November 15, 2010
Nation's Building News

The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

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Tips and Techniques
Builders’ Tip: How to Straighten the Edges of Crooked Boards With a Level and Table Saw


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Recently, I found myself on a job site with several crooked boards for a job that required boards with ruler-straight edges.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a  jointer, so I had to devise another way to straighten the stock.

As shown in the accompanying drawing, I created a jig and used my table saw and 6-foot level to get the job done.

Here’s how I did it:

  • I fashioned a couple of wooden blocks to fit into the level’s finger holes.

  • As shown in the illustration, I  shaped the tops of the blocks to fit snugly into the finger holes — locking the blocks in place.

  • I then put a brad through each block to pin the level to the stock.

To use this setup, I placed the level atop the crooked piece of stock so that the level overhangs the concave edge.

With the level bearing against the saw’s fence, I trimmed the exposed, crooked edge of the wood.

Once that edge was trimmed and straight, I easily trimmed the opposite edge, as needed.

— John H. Card Liberty Center, Ohio

Tips & Techniques provided by Fine Homebuilding.
©2010 The Taunton Press

To contact Fine Homebuilding, e-mail Christina Glennon.


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