A Simple Trick for Keeping Track of Squared Board Ends
When I'm preparing lumber for a woodworking project, one of the first jobs is squaring up the ends of the boards before cutting them to final length.
That sounds simple enough. But when you're working through a large stack of parts, it's surprisingly easy to lose track of which ends have already been squared.
You can mark each board individually after making the cut, but that takes extra time. And if you make those marks on the faces of the boards, you'll have to remove them before finishing.
I've found a much easier way to keep track of squared board ends using just a pencil.
Mark All the Boards at Once
Instead of marking each workpiece separately, start by stacking all the boards together with their ends aligned.
Then make a couple of pencil marks across the ends of the entire stack. Repeat the process on the opposite ends.
This takes only a few seconds, even when you're preparing a large number of parts.
Now you're ready to start squaring the ends at the table saw.
Let the Saw Cut Tell You What's Finished
As you square one end of each board, the saw removes the pencil marks from that end.
The opposite end still has its original marks.
That gives you an easy visual reference:
- No pencil marks: The end has been squared.
- Pencil marks remaining: The end still needs to be cut.
When it's time to cut the boards to final length, you can quickly identify the squared end to use as your reference.
There's no need to stop after every cut to add another mark or figure out which end you've already trimmed.
A Faster Way to Prepare Project Parts
This simple technique is especially handy when you're cutting a lot of similar pieces for cabinets, furniture, or other woodworking projects.
By marking the entire stack before you start, you can work through the boards more efficiently and keep track of your progress at a glance.
And because the pencil marks are on the ends that will be trimmed away, there's no extra cleanup before finishing.
Sometimes the best workshop tips are the simplest ones. All it takes is a pencil and a few seconds of preparation to make squaring and sizing boards a little easier.
More Woodworking Tips & Tricks
Some of the most useful woodworking accessories are also the simplest. From shop-made finishing aids and workholding solutions to handy jigs and time-saving techniques, a few small improvements can make a big difference.
Discover more practical Woodsmith woodworking tips and tricks to make your time in the shop easier and more productive.
EXPLORE MORE WOODWORKING TIPS → Clever Shop Solutions You Can Put to Work Today
