Tip #75
How to Make Angular Cuts
Right Click here to download a printer friendly version of Tip-
Pg. 1-2 (814 KB)
Help with Downloading PDF Files

Operations:
1. Prepare a piece of stock 3/4" by 2-1/2" by 3'6".

2. Set saw blade not to exceed 1-1/8" above table. Warning: Always be sure your saw blade is sharp and your saw guards are in place.

3. Remove rip fence.

4. Set miter gauge at 45-degrees to the right of the 90-degree on the quadrant and put miter gauge in the left slot.

5. Place edge of stock against miter gauge, as in crosscutting. Have the stock protruding approximately 1/2" beyond the saw blade.

6. Holding firmly, make cut slowly.

7. Turn off saw, wait for blade to stop and remove scrap piece.

Fig. 2 Click on image for larger view.

8. With a square test for accuracy. If incorrect, adjust miter gauge and make another cut. you can also check using the cutoff piece.

9. Turn stock over having the opposite edge against miter gauge.

10. Measure 7-1/2" from the inner cutoff corner and square a line across edge.

Fig. 3 Click on image for larger view.

11. Adjust until marked edge is even with left protruding tooth of saw blade.

Fig. 4 Click on image for larger view.

12. Turn on power and make cut.

13. Repeat operation until three segments have been cut.

14. For the fourth segment, set miter gauge at 45-degree with the setting this time to the left 90-degrees.

15. Put miter gauge in right slot.

16. Using one of the cutoff segments as a template, mark off length on the outer edge of remaining stock.

17. Make last cut. You will now have four segments of equal length and they should form a frame when fitted together--7-1/2" square inside and 12-1/2" outside.

Fig. 5 Click on image for larger view.

18. Rabbets may be cut on the short edge of each segment using step 4 for cutting rabbets.

Note: To make octagons (eight-sided forms), set miter gauge at 67-1/2-degree. To make hexagons at 60-degrees and proceed in same manner.

Note: In making angular cuts the motion of the blade has a tendency to make the stock creep. The miter gauge safety hold down will hold the stock firmly in place, prevent creeping and keep your hands out of danger.

Back to Description & Use