When cutting stock to length at the miter saw, I used to creep up on the length by loosening and reclamping the stop, but it was a slow and imprecise method. Now I use playing-card shims with my stop block to adjust cuts to the perfect length.

First, I set up an extension fence with the miter saw and set a stop block to make a cut that’s just a bit long. I take a trial cut and then make final adjustments by inserting playing cards between the stop and the workpiece until the piece is the length I want. Each playing card is 0.010 in. thick and I may need two or three to get the length I need. With the exact length established, I can cut as many pieces as I need, and I know they will all be the same length.

I don’t sweat it if I tear a card or lose it on the shop floor, because I know that even if the jokers are missing, I still have 51 more.

Jim Richey

R. Honeycombe, Kitchener, None

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