Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 30, 2006 04:24pm | #1

   For square cuts you can generally make an accurate cut without clamping down the board.  A clamp may still be called for, for safety reasons, if the wood is crooked, knotty, small, or isn't sitting solidly on the table.    

   For angled cuts, like a 45 degree miter, the stock may creep slightly when cutting, creating a slightly curved cut or one that isn't at the intended angle.  The amount of creep being dependent on the size of the stock, the hardness of the wood, and the sharpness of the blade among other factors.  So if you are making precise angled cuts, it sometimes pays to clamp down the stock.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

    

   
   

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   Edited 5/1/2006 11:35 am ET by JohnWW

1. 
   paulcs | Apr 30, 2006 08:50pm | #2

   Thanks for the advice.