This tip comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft. In this setup, he demonstrates how to get clean, repeatable cuts on a table saw using an L-fence—perfect for creating uniform pieces while preserving natural edges.
It’s a clever approach that simplifies tricky cuts and improves both safety and consistency. For anyone looking to improve their table saw setup, this method is worth a closer look.
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What Is an L-Fence?
An L-fence—also called a template or pattern fence—is made from two simple plywood strips joined at a right angle. It attaches to your table saw’s rip fence and creates a raised edge that allows for accurate template cutting without the blade making contact with your fence.
Jodee’s version is easy to build, easy to store, and adaptable for different projects. Its strength is in its simplicity, offering just enough support without interfering with the saw’s function.
Preparing the Wood
In the video, Jodee starts with a piece of firewood and mills it into six thin, uniform slabs. These pieces are intended for shelves, and the goal is to keep their live edges intact while straightening the backs for mounting.
The challenge here is preserving the natural shape while achieving consistent thickness. This is where the L-fence comes in—allowing cuts that follow a defined edge while avoiding unnecessary material loss.
Setting Up the L-Fence
To set up the L-fence, Jodee positions the workpiece beneath it and uses a half-inch spacer to raise the fence above the table. This keeps the blade from cutting into the fence while allowing it to pass through the material cleanly.
No elaborate jig setup is needed—just the L-fence, a spacer, and the blade height set correctly. Once in place, the fence helps guide the work and catch offcuts as they pass beneath.
Creating a Template Guide
For consistent shaping, Jodee makes a cutting template out of ¾-inch MDF. This is cut to the desired dimensions and shape of the finished shelf edges.
To keep the template from slipping, he attaches old sanding discs to the bottom with double-sided tape. It’s a simple trick that adds grip without damaging the wood or affecting the template’s reusability.
Making the Cuts
With the L-fence and template in place, the material is carefully fed through the saw. The template rides against the L-fence and guides the cut, ensuring each slab has identical curves and dimensions.
As cuts are made, waste falls through an open space in the L-fence, reducing cleanup and keeping the area safe and clear. This also means less need to stop and reset between pieces.
Stacking and Finishing
Once all the pieces are cut, Jodee stacks them back in order to check alignment. The result is a series of slabs that maintain their natural front edges but share the same thickness and taper.
This technique saves time and improves visual consistency. It’s especially helpful for wall-mounted shelf projects, where symmetry and fit are both important.
Why the L-Fence Works
The L-fence offers a range of advantages for woodworkers:
- It keeps your primary rip fence protected from damage.
- It supports the use of templates for repeatable cuts.
- It takes up minimal shop space and can be clamped on and off quickly.
Jodee also notes that this method is useful for more advanced shapes, like hexagons or tapered components. Its adaptability makes it valuable for both one-off pieces and batch production.
A Smart Addition to Any Table Saw Setup
If you work with live edge slabs, uneven lumber, or custom templates, this setup can make your process more efficient. It’s a cost-effective way to add control and precision to your table saw without complex jigs or permanent modifications.
Jodee’s video provides a clear walkthrough of the concept, and the results speak for themselves. Whether you’re building shelves, decor pieces, or geometric patterns, the L-fence is a technique worth adding to your toolkit.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.