This tip was shared by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a smart and repeatable trick that removes the guesswork from getting precise inside measurements—without relying on a tape measure or mental math.
Jodee walks through a stop block method that simplifies joinery, reduces mistakes, and works especially well when dealing with inconsistent materials like plywood. It’s the kind of technique that seems simple but makes a huge difference once you start using it regularly.
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The Problem with Measuring Inside Spaces
In woodworking, one of the most common sources of error is measuring between two fixed pieces—especially when you’re trying to calculate a perfect inside dimension. Whether you’re working on cabinet rails or face frames, even a small miscalculation can throw off the fit and look.
This is especially frustrating when materials don’t match their nominal size. For example, plywood might be labeled as ¾”, but the actual thickness can be slightly less, and even small variances can accumulate over a build.
Understanding the Face Frame Layout
To explain his method, Jodee uses the example of building a cabinet face frame. The structure is made up of vertical styles and horizontal rails. Once the styles are cut to height, the next step is to figure out how long the rails need to be to fit snugly between them.
This is where most woodworkers traditionally reach for a tape measure, subtract the thickness of each style, and calculate the remaining space for the rail. But as Jodee points out, this approach opens the door to mistakes—especially if the material isn’t uniform or the math gets rushed.
Using a Stop Block for Better Accuracy
Instead of measuring and subtracting, Jodee suggests using a stop block to eliminate variables and speed up the process. The idea is simple: you simulate the finished width of your project by using scrap pieces to represent the styles during setup.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- Start with your rail stock and place it against the saw fence without making a cut.
- Position a stop block on the opposite end to mark the full desired width of the frame.
- Now take scrap pieces that match the actual thickness of your styles and place them between the stop block and your rail stock.
- When you cut the rail to fit between the scrap pieces and the blade, it’s automatically sized to the correct length—no measuring needed.
This method works because it removes the need for precise calculations and replaces them with a physical reference. You’re letting the actual material define the final dimension, which leads to tighter, more accurate fits.
Why This Technique Works So Well
What makes this tip stand out is how it handles the small inaccuracies that creep into every project. Slight inconsistencies in material size, saw kerf width, or measuring tape slack can all affect your final results.
By using real material as spacers, you’re adapting the cut to match the conditions in your shop—not idealized numbers on a piece of paper. It also removes the mental strain of remembering exact numbers or double-checking math before every cut.
Another benefit: this method works across different types of joinery, including pocket holes, dowels, and traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. It’s versatile and can be applied in everything from cabinetmaking to furniture builds.
Great for Repetitive Cuts
This approach also shines when you’re making multiple identical parts. Once the stop block is in place and the material thickness has been accounted for, you can batch out repeatable, consistent cuts without re-measuring each time.
Whether you’re building drawers, picture frames, or bookshelf dividers, this technique cuts down on setup time while improving fit. It’s a small change that leads to better, faster results.
Tips for Getting Started
To try this method in your own shop, start by collecting a few scrap pieces that match the thickness of your project parts. Label them or store them near your saw station for quick access during setup.
Investing in a good stop block system or building a simple one with clamps and a scrap board can also speed up your workflow. Once you get comfortable with the technique, you’ll find yourself relying on it more often.
And as Jodee points out in the video, there’s no need to “trust the math” when you can trust the material itself. That mindset shift is what makes this such a valuable tip for both beginners and experienced woodworkers.
A Smarter Way to Measure
This inside measurement technique is a great example of what sets pro woodworkers apart from hobbyists. It’s not about fancy tools—it’s about working smarter, using consistent setups, and letting the material guide the process.
Jodee’s channel, Inspire Woodcraft, is filled with tips like this that blend practicality with precision. Whether you’re building cabinets or framing furniture, learning tricks like this can save time, reduce waste, and raise the overall quality of your work.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.