This technique was developed and demonstrated by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft.
If you’ve ever struggled to make a clean 90° corner using two boards of different widths—especially with trim or frame work—this shop trick is for you.
Instead of relying on math or trial and error, Jodee’s method uses the actual workpieces to determine the correct angles. It’s simple, fast, and safe—great for anyone who works with returns, molding, or face-matched joinery.
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The Problem This Solves
A common mistake when joining two different-width boards at a corner is cutting both pieces at 45°. While that does create a 90° angle, the faces won’t line up, and one board will overhang.
In projects where appearance matters—like picture frames, door trim, or boxes—this misalignment is a problem. Jodee’s solution solves it cleanly by letting the boards define the angle instead of relying on pre-set measurements.
Overview of the Technique
Here’s how the method works at a high level:
- Square the end of the wider board, which will act as the reference piece.
- Position the narrower board at 90° against it, mark the point where the corner intersects.
- Use a sliding bevel to capture the angle created between the mark and the corner.
- Set your saw to match this angle—no calculations required.
- Cut the reference board first, using double-sided tape to hold it in place safely.
- Use the freshly cut reference piece as a temporary fence for the second board.
- Cut the second board at 90° against this fence to complete the joint.
The result is a perfectly aligned 90° corner, even though the cut angles on each board are not the same.
Why It Works
This trick works because the two unequal faces require complementary angles—not identical ones. By capturing the true angle between them with a sliding bevel, you avoid any guesswork.
No compound angle math is needed. You simply let the geometry of the parts dictate what the cuts should be.
Safer Setup with Double-Sided Tape
Safety is a major bonus of this technique. Rather than clamping or holding small pieces close to the blade, Jodee uses high-quality double-sided tape to secure both the reference piece and the offcut.
This keeps hands clear and reduces the risk of movement or kickback. The reference piece becomes a temporary fence for the second cut, making it easier to align without any shifting.
Tools You’ll Need
The tools required are minimal:
- Sliding bevel or angle transfer tool
- Miter saw with adjustable angle settings
- Combination square for squaring an edge
- Strong, removable double-sided tape
Avoid using cheap tape that doesn’t hold. Jodee emphasizes that poor adhesion can ruin an otherwise clean setup.
Step-by-Step Concept
Rather than a detailed transcript, here’s a quick breakdown of the process and what each step accomplishes:
- Step 1: Square the wider reference board to prepare a clean baseline.
- Step 2: Butt the second board up to the first at 90°, and mark where they meet.
- Step 3: Use a sliding bevel to capture the angle between the corner and the mark.
- Step 4: Match your miter saw to the captured angle. Lock it in place.
- Step 5: Apply tape to the saw table and position the reference board. Cut carefully, keeping hands away.
- Step 6: Attach the cut reference piece to the saw table as a temporary fence.
- Step 7: Press the second board into place against this fence. Make the 90° cut.
You’ll end up with two pieces that fit together precisely with aligned front faces.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Use the wider piece as the reference for better stability.
- Always test tape adhesion on scrap before committing to your project.
- Never place tape near the blade path—apply it to stable areas only.
- Make a dry run to check alignment before cutting.
- Save the offcut scrap—it helps prevent kickback during the second cut.
- Always lock your saw before making any angled cuts to prevent blade drift.
Applications and Adaptations
This technique is especially useful for:
- Trim work and returns
- Picture frames
- Boxes and decorative corners
- Any joint where two faces must align precisely despite differing widths
It also works well for repetitive cuts. Once you’ve created the reference piece, you can reuse it as a fence for multiple cuts with consistent results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using 45° cuts by default: It won’t work for boards of unequal width.
- Weak tape: If it slips, the angle is ruined.
- Not squaring the reference board: That throws off your angle from the start.
- Failing to lock the saw: Even slight movement can ruin the cut.
- Getting hands too close to the blade: Rely on the tape to secure the parts instead.
Why It Belongs in Your Workflow
This method eliminates the need for math, speeds up layout, and improves cutting safety. It’s a quick way to get a clean joint with accurate face alignment, using only a few simple tools.
Jodee’s approach reinforces a valuable lesson in woodworking: when possible, let the material dictate the geometry.
You’ll waste less time measuring and get better results with less effort.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.