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it helps locate a straightedge from either side of the blade.

To use the gauge block, mark where the cut is to be located and use the gauge block to position the straightedge. Since you can reference either side of the blade, you have the flexibility of placing your straightedge on the "waste" side or good side of the cut. Just flip the block over and align the kerf with your layout line.

When making the gauge, start with a large blank of plywood (about 7'xl2"). Then butt the edge of the blank against a straightedge. Now, with the blade in your circular saw set as deep as possible,

saw part way through the gauge stock using the straightedge as a guide (drawing above). Then cut the "ear" of the gauge at 45°. This makes it easier to align with the layout line. Finally, attach a cleat to the end of the block as shown.

This design proved so useful, I made a couple of other gauge blocks. For example, instead of the saw kerf you see above, I routed a V^'-wide slot to help locate a straightedge for routing dadoes. With a number of gauge blocks on hand, you'll save time when setting up the cut.

John Gonser 1 Grand Rapids, Michigan

Shop-Made Gauge Block

A shop-made gauge block is great for locating a straightedge when cutting or routing stock. The design shown above is what I came up with. The nice thing is

circular saw

FIRST:

cut kerf part way through blank

waste

SECOND: -

miter the "ear" at 45*

layout — line

gauge block

cleat

TOP VIEW

straightedge

Quick Tips

▲ Use a pencil to trace scratches and make them easier to see when sanding. David McGuffin of Louisville, Kentucky says that tracing them also serves another purpose. When the pencil marks are gone, you'll know that the scratches are gone, too.

A John Beckord of Janesville, Wisconsin uses rare-earth magnets as a "pre-filter" for the floor sweep on his dust collection system. The magnets help catch steel screws, nails, and other ferrous metals before they get into the dust collector. Note: They won't snag brass or aluminum pieces, so you'll still need to look out for those items.

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ShopNotes No. 95