I was wondering why circular saws don't come with a small raised fence, around an eighth to a quarter inch high, on the wider side of the shoe. It seems like that would help keep the saw steady against a straight edge and make longer cuts faster. I'm curious if there's a specific reason for this design choice. Edit: I've been using the same Dewalt circular saw for years, so maybe my saw's design is just outdated compared to others?
3 Answers
That's an interesting thought! Some saws do have a raised edge for better guidance, especially older models or specific brands. I have an 80s Skill saw that features this very thing. It helps with keeping the saw aligned. Maybe it just depends on the manufacturer?
I think it comes down to what you're using the saw for. Most circular saw jobs require rough cuts, where speed matters more than precision. That's why some folks feel that an additional raised edge would just slow them down. If you're doing a lot of detailed work, though, maybe investing in a saw with that feature would be worth it!
Good point! I guess if I'm doing a lot of cuts, sticking with a straight edge might be the way to go.
Manufacturers design them without raised edges to maximize cut depths and keep production costs lower. Plus, many people just use a straight edge or guide for accurate cuts. Have you considered that waxing your straight edge and saw could improve your cuts without a raised edge?
Yeah, exactly! It really depends on the type of saw, but not all saws have that raised edge design.