This video tip comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft, who shares a smart technique for getting precise inside dimensions—without ever touching a measuring tape. It’s a useful trick that helps avoid common fit errors and improves your overall accuracy in the shop.
Instead of relying on standard dimensions or math that may not reflect real material thickness, Jodee shows how to use scrap wood to size your cuts. The result is a faster, more reliable way to get perfect fits—especially in projects like boxes or drawer assemblies.
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Why Traditional Measuring Often Fails
Most woodworkers are trained to measure, mark, and cut. But when working with plywood or dimensional lumber, those “standard” sizes are often off by just enough to mess things up.
For example, a ¾” thick board might actually be closer to 23/32″, depending on the mill or moisture content. If you’re building a cabinet or drawer and subtracting thickness from overall dimensions, your parts might end up too loose—or worse, too tight to fit.
That’s where Jodee’s scrap wood trick comes in. Instead of guessing or calculating, he uses real material as a physical reference to get it right the first time.
Using Scrap to Measure Inside Dimensions
The first step is to cut or grab a piece of scrap from the exact same material you’re working with. This ensures your measurements match the real-world thickness of the boards in your project.
To find the right inside measurement, place one scrap board flush against the inner wall of the box or frame. Then pull your tape measure from the opposite outer edge, measuring over the scrap—not to the wall itself.
By doing this, you’re removing the guesswork caused by the tape’s curve or hook. It also gives you a solid, reliable measurement that reflects the actual spacing you’ll need for parts like drawer bottoms, shelf panels, or interior dividers.
Setting Up the Table Saw for Repeat Cuts
Once you’ve got the correct dimension, Jodee moves to the table saw. His method for setting up repeatable cuts is simple but powerful.
He attaches two pieces of scrap to the fence using clamps or screws, creating a fixed-width gap that acts as a gauge. The blocks are elevated slightly off the tabletop so they don’t pinch material or interfere with movement.
This setup allows you to quickly size parts by referencing the opening between the blocks. There’s no need to measure or mark each cut—just run your workpiece through the saw until it fits the defined space.
Why This Method Works So Well
One of the biggest advantages of this approach is how it eliminates small errors that can build up during measuring. Tape measures can flex or catch, and markings can drift depending on pencil width, viewing angle, or human error.
Using scrap wood and a fence setup gives you a physical measuring system that’s locked in. Every cut matches the original test piece, and you can make multiple parts without worrying about recalculating or adjusting between each one.
This is especially useful in production-style work or batch cutting. Once you get the first piece right, everything else follows.
Test Fits Keep You Honest
Before moving on, Jodee recommends test-fitting each cut. Wood movement, blade drift, or fence misalignment can cause tiny issues that add up across multiple parts.
Slide your finished piece into place—whether it’s between two sides of a box or under a fixed ledge—and feel for tightness. If it fits snugly without forcing, you’ve nailed it. If not, minor adjustments to the blade or fence can bring it back on track.
Final Thoughts: Smart Woodworking Without Guesswork
This technique is a reminder that woodworking doesn’t always have to be about precise numbers—it can be about working with what you see and feel. Using actual material and setting up the saw to match that reference gives you more control, less frustration, and cleaner results.
Whether you’re building shop jigs, cabinets, drawers, or boxes, this trick is a game-changer for improving your fit and workflow. It’s especially helpful for beginner woodworkers who want consistent results but aren’t ready for expensive measuring tools or complex setups.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.