2 Minute Tool Review – Kreg Rip Cut

So in previous in a previous blog post I did something I like to call the 2 Minute Tool Overview. Today, I’m doing something slightly different. Let’s call it the 2 Minute Tool REVIEW. This will be series that coincides with the 2 Minute Tool Overview.

So let’s get started with the Kreg Rip Cut.

I’ve always had trouble get straight cuts with a circular saw. I know others that can get a straight cut with a circular saw, but I just can’t. Free handing cuts with this saw always ends with a messed up edge. So I went to my local big box store and found this little gem.

The basis of this tool is an aluminum ruler that connects securely to a base plate that you install on your circular saw. On one end of the aluminum ruler is a thick plastic guide arm that butts up against the edge of your material.

Here’s what the whole thing looks like:

It may not look like much, but this little guy is extremely helpful! You can make rip cuts from 1″ up to 24″ with relative ease and it attaches to most circular saws, whether they are right or left blade. You can also reverse the guide arm for right or left handed use, by removing two screws and flipping it around on the ruler.

It’s a fairly simply concept and tool, but something that I’ve used countless times.

So here’s what I like and don’t like about it:

Likes:
– Very durable and strong. The aluminum ruler doesn’t have any flex, which I thought it would.
– Fairly inexpensive. $34.99 at many hardware stores.
– Makes ripping sheet goods a breeze.

Dislikes:
– The plastic guide arm is lightweight, which means it can have play and move when butted up against your material. Wish it was something a little heavier.
– The groove in the ruler or arm is kind of an odd shape, which makes threading the plate on your circular saw difficult. This is more apparent after using it several times and having saw dust collect in there.
– I can’t seem to get the marker lined up perfectly with my circular saw blade. I’ve followed all instructions over and over again. So I can’t trust the ruler measurement. It’s not that big of a deal. You can just make a like and then align the saw with that line and get the cut.

Overall, I really enjoy this tool. The pros far outweigh any dislikes I have for it and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to rip down sheets goods. Definitely glad I bought it!