerner’s stance and approach. Frame Saws

However when it comes to through ripping of think material they’re much slower. This is partly because as a western woodworker we’re probably just using a big Ryoba (double edged), as something more specialised may be difficult to source. Great projects start with high-quality cuts, and you can make those cuts — more easily than you ever imagined — using your circular saw plus the Rip-Cut™ Circular Saw Edge Guide.For those who prefer power tools, the circular saw is a popular choice. With its fewer but larger teeth, the circular saw is capable of making rip cuts effortlessly. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for both professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. A rip cut saw is primarily used for making rough cuts in woodworking projects. The alternating teeth, with left and right bends, function similarly to a chisel, allowing it to cut parallel to the grain. This saw is specifically designed to cut only on the push stroke, ensuring a clean and precise cut along the grain. Should you rip or crosscut first?

Cross cutting is the process of cutting across the shorter dimension of sheet goods like plywood or MDF. This method is used when the wood grain is not a concern. On the other hand, rip cutting involves cutting along the longer dimension of the material. Although the terminology may not be entirely accurate, it effectively conveys the idea of cutting across or along specific dimensions. What is a rip cut saw used for? For smooth and neat cuts, we and other woodworking professionals recommend and use blades with a high tooth count. Rip cut comes from rip: to split or saw timber in the direction of the grain, and cut: to divide with a sharp-edged instrument. [1] Remember to maintain sharp blades, secure workpieces, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of mastering the art of rip cutting. If you’d like a more complete overview of the basic hand tools I’d recommend, then have a read of our guide for your getting started tool kit.

Secure the workpiece firmly to prevent it from moving during the cut. Utilize clamps or a vise to ensure stability. Understanding the analogy of a broom can help visualize the concept of a rip cut more clearly. Imagine a broom with its bristles standing upright. Each bristle represents an individual wood grain in a piece of lumber. When using a rip cut, you are essentially cutting along the length of the bristles, just as if you were cutting alongside them in the broom analogy. This way, the saw blade follows the natural direction of the wood grain, allowing for smooth and efficient cutting. However, in other cases, when the lumber is crooked, it is best to do some cross-cuts to make the wood suitable for rip-cuts. How to Make Cross and Rip Cuts? While cross-cut comes out nicely with clean edges and smoothness, the rip-cuts are aggressive and fast, so they do not come out nicely.