Thank you so much
Jim
I have 3 circular saws and I made the same on all of them.
I grinned an opening in a location that is just above the up-coming teeth where the saw dust still have strong momentum and doesn't need strong vacuum pressure to remove it.
To increase the vacuum power, I covered the open side of the blade with 5/64" plywood or hard cardboard attached with small screws.
Because the blade guard was, as you say, "on the way", I removed it BUT...all the 3 saws have an electric brake that stops the blade in less than a second from the time I release the switch.
I have an iron rule; two hands holding the saw and only after it stops I lift it with two hands and put it on a cradle.
I made a sub-base that gives me the possibility to adjust the blade parallel to the base edge and gives me longer "fence" for stability and control especially at the beginning of the cut and a place to attach a front handle.
I use the saw at "max height" blade and have virtually zero dust cutting...my wife even lets me to use it at home with the shop vac at "Mid" power.
The dust port is made of a conical "cup" that is sold for gardening. I glue it with Epoxy and two small screws.
If you don't have an electric brake, it's better not to remove the retractable guard...
Regards
niki