: I've ripped the wood for 6 strippers and several SOF's with nothing
: more than a circuar saw and the standard small fence that came
: with it.
: The key to doing it this way, like most things in life, is practice

: I've also cut the stringers and all else for two SOF's with only a
: jigsaw, a pencil line, and no fence. Don't knock it if you
: haven't tried it :)

Good tips. Perhaps the OP doesn't have the rip guide for his skilsaw? I think the guide is considered an 'accessory' these days, with some saws.

Cutting 'outside the line' and cleaning up with a (sharp) hand plane only takes a minute or two, so that's another option. (And a smooth-edge, constant-width board will bend more smoothly as well.)

John