Consistently Clean Cuts

To make one, glue a cleat to an oversize base, then cut through the base with the saw riding against the cleat. This makes locating the cut hassle-free because you simply align the edge of the base with the desired cutline. The edge guide also serves as a backer, making clean cuts without chipping on the keeper piece under the guide's base.

I go one step further by using a scrap of plywood as a zero-clearance support for both sides of the cut. This is great for getting clean cuts even on the waste piece. Simply clamp the scrap against the edge guide before making the cut.