This video was created by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. If you’re looking to improve your accuracy and safety at the table saw, this simple accessory could make a big difference in your workflow.
Jodee walks through the setup and benefits of a clever jig known as the L fence—also called a pattern fence. It’s an incredibly versatile upgrade that helps woodworkers make cleaner, more controlled cuts with less risk and less mess.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jodee’s channel:
What Is an L Fence?
An L fence is a custom jig made from two pieces of Baltic birch plywood joined in an L shape. This setup allows for flush trimming along the edge of material, while safely controlling off-cuts and eliminating interference near the blade.
What makes the L fence special is the cut-out section designed to catch and remove waste pieces during the cut. This prevents loose off-cuts from binding against the blade or cluttering your workspace, which in turn helps prevent tear-out and kickback.
Setting Up the Fence for a Flush Cut
Jodee demonstrates how to properly position the L fence on the table saw. First, he places the workpiece on the saw table and uses a thin plywood spacer on top of the material. This extra layer helps distribute pressure and aligns the cut more accurately.
The edge of the L fence is then positioned as close as possible to the blade—just outside the kerf—to guide the cut. Using a square ensures everything is aligned before you power up the saw.
The key to the setup is adjusting the blade height so it just clears the thickness of your material. You don’t want the blade making contact with the L fence, as this would damage the jig and reduce its effectiveness. With the proper height dialed in, you’re ready for a safer, more precise cut.
Adding Sandpaper for Grip
To prevent slippage, Jodee uses 150-grit sandpaper applied to the edge of the MDF fence. This might seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in stabilizing your workpiece.
The sandpaper helps hold the material in place as it moves along the fence, especially useful when working with slippery surfaces like melamine. Jodee recommends slightly offsetting the sandpaper from the cut line, just to the left, which helps ensure that your cuts stay flush without shifting the reference edge.
This technique isn’t just clever—it’s practical. By keeping the material securely in place, you reduce friction, improve cut accuracy, and minimize the chance of unintended movement while feeding through the blade.
Making the Cut
Once everything is in position, the saw is turned on and the material is pushed gently through the blade. The L fence acts as a guide along one edge, while the sandpaper maintains grip and reduces lateral movement.
As the material passes through, the off-cut drops harmlessly into the recessed area of the L fence. This design keeps loose waste pieces away from the spinning blade, significantly reducing the chance of kickback or rough edges.
The result is a perfectly flush, clean cut—and a safer cutting experience overall.
Applications and Benefits
While this tip focuses on trimming melamine, the L fence can be adapted for use with a wide range of materials including hardwoods, MDF, or plywood. Its versatility makes it a useful shop addition no matter what kind of woodworking you do.
The main advantage is accuracy. It’s easier to keep your material on track when you don’t have to worry about where off-cuts are going or whether your hand pressure is even. It also makes it easier to repeat identical cuts, which is especially helpful in cabinetry or trim work.
Another big plus is that the L fence improves shop safety. By directing off-cuts away from the blade, it reduces the risk of sudden blade contact or interference.
A Small Jig with Big Impact
Jodee’s take on the L fence shows how a simple shop-made jig can make a major difference in your woodworking process. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective—and easy to build with leftover materials.
If you haven’t tried using an L fence before, this video makes a strong case for adding one to your table saw setup. It’s one of those small upgrades that pays off every time you make a cut.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve accuracy or a seasoned woodworker aiming to streamline your process, this jig belongs in your shop.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This is one of those shop jigs that sounds almost too simple to work as well as it does. The L fence concept is brilliant because it tackles two problems at once—accurate positioning and waste management. I keep a few different sizes of these around the shop because they’re so handy for different material thicknesses.
The sandpaper trick is genius and worth highlighting. That little bit of texture makes all the difference when you’re working with smooth materials like melamine or painted surfaces. I’d suggest checking the sandpaper periodically though—as it wears down, you might need to replace it to maintain that grip. Also, make sure your blade is sharp when using this setup. A dull blade will want to grab and pull, which could overcome even the best sandpaper grip.
Safety-wise, this jig really shines. The waste cutout eliminates one of those “where’s that off-cut going to end up” moments that can catch you off guard. Just remember to keep your push pressure steady and consistent—the sandpaper helps, but you still need to maintain control throughout the entire cut. And as always, eye and ear protection are non-negotiable when running the table saw.