I have mastered straight cuts using the table, circular and chop saws. Angle cuts on the other hand throw me for a bit of a loop. My favourite wood configuration is the herringbone pattern but those dang angle cuts are all that pattern consists of. Once I figure out what angle to cut on, I have quite a few projects I want to attempt. I must admit I have not put a lot of effort into learning this technique but once I do it will be a great value to me.
When you cut a piece of wood on an angle it is referred to as a miter cut because a miter saw is what you use to make the cut. A miter saw can also be called a chop saw. The most common angle cuts are 45, 30 and 22.5 degrees. Figuring out what angle to use takes a little bit of simple math. You can use a digital protractor. It is a tool that can help you calculate what degree to cut an angle at. All angles surrounding a point should add up to 360 degrees. For example, two 45-degree angles add up to a 90-degree corner. Four 90-degree corners equal 360. The same rule applies when you have a six-sided object. Each miter cut would be a 30-degree angle equalling a 60-degree corner. Six corners at 60-degrees leaves you with a total of 360.
Angled miter cuts are commonly used for finishing projects like trim moldings, baseboards or pieces of furniture where you want the corners to have a finished look. In the past when doing these projects, I would have taken the easy way out and done a simple straight cut. Now that I have this knowledge I will try my hand at doing an angle cut to give my work that next level look.
Interested in how to cut the perfect miter joints every time?
Mitre cuts have stymied many people, espeically in my experience those homeowners who attempt crown molding for the first time. I feel lik once the secret is unlocked as to how to do them, people find it quite simple.
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