This post isn't survival related at all, but I wanted to let my friends here know about a slick tool I came across.

Here is the company that makes it:

http://www.eurekazone.com/

Here is a review I had read:

http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/ezsmart.htm

About a month ago I was looking into investing in a decent new table saw (I have a cheap benchtop saw) when I stumbled across a wood-cutting system called "EZ Smart Guide". It got rave reviews on several web sites so I decided to try it out. I bought the 100" guide and a pre-setup circular saw (it was a re-manufactured saw at a pretty decent price).

First, let me say that I HATE cutting plywood!! I've tried circular saws alone and with clamp-on metal guides, table saws, radial saws, and even - and most often - hand sawing. I've avoided it as much as possible - even paying Home Depot to do as many preliminary cuts as possible.

The EZ Smart Guide system is a wide aluminum guide - at first glance not too unique. What makes it VERY unique is that the system has you attach a special plastic plate on the bottom of the circular saw you use with it. This plate rides on top of the guide.

To make things easier/better, the guide has a plastic insert on the edges along its length. When used for the first time with a particular saw & blade, you cut the plastic insert so that it shows EXACTLY where the blade will run. This insert, along with another on the bottom of the saw plate, also dramatically prevents chip-out from the saw blade, giving amazingly clean cuts.

The other really nice part of the sysytem is the simple-looking, but very effective clamps. They are easy to use and work well. One of the secrets of the system is the "dovetail" shaped pair of tracks in the bottom of the guide. The shape ensures that clamps and other devices align exactly the same every time.

I spent yesterday cutting a whole bunch of plywood (making patrol boxes for my son's troop) yesterday, and it worked like a dream. The other dad helping me was very impressed with it.

My wife gave me a sliding miter saw last Christmas. I figure between that and the EZ Smart Guide I am all set - though I'll still use my small table saw for dado cuts. Eventually I may learn how to use the EZ Smart router attachment for that too - eventually.

Anyway, I'd never heard of it and thought some of you might be interested.

Just to be clear, I have NO financial connection with this product - or any woodworking related stuff.

Ken K.