Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Any time you need to set up two points of contact and clamp a straightedge—like if you need to cut a dado or if you need to set up a stop for a circular saw—you’ve probably played the balancing game.
You line up one side on its mark, clamp it down, then move to the second mark…only to find the first one is now off. You chase it back and forth, adjusting one side, then the other, again and again. This seesaw game will drive you mad.
But there are a couple of tricks to get it right in just seconds.
First, line up one end of your straightedge with the first mark and clamp it directly above that mark. This gives you a pivot point with very little movement. Then slide the other end into place and double-check your first mark. It’s fast, clean, and doesn’t need extra tools or jigs.
If you’re still struggling, use spacer blocks. Grab two small square blocks, turn them so a single corner points right at your marks, and drop your straightedge against them. You now have one precise point of contact at each end—no guessing, no shifting, just accuracy.
Clamp the straightedge in place, then remove the blocks and you’re done. No more balancing act.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
Any time you need to set up two points of contact and clamp a straightedge—like if you need to cut a dado or if you need to set up a stop for a circular saw—you’ve probably played the balancing game.
You line up one side on its mark, clamp it down, then move to the second mark…only to find the first one is now off. You chase it back and forth, adjusting one side, then the other, again and again. This seesaw game will drive you mad.
But there are a couple of tricks to get it right in just seconds.
First, line up one end of your straightedge with the first mark and clamp it directly above that mark. This gives you a pivot point with very little movement. Then slide the other end into place and double-check your first mark. It’s fast, clean, and doesn’t need extra tools or jigs.
If you’re still struggling, use spacer blocks. Grab two small square blocks, turn them so a single corner points right at your marks, and drop your straightedge against them. You now have one precise point of contact at each end—no guessing, no shifting, just accuracy.
Clamp the straightedge in place, then remove the blocks and you’re done. No more balancing act.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
