The Empire 98 in. Cutting Guide has 2 extruded aluminum guides with an easy-on connector plate for quick assembly and quick storage. It is best used with circular saws, routers, jig saws and utility knives to maximize accurate and safe cuts over 8 ft.
- Aluminum guides rails
- Extendable to 98 in.
- Quick to assemble
- Lifetime warranty on a manufacturer’s defect
Anabelle Aufderhar (verified owner) –
Well, it’s a fairly good product, but as mentioned in other reviews, it has a tendency to flex at the joint. I corrected this problem (and Empire could easily too) by drilling and tapping two additional threaded holes in the connection bar (each about 2″ from the midpoint) as shown in the photo. With those additional screws the two-piece assembly is sufficiently rigid for scribing and/or cutting.
Roma Bayer (verified owner) –
I purchased a guide similar to this years ago and was searching for one here for doors I am trimming. I didn’t even realize I still had it. Two things. The screws can be a pain and can easily go missing. I purchased a pair of thumb screws (not to long or they will hit the saw casing) which work better. My bar to hold the two pieces together is about a foot long so I don’t have the bowing problem much, but the suggestion to clamp a brace in the middle going to the opposite edge is highly recommended for support. It is straight and true which I find better than making your own or using stock wood. I do wish it was wider though so the clamps don’t get in the way of the saw.
Delpha Schinner (verified owner) –
Clamps easily to create a straight edge on long pieces.
Haven Gusikowski (verified owner) –
This tool is a most excellent addition to any workshop. My only complaint is minor, and possibly just my in-experience. 1: I’d like to see a set of measurements on the cutting edge. And 2: some type of clamping device for the center when both sides are attached. It wanted to bow out a little when making 8′ rips for me. Other than that, I love this. 4′ and under cuts are amazing. It’s also great for scaring small critters away from your smoking area, FYI.
Chelsey Hintz (verified owner) –
I think the clamps are a little too small and hard to work with
Raymundo Pfeffer (verified owner) –
Worked great. Sturdy and held a straight line
Sonia Yost (verified owner) –
Easy to use. Cuts a whole 8ft. Length sheet.
Rachael Ferry (verified owner) –
This saw guide works great. But there are minor things to look out for. The piece that clamps the two guides together needs two more screws in it. Because it needs reinforcement, if you aren’t careful the center will bow when cutting an 8 foot run. Once I get the guide where I want it, I tap a brad nail about 1/2 way down. Works awesome. Well worth the price. I also made myself a spacer block out of scrap that’s the width of the saws foot between the edge and the blade. Measure, mark, place spacer, mark again. Put guide on second marks, tap in bed and cut. Seconds instead of minutes.
Rafaela Breitenberg (verified owner) –
Saw guide works as expected. I will probably use other clamps than the ones that came with it just for ease of use.
Evans Turcotte (verified owner) –
Good for quick straight fast cuts and laying out lines.
Mercedes Johnston (verified owner) –
Great cutting guide well built and straight and true. I also have an older version of the same guide but it came with a handle. This one is just as great but it doesn’t have the handle which makes it even better. My skill saw would hit the handle so great modification on this new model
Emelia Koss (verified owner) –
Stays straight and greatly me router straight
Dovie Kling (verified owner) –
Easy to use and set up. Used a skill saw to cut 8 ft plywood and the guide was perfect for that.
Edd Hickle (verified owner) –
I originally went to Home Depot to purchase a Kreg product but after discovering I just couldn’t get the length needed I decided to give this Empire 98 inch Cutting Guide a try at a fraction of the price. Wow was I surprised. I cut a live edge black walnut slab for my kitchen area in my cabin and this guide worked perfect. On a side note, I ripped this entire slab my my Rigid 18 volt skill saw with a 4MAH battery and only used two bars cutting a 1/2 inch cut at a time until I got the full 2.5 inch thick slab cut. Another pleasant surprise.
Noemi Gleason (verified owner) –
Still purchased this after reading the not so good reviews. Used this product to rip eight foot plywood and it worked well. As far as bowing toward the center if you are putting excessive pressure against the fence it will bow. The product works well when putting just enough pressure against the fence to keep the circular saw on track and equal pressure downward. For 20 bucks works well.
Horacio Mosciski (verified owner) –
Great idea or at least that is what I thought when I bought it. Needed to cut some foam board with a knife and it worked very well for this. Next thing I used it for was to cut some plywood with a circular saw. This is one of the reasons for the 3. I have three circular saw and none of them will pass over the handle. You have to reposition the handle if you are making anything over a 3 and a half foot cut. The other reason for the 3 is you have to have a philips screwdriver to put it together or move the handle. Kind of a pain.
Buck Mitchell (verified owner) –
I thought it would be a little more sturdy but it still flexes at the joint. Dont be over reliant on this product.
Candace Wintheiser (verified owner) –
Very portable, and fairly accurate cutting when taking into account kerf and saws base plate, length of guide does all the cuts i need with near perfect results. Was able to cut / rip all material while maintaining squareness on a custom cabinet that was made for fun.
Jessie Hahn (verified owner) –
It’s an expandable straight edge. Suitable for a diy weekender, not a professional. It basically has no features other than a straight edge. You use clamps to hold it in place.
Louisa Morar (verified owner) –
After looking at some of the previous reviews, I purchased this guide figuring I might have to rig up something to make it work as a guide for my Makita circular saw. I hesitated, but, I needed something quick.However, it worked as advertised first time. Once I tightened down the provided set screws, it was straight. I can see where the handle might get in the way, but I just laid it out to guide on the opposite edge and everything worked great.Well built.