Quick time saver tip.

[A/C Guy]

Many times we have to cut a lot of parts that are different lengths. So it is not practical to use a stop on the fence because you waste too much time adjusting the stop. Or you may not have a fence with a stop.

Many guys try to measure from the end of the piece to the blade. They have to lower the blade each time and try to peak at the measuring tape to see the numbers on the tape. Instead of trying to measure from the end of the piece to the blade try this:

Take a piece of material, clamp it in the saw and take a cut. Before removing it, measure from the cut edge to the end of the fence. Write that number down on the base of the saw. Now just subtract that amount from the the desired length for each piece.

My saw blade is 9/16" from the fence. I needed 46.5" pieces. So I measured 45 and 15/16".
Attachment 1306
I wrote the 9/16" on the saw base because that number will never change.
Attachment 1307

[ScratchStart]

Thank you, I was so tired of trying to hold a tape measure, move my material, and hold the dang saw down to see what length I had it at..... and my tongue would stick so far out for so long I was afraid a bird would build his nest there...

good thinkin.

I am stealing your trick. but I guess that was the point

[sportbike]

Good tip. Also, you could accurately put a notch or a heavy scribe line on the fence a fixed distance away such as 1, 2, 3, 4" (or all of them). That way the math is easier than 9/16" or 11/16, etc.

[Ram48]

Great tip
I will use that on my band saw and abrasive chop saw.
Thanks

[A/C Guy]

I remember reading an old wood worker tale about him hating the 1" cheater marks. Frequently he would forget to subtract the 1" and half the cut parts were an inch too long.

If you scribe the 1" mark, be sure to write in red marker -1"

[Ram48]

I remember reading an old wood worker tale about him hating the 1" cheater marks. Frequently he would forget to subtract the 1" and half the cut parts were an inch too long.

If you scribe the 1" mark, be sure to write in red marker -1"

Better too long then too short.