Super-simple rip fence that can throw you a curve

If you need to bandsaw a curve on the edge of a mostly straight workpiece, such as here's a way to do it in one continuous cut. (Those slats flare out near the top. I didn't want to risk trying to cut the straight part of the slats free-hand, but neither did the cuts lend themselves to using a standard bandsaw fence.) Build a shortened auxiliary fence, as shown, and clamp it to the bandsaw table so that the end nearest the blade stops 1/4"–3/8" short of the blade's teeth. This fence provides the accuracy of a fence on the straight portion, yet still allows for freehand maneuverability to make the curved exit cut. —Kevin Boyle, WOOD magazine Senior Design Editor