Hey everyone! I have a quick question about using a miter gauge and fence for cutting half laps. I've always assumed that it's safer to use a spacer block to offset the piece, but I saw a video by Steve Ramsey where he didn't use one. Sometimes, I notice that when I'm making half laps or tenons, the piece tends to get pulled slightly into the blade, creating a small gap in the joint. I usually hold it firmly, but when working on large projects, I inevitably mess up a cut. I'm interested in your thoughts: is using the fence without a spacer block a good option, or should I stick to my usual method for the sake of safety? I value my fingers!
3 Answers
Using a miter gauge and fence for half laps is generally fine, especially if you're not cutting all the way through the wood. To improve safety, clamp a spacer block to the fence just short of the blade to avoid trapping your piece. However, I'd recommend using a crosscut sled instead for cutting half laps and tenons; it’s usually safer and more effective!
It's okay as long as you’re not cutting all the way through! If you're experiencing pulling, it might mean your blade needs some adjustment. Make sure it's tuned up; a straight blade will reduce those issues. Also, if you’re considering upgrading your saw, this might be a good time to calibrate!
Just a heads up: kickback can happen if there's too much friction between the blade and the wood. Make sure your piece isn’t wedged or tilted too much. Also, try to avoid cutting against the fence if your offcut piece could get caught.