Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft shared the woodworking tips featured in this video.
The video compares using double-sided paper tape and switchable magnets for production cross-cut stop blocks at the table saw, explains why tape is often preferred, and shows a simple gasket workaround that makes magnets practical for this task.
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Overview of the method
The core production trick is simple: lock the fence, place a small scrap against it, move the fence out of the way, then use double-sided tape to fix a stop block exactly where the fence was so repeated cross-cuts can be run quickly.
This approach keeps the workflow smooth for dozens or hundreds of identical cuts and makes the stop block easy to remove and reposition when needed.
Why double-sided tape is often the go-to
Double-sided paper tape provides strong horizontal grip against the table surface, which is critical for a stop block that resists sliding during repeat cuts.
Because it is easy to apply, remove, and works well even on waxed cast-iron tops, tape remains a convenient and reliable choice for many woodworkers.
Limitations of magnets for this use
Magnets—switchable or not—deliver most of their holding strength vertically, but only a small fraction (roughly 15–25%) horizontally, which makes them prone to sliding as a stop block surface.
That weak horizontal hold is why a bare Magswitch or a recessed magnet on a block can feel unreliable for production cross-cut work without modifications.
The gasket solution that changes things
Magswitch’s newer feather board design includes small gaskets that dramatically improve horizontal grip, allowing magnets to work reliably on cast-iron tops and in locations away from miter slots.
These gaskets enable secure positioning and even include threaded adjustment stops that let a user lock down and micro-adjust for repeated cross cuts and things like repeated dados.
A simple, shop-made workaround
Jodee demonstrates that a piece of foam rubber shelf liner glued to the bottom of a Magswitch with double-sided tape provides similar frictional benefits to the commercial gasket.
This cheap retrofit increases lateral grip enough to make a Magswitch 150 useful as a removable stop block without permanent adhesive, and it can be integrated into a block with an adjustment screw for fine-tuning.
When to use a crosscut sled vs. miter gauge
A crosscut sled is great for accuracy, but in high-volume production it can create congestion on the table and requires frequent handling of cut parts, slowing throughput.
For runs of many identical pieces, using the miter gauge and allowing stock to run off the back into a collection bin can be faster and less disruptive to production flow.
Practical takeaways and adaptations
For general shop use, the tape method is fast, inexpensive, and reliable for horizontal gripping tasks, while magnets excel for quick storage and vertical holding tasks.
Adding a gasket—commercial or homemade—from foam shelf liner turns a marginal magnet into a practical shop aid, and combining a magnet with an adjustable stop block gives the best of both convenience and repeatability.
Conclusion
The video provides a clear comparison of tape versus switchable magnets and offers a low-cost gasket hack that makes magnets viable for production cross-cuts while reminding users to choose the right tool for the production layout.
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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.
The horizontal versus vertical holding strength difference with magnets is something worth keeping in mind across all shop applications. Most woodworkers discover this the hard way when a magnetic featherboard or stop block shifts mid-cut. That 15-25% horizontal grip ratio explains why magnets work great for holding metal rulers to a bandsaw fence but can be frustrating as stop blocks on a smooth table saw surface.
The foam shelf liner trick is brilliant for extending the usefulness of existing magnets. I keep a roll of that stuff around the shop anyway for drawer liners and non-slip pads, so it’s essentially free to experiment with. The key is getting good adhesion between the foam and the magnet base — clean both surfaces with denatured alcohol before applying the double-sided tape for the best bond.
For production work, think about your cut-off management too. Whether you’re using tape or magnets for your stop block, having a plan for those dozens of identical pieces makes a huge difference. A simple cardboard box positioned to catch parts as they come off the back of the blade keeps your work surface clear and maintains that smooth production rhythm.