Improved Miter Saw Depth Stops & Half-Lap Jigs for Woodworking

A novice woodworker is at their wit's end with an unreliable miter saw depth stop that makes it nearly impossible to get consistent cuts, especially for joinery like half-laps. This highlights a common issue with beginner-grade tools or the need for better methods and aids for such tasks. Product opportunities could include a more secure, precision 'Upgraded Miter Saw Depth Stop Kit', a 'Dedicated Miter Saw Half-Lap/Joinery Jig', or an information resource like a guide or course on "Mastering Accurate Cuts & Joinery with a Budget Miter Saw." These solutions would increase woodworking accuracy and consistency, reduce material waste and frustration, enable more complex joinery to be performed reliably with existing miter saws, and improve the overall utility of basic tools.

Origin Reddit Post

r/beginnerwoodworking

Help with Miter saw depth stop

Posted by u/bekahugs•06/04/2025

First, I'd just like to say the beginner woodworking Reddit is intimidating everybody's pictures are amazing 😍. And I'm on my last thread of patience with this miter saw. I am trying to make

Top Comments

u/davisyoung

Seems like there should be a nut on the threaded portion to jam against the housing so it doesn’t move. At any rate the best you can do with a non-slider is to get close to your line hogging

u/hefebellyaro

Miter saws are really made for what youre trying to do. They are best to quickly crosscut specific angles on smaller boards and trim. The best tool for whst your trying to do is a good old f

u/gotcha640

If it's not a sliding saw, you aren't getting a flat cut. It will be curved in the middle. That won't take glue well. I prefer to do these with a circular saw if I don't have a big enough s

u/goatyellslikeman

I tried the same with mine- half laps with 2x4s. Mine wasn’t as bad as yours, but I found there was so much flex that getting it consistent was tough. I bought a coping saw and will try the

u/wanab3

Do what you're doing except leave space like 1/8th or, whatever the biggest variation is in your depth. Clear everything out then use a chisel to get the rest flat. You could also use a hand

u/drewskieboostie

Are you just trying to take that notch out of the end? Do you have a jigsaw? That'd be a better way to finish the cuts if that's the case.

u/Rotkunz

Is the nut not there to tighten and lock the bolt in place, to prevent the position from drifting.

Origin Reddit Post

r/beginnerwoodworking

Help with Miter saw depth stop

Top Comments

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