What is a stop block on a miter saw?

A stop block is an important accessory that can be added to a miter saw. It allows for precise, repeatable cuts when working with shorter pieces of material. A stop block acts as a fence, providing an easy reference point for lining up your workpieces.

What Does a Stop Block Do?

A stop block serves several key functions:

• Provides a fixed end point for cutting multiple workpieces to the same length
• Lets you make precise, repeatable cuts without measuring each time
• Helps support smaller or thinner stock during cutting
• Increases accuracy and efficiency when cutting multiples of the same component

Essentially, it acts as an adjustable jig or fixture on your miter saw table. You set the block to your desired cut length and can then churn out piece after identical piece without having to mark or measure each one.

Types of Stop Blocks

Stop blocks come in a few main varieties:

• Bar stop – A simple rectangular bar that clamps to the fence and can be slid and tightened into position. Often included standard with miter saws.
• Flip stop – Spring-loaded flip down stop that allows faster repositioning. Flip it up to change locations.
• Roller stop – Utilizes a roller that presses against the workpiece and spins as you feed material through. Reduces friction and tearing.
• Micro-adjust stop – Higher precision version with a precision threaded adjustment knob for extremely fine-tuned placement.

Bar stops are the most common type. Flip, roller, and micro-adjust stops provide additional convenience and functionality for certain situations.

How to Use a Stop Block

Using a stop block on a miter saw is straightforward:

1. Loosen the clamp knob and position the stop block near the rear edge of the saw table or fence.
2. Place your workpiece against the block and clamp it in place by tightening the knob.
3. Make your cut – the workpiece will press against the stop block, resulting in an accurate, repeatable cut length.
4. Leave the block in position and feed additional workpieces through to cut multiples at the preset length.
5. To change the cut length, loosen the knob and slide the block back further from the blade then re-tighten.

Always make sure the block is firmly clamped or secured before making cuts. A loose block can shift during cutting and cause inaccuracies or safety issues.

Cutting Tip

When cutting multiple workpieces to length, use good material support on the left side of the blade. A piece of MDF or plywood screwed to the table makes a good auxiliary support platform. This helps stabilize the work and reduces tear-out on the cut end.

Making Angled Cuts

In addition to straight 90 degree crosscuts, stop blocks can also be used for precisely repeatable angled miter cuts:

1. Set the miter angle on your saw to the desired position.
2. Place the stop block parallel to the angled fence or table edge.
3. Position your workpiece against the block and secure it in place.
4. Make your angled cut – the workpiece will press against the angled block face, giving you an accurate mitered cut.

This technique works great for cutting multiples of frames, boxes, angled braces, or any other component needing matching precision miters.

Making Repeatable Crosscuts

For making multiple precise crosscuts across a board to cut it into shorter segments, a stop block really streamlines the process:

1. Set up the stop block for your desired cut length.
2. Cut one end of the board to length by sliding it against the block.
3. Now simply make cuts at that set position across the rest of the board.
4. You’ve quickly broken the board down into accurately and identically cut pieces.

This saves you from having to mark and measure each cut when breaking down longer stock.

Cutting Small Pieces

Another great benefit of a stop block is being able to safely and accurately cut smaller workpieces on the miter saw.

Trying to cut short or thin material can be risky – fingers getting too close to the blade, or the workpiece shifting during the cut. The stop block helps mitigate those issues by providing a sturdy backing to press the work into.

You can safely make repeatable cuts on small workpieces like thin moldings, dowels, craft pieces, and more.

Extending Cut Length Capacity

On miter saws with limited crosscut capacity, you can use a stop block setup to safely support and cut longer workpieces:

1. Place a piece of plywood or MDF across your saw table to extend the platform.
2. Position your stop block and clamp it down on the extension platform.
3. Support your workpiece with roller stands and feed it through the blade to the stop block.

This lets you cut wider stock than your saw can normally handle on its own. Just be sure to take it slow and keep the workpiece securely supported.

Stop Block Safety Tips

While very useful, stop blocks also come with some safety considerations. Be sure to follow these precautions:

• Double check that the block is completely secure before making any cuts.
• Don’t force or twist the workpiece against an improperly secured block.
• Be aware of the ‘green zone’ – keep hands away from the blade drop area.
• Use proper workpiece support on both infeed and outfeed sides.
• Stop the blade fully before adjusting the block.
• Use extreme caution when cutting very small pieces.

With good safety practices, a stop block can boost your miter saw accuracy and productivity!

Cutting Dados and Grooves

In addition to general crosscutting, you can also perform stopped dado and groove cuts using a miter saw with a stop block.

To cut dados (stopped grooves across the grain) in a workpiece:

1. Mark the start and stop points of the desired dados.
2. Set up a stop block aligned with one of the marks.
3. Use a dado stacking blade to cut the first stopped groove up to the stop block.
4. Reposition the block to the other mark and cut the next stopped dado.

This allows cleanly cutting precise dados for shelving, joinery, and other applications without overcutting.

Making Box Joints

You can also use a miter saw with stop blocks to cut box joints or finger joints, which are commonly used in box and drawer construction.

To cut box joints:

1. Make an end cut on your workpiece to establish a straight edge.
2. Set up stop blocks to align with each knife cut.
3. Make cuts at each stop block position to create the fingers.
4. Slightly offset the stop blocks to cut tails into the mating workpiece.

With attention to setup, spacing, and offsetting the joints, you can produce tight-fitting box joints on the miter saw.

Cutting Moldings

Producing precisely mitered molding joints is one of the most useful applications for a stop block on a miter saw.

To cut inside and outside miters on trim:

1. Set the saw blade angle to 45 degrees.
2. Position a stop block for the inside 45 degree miter cut.
3. Cut the inside miters on each workpiece.
4. Change the angle to -45 degrees, flip the block to the outside, and cut the outside miters.

This technique helps you achieve clean, tight-fitting joints between trim pieces. The same method can be used when making picture frames or other mitered frames.

Cutting Crown Moldings

Cutting crown molding upside down with the spring angle technique allows making precision miters. Using stop blocks lets you churn out multiple pieces quickly.

To cut crown molding miters with stop blocks:

1. Set up an upside down fence on your saw for crown cuts.
2. Position stop blocks referenced off the fence and table.
3. Cut the desired angles, flipping the molding back and forth.

Repeatedly cutting each end against the stop blocks guarantees your crown miters match from piece to piece.

Stop Block Limitations

While very handy for certain cuts, stop blocks do have some limitations to be aware of:

• Not suitable for non-through cuts like lap joints, splines, etc.
• Workpieces must have a flat reference surface against the fence/block.
• Block position may shift slightly over time with clamping pressure.
• Not designed for angled cuts wider than the miter saw capacity.

Understanding what they aren’t good for is helpful in knowing when other techniques may be required.

Purchasing and Installing a Stop Block

If your miter saw didn’t come outfitted with one, many varieties of stop blocks are available for purchase aftermarket.

Desirable features to look for include:

• Precise machined surfaces for good workpiece contact.
• A large clamping surface and strong hold down pressure.
• Hardened steel construction for durability.
• Smooth sliding adjustment.
• A compact and stable base that won’t interfere with cuts.

Good brands to look at are Incra, Kreg, Woodpeckers, and JessEm. Expect to spend $25-$100+ depending on the type and features.

Installing an aftermarket stop block is quick and easy:

1. Select a suitable empty space along your saw fence to mount it.
2. Use a straightedge to ensure it will align parallel with the blade.
3. Drill holes for the mounting hardware and bolt it down securely.
4. Check that it aligns properly and slides easily before use.

Follow any specific mounting instructions provided. With minimal effort you can start utilizing it for repetitive precision cuts.

Making Your Own Stop Block

While store-bought options offer the most convenience and features, you can make a simple shop-built stop block yourself on the cheap.

You’ll need:

• A piece of hardwood, 2×4, or plywood about 6″ long.
• Carriage bolt and wingnut.
• Wood glue.
• Sandpaper.

Then follow these steps:

1. Cut the wood to length and sand any edges smooth.
2. Drill a hole through the center for the carriage bolt.
3. Glue on a small facing piece if desired to pad the workpiece contact.
4. Install the carriage bolt through the hole.
5. Slide the block into position on your fence and tighten the wingnut to secure.

This basic but functional shop-built stop block will serve you well for basic tasks. Apply a finish if you want to improve wear resistance.

Key Takeaways

• A stop block provides an easy reference for repeatable positioning and cuts.
• Different styles are available, with bar stops being the most common.
• Stop blocks enable faster production of pieces cut to consistent lengths.
• They can support and cut smaller/thinner workpieces safely.
• Take normal safety precautions to avoid accidents.
• Stop blocks excel at certain cuts but have limitations on some operations.
• Purchased blocks offer advantages, but shop-built works too.

Conclusion

A stop block is an invaluable accessory that opens up many possibilities for accurate and efficient cutting on the miter saw. Whether you’re cutting framing components, moldings, boxes, or craft parts, a stop block saves time and effort while improving precision.

Investing in a good quality clamping stop block or even making your own can help take your miter saw to the next level. Implementing stop blocks into your common workflows will hopefully make many of your projects quicker and easier.