Woodworking Tip: Smarter Cutting with a Flip Stop

Every woodworker hits a point where repetitive cuts become a challenge. You might be batching parts for drawers or making jigs. The goal is always the same: clean identical cuts without risking kickback or wasting time. That’s where a flip stop can improve both safety and efficiency at your mitersaw station.

The video features a practical solution shared by John Cusimano of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a clever homemade flip stop that helps increase accuracy and speed. It’s a low-cost, simple-to-make jig that you’ll want to add to your workshop setup.

Why a Flip Stop Deserves a Place in Your Shop

A flip stop is more than a cutting aid. It’s a small improvement that changes the way you work. Instead of resetting measurements for every piece or risking your material shifting mid-cut, you can focus on rhythm and accuracy. This kind of consistency is especially valuable when working under deadlines or handling high volumes of parts.

The benefit also extends beyond safety. A flip stop creates repeatable results without relying on muscle memory or guesswork. That frees you up to think about the bigger picture—how pieces will fit, how to stay efficient and how to move through a build without interruption.

The shop-made version featured here is inexpensive and easy to customize. It can be adapted to suit your saw, your workbench or the type of material you cut most often. And because it's not fixed, it won’t get in your way when it’s not in use.

If you're the kind of woodworker who’s always looking for ways to improve your setup, this is a practical addition that pays off every time you reach for the miter saw.