How to Rip a 2x4 with a Circular Saw

[@dscritter614]

Only thing I might add; when restarting the saw, I would back it up a bit 1st until the saw is up 2 full speed b4 proceding. Starting a saw buried n the wood can kick.

[@YuoGotOwn3d]

Yes, I heard the idea to pull back a bit to get saw back up to speed then continue, thank you for mentioning this here!!

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Thank you for that tip!

[@GinasWorld9]

2:50 He actually pulls back at little before restarting but doesn’t mention it in the video. I’m sure it instinctual in experience, so kudos for pointing out the need for us who know too little 👏

[@VM-oi3dk]

@@YuoGotOwn3d I never heard of the idea of not starting the saw when it’s buried in the wood, I found out the hard way.

[@VM-oi3dk]

Also, if you come to a stop moving the saw while it’s still spinning it will kick back.

[@jimmymahone5420]

This was ESPECIALLY helpful in showing how to move the clamps as you rib a board. Thanks!

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

thanks

[@kylieb4836]

Great video - without a table saw, my options are limited, but this is the first vid I’ve watched which is also SAFE ! Thanks for sharing !

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Glad you found that useful! It's possible to do good work without expensive tools.

[@TheMadisonHang]

Apartment living here I am

[@jocelynbeauregard4456]

Safety,precise and good job…keep on the good work!

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Thanks, will do!

[@fortwoods]

Great idea. I need a bunch of 1x2 for an off grid project and a cordless table saw is out of the question. The 1x2s at Lowes and Home Depot are half the price of a 2x4 and bad quality. This will save me money. I’ll bet if I cut a channel out of a 2x6 or 2x8, my “sacrificial” board could be reused many times. Thanks again!

[@Brad-cq5wr]

brilliant. And now I know what that fence attachment in my Mikita bag is..

[@Carlpinding]

Me too I just finished rummaging around my draws to find that thing I suddenly needed!.

[@BrainDoc1950]

very helpful, far better than other vids explaining the process!

[@lolwtnick4362]

very good. i just made lines all the way and free hand sawed with a circular with clamps too. i got 8 strong stakes for my garden from a 2x4. so easy and cheap!!

[@Peirithous]

Wow ❣❣this is genius setup for moi without a table saw..thanks so much..wish me luck 😩🤦‍♀😂👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

thanks

[@cassiejo0012]

Awesome video. ❤

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

LOVE THE MOVING CLAMP TRICK!

[@evangill9123]

Simple, to the point. Great Video

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Thanks Evan!

[@yogibeer9319]

Great video with good pointers!

[@fieldkingstudios3895]

Awesome work! Im gonna try it.

[@hope1922]

Thank you for this video! What kind of guide is this? Is it specific to this brand or can it work with others? Thank you!

[@beesplace620]

A guy at our job site had an accident and chopped a bit of his finger off trying to rip a 2x4 with a circular saw. #1. He did not use any clamps. #2. He did not have a nice working surface. #3. He did not have a sheet under the board. At least your video shows how this could be done, if you don’t have a table saw.

[@frankchen4229]

does rigid foam count as a sheet?

[@ReheatedDonut]

There's a video here on YT of a guy ripping a 2x4 using his finger as the edge guide. He's just defending his "method" in the comments saying how he does this all the time and has all his fingers, and how time = money on a job, and he's not going to waste any time setting up to make the cut when he can do it like this. I hope he still has all his fingers now lol.

[@aleksandarsrdanov1171]

Is it possible to rip a 4x4 with such a circular saw? Say I rip the top then flip it upside down and rip the bottom half.

[@michaelalsheimer5778]

'sacrificial sheet' is going into my vocabulary now

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

haha yeah. Sacrificial board/sheet.

[@Twobirdsbreakingfree]

How do you do this without the clamps being in the way so that you don't have to keep stopping and repositioning the clamps during the cut? Has anyone figured it out yet?

[@bodeans59]

Great instructional video! Question, the guide you attached to the saw to hold the edge of the board, is that specific to that DeWalt saw, or is it something you can purchase to use on a Milwaukee circular saw?

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Yes of course there are specific rip fences available for Milwaukee circular saws which cost around $10. You can find them on Amazon. check the product description of the rip fence to make sure it matches your Milwaukee circular saw model.

[@bodeans59]

@@mellowpinewoodworking Thank you so much!

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

@@bodeans59 Glad you found it useful!

[@Bobasketches]

What if both sides of the 2x4 aren’t completely straight? Wouldn’t the rip guide just guide along an un straight ledge?

[@MellowpineLasers]

yes, it would. In such a case you need to use a circular saw guide like the Kreg Accu-cut. or use a track saw.

[@TheColorField]

Unless you are using a TRUE 2x4, the thickness of this item from Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. is 1.5 inches and the width is 3.5, so the largest square piece you can cut is 1.5 x 1.5 inches.

[@AngelofOntario]

1.5” x 1.75”

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Correct. Good point!

[@BrianLife]

How to rip it at an angle. To tapper the 2x4

[@davi11994]

nice

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

Thanks

[@WJB613]

The middle of a 2x4 is not 2 inches. A 2x4 is not truly 4 inches wide! Measure the 2 inches you want.

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

oops you're right.

[@TheMadisonHang]

Here, the duck 🦆 I am

[@shanebullen748]

Some people really should not use power tools. Seriously this is a fuck around

[@mellowpinewoodworking]

For photos and written instructions, visit -mellowpine.com/blog/how-to-rip-a-2x4-with-a-circular-saw/. I made a mistake in the video editing part, so it ends a bit abruptly before the 2x4 is cut fully. But I believe the idea is quite clear, and you only need to replace the clamp at the end and complete the cut.