I’ve found an easy way to set the back fence on a tablesaw cutoff box perfectly square to the cut line: Build the cutoff box to the dimensions you need, attach rails to run in the tablesaw miter-gauge slots and attach the front fence securely to the box. (The front fence is the one farthest away from you when you’re using the saw.) Attach the back fence with one wood screw through the bottom in the left corner to allow the fence to pivot.

Now attach a piece of scrapwood near the back fence with double-faced tape. This will be used as a squaring block. Raise the sawblade through the bottom of the cutoff box, and cut through the squaring block but not through the back fence. Remove half of the squaring block, and pivot the back fence until it is square to the remaining squaring block. Use an accurate framing square for this. Clamp the back fence in place, and attach it with screws through the bottom. Remove what’s left of the squaring block, and you’re set.

Tony Busch, Port Orchard, Wash.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, February 1996 No. 116

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