When it comes to operating any saw, precision is often key. However, I know it’s not always as easy as we would like it to be. So, that’s where guide rails come into play.
Guide rails work by making your life a whole lot easier when it comes to making those straight cuts, and if you plan on using a circular saw on a regular basis, then I do stress the need to have these guide rails.
But we then come across a whole other problem. Venture online, and you will undoubtedly come across several different options when it comes to guide rails. So, I know it will get confusing as to which option you should purchase.
However, don’t stress about it. I’m here to help.
I’ve used circular saws for longer than I remember, and I know the benefits of guide rails. I want you to also experience the difference they can make when using the saw.
So, this is what I’m going to do.
I’ve used all of my experience to go through the various guide rails that appear on the market, and that has led to me creating a list of 6 different options.
But I’m not just going to tell you that these guide rails are the best out there. I will also provide you with several tips later on, to help you when it comes to making your decision as to the right guide rails for you to purchase.
By the end, I intend to ensure you feel ready to go out and make that purchase and see the difference it makes in creating those precise cuts.
How I Made My List
I wanted to ensure each option in my list was easy to use and actually did make a difference in helping you to make those precise cuts. I didn’t want you to be standing there for an eternity trying to set everything up, as that’s highly frustrating and slows you down.
So, each guide rail that appears here is indeed easy to use and helps you to get the results you were looking for. Also, it’s not just me saying it either. I’ve also considered what other people have said regarding their experiences with the guide rails.
In the end, I believe that I have found six of the best circular saw guide rails on the market. So, let’s see which options did indeed make my list.
Before we deep dive into all the six guide rails in this post, here are my top 3 picks.
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Best Compatible – Kreg KMA2685
If you are looking for guide rails that are compatible with almost every type of circular saw on the market, then I suggest checking out this model by Kreg. Made from aluminum, it weighs only 2.4 lbs, making it incredibly lightweight.
However, what I also love about this guide rail is the fact it can connect to both the left and right side of the blade with ease. It also provides a cut width of ⅛” and a total rip length of 24”. I find that to be more than enough for so many projects.
The guide rail also feels quite sturdy. It does feel like it won’t move around when in use, and I find it easy to set up with your circular saw.
The only downside is that the sled part of the guide rail is made from plastic. It does make the entire thing feel slightly cheap compared to other models, but aside from that, I think this is a fantastic example.
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Best for Length – Makita 194368-5
If you are looking for guide rails for larger projects, then this model by Makita could solve your problem. It has a rip length of 55”, which is seriously long, but it does mean this guide rail needs to remain solid, and it does.
Made from metal, it weighs some 6.61lbs, but that’s still light considering the space it has to cover to get to those 55”. I do like how it means you won’t fall into the trap of needing to repeat cuts over and over, along with running into the problems of lining everything up perfectly once more.
I also find this model very easy to set up and adjust. Things run smoothly with this guide rail, which makes life easier when you don’t feel as if you need to fight against the mechanisms.
However, it does come with a problem. This guide rail is incompatible with every saw or router on the market. It often means you need to stay with a Makita circular saw, but it’s worth checking out to see if your particular model works with this version.
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Best for Rigidity – Emerson Tool Co. C50
More inexpensive guide rails can be relatively flimsy, and I hate those versions with a passion. I feel it means you cannot trust the precision and cut they make, so I would stress you should avoid them.
However, this model by the Emerson Tool Co is one of the best on the market if you plan on going for something with a bit more rigidity. I love that this model is manufactured from the two best materials, aluminum and nylon. Also, it weighs under 2lbs, so it’s rigid without adding weight.
I also like that it is almost universally compatible with various circular saws. It’s also exceptionally easy to get smooth cuts thanks to the low profile, and following those lines has never been easier.
But one other aspect that stands out is the self-clamping straight edge. It means this model won’t simply move around when in use leading to more accurate cuts.
Overall, this model will stay wherever you position it, and you can then cut with absolute confidence that the guide rail will not let you down.
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Best for Versatility – Kreg KMA2700
Finding highly versatile tools is something I’m always trying to do, and when it comes to guard rails, then I think I’ve found the perfect example. This Kreg model allows you to make not only rip cuts but also both angled and cross cuts. In addition, it works on various materials with ease, so when I say this option is versatile, I mean it.
Made from aluminum, the entire guide rail weighs just over 5lbs, so it still manages to stay lightweight even though you can use it in so many ways.
Also, I love that this model can work up to 50” in length, so that should cover the majority of projects. Your days of having to stop and realign for longer cuts can now be behind you.
In addition, this model comes with anti-slip guards, so when you have everything set into place, then nothing should move. I love this as it gives you so much confidence in using the guide rail in the first place.
The plastic sled is the only thing I don’t like about this model. This would be the perfect guide rail if it was made of nylon. In saying that, this is still not a poor model, and it will undoubtedly help you make those perfect cuts with your projects.
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Best Affordable – Bora 543050
I know the idea of spending a lot of money on something as basic as guide rails does not appeal to everyone, so I’ve found an affordable version that still works exceptionally well. This model by Bora does not break the bank but allows you to make precise cuts.
This model only comes in a 50” length, which means you can use it on larger projects without stopping to realign those cuts. I don’t mind that it’s only available in this length as it’s still easy to use with those smaller projects.
The guide rail also has a clamp on the side which is easy to adjust by sliding it along the edge. It does a decent job of holding everything in place, so you can make those precise cuts without running into too many problems.
In addition, you have some locking handles with this model, meaning nothing can move. I love this fact and enjoy how it’s straightforward to use.
Finally, you can use this guide rail to make some angled cuts, so versatility is not a problem. However, it only works when you have a Bora saw plate, but even then, you will still not have to spend too much money when it comes to buying this guide rail.
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Best Professional – DeWalt DWS5100
I get that some people simply prefer to buy a specific brand name or even to opt for a tool they see as more professional. If you want to buy a guide rail that fits all of those criteria, then this model by DeWalt should work for you.
Not only is it a fantastic guide rail, but DeWalt also states they will give you your money back if you are not satisfied. However, I don’t think that will happen, as this guide rail works exceptionally well.
Made from aluminum, it weighs only 1.2lbs, so it’s one of the lightest on the market. In addition, I find that this model is straightforward to set up, and you will be making those cuts in next to no time.
But here is another reason why I love this model so much, and it’s the numbers. DeWalt has actually etched them on with a laser, which makes a huge difference. It means they will never rub off, so this guide rail is also highly durable.
I find this model very easy to use, and it will then deliver accurate results without you needing too much work. Overall, it’s a pleasure to use.
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How to Buy the Right Circular Saw Guide Rail
The six options listed above are all fantastic in their own right, but I get it can prove a bit confusing as to which one to choose. So, I have a few tips on what to look out for to hopefully make your decision that bit easier.
Is it Compatible
Even though most guide rails can be used with a wide variety of circular saws, I still suggest double-checking that it’s compatible with your circular saw. If you don’t, there is a chance that the guide rail won’t fit your saw, which means you cannot use its precision to make your life easier.
The Length
Another thing to look at is the length of the guide rail. Clearly, the length determines how much your circular saw can cut before any re-adjustment is required. Here, I recommend you think about the general sizes of your projects and the size of the stock you cut to help you out.
In general, look for a guide rail of up to 50 inches. That will often be enough for most people carrying out various tasks in their workshop.
Durability and Ability to Move the Rail
You need your guide rail to be durable, but at the same time, it must also prove easy to move and set into place. You will discover that most companies tend to use aluminum for this very reason.
By using aluminum, you are getting a guide rail that is indeed durable but also lightweight. That makes a huge difference, in my opinion, and aluminum also doesn’t oxidize. That means it’s not going to tarnish so quickly, and you will be able to continue using it for a long time.
The Fence
Looking at the rip fence, you often have only two options regarding the material it’s constructed from. Plastic and nylon are the two favorite materials, and both work well.
However, nylon is the better option of the two. It’s more durable and will last longer. Plastic is cheap and can become damaged, so I recommend using the nylon option if your budget can be pushed out to that version.
The Design
Another key area is the design of the rail. You want to ensure it stays in place so you can get that precise cut. However, not every guide rail manages to do that.
Look for any guide rail that comes with clamps or the potential for rubber feet on the rails. This will help reduce the vibrations and eliminate the possibility of the rail moving while it’s in use.
Make sure the model you choose has some type of stability aspect, or you may run into problems when using it.
I feel that these are the key components to look out for when buying guard rails for a circular saw. I would certainly hope you take your time running over these tips to make the perfect decision for your needs.
Overall Conclusion
Guide rails for circular saws will completely transform your approach to using your circular saw when dealing with larger stock. It will allow you to make clean, precise cuts that stay on line and give you the exact cut you want.
I would strongly suggest investing in guide rails if you own a circular saw. It will transform your projects and stop you from stressing about making mistakes when cutting. You can now look forward to precise cuts following whatever angle or line you need it to be.
What might work for a Ryobi ONE+ R18CS7-0 18V Cordless Brushless Circular Saw? Thanks
Hi Sam,
You honestly can’t go past the Kreg KMA2700 Circular Saw Track 🙂
Cheers,
James
So I have the Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide. I seem to have an issue installing it to my skilsaw, I feel like the skilsaw is too heavy and the screws to tighten down the saw come off very easily, they aren’t really secured with the lip of the saw guide, if that makes sense
Hi Danny,
That’s a fair point. I guess everyone is different in their preferences. Have you found that with all their products?
Cheers,
James
Hi Danny, I just spotted your comment regarding the Kreg rip cut guide. I took have a Skilsaw. Mine is a worm drive. I am not sure if yours is a worm drive or the standard type Skilsaw. I wish they had an 9’version. Perhaps you can purchase individual sections to extend the overall length. Thank you, Jim
If the Kreg products accommodated worm drive saws like my Makita, we’d really have something. I didn’t find that detail anywhere but in fine print on the packaging when I wanted to use it. Online search said the sled is too small for worm drive saws. I guess it’s quarter-inch strip steel and C-clamps for me.