1. Introduction
The Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide is designed to transform your circular saw into a precision edge-guided cutting tool. This guide enables users to make straight, accurate, and repeatable rip cuts up to 24 inches wide in sheet goods like plywood, MDF, and other large panels. It is compatible with most left- and right-bladed circular saws, both corded and cordless, that feature a blade guard or base allowing secure clamping of the sled.
Image 1.1: The Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide, showing its main components.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when operating power tools. Failure to follow these safety guidelines may result in serious injury or property damage.
- Read All Instructions: Familiarize yourself with this manual and your circular saw's manual before use.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask.
- Ensure Work Area is Clear: Keep your workspace clean, well-lit, and free from obstructions.
- Secure Workpiece: Always clamp or otherwise secure the material being cut to prevent movement during operation.
- Inspect Tools: Before each use, check the circular saw and the Rip-Cut guide for any damage or loose parts. Do not use damaged equipment.
- Maintain Control: Always maintain a firm grip on your circular saw and guide it smoothly through the cut.
- Disconnect Power: Always disconnect the circular saw from its power source before making any adjustments, changing blades, or performing maintenance.
- Compatibility: Ensure your circular saw is compatible with the KMA2685 guide. This guide is not suitable for worm drive saws or saws with bulky or oddly shaped blade guards that prevent a flat fit with the sled plate.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in your package:
- Universal Saw Sled
- Aluminum Guide Rail
- Precision Edge Guide
- Instruction Manual
4. Product Overview
The Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut guide consists of a universal saw sled, an aluminum guide rail, and a precision edge guide. These components work together to provide a stable and accurate cutting platform for your circular saw.
Image 4.1: Diagram illustrating the key components of the Kreg Rip-Cut guide, including the universal saw sled, aluminum guide rail with precise markings, and the oversized edge guide.
- Universal Saw Sled: This component securely holds your circular saw and slides along the aluminum guide rail.
- Aluminum Guide Rail: Provides a rigid and stable path for the saw sled, ensuring straight cuts. Features precise markings for cuts from 1 to 24 inches.
- Precision Edge Guide: This oversized guide maintains contact with the edge of your workpiece, ensuring consistent rip widths.
5. Setup
5.1 Attaching Your Circular Saw
- Ensure your circular saw is unplugged.
- Place your circular saw onto the universal saw sled. The sled is designed to accommodate most left and right-bladed circular saws.
- Align the saw so that its base plate sits flat on the sled.
- Use the provided screws and clamps on the sled to securely fasten your circular saw. Ensure the saw is firmly attached and cannot shift during operation.
Image 5.1: Demonstrates the process of attaching a circular saw to the universal sled using a screwdriver to tighten the clamps.
5.2 Adjusting the Rip-Cut Guide
- With the circular saw attached, slide the saw sled along the aluminum guide rail.
- Position the edge guide against the edge of your workpiece.
- Adjust the guide rail to the desired rip width using the measurement scale. The magnified cursor provides clear readability for precise settings.
Image 5.2: Shows the adjustable setup of the Kreg Rip-Cut, highlighting the aluminum guide rail and the mechanism for setting the cutting width.
Image 5.3: A close-up view of the magnified cursor on the Kreg Rip-Cut, designed for easy and accurate reading of measurements.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Making a Rip Cut
- Ensure your workpiece is stable and securely supported.
- Set the desired rip width on the Kreg Rip-Cut guide as described in Section 5.2.
- Position the edge guide firmly against the factory edge or a straight edge of your workpiece.
- With the circular saw plugged in and ready, engage the saw and slowly push the saw sled along the guide rail, maintaining constant contact between the edge guide and the workpiece.
- Allow the saw to complete the cut, then release the trigger and wait for the blade to stop before removing the saw from the workpiece.
Image 6.1: A circular saw mounted on the Kreg Rip-Cut guide, actively making a straight cut on a large sheet of wood.
6.2 Achieving Repeatable Cuts
Once the guide is set to a specific width, it can be used to make multiple identical cuts without re-measuring. Simply position the edge guide against the workpiece and proceed with the cut.
7. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your Kreg Rip-Cut guide.
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe down the guide rail and sled with a dry cloth to remove sawdust and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the materials.
- Storage: Store the Rip-Cut guide in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect all fasteners and components for tightness and wear. Tighten any loose screws and replace worn parts as necessary.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Kreg Rip-Cut guide, consider the following:
- Inaccurate Cuts:
- Ensure the circular saw is securely clamped to the sled and cannot wobble.
- Verify the edge guide is held firmly against the workpiece throughout the cut.
- Check that the measurement is accurately set using the magnified cursor.
- Saw Not Sliding Smoothly:
- Clean the guide rail and the bottom of the saw sled to remove any accumulated sawdust or debris.
- Ensure no parts are bent or damaged, obstructing movement.
- Difficulty Clamping Saw:
- Confirm your circular saw's blade guard or base allows for a flat and secure fit on the sled. Some saws, particularly worm drive saws or those with bulky guards, may not be compatible.
- Ensure all clamping screws are fully tightened.
9. Specifications
| Model Number | KMA2685 |
| Material | Aluminum, Impact-Resistant Polymer |
| Product Dimensions | 30.88"L x 8.75"W |
| Item Weight | 2.45 Pounds |
| Max Rip Capacity | 24 inches |
| Compatibility | Most left- and right-bladed circular saws (corded or cordless) with suitable blade guard/base. Not compatible with worm drive saws. |
| Included Components | Universal Saw Sled, Aluminum Guide Rail, Precision Edge Guide, Instructions |
10. Warranty and Support
The Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or general inquiries, please contact Kreg customer support through their official website or the retailer where the product was purchased. Please have your model number (KMA2685) and proof of purchase available when contacting support.
