This tip comes from Jodee at Inspire Woodcraft. In this video, he shares a clever method to expand the cutting capacity of your table saw by flipping your miter gauge around—an easy trick that could save you time and effort in the shop.
For woodworkers dealing with wide boards or large panels, this technique can help square edges cleanly when other tools like a sliding miter saw aren’t available. It’s a great example of working smarter with the tools you already have.
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The Problem with Standard Cutting Capacity
Most table saw setups using a standard miter gauge are limited in how wide a board they can safely and accurately crosscut. That limitation becomes more noticeable when squaring larger pieces of plywood or lumber.
Jodee explains that flipping the miter gauge backward helps overcome this limitation. It’s a simple adjustment that unlocks more cutting range from the same tool—without sacrificing accuracy or safety.
How to Use the Miter Gauge Backward
Start by setting your miter gauge at 90 degrees and inserting it into the slot on your saw. Then, instead of orienting it in the typical direction, flip it so the body of the gauge is facing you. This change allows more of the board to rest on the table as it moves toward the blade.
Position your plywood or board against the flipped gauge, keeping it flat and stable. Make your first cut to establish a clean edge. Once that side is squared, you can use your table saw fence to finish squaring the opposite edge.
This method works especially well for boards that have slight tapers or factory-cut edges that aren’t quite straight. Rather than reaching for a track saw or building a sled, this approach gets the job done with the tools already on hand.
Key Benefits of This Approach
By flipping the miter gauge, you’re not adding any attachments or jigs—you’re just rethinking how you use the tool. That makes this tip fast to apply and easy to repeat.
You also avoid the setup time and material waste that sometimes come with alternate squaring methods. The cut is clean, repeatable, and—most importantly—safe, when used correctly.
Tips for Better Results
Jodee emphasizes that keeping pressure against the miter gauge during the cut is important for safety and consistency. You want the workpiece to stay secure without wobbling as it passes through the blade.
To make the most of this method, consider these tips:
- Use a sharp blade for clean edges and less resistance
- Check that your miter gauge is calibrated to 90 degrees
- Practice on scrap material before cutting your project pieces
- Maintain good body positioning so you can control the board through the entire cut
This technique might feel unusual at first, but with a few practice cuts, it becomes second nature.
Safety Considerations
Like any table saw operation, safety comes first. Always use proper eye and hearing protection, and avoid placing your hands directly behind the blade path.
Be especially cautious when working with wider or longer boards, as they can shift more easily. Jodee suggests using featherboards or additional outfeed support if necessary.
Even though the miter gauge is being used in an unconventional way, the core safety principles remain the same: stable workpieces, controlled motion, and full attention.
Why This Trick Matters
Woodworkers often rely on creativity to overcome limitations in their tools or shop space. This tip is a perfect example of how a small adjustment can lead to better efficiency and improved results.
Rather than investing in new equipment, Jodee shows how to stretch the functionality of your existing setup. It’s a quick win that makes a real difference during project prep, especially when breaking down large panels.
More Tips from Inspire Woodcraft
Jodee’s channel is full of useful insights like this one—focused, practical tips that help woodworkers of all levels work more efficiently. His teaching style is clear, straightforward, and always based on real shop experience.
If you’ve ever struggled with cutting wide boards on a table saw, this video is well worth watching. And if you enjoy learning new shop tricks, subscribing to Inspire Woodcraft will give you a steady stream of ideas to try out.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.