I'm really new to woodworking and I need to join two end pieces together, but my Bauer Compact circular saw keeps cutting at angles instead of straight 90 degrees! No matter how I set it, it seems like the base isn't cutting flat at 90 degrees. Sometimes I have to angle the saw slightly inward just to get a decent 90-degree cut. Once in a while, it works, but it's frustrating. Are there tools or tips that might help me with this? I was thinking about using a rip fence, but I'm not sure how it would attach to my saw.
3 Answers
If you're using the same saw for both pieces, you can often get away with slightly off cuts by making sure to cut both ends in the same direction. For example, if one end comes out at 93 degrees, and the other at 87 degrees, they can still fit together because they complement each other. Just be careful: joining boards end to end with glue can be tricky. Consider using pocket holes, metal brackets, or dowels to make a more secure joint instead!
It sounds like the blade might be tilting rather than the base being off. Make sure to loosen the lever at the front of the saw and adjust the base until it’s 90 degrees to the blade. The markings on the saw can often be misleading, so it's best to double-check with a square. Just remember, adjusting tiny parts can be tricky, so take your time to get it just right!
It might help if you share a couple of pictures of your setup. Sometimes visual cues can help us figure out what's going wrong! Plus, we can see if there's something off with your technique or tool setup.
Thanks for the tip! I've tried adjusting the base, but it’s already at its max and it still won’t flatten out more. I’m wondering if I might be pressing down incorrectly or pushing against a makeshift guide, because the angles keep changing slightly. It's driving me nuts trying to get it perfect for a frame.