Circular saw tool tip: Easiest way to one board for two pieces

two cuts one board Mark circualr saw Rebuilding Together playset

If you’re making two cuts from the same board, here’s a circular saw DIY tool tip that will save you time.

‣ MyFixitUpLife two cuts one board Mark circular saw Rebuilding Together playset

When measuring and cutting two pieces from the same board, it’s easier, faster and more accurate to measure from each end toward the center than it is to measure from one end.

One reason for this is that there’s no way to account for the thickness of the kerf of the circular saw blade if you measure from one end. So no matter what you do, one of your cuts will be short. Pull from both ends and get it done fast.

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Mark
A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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Comments (1)

Great tip. I would add that if you do this, it might be a good idea to square up both ends of the board with the saw before you measure. Maybe I’ve seen too many boards with crooked end cuts from the lumber mill, but I always make it a practice to true up the end myself before measuring for my final cut. Am I the only one who has had this experience?

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