Hirsh - The Cutter's Edge, Will this help me cut straight?

[VideoCat]

I inherited this guide from my father-in-law. Apparently it is to use with a circular saw, but I do not have the instructions, so I was hoping someone could supply me with the complete instructions so I could use it safely. I believe it was purchased form Sears many years ago. I have tried searching on line, but was not successful in finding this unit. I found some similar units, but they are different. There are 2 aluminum guides about 4 and 5 feet long. there are clamps on one of the guides. It says, "All Purpose Cutting Guide" on the label. I do not know if it is complete, or if some things are missing.

I took a few woodworking classes in Junior High, but that was long ago, so I still consider myself a beginner. I will be working on converting my garage to a workshop. Mostly for repairing and testing Computers and Monitors, but need to improve my woodworking skills to build and modify shelving, workbenches and tables. I never could cut a straight line with my circular saw , so maybe something like this could help me to go straight! My circular saw also came from my father-in-law, who passed away long ago, and it is a Craftsman from Sears.

Should I waste my time with this or should I look to a more recent guide? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[JPG]

A picture would help.

Look like this?

hirsch guide.jpg (31.25 KiB) Viewed 12089 times

Or this thread? viewtopic.php?t=9855

[chapmanruss]

VideoCat,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

If the Cutter's Edge you have looks like the one pictured below it will work fine for cutting straight edges. I have the Hirsh one in the picture and have used it from time to time over the years for cutting sheet goods down to size. The guide sections are 51" long and the coupler piece is 16" long. I don't know where the instructions are for mine but it is rather easy to use. Hopefully you have the clamps (shown in the picture) that come with it. Their bolt heads go into the "T" track on the bottom side. Use one section for up to a 4' cut and both sections for over 4' up to an 8' cut. The circular saw goes against the edge that is flat not the stepped edge. You will need to determine how much you need to add for the distance between the blade and edge of the circular saw base for the correct cutting width for your project. When I have used mine, I clamp the guide to the part I am cutting to width just in case I go astray. It is important that the blade be parallel to the edge of the circular saw base edge that goes against the guide. I had a cheap circular saw that was not aligned between the blade and edge of the base that would cause it to go a little astray. The reason for the warning and that saw is long gone.

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Hirsh Cutters Edge.jpg (241.1 KiB) Viewed 12042 times

[MikeG]

Here is the manual that I have for mine. I have used it with great success for breaking down sheet goods.

Cutter's Edge II.pdf

(162.43 KiB) Downloaded 1612 times

[VideoCat]

VideoCat,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

If the Cutter's Edge you have looks like the one pictured below it will work fine for cutting straight edges. I have the Hirsh one in the picture and have used it from time to time over the years for cutting sheet goods down to size. The guide sections are 51" long and the coupler piece is 16" long. I don't know where the instructions are for mine but it is rather easy to use. Hopefully you have the clamps (shown in the picture) that come with it. Their bolt heads go into the "T" track on the bottom side. Use one section for up to a 4' cut and both sections for over 4' up to an 8' cut. The circular saw goes against the edge that is flat not the stepped edge. You will need to determine how much you need to add for the distance between the blade and edge of the circular saw base for the correct cutting width for your project. When I have used mine, I clamp the guide to the part I am cutting to width just in case I go astray. It is important that the blade be parallel to the edge of the circular saw base edge that goes against the guide. I had a cheap circular saw that was not aligned between the blade and edge of the base that would cause it to go a little astray. The reason for the warning and that saw is long gone.

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Hirsh Cutters Edge.jpg

Russ,
My version looks almost exactly the same as your photo. The handles on the clamps are slightly different so I am not sure of the difference between my version and the II version. I read over the instructions that were uploaded by another member, and they seem very clear. Since I do not need to use the guide now, I will plan on making a test cut in the next few weeks, and review the spacing to the blade. I have an older Craftsman circular saw, and will be looking to buy a new saw in the near future. Thanks for the pointer on keeping the blade parallel.

[VideoCat]

Here is the manual that I have for mine. I have used it with great success for breaking down sheet goods.
Cutter's Edge II.pdf

Mike,
Thanks for the instructions PDF. Even though it is for the II version, it appears to be nearly the same as the version I have. In the next few weeks, I will try making a few test cuts and see how it works for me. My Craftsman circular saw is very old, so I may need to get a new one. Do you have any recommendations? I would mainly be using it for cutting 2x4s, 2x6s, etc, and plywood from 1/4" to 3/4".

[Hobbyman2]

When looking for a new saw be sure to look at all of them , some are more versatile . I have a old makita , when I bought it I thought was the best thing since sliced bread , my buddy showed up last year with a new dewalt that made me drool . jmo