Cut the rails and stiles

To build a square door, the stiles and rails must all be exactly the same length with perfectly square ends. A table saw makes that easy.

The simplest method is to use the miter gauge that came with your table saw. Attach a straight 24-in.long hardwood 1x3 for more accuracy and to avoid splintering out the end of the cut. This fence also provides a place to clamp stops

The fence should be about 2-1/2 in. tall and 24 in. long.

A better method is to use a second miter gauge. When you tie two miter gauges together with a fence, the pair will function as a table saw sled. You’ll get perfectly straight, square cuts every time. (You can buy a second miter gauge for less than $20 online. The brand shouldn’t matter—most are made to fit 3/4-in. slots.) Use a combination square to set the miter gauges at 90 degrees.

The best way to cut duplicate parts is to use a “stop block”

It’s just a square block with the corner nipped off to prevent dust buildup. Cut a fresh slot in the fence, then measure from the slot to the block to set up each cut. Clamp the stop block to the fence. A small C-clamp works well because it won’t wiggle loose like some other clamps.

Precut your stiles and rails 1 in. extra long so they’re easier to handle. To cut them to the exact length, first place the part on the

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