Making A Track/Saw Guide For A Circular Saw - Can I Use Melamine For A Straight Edge?

[flowernm66]

Bit of an odd question. I recently purchased my first circular saw and want to build a straight edge guide. 

Most of the guides suggest using a factory edge of plywood to be your straight edge. I am very happy to do this BUT i do have some laminated Melamine board (3m Length) that still has the factory edge on it.
Would this be okay to use or would it being particle board change over time?  

[Ryzen]

If its particle board it will wear over time.For long term use  I would choose hardwood/10mm ply

[flowernm66]

@Ryzen. 
Ah, i was worried as much. I was just trying to save myself £30 lol Thank you for the help! :) 

[youngmafbog]

I use what is to hand the only problem being it cant be two thick if you are running it under the motor for any reason.

 

[flowernm66]

@youngmafbog.
Yep. I have a very low clearance of (under a 1cm) from the bottom of the plate to the motor when im at the lowest blade depth but as i'll be cutting at MAX 3cm MDF i can rise it a little should be fine with a thickish piece. (12-20mm Ply) ty tho! :)

[dustypuss]

This might interest you.

 

https://www.temu.com/search_result.html?search_key=Saw%20guide%20track&;search_method=user

[dustypuss]

Sorry if link no good .  But worth going to the temu.com website.  Look at categories for tool or diy loads of cheep stuff for the DIY 

[youngmafbog]

I'd be wary of anything fromthat company. Apart from the strong possibilty of data harvesting the products are from unknow companies and many items wont have been saftey tested independantly.  A circular saw is a very dangerous tool so it and anything you use around it must be safe.

[dustypuss]

I've been using a couple like this for the last few years . Admitted mine were from lidl £12.00 but work very well.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendationref=sr_1_18?adgrpid=55938732209&hvadid=606049646040&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=1007266&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12262420809566492456&hvtargid=kwd-302874820465&hydadcr=27343_2307976&keywords=clamp%2Bstraight%2Bedge&qid=1699031781&sr=8-18&th=1

[Canary42]

If you're cutting MDF, beware the toxic dust (take all precautions to contain it).

[The Builder]

You don't say how long the 'run' is (length of piece you want to cut.)

Dusty's link is the sort of thing I use. They're usually used on saw tables. only 24" though.

For up to 48" I use a plasterer's straight edge. I've got 6' ones as well. You just use a normal clamp to hold it (one each end)

https://www.screwfix.com/p/faithfull-feather-edge-48-/925GC?kpid=925GC&;cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Tools?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=Google-_-TOKEN1-_-TOKEN2&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtJKqBhCaARIsAN_yS_kvKSBFmPpptwEVISBslrf2_i8aCzH8PBYAMELgBPz3WAGnKyru7xAaApCyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

 

[The Builder]

Actually, I just use those for 'posh' cutting (oak joinery etc.)

For everything else I use a piece of 2x1 batten clamped at each end. If it's a long run though, you'll need clamping in the middle as well. For cutting board, I put a single screw through the batten, but you may not want to do that for posh 'face' work.