This woodworking tip is by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a fast, simple method that helps you make repeated crosscuts on a table saw—accurately, safely, and without complex jigs or fixtures.
Instead of relying on your rip fence or building a sled, Jodee’s solution uses nothing more than a scrap block and a strip of double-sided tape. It’s quick to set up, easy to repeat, and eliminates one of the most dangerous risks in the shop: kickback caused by pinch points.
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Why This Hack Is Worth Using
One of the most common tasks in woodworking is cutting multiple pieces to the same length. Most woodworkers know not to use the rip fence as a stop when crosscutting with a miter gauge, since it creates a narrow pinch zone that can cause the wood to bind and kick back.
Jodee’s method sidesteps this danger completely. By using a temporary stop block that’s removed before cutting, you get all the precision of a fixed fence—but without the safety hazard.
Common Alternatives and Why They Fall Short
Some people clamp an auxiliary fence or scrap block to their rip fence to serve as a crosscut stop. While this offers some clearance, it can still leave little room between the blade and fence, especially for longer parts.
Another method is using an L-shaped block for a similar purpose. While safer, it often takes extra measuring and setup time. These approaches work, but they can be fussy, inconsistent, or time-consuming.
The Simple Scrap Block and Tape Method
Here’s how Jodee simplifies the whole process:
- Set your rip fence to the exact measurement you need for your repeated crosscuts.
- Stick a small block of scrap wood to the side of the rip fence using double-sided tape.
- Apply pressure to make sure it’s firmly attached.
- Remove the rip fence, leaving the block in place on the saw table.
- Use the block as a temporary stop to position your workpiece before cutting.
Once you’re ready to cut, your wood is aligned against the stop but has full clearance from the blade—no pinch points and no safety concerns.
Why Double-Sided Tape Is the Secret Ingredient
The trick works so well because the tape holds the stop block firmly in place but allows it to be removed easily without clamps. There’s no need to measure again, and the block can be repositioned in seconds for a new cut length.
Jodee points out that investing in a good roll of double-sided tape is one of the best things you can do for your shop. It becomes useful for all kinds of temporary fixtures and layout tasks—not just this one.
How to Upgrade the Stop Block
While any scrap block works, Jodee shows how to upgrade it for durability and extra precision. He uses hardwood instead of softwood, so the edges don’t wear down as quickly with repeated use.
To make fine adjustments easier, he adds a small screw to one face of the block. Turning this screw moves the block slightly, allowing for micro-adjustments in the cut length without having to reposition the entire piece.
He also embeds a small magnet in the back of the block. This makes storage a breeze—just stick it to the underside of your saw or fence when not in use, and it’s always within reach.
Key Benefits of This Method
- Improved safety: Removes the risk of binding against the rip fence.
- Accurate cuts: Uses the rip fence setting to determine block position.
- Quick setup: No clamps or jigs to fuss with.
- Minimal tools required: Scrap wood, tape, and a saw are all you need.
- Optional upgrades: Add a screw or magnet for precision and convenience.
- Versatile: Works for a wide range of materials and part sizes.
Extra Tips for Better Results
Before applying tape, Jodee recommends wiping down both the rip fence and the stop block. Clean, dust-free surfaces help the tape hold better and keep the block in position through multiple cuts.
Even without the screw or magnet upgrades, this technique is fully functional as a repeatable cutting aid. It’s ideal for projects that involve box parts, furniture slats, trim pieces, or anything else with multiple identical components.
Best of all, there’s no commitment—you can remove or reset the block anytime with no leftover residue or hardware left on the saw.
A Small Idea with Big Impact
Jodee’s table saw tip is a great example of a small shop upgrade that can make your workflow smoother and safer. It’s easy to overlook simple solutions like this, but they often have the biggest long-term impact in a busy shop.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working with a table saw for years, this is one of those tricks that’s worth trying. It could become your go-to method for repeated cuts before you know it.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.