Thanks for this. I’ve been trying to find a video that demonstrates easy cutting of miters on a tablesaw without fancy jigs - many box videos just say “now cut your miters” - gee, thanks 🙄 This was easy to follow.
Very solid and approachable advice! I can't say enough about regularly checking your fence, blade and miter slots for square. Sometimes screws get loose and full of sawdust.
Thanks for this video. Miter joints have always been a problem for me. I always look for a reason to use a butt joint. I am going to try this method. Thanks for the info and the video.
I don't think they're all bad. I know a lot of people who use them. I think there may be some quality control issues. But I knew if I didn't address it I'd have at least 33.67 people comment telling me to use one. 😂
I use a digital bevel gauge but always double-check with a protractor or combo square, like you said the perfect blade angle is only part of the equation. I'll also use my square to check that both the point of the miter and the interior cut are square. This can help pick up blade deflection.
It's cool that you have a good digital gauge. I think they are hit or miss and mine missed. But I never begrudge anyone for using them. Good point on checking both. 👍
I'm to the point where my boxes are good enough to sell and it's because of you I now am able to make a beautiful keepsake box. First box I made was your stupid easy box joint method but the ones I'm selling have miters with splines. Never got a good miter with my table saw so I finally tried my miter saw and perfect miters....can you believe that !
Isn't it a wonderful feeling when those joints match up perfectly! Glad to hear you are feeling good about your work. You may like this week's video because it's along this same topic.
Wow!! I’m going to make this my standard. I HATE miters! That’s not right. I love miters but they give me indigestion. Lol. This is going to relieve the stress. Thank you!!!!
We're all trying to be better. I'm not an expert at anything, but I have to remember that we're all at different phases so I shouldn't assume that people know or don't know certain things.
Thanks! It's important for me to remember that we're all in different places in our journey. Common knowledge to me isn't to someone else, and vice versa!
Agree! Great video! I use a somewhat similar process but will generally cut 2 test pieces, join them with a piece of tape and check the inside for a 90 with a combination or engineers square. I've spent long periods of time trying to adjust with a digital gauge and it just doesn't come out right. I'm not saying the gauge is not accurate, but with all the other variables, it's hard to get a true 45 for box making. Maybe for rough framing work, but not boxes. People notice a gap in your miters much more than the ones that are perfect and you're most proud of. Also, the stop block serves the function of making pieces exactly the same length. If one piece is off 1/128", your miters won't close properly. They're close and my wife doesn't notice this variance, but I do!
Good common sense advice. As I watch these videos I’ve noticed that the younger crowd has to have all the cool gadgets but they lack the ability to set up without their hi priced toys. Good video and even better advice.
This is an excellent method, but there's a preparatory step that you failed to mention. The stock that you're mitering must be straight and flat. This is especially important if the stock is longer than the miter fence or table width. Slight curvature can change the angle by enough to leave gaps in the joints. Experienced woodworkers don't need to be reminded of this, but beginners often underestimate how sensitive joinery can be to how straight, flat, and square the stock is. That S4S lumber from the hardware chain stores is rarely good enough for precise joinery unless you're prepared to hand fit every joint.
100% not saying you're wrong and thank you for taking the time to make a video about this, but have you tried different angle gauges? I'd be curious to see how an angle gauge (at various price points) stacks up against known angles.
I admittedly haven't. I don't want to invest that much money into buying several. I could change my mind one day and test them. Until then I'm comfortable with this method.
This is a dumb question but here we go. Could you save a sacrificial fence with know miters cut in it to set the angel on your blade. Just line it up and when it goes though the cut you know it’s at the right angle. Blade off of course.
Not a dumb question at all. I've done this, but found that I still had too much margin for error. This might be a good guide to get you really close to 45 degrees but I'd still check it.
I don't mean this to sound critical since I'm new at this but I noticed your blade is 3 to 4 times higher than what is normally suggested. Does that help with the miter or is it more for the camera?? I just got finished adjusting the 45 degree stop on my saw and throwing away a different style angle finder since my miters have been off a smidgen messing up my work pieces. Headed out now to follow this set up and practice while I still have hair to pull out. Lol
You could but I don't subscribe to that. Method. If I have the ability to set my blade at exactly a hair past 45 then I should simply set it at 45 and be done with it.
Long miter joints have always been a challenge for me. (12"+) Even though I'm cutting at exactly 45 degrees it seems to take a lot of clamp pressure to get them glued and tightly closed up at a consistent 90 degrees along the length. I'm wondering if it's good practice to cut just a hair greater then 45 degrees so the tips come together ever so slightly before the heel? (maybe 45.5 to 46 degrees??) I think the length causes more variance in the cutting process then shorter pieces and maybe the glue is a little thicker towards the heel and is causing more hydraulic pressure. Any special tips/techniques for making the long ones perfect?
Good video, shame about the highly annoying background music. I will never understand the reason for adding it to great videos. I have tried hard to find a way of shutting it off. The iPad will not exclude it. Great Shame. Maybe it’s just me and my nerves. I can’t be the only one that hates background music ?
Miter joints don't have to be difficult. Do this, get awesome miters, that simple!
Followed instructions to the letter my best mitres ever thanks
Thanks for this. I’ve been trying to find a video that demonstrates easy cutting of miters on a tablesaw without fancy jigs - many box videos just say “now cut your miters” - gee, thanks 🙄 This was easy to follow.
Thanks for the stop block tip. I hadn’t thought about the small lateral movement contact with the blade might cause.
I learned that out of trial and frustration 😂
Great video! I love the "you'll poke your eye out" type of admonition....classic MOM stuff!
Great video. I would really like to see you update this one. Thx.
Very solid and approachable advice! I can't say enough about regularly checking your fence, blade and miter slots for square. Sometimes screws get loose and full of sawdust.
100% agree!
Your process to good miters is simple yet sooo effective ! Gonna put my shoes on and head to my table saw and practice till I own it....Thank again !
Sometimes it's a great idea to not make something and instead spend time playing around with techniques.
ok. you got me. Just ordered an upgraded miter gauge/fence. Hopefully I will be making perfect miters like you soon.
Great suggestion on checking guide, fence, and method to verify 45 degrees on test scrap. That solved my problem I been having. Gain, many thanks.
Finally I got decent miters! Thanks
Thanks for this video. Miter joints have always been a problem for me. I always look for a reason to use a butt joint. I am going to try this method. Thanks for the info and the video.
I legit love your vids. Very informative, not overly complicated, and practical. I appreciate it!
I love every one of these tips! You have covered everything!
Great video!! Thank you
I had a Gem Rad angle gauge like yours and it was terrible. I got a Wixey and that is damn accurate.
I don't think they're all bad. I know a lot of people who use them. I think there may be some quality control issues. But I knew if I didn't address it I'd have at least 33.67 people comment telling me to use one. 😂
Nice miters, thanks!
Great video! Love the educational ones that can help a novice like me!
I recommend tackling a large project. Like a giant, super long table or something. Those often force you to learn new skills.
I use a digital bevel gauge but always double-check with a protractor or combo square, like you said the perfect blade angle is only part of the equation. I'll also use my square to check that both the point of the miter and the interior cut are square. This can help pick up blade deflection.
It's cool that you have a good digital gauge. I think they are hit or miss and mine missed. But I never begrudge anyone for using them. Good point on checking both. 👍
Digital isn’t always correct and if your blade is even 1/64” off from front to back you will not get a perfect cut
That pause after “hit you in the eyeball”!😆
I'm to the point where my boxes are good enough to sell and it's because of you I now am able to make a beautiful keepsake box. First box I made was your stupid easy box joint method but the ones I'm selling have miters with splines. Never got a good miter with my table saw so I finally tried my miter saw and perfect miters....can you believe that !
Isn't it a wonderful feeling when those joints match up perfectly! Glad to hear you are feeling good about your work. You may like this week's video because it's along this same topic.
Wow!! I’m going to make this my standard. I HATE miters! That’s not right. I love miters but they give me indigestion. Lol. This is going to relieve the stress. Thank you!!!!
That's oddly satisfying. Love your videos!! Keep going
Great video I’m going to try it. I’ve not had the best results with the electronic gauge.
Yeah, I know some people use them with good results, but mine is usually off by a half degree or more. That's no good.
Very helpful video. Appreciate you taking the time to explain every step of the process, helps a novice like me to become a better woodworker.
We're all trying to be better. I'm not an expert at anything, but I have to remember that we're all at different phases so I shouldn't assume that people know or don't know certain things.
Great video! My question is measuring for using the stop block based on the box dimensions- say it's a rectangle and not a square as in this case
Nice man, those are crisp and rad miters brother 👌
We're bringing rad back into the lexicon!
thank you very much , I learned ❤
I was struggling with this today. Thanks for some great tips. Will give it another go soon.
oof that was close! 🥶
I love my eyeballs 👍
Another tip I would add: Always wait for the blade to get to full speed.
Great Vid, especially for those starting out. Cheers
Thanks! It's important for me to remember that we're all in different places in our journey. Common knowledge to me isn't to someone else, and vice versa!
Awesome tips! I can't wait to give them a shot
Cool, hope you nail it 👊
Agree! Great video! I use a somewhat similar process but will generally cut 2 test pieces, join them with a piece of tape and check the inside for a 90 with a combination or engineers square. I've spent long periods of time trying to adjust with a digital gauge and it just doesn't come out right. I'm not saying the gauge is not accurate, but with all the other variables, it's hard to get a true 45 for box making. Maybe for rough framing work, but not boxes. People notice a gap in your miters much more than the ones that are perfect and you're most proud of. Also, the stop block serves the function of making pieces exactly the same length. If one piece is off 1/128", your miters won't close properly. They're close and my wife doesn't notice this variance, but I do!
I do the same thing sometimes. All that matters is that we are getting the results that we want. 👍
This is a great guide. So many cool tips.
Much appreciated!
That's great!
So I seen couple guys say 44.8 degrees and 45.5 degrees to make a ninety square? Any thoughts on how to eliminate gaps?
Good common sense advice. As I watch these videos I’ve noticed that the younger crowd has to have all the cool gadgets but they lack the ability to set up without their hi priced toys.
Good video and even better advice.
Question: I’m new to table saws. Can a riving knife be used with this process?
This is an excellent method, but there's a preparatory step that you failed to mention. The stock that you're mitering must be straight and flat. This is especially important if the stock is longer than the miter fence or table width. Slight curvature can change the angle by enough to leave gaps in the joints. Experienced woodworkers don't need to be reminded of this, but beginners often underestimate how sensitive joinery can be to how straight, flat, and square the stock is. That S4S lumber from the hardware chain stores is rarely good enough for precise joinery unless you're prepared to hand fit every joint.
Hie I saw another video says you go 45.5 when you set the angle to give you a perfect joint
What kind of blade is recommended for this kind of crosscutting?
100% not saying you're wrong and thank you for taking the time to make a video about this, but have you tried different angle gauges? I'd be curious to see how an angle gauge (at various price points) stacks up against known angles.
I admittedly haven't. I don't want to invest that much money into buying several. I could change my mind one day and test them. Until then I'm comfortable with this method.
This is a dumb question but here we go. Could you save a sacrificial fence with know miters cut in it to set the angel on your blade. Just line it up and when it goes though the cut you know it’s at the right angle. Blade off of course.
Not a dumb question at all. I've done this, but found that I still had too much margin for error. This might be a good guide to get you really close to 45 degrees but I'd still check it.
What is a good 10 inch blade for table saw?
I don't mean this to sound critical since I'm new at this but I noticed your blade is 3 to 4 times higher than what is normally suggested. Does that help with the miter or is it more for the camera?? I just got finished adjusting the 45 degree stop on my saw and throwing away a different style angle finder since my miters have been off a smidgen messing up my work pieces. Headed out now to follow this set up and practice while I still have hair to pull out. Lol
I typically set my blade so the teeth are slightly higher than the workpiece. Sometimes, I raise it higher so it's easier to see on camera.
Wouldn’t you recommend to set the blade at a hair more than 45degrees to make sure the outside edges touch? Some do recommend that technique
You could but I don't subscribe to that. Method. If I have the ability to set my blade at exactly a hair past 45 then I should simply set it at 45 and be done with it.
Is it possible to do a good mitre cut with a handheld circular saw where the base can be rotated?
I've seen quality cuts using a track saw. Can't speak for a regular circular saw.
Which blade do you prefer for these cuts? I have a diablo blade for crosscuts.
That should work great for you.
Long miter joints have always been a challenge for me. (12"+) Even though I'm cutting at exactly 45 degrees it seems to take a lot of clamp pressure to get them glued and tightly closed up at a consistent 90 degrees along the length. I'm wondering if it's good practice to cut just a hair greater then 45 degrees so the tips come together ever so slightly before the heel? (maybe 45.5 to 46 degrees??) I think the length causes more variance in the cutting process then shorter pieces and maybe the glue is a little thicker towards the heel and is causing more hydraulic pressure. Any special tips/techniques for making the long ones perfect?
Than*
Not then.
I hear you about those digital angle boxes - they can be all over the place, a single piece of wood dust can throw them off without you realizing...
When he said the thing about the eyeball, I felt that…
Stupid question. For a 45, why couldn't you use a speed square when initially setting the blade?
your video just yielded me one of those "duh" moments.....thank you, i think my miters will be perfect from now on.
I just use a mitre saw 👍👍 works fine for me. The table saw is too risky and not reliable 😎
What kind of wood was that?
It's sycamore.
The only drawback is the typical table saw only cuts to a height of 4” and if you are cutting something taller you cannot use this method
That's not true seeing that the board in the thumbnail is taller than that. Perhaps give it some thought and watch the video again.
Yeah, angle guages don't help.
😵 🥜 ‘s 👍
Good video, shame about the highly annoying background music. I will never understand the reason for adding it to great videos. I have tried hard to find a way of shutting it off. The iPad will not exclude it. Great Shame. Maybe it’s just me and my nerves. I can’t be the only one that hates background music ?
My miters are 💩