When finished cutting the part simply separate both pieces, removing the painter's tape with the double-faced tape stuck to it and you're done. No clean up, and both pattern and wood are clean! I use this method all the time on my shop projects.

Here's how it's done. Gather your wood, template, painter's tape and double-faced tape. I use 3M brand double-faced tape, but any good thin double-faced tape should work. Do not use foam backed tape as it allows for too much movement between the pattern and the wood.

Remove the backing from the double-faced tape and align the pattern to the wood and complete the cut.

One word of advice, you do not need to use a lot of double-faced tape because you don't need it in all areas of the template and or the material you're working on. As you can see I just use it where I think it is needed most, and not all over the template and or material.

This method can be used in many applications where you need to hold something secure for a shot time, such as hold something on a drill press (stop blocks to drill multiple pieces), or even something as simple as a stop block or gauge on a table saw for cutting a few pieces of wood to the same length.

Harold Stewart is a registered member of WWGOA. Submit your favorite woodworking tip or technique toeditor@wwgoa.comand you could earn $100 if we publish your idea!