Add a Depth Stop to Your Handsaw
When you use a backsaw to cut grooves, dadoes, or sliding dovetails, here’s a simple way to ensure consistent depth. Attach a 1/4-in.-thick piece of wood to one or both sides of the saw, with the wood pressed against the sawback, or spine, of the saw and held in place with jumbo-size (at least 2-1/4-in.) binder clips. The width of the wood strips determines the depth of cut. Mark and save your depth-stop pieces, and you can make the same cut every time.
—Larry Matthews, Upper Darby, Pa.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Starrett 4″ Double Square
Head is easy to remove, replace, and lock down; narrowest blade, at 5⁄8 in., made it easier to fit into tight places; hard to read under bright lights.
Marking knife: Hock Double-Bevel Violin Knife, 3/4 in.
This heavy, double-beveled knife stays on track in all directions, and works just fine without adding a handle.
Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge
The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.
Sign up for eletters today and get the latest techniques and how-to from Fine Woodworking, plus special offers.