Tod's Top Tip!

[Duncan Cheslett]

The simplest ideas are often the best, and they don't come much simpler than Tod's method of putting a straight edge on a rough board which he outlined on another thread the other day.

For those who missed it I have explained it in more detail here. I had 15 boards of oak to 'straightline' yesterday and what would have taken me a couple of hours was done in 30 minutes.

Take an 8' length of MDF 6" wide and attach a cleat along one edge and across one end



Then set the rough board on the table saw with any bow curving away from the fence in the middle



Place the jig over the board with the long cleat towards the fence and the short cleat towards yourself



Measure the shortest width of jig and board - this will be at one end



Set the fence to the same measurement



Rip away!



The newly sawn edge will be perfectly straight



Flip the board over, trim the other edge, et voila!
A stack of perfectly straightedged boards



I realise that I risk ridicule by revealing that I am the only person here not already to straightline their boards in this way, but I am so bowled over by the simplicity and accuracy of Tod's jig - I just have to share it!

Thanks again, Tod.

[Jim Bergstrom]

Great idea, cool jig

Thanks for sharing Duncan, (Tod too )

[tod evans]

you`re welcome duncan! and thanks for taking the time to document "how-to" .........i really do type one fingered so it`s a wonder that i can convey anything using print

[Stuart Ablett]

Man, talk about EZ

Great tip, cheap and simple, you just got to love that!

[Ian Barley]

Man, talk about EZ

Let's not!!

[Jeff Horton]

I realise that I risk ridicule by revealing that I am the only person here not already to straightline their boards in this way, but I am so bowled over by the simplicity and accuracy of Tod's jig - I just have to share it!

No, your not the only one! I had seen that post but didn't think much about it. Obviously I didn't grasp how simple and effective Todd's idea was! This is going on my list of things to build.

[glenn bradley]

Great series of pics. Thanks to both of you. Forum team work strikes again. I have a long piece of MDF that I use as a guide but the addition of the cleats and resting the jig on top of the material to be straightened rocks.

[Jim O'Dell]

I understood the concept, but seeing the picture documented tutorial really helps solidify the process. So I thank both of you, too! So far, I haven't used much bowed wood, not any rough wood at all. but that will change as I just about have the shop to the point that I can actually attempt to build something! Jim.

[Allen Bookout]

Man, talk about EZ

Yep, I like that. Maybe we should talk about it for a while.

Really good tip also.

[Bruce Page]

Thanks Duncan, Tod
I’ve been using a straight piece of MDF & those little aluminum clamps to straight line rip. It worked but you always had to go back and skim cut the edge square. Tod’s jig sets the board to be ripped flat on the table. How cool it that!