Recently, while building a cabinet for cassette tapes, I experimented with several methods for spacing the numerous dadoes needed. Using an auxiliary miter-gauge fence gave the measure of accuracy and easy use I sought.

Bolt a piece of wood the length of the saw table and about 1 in. wide to the miter gauge. This auxiliary fence becomes an extension of the gauge, stabilizing long pieces of work and preventing twisting on the saw. The auxiliary fence should be the same thickness as the workpiece. After the dado width is set and tested on scrap, make a cut into the auxiliary fence. Mark the right and left edges of the cut on the top of the fence. The workpiece, marked for spacing, is moved along the auxiliary fence. When the lines meet, slide the gauge into the dado blade, making the cut.

Paul Saffron, Rockville Centre, N.Y.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A variation of Saffron’s method is common practice in many cabinet shops. Screw a new auxiliary fence to the miter gauge and trim off the excess by pushing the fence through the saw. Since the end of the fence now coincides exactly with the saw kerf, it can be used for accurate cut-off work. Just slide the mark on the workpiece up to the end of the fence and push through the saw.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, December 1980 No. 25

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