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A good circular saw guide rail can be the difference between a perfect cut and an expensive mistake.
Investing in one is the easiest way to save yourself time and effort by taking away the guesswork and guarantee a precise cut every time. They’ll also improve safety by preventing your circular saw pitching off to the side.
The following guide will walk you through the five best circular saw guide rails currently on the market, highlighting the features, pros and cons of each.
No matter your profession, budget or experience level there is something for everyone! So, let’s get started!
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Circular saw guide rails with reviews
Here is a list of the best circular saw guide rails we found:
1. Kreg KMA2700 Circular Saw Track
Pros
- Easy to use
- Accepts most circular saws (left or right blade)
- No clamps needed
Cons
- The plastic sled could be of better quality.
- Only comes with a 90-day warranty
Overview
Our top pick goes to the Kreg KMA2700 circular saw guide rail. It comes with 48’’ of track in two sections which can be used to make angled cuts, crosscuts and rips up to 48’’. Alternatively use just one section for shorter cuts on smaller projects.
Both tracks have anti-chip and anti-slip slip strips to prevent splintering while holding them in place and supporting the material while it is being cut. A starting block is included which makes it easy to align your saw for every cut, allowing for normal blade guard operation and making it super easy to use.
If you want to make precise cuts time and time again without the guesswork, do yourself a favour and get the Kreg KMA2700. Hobbyists and professionals alike will love the easy to use design.
2. E. Emerson C50 Circular Saw Guide Rail
Pros
- Lightweight yet rigid design
- Easy setup & self-clamping system
- A great choice for first-time guide rail buyers
Cons
- The plastic parts could be better quality
- Will need occasional clearing to prevent jamming
Overview
In close second and our best value pick is the Emerson Tool Co C50 50’’ straight edge. Through the entirety of the 50’’ reinforced aluminum track are integral tubes that ensure maximum rigidity and precise cutting.
Setup couldn’t be easier, simply place the fixed jaw against the rear edge of the material you intend to cut. Then, slide the front jaw till it clicks into place. Finally, use the self-clamping system to secure the jaws in place by pushing the back lever down.
The extra-wide jaws and a low profile design make it easy for all router or circular saw straight cuts and perfect for obstruction-free cutting. The few plastic parts could be better quality and occasional clearing is needed to prevent the track jamming.
3. Bora WTX 50'' Clamp Edge Saw Guide
Pros
- Budget price point
- An extension is available, giving up to 100’’ of straight edge track
- Works with all Bora guide systems
Cons
- Locking handle requires a lot of force to lock it into place.
- No warranty
Overview
If you need to make precise, straight cuts on a budget, then look no further than the Bora 543050 WTX clamp edge saw guide. This 50’’ guide is made from heavy-gauge extruded aluminum for a durable and smoothing cutting performance.
The clamping mechanism glides up and down the guide and is easily adjustable while the locking handles ensure everything is completely stable and won’t budge.
If you need the extra length, Bora also offer the WTX clamp edge extension that allows you to extend your edge guide up to a total of 8 feet (100’’). This product does not come with a warranty and locking the handle takes a lot of force.
4. Festool FS-1400/2 55'' Guide Rail
Pros
- Smooth edges for easy cuts
- High build quality
- Shines when working with pieces over 24’’
Cons
- More expensive
- Not ideal for pieces less than 24’’
Overview
The Festool FS-1400/2 55″ guide rail boasts unrivalled build quality backed by a number of key features. An integrated splinter guard allows you to line up your cut line, saving time and acting as protection against tear out on both crosscuts and rip cuts.
It also has a friction-reducing strip that aids in a smoother cutting action while dual clamping strips on the underside of the rail help prevent movement during a cut for better results. It is, however, the most expensive option on the list and isn’t the best option for cutting material under 24’’ in length.
While it may be a little pricey for the average user, it’s certainly a worthy investment for professionals. If you work with expensive materials and make quality products on a regular basis don’t hesitate and go with the Festool FS-1400/2 55″ guide rail, you won’t regret it!
5. Makita 194368-5 55" Guide Fence
Pros
- Smooth cutting performance
- Great for ripping sheet material
- Plenty of length for cutting
Cons
- Rather heavy
- Requires an adapter to work with circular saws
Overview
The Makita 194368-5 55-Inch guide rail is designed to be used with the Makita SP6000K track saw or Makita SP6000J/J1 plunge saw. To be used with other circular saws the Makita 196953-0 saw adapter is needed.
It has a 55’’ aluminum guide rail, ideal for ensuring all cuts are smooth and straight. It is rather heavy in comparison to the other models on this list and is only compatible with select saws and routers. To increase compatibility, certain adapters are required.
The Makita 194368-5 55-Inch guide rail is perfect for ripping sheet material and while it may not be the most compatible it is a must-have for those who own the Makita SP6000J/J1 plunge saw. If you don’t, the adapter is definitely worth getting to experience this guide rail with your circular saw.
6. Kreg Rip-Cut KMA2675 Track System
Pros
- Highly compatible with most circular saws (right and left)
- Lightweight & durable design
- Variable cutting width
Cons
- The rail will bend if too much force is applied
- Only cuts up to 24’’
Overview
The second Kreg saw guide on our list, and for good reason. Easy to set up and precise, the Kreg KMA2675 is highly compatible and works with a number of right and left-sided circular saws.
The entire cut is guide supported, removing the need to measure and mark lines on your material, saving valuable time over the length of a project. Also, the guide arm is reversible for right and left-handed users. There is also an inbuilt adjustable cursor for more accurate cutting.
Ripping large pieces of material into more manageable sized pieces is the trickiest and potentially most expensive part of any project. Attaching to almost any circular saw, the Kreg KMA2675 is the perfect solution, allowing you to rip large sheets with minimal effort.
Wrapping it up
All things considered, these are the 6 best circular saw guide rails on the market.
The Kreg KMA2700 circular saw track comes out on top for its versatility, efficiency and user-friendly set of features. Stand out features include the aluminum rails and anti-slip guards that remove the need for annoying clamps.
Both professionals and DIYers should seriously consider this excellent product to remove all guesswork and potential mistakes from their saw cutting.
Other Circular Saw Guides
Best Inexpensive Circular Saws – Under $100
Best Portable Circular Saws – Battery Operated
Circular Saw vs Track Saw – What’s the Difference
Circular Saw vs Jigsaw – What’s Best to Use?
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