Fence Extender for Half-Laps
A 2x4 in front of the miter-saw fence holds out the stock so the blade can pass all the way through.
I recently created several half-lap joints on some 4x4s by making a bunch of kerf cuts, knocking out the remaining wood, and cleaning up the flat surface. Setting the depth-stop function on my sliding compound miter saw was a simple way to get consistent depths on the kerfs. But if I tried to use the regular fence on the saw, the blade would stop short before cutting all the way through the 4x4s. To remedy this, I simply placed a 2×4 in front of the fence to hold the 4×4 out so the blade could pass all the way through.
— Grant Alexander; Ottawa, Ont., Canada
RELATED STORIES
- Choosing and Using a Miter Saw
- How to Frame Garden-Shed Walls with Half-Lapped 4X4s
- Kerf Block Speeds the Sawcuts
Got a Tip?
Do you have any great tips like this one on how to make a quick fence extender for half-laps? Share your methods, tricks, and jigs with other readers. Tag them @FineHomebuilding on social, email them to us at [email protected], or upload them to FineHomebuilding.com/reader-tips. We’ll pay for any we publish.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Spyder Stinger Spade Bit
Milwaukee 18v Cordless Reciprocating Saw (2720)
Paslode Cordless Finish Nailer (IM250A)