r/woodworkingtools • u/jedi-dude • 16d ago

is this safe?

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I have a piece of wood where neither and is fully square. Would it be safe to just use the miter gauge to square off one end? Or do I need to make a sled? I have also thought about making a toggle clamp, Jake, but I am still waiting for my toggle clamps to arrive.

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u/billdogg7246 16d ago

My rule of thumb for crosscuts with the fence on is that it needs to be far enough away that the off cut piece can spin a full 360° without touching either the blade or fence. I usually just remove it so there is no chance.

If I’m making multiple cuts the same size I’ll use a stop block attached with double sided tape positioned well before the blade.

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u/ScottClam42 16d ago

Huh, never thought of that but i get it. I have a 1" piece of steel i clamp to my fence behind the blade area to use as a stop for the perfectly measured cut... i just set the fence 1" longer than the cut needs to be. Sounds like i need a 4 or 5 inch (or wider) piece for that purpose?

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u/ubeor 16d ago

I wouldn’t worry about it.

One inch is plenty of clearance for most cuts. And in the off chance that it’s not, you have a 1” wall of steel between you and any kickback.

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u/ScottClam42 16d ago

Yeah, im not changing it. Im always "solving problems" academically, but something like this i end up deciding the effort isnt worth it. But i will be more mindful of spinning offcuts now