Step Eight: Cut the Other End Square and to Finished Length

You could measure it and scribe a line square around the end, then finish with a backsaw, or use the tablesaw with a crosscut sled. I also like to use my sliding compound miter saw.

Back at the crosscut saw, I mark the length with a pencil then draw a line, holding the fence of my square against the face edge, all the way across the board. I do this as it is easier and quicker for me to line up the blade, with fewer errors. The lumber goes back under the blade, face edge against the fence, and I cut the finished length. I should also point out that I like to work from one side of the saw. Although I check the fences for squareness to the blade, you can easily get some inaccuracy in the angle adjustment mechanism or in the fences themselves. The more sources of error you eliminate, the better you project will look in the end.