Measure twice; cut once; something I was taught from my very first day as a "helper" when I was First-grader.
Also when measuring, add 1/8 to your measurement.

For the few; I said few; that might not know this:
Ex: You're cutting a board for a wall stud that needs to be 6' 1 1/2" long.
let's just say.....
Measure out the 6' 1 1/2" and add 1/8 to the measurement and mark it, then cut.
You might find that the board might take a tap to fit; but it will fit.

Note: In my experience, this practice is best suited for circular or "chop saw" use.

Measure twice; cut once; something I was taught from my very first day as a "helper" when I was First-grader.
Also when measuring, add 1/8 to your measurement.

For the few; I said few; that might not know this:
Ex: You're cutting a board for a wall stud that needs to be 6' 1 1/2" long.
let's just say.....
Measure out the 6' 1 1/2" and add 1/8 to the measurement and mark it, then cut.
You might find that the board might take a tap to fit; but it will fit.

Note: In my experience, this practice is best suited for circular or "chop saw" use.

Depends on which side of the line you cut.....

Measure twice; cut once; something I was taught from my very first day as a "helper" when I was First-grader.
Also when measuring, add 1/8 to your measurement.

For the few; I said few; that might not know this:
Ex: You're cutting a board for a wall stud that needs to be 6' 1 1/2" long.
let's just say.....
Measure out the 6' 1 1/2" and add 1/8 to the measurement and mark it, then cut.
You might find that the board might take a tap to fit; but it will fit.

Note: In my experience, this practice is best suited for circular or "chop saw" use.

I find that I can create more jobs if we measure once, if at all, and cut several times. :lol:

As for the measurement, you just make a decision as to whether you are cutting the mark or on the long side of it and how tight you want the fit to be. You want your marks to be dead on. From there, you are allowing for the width of the blade. We try to leave the mark so we can readily tell which piece is the keeper. This is obvious most of the time but, on shorter pieces or when you cut a bunch at one time and things start to get a little messy, it's nice to have.

:buddies:

Depends on which side of the line you cut.....

Okay then, add an 1/8 and cut the line.

You could cut it short and fill in with wood putty. That's what I do. :cheers:

Dammit! I have cut this thing 3 times and it is still to short! And my damned board stretcher is broken!

Okay then, add an 1/8 and cut the line.

eventually you will learn to cut on your "scrap" or waste side, eliminating the need to add that extra unnecessary 1/8 in. only to cut it off anyway. I think I figured this out on...day 2 of 8th grade shop class

eventually you will learn to cut on your "scrap" or waste side, eliminating the need to add that extra unnecessary 1/8 in. only to cut it off anyway. I think I figured this out on...day 2 of 8th grade shop class

I wasn't going to be harsh but - yea, be accurate with your measure and the rest will take care of itself, no need to compensate

You could cut it short and fill in with wood putty. That's what I do. :cheers::cds: Nooo. Sacrilege.