This method was developed and shared by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a practical approach to thin-rip cuts that avoids the usual frustrations of jigs and fence adjustments.
Instead of relying on traditional thin-rip jigs, Jodee shows how a simple piece of MDF can make precision cuts more reliable and less stressful. His technique offers a stable, consistent solution that woodworkers of all experience levels can appreciate.
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The Problems with Thin-Rip Jigs
Thin-rip cuts are notoriously tricky, especially when relying on the table saw fence for positioning. Even small adjustments to the fence can introduce errors, resulting in strips that taper or vary in thickness.
Jodee points out that typical thin-rip jigs can complicate the process rather than simplify it. The reliance on rollers or guides often introduces slight movements that affect cut accuracy.
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Most jigs require frequent readjustments, which slows down production and increases the chance of error. Even a minor shift while pushing wood through the blade can create inconsistencies that are hard to fix later.
Another problem Jodee highlights is off-cut flutter, where the thin piece near the blade moves unpredictably. This can be both unsafe and ruinous for projects that require exact dimensions.
The MDF and Sandpaper Setup
Jodee’s alternative uses a simple piece of MDF combined with sandpaper for gripping. One side of the MDF is smooth, while the other is coated with sandpaper to hold the wood securely during the cut.
This method eliminates slippage and keeps pressure consistent against the fence. It’s a simple setup that dramatically improves both accuracy and safety without adding complexity.
Preparing the Wood Properly
Before using this system, it’s important to have at least one flat reference face on your workpiece. Jodee recommends flipping warped boards so that the stable side rides against the fence.
This ensures that even imperfect lumber can be ripped cleanly. Combined with the sandpaper grip, the setup minimizes movement and helps produce perfect strips every time.
Setting Up the Blade and Insert
Jodee also recommends creating a temporary zero-clearance insert using blue painter’s tape. By raising the blade carefully through the taped throat plate, a tighter opening is created to prevent small pieces from falling through.
This extra step helps reduce tear-out and keeps the thin rips cleaner along the bottom edge. It’s an easy tweak that significantly improves cut quality without requiring specialized parts.
Executing the Cut
Once the board is positioned with the sandpaper side down, the cut can be made steadily and confidently. The sandpaper holds the wood in place, reducing the need for extra pressure and avoiding blade drift.
Jodee stresses that this method makes it easy to produce multiple identical strips without having to touch the fence again. The process is repeatable, fast, and far more accurate than using traditional thin-rip jigs.
Enhancing Safety with Accessories
While not mandatory, using a GRRR-Ripper push block can make the process even safer. It helps maintain downward pressure while pushing the stock smoothly through the blade.
Jodee reassures viewers that the sandpaper itself won’t harm the blade. Cutting against the sandpaper surface causes far less wear than regular plywood or MDF cuts.
Why This Method Matters
For woodworkers focused on precision, Jodee’s method offers a way to achieve reliable results with minimal setup time. It reduces error, improves consistency, and makes working with thin rips less intimidating.
Instead of investing in complicated jigs or wasting time on repeated fence adjustments, this technique shows how a basic shop material can outperform purpose-built gadgets.
Final Thoughts
Jodee’s simple MDF method is an example of how creative thinking can solve everyday workshop problems. By focusing on stability and control, he makes it easier for woodworkers to achieve professional-quality results with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re making small moldings, trim pieces, or accent strips, this approach could save you hours of frustration. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This MDF and sandpaper technique is brilliant in its simplicity. The sandpaper grip really does solve the biggest issue with thin rips — keeping that workpiece stable against the fence. I’ve seen too many thin strips get pulled into the blade or shoot out unpredictably because they lost contact with the fence halfway through the cut.
The zero-clearance insert tip with painter’s tape is gold. It takes 30 seconds to set up and prevents those heart-sinking moments when your thin strip disappears into the throat plate. I keep a roll of blue tape near my table saw for exactly this reason — it’s also great for preventing tear-out on crosscuts.
Safety-wise, this method keeps your hands further from the blade than trying to balance a thin piece against the fence with just push sticks. The workpiece stays put, so you’re not fighting it or applying weird pressure angles. That said, a good push block like the GRR-Ripper makes this even better — consistent downward pressure without your hands getting anywhere near the action.
What I love most is that this works with whatever MDF scraps you have lying around. No need to buy a $50 jig that might not fit your specific needs. Just grab some 120-grit sandpaper and you’re set.