Step 1: Build a Breakfast Booth Bench

In this segment, author John White explains how to make an offset straight-edge jig that acts as a fence for rip cuts. The jig clamps to the cutting surface with hand clamps and matches the sole plate width of the circular saw. White’s method allows a circular saw to cut nearly as well as a tablesaw, perfect for when you are working alone or don’t want to wrestle with sheet plywood and outfeed supports. The jig also protects the finished surface of the cutting stock from the circular saw’s sole plate.

Next step: Make a box for the base unit
Return to: Build a Breakfast Bench series introduction and video listing page

To learn more about the design principles of this bench, variations of this design and sources for foam cushions, read Breakfast-Booth Basics from Fine Homebuilding's Annual Kitchens & Baths Issue, #191 (Fall/Winter 2007), pp.91-95.