How To Cut At An Angle On A Table Saw: Pro Tips & Tricks

Can you cut angles on a table saw? Yes, you absolutely can! Cutting angles on a table saw opens up a world of possibilities for woodworking projects, from creating decorative trim to constructing complex joinery. This guide covers essential table saw angle cutting techniques, including using the miter gauge, creating an angled cuts table saw jig, and performing bevel cuts. Whether you’re looking to make basic table saw miter cuts or mastering advanced table saw angles, this guide will help you achieve accurate angle cuts table saw projects.

Image Source: i.redd.it

Methods for Cutting Angles on a Table Saw

There are several methods to achieve accurate angle cuts on a table saw. Here’s a breakdown of the most common:

• Miter Gauge: The standard miter gauge allows for simple angle cuts, ideal for basic projects.
• Miter Saw: For repeated angle cuts, a miter saw is the best.
• Bevel Cuts: Tilting the blade allows for bevel cuts, perfect for angled edges and joinery.
• Table Saw Sled: A crosscut sled provides added safety and accuracy, particularly for small pieces.
• Custom Jig: For specific or complex angles, building a dedicated jig is the most reliable method.

Using the Miter Gauge for Angle Cuts

The miter gauge is a fundamental tool for table saw angle cutting techniques. It slides in the miter slot and allows you to guide the workpiece through the blade at a precise angle.

Setting Up the Miter Gauge

1. Loosen the Adjustment Knob: Find the knob on your miter gauge that locks it in place. Turn it to loosen the gauge so it can move.
2. Set the Desired Angle: Most miter gauges have markings for common angles like 45 and 90 degrees. Line up the pointer on the gauge with the desired angle on the scale. For angles not marked, use a protractor or angle finder to get the exact measurement.
3. Tighten the Knob: Once you’ve set the angle, tighten the adjustment knob to lock the gauge in place. Make sure it’s snug, but don’t overtighten.
4. Test the Angle: Before cutting your final piece, make a test cut on scrap wood. Use a protractor or combination square to check the angle of the cut. If it’s not perfect, make small adjustments to the miter gauge and try again.

Cutting with the Miter Gauge

1. Place the Workpiece: Hold your workpiece firmly against the miter gauge. Make sure it’s flat and secure.
2. Push Forward Slowly: Turn on the saw and slowly push the miter gauge and workpiece forward. Keep a steady hand and don’t force the wood.
3. Complete the Cut: Guide the workpiece completely past the blade. Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop before removing the cut piece.

Tips for Accurate Table Saw Miter Cuts

• Ensure the miter gauge fits snugly in the miter slot: If it’s loose, it can cause inaccurate cuts. Consider adding shims to create a tighter fit.
• Use an extension fence: Attach a longer fence to the miter gauge to support longer workpieces and improve stability.
• Apply consistent pressure: Maintain even pressure against the miter gauge throughout the cut.
• Avoid forcing the cut: Let the blade do the work. Forcing it can lead to inaccuracies and kickback.

Creating an Angled Cuts Table Saw Jig

For repeatable and precise angled cuts, an angled cuts table saw jig is an invaluable tool. This homemade jig provides a stable platform and ensures consistent angles.

Designing and Building the Jig

1. Base Construction: Start with a flat piece of plywood or MDF. This base should be large enough to accommodate your typical workpieces.
2. Fence Attachment: Attach a fence at the desired angle to the base. Use screws and wood glue for a strong, secure connection. The fence can be made from a straight piece of hardwood or plywood.
3. Miter Slot Runner: Attach a runner to the bottom of the jig that fits snugly into the miter slot of your table saw. This ensures the jig moves smoothly and accurately.
4. Clamping System: Incorporate a clamping system to hold the workpiece securely against the fence. This can be as simple as toggle clamps or as elaborate as a custom-built clamping mechanism.

Using the Jig for Angle Cuts

1. Place the Jig in the Miter Slot: Slide the jig into the miter slot of your table saw.
2. Secure the Workpiece: Place the workpiece against the angled fence and secure it with the clamping system.
3. Make the Cut: Turn on the saw and slowly push the jig and workpiece through the blade. Keep a firm grip on the jig and maintain consistent pressure.

Benefits of Using a Jig

• Repeatability: Ensures consistent angle cuts every time.
• Safety: Provides a more stable and controlled cutting platform.
• Accuracy: Allows for very precise angled cuts.
• Customization: Can be designed for specific angles or workpiece sizes.

Performing Bevel Cuts on a Table Saw

Bevel cuts involve tilting the saw blade to create an angled edge on the workpiece. This technique is essential for creating decorative edges, joinery, and other angled features.

Setting Up for Bevel Cuts

1. Unlock the Bevel Adjustment: Most table saws have a lever or knob that locks the blade in the vertical position. Loosen this to allow the blade to tilt.
2. Set the Desired Angle: Use the bevel angle gauge on your saw to set the desired angle. Some saws have digital displays for precise angle settings. For angles not marked, use a protractor or angle finder.
3. Lock the Bevel Angle: Once you’ve set the angle, tighten the bevel adjustment knob to lock the blade in place. Make sure it’s secure.
4. Adjust the Blade Height: Set the blade height to the appropriate level for the thickness of your workpiece.

Making the Bevel Cut

1. Feed Direction: Pay attention to the direction of the bevel. The blade will either be tilting towards or away from the fence.
2. Secure the Workpiece: Hold the workpiece firmly against the fence and table. Use push sticks or featherboards to keep your hands away from the blade and maintain consistent pressure.
3. Make the Cut: Turn on the saw and slowly feed the workpiece through the blade. Keep a steady hand and don’t force the wood.

Safety Considerations for Bevel Cuts

• Check Blade Clearance: Before starting the cut, make sure the blade will not contact the table insert or any other part of the saw.
• Use Featherboards: Featherboards help keep the workpiece tight against the fence and prevent kickback.
• Pay Attention to Blade Direction: Be aware of which way the blade is tilting to avoid trapping the workpiece between the blade and the fence.

Table Saw Crosscut Sled Angle Cutting Techniques

A crosscut sled greatly improves the safety and accuracy of cutting smaller pieces at an angle. By providing a stable platform and precise control, the sled minimizes the risk of kickback and ensures clean, consistent cuts.

Building a Crosscut Sled for Angle Cuts

1. Base Construction: Start with a flat piece of plywood or MDF large enough to accommodate your workpieces.
2. Runners: Attach two runners to the bottom of the sled that fit snugly into the miter slots of your table saw. These runners ensure the sled moves smoothly and accurately.
3. Fences: Attach two fences to the sled: one at the front and one at the back. These fences should be perfectly perpendicular to the runners.
4. Angle Adjustment: Incorporate a mechanism for adjusting the angle of one of the fences. This can be done with a pivoting fence and a locking mechanism.
5. Clamping System: Add clamps to secure the workpiece to the sled.

Using the Sled

1. Place the Sled: Slide the sled into the miter slots of your table saw.
2. Adjust the Angle: Set the angle of the adjustable fence to the desired angle.
3. Secure the Workpiece: Place the workpiece against the adjustable fence and secure it with clamps.
4. Make the Cut: Turn on the saw and slowly push the sled through the blade. Keep a firm grip on the sled and maintain consistent pressure.

Advantages of Using a Sled

• Safety: Reduces the risk of kickback.
• Accuracy: Provides precise control over the angle of the cut.
• Stability: Offers a stable platform for cutting small or irregular pieces.

Achieving Accurate Angle Cuts

Achieving precise angled cuts involves several key factors, from the accuracy of your tools to the consistency of your technique.

Calibrating Your Tools

1. Miter Gauge: Use a precision square or protractor to ensure your miter gauge is set to the correct angle.
2. Bevel Angle Gauge: Verify the accuracy of your saw’s bevel angle gauge. Use a digital angle finder to check the angle and make any necessary adjustments.
3. Table Saw Fence: Ensure your table saw fence is parallel to the blade.

Measuring and Marking

1. Use Accurate Measuring Tools: Invest in high-quality measuring tools, such as a digital angle finder, precision square, and combination square.
2. Mark Clearly: Use a sharp pencil or marking knife to mark the cut line on your workpiece.
3. Double-Check Your Measurements: Always double-check your measurements before making the cut.

Cutting Techniques

1. Slow and Steady: Cut slowly and steadily, allowing the blade to do the work.
2. Consistent Pressure: Maintain consistent pressure against the fence or miter gauge.
3. Avoid Forcing the Cut: Never force the wood through the blade.

Advanced Table Saw Angles Techniques

Mastering advanced table saw angles involves combining different techniques and using specialized jigs to create complex cuts.

Compound Angle Cuts

Compound angle cuts involve cutting both a bevel and a miter angle simultaneously. This technique is commonly used in creating complex joinery, such as crown molding.

1. Set Both Angles: Set both the bevel angle and the miter angle on your saw.
2. Secure the Workpiece: Use a custom jig to hold the workpiece securely at the correct orientation.
3. Make the Cut: Slowly and carefully make the cut, paying close attention to the blade’s position.

Segmented Turning

Segmented turning involves creating circular objects from multiple angled segments. This technique requires precise angle cuts and careful assembly.

1. Calculate the Segment Angle: Divide 360 degrees by the number of segments to determine the angle of each segment.
2. Cut the Segments: Use a miter saw or table saw with a custom jig to cut the segments to the correct angle.
3. Assemble the Ring: Glue the segments together to form a ring.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with careful setup and technique, you may encounter problems when cutting angles on a table saw. Here are some common issues and how to address them.

Inaccurate Angles

• Problem: The cut angle doesn’t match the desired angle.
• Solution: Check the calibration of your miter gauge or bevel angle gauge. Ensure the workpiece is held securely against the fence or miter gauge.

Splintering or Tearout

• Problem: The wood splinters or tears out during the cut.
• Solution: Use a sharp blade. Score the cut line with a utility knife before making the cut. Use a zero-clearance insert.

Kickback

• Problem: The workpiece is thrown back towards you by the blade.
• Solution: Use featherboards to keep the workpiece tight against the fence. Never stand directly in line with the blade. Use a push stick to guide the workpiece.

Burning

• Problem: The wood burns during the cut.
• Solution: Use a sharp blade. Feed the wood through the blade at a slower rate. Ensure the blade is properly aligned.

Table: Miter Angle vs. Bevel Angle vs. Compound Angle

Feature	Miter Angle	Bevel Angle	Compound Angle
Definition	Angle of the cut across the width of wood	Angle of the cut through the thickness of wood	Combination of both miter and bevel angles in one cut
Blade Position	Miter gauge moves the wood.	Blade tilts to create an angle.	Blade is tilted while the wood is angled.
Common Use	Picture frames, box corners.	Angled edges, decorative trim.	Crown molding, complex joinery.
Tool Adjustment	Miter gauge setting.	Blade tilt setting.	Miter gauge and blade tilt settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to cut a perfect 45-degree angle on a table saw?

The best method for cutting a perfect 45-degree angle is to use a miter gauge set precisely to 45 degrees or an angled cuts table saw jig. Make sure your miter gauge or jig is properly calibrated and fits snugly in the miter slot. Always make a test cut on scrap wood to verify the angle before cutting your final piece.

Can I use a table saw to cut crown molding?

Yes, you can cut crown molding on a table saw, but it requires a compound miter cut. This involves setting both the miter angle and the bevel angle on your saw. It’s crucial to use a jig specifically designed for cutting crown molding to ensure accurate and consistent results.

Who is most likely to use advanced table saw angles?

Woodworkers who are passionate about joinery and intricate designs. Professional woodworkers, carpenters, and furniture makers will find advanced table saw angles a necessity.

What safety precautions should I take when cutting angles on a table saw?

Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Use featherboards and push sticks to keep your hands away from the blade. Ensure the blade is sharp and properly aligned. Never stand directly in line with the blade. Be aware of the potential for kickback and take steps to prevent it.

Is it safe to cut angles on a table saw without a miter gauge?

Cutting angles without a miter gauge is strongly discouraged, as it greatly increases the risk of kickback and inaccurate cuts. Always use a miter gauge, crosscut sled, or custom jig to guide the workpiece safely and accurately.

What is a zero-clearance insert, and why is it important for cutting angles?

A zero-clearance insert is a table saw insert with a very tight opening around the blade. It reduces the gap between the blade and the table, which helps prevent tearout and splintering, especially when cutting angles. It also provides better support for the workpiece, improving the accuracy and quality of the cut.