Nix Inaccurate Fence with Hardboard Template

When making cuts with a portable circular saw, setting the distance from the straightedge to the edge of the baseplate often takes time and multiple measurements. To simplify this procedure, rip a hardboard template as wide as the distance from the edge of the baseplate to the inside edge of the saw blade. Then, crosscut the hardboard to the length of the saw's baseplate.

To use the template, place one edge on the cut mark of the workpiece, slide the straightedge for your circular saw snug to the other edge, and clamp. Repeat this procedure at the other cut mark. You also can make these templates for a jigsaw or a router and straight bit.
—Dave Bovey, Simi Valley, Calif.