Number of holes would be equal to the number of slots you want. Then just open the drilled holes to the edge of the template at the desired angle with a hand saw. This needs to be really smooth cut, my weapon of choice is a little Marples pull saw I bought at Home Depot a couple of years ago for $10-12. A miter box consists of two components—a hand saw whose teeth are set for crosscutting (cutting against the grain of the wood) and a “box” that is pre-fashioned with slots on both sides to. The slots cut into the face can be placed along the edge for maximum space savings. For more stability, the slots should be surrounded by solid material. This is analogous to the mortise and tenon joint of woodworking. Illustration: Parts to be assembled using the t-nut technique; the slots are placed in a location which provides more stability.
The 45 degree slots are most often used for making those tricky corner cuts. Window and door trim goes together like a picture frame. Measure the top of the opening, then mark that dimension on your board, indicating the direction of the angled cut. Make the cut the same way as shown above, but line the mark up with the 45 degree slot instead. To cut the slots for these keys at the table saw you need only a small jig that runs against the saw’s fence. The jig cradles the assembled box at a 45° angle and allows you to guide it through the cut. Keys not only add great strength to miter joints, they also provide a decorative effect.
Cutting an angle on wood is commonly referred to as making a miter cut, because a miter saw is the type of saw that cuts wood at an angle. A miter saw, also known as a chop saw, is basically a circular saw that's mounted on a frame and that can make very accurate angle cuts between 45 and 90 degrees. More sophisticated compound-miter saws can cut more angles and are mainly used when cutting bevels. Miter saws are mainly used for cutting wood, but can also be used for cutting plastic. They're portable, so you can take yours with you to any workplace. Miter saws must be handled with care as their blades are very sharp and can swivel around [source: Kelleher].
Here's how to cut angles on wood for molding using a miter box:
Advertisement
Advertisement
- Set the first piece of molding in the miter box and hold it in place.
- Put the saw in the appropriate slots, setting the angle.
- Cut the wood carefully, without rushing.
- Place the second piece of wood in the miter box and hold it in place.
- Insert the saw in the slots, so that the second cut you make will complement the first.
- Cut the second piece of wood.
- The two moldings should now fit neatly together [source: Silva].
Remember, measure twice but cut once. Work slowly and be meticulous, otherwise your cuts will not be precise and the mitered corners won't fit together.
How To Cut Angled Slots In Wood Doors
How To Cut Angled Slots In Wood Floors
Advertisement