Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide
Learn how to use a temporary guide board to make accurate cuts with a reciprocating saw.
A reciprocating saw is one of the handiest demolition tools there is, but it’s not that great at cutting perfectly straight lines. Sometimes, when I need an accurate cut and a recip saw is the only tool for the job, I’ll install a temporary guide board. In this case, I wanted to cut off a deck post nice and flush with the band board.
To accomplish this, I used a Speed Square to create a line on the post opposite the band board. I then used screws to temporarily fasten a scrap 2×4 to the post just below the line. Having two boards for the recip blade to ride along on ensures I get a nice straight cut. If I’m worried about leaving behind screw holes, I’ll use clamps to hold the guide board(s) in place.
—Aaron Miiller, Pollard, Ark.
Illustration by Charles Miller
