It’s tough enough to cut a straight line freehand in something flat. It’s really hard in something round. So to make accurate cuts in Sonotube concrete forms, I guide the saw with a strip of Sonotube. As shown in the drawing, I first cut a strip approximately 3 in. wide off the Sonotube, which gives me a factory edge that I know to be square. I then cut a couple of slots about 6 in. from one another (this cut depends on the size of the hose clamp — I use a 4-in. clamp for this application). Next I make a cut through the strip between the slots and thread the hose clamp through the slots.
To use the guide, I slip it over the form to be cut, and then I tighten the hose clamp until the guide is snug. The factory edge of the guide should be offset from the cutline to allow for the distance between the sawblade and the edge of the saw’s foot.
—Rick Tyrell, Prosperity, SC
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #99
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Metal Connector Nailer
Lithium-Ion Cordless Palm Nailer
4-Gallon Piston Backpack Sprayer
View Comments
Saw this tip a while back. Actual showed a group of Boy Scouts and adults working on an Eagle Scout project which required some Sonotube forms. This tip works great and have the guide in my shop for the next concrete project.
Thanks - Rick