How to Use A Miter Box

Carpenters use miter boxes to guide their saw when they want to make an angle cut before joining two pieces of wood. Most miter boxes contain slots to make cuts at 90-degree angles and 45-degree angles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Miter box
• Scrap wood
• Backsaw

1. Measure the wood carefully and mark the desired angle before cutting.

2. Position a piece of scrap wood on the bottom of the miter box. As you saw through the material, the scrap prevents any damage to the miter box.

3. Lay the material for your project in the miter box, supporting it against the wall farther from you. Hold it firmly.

4. Choose the guide in the miter box for your cut. If you don't have a standard 90-degree or 45-degree angle, you can create them by marking the miter box and sawing across the sides.

5. Insert the backsaw in the groove, and cut the material for your joint.

Tips & Warnings

• To cut a 2 by 4 inch board, measure 4 inches down the side of the board and draw a diagonal line to the end. This is an easy way to mark a 45-degree angle. Apply the same principle to other sizes.
• Create your own guide in a wooden miter box for an angle other than 45 or 90 degrees. If you need a 65-degree angle, mark the miter box. Saw across the sides of the miter box to make a 65-degree guide. Then cut your materials.
• Use a wedge or shim in the miter box if you need only a small adjustment in the angle. Fasten the wedge securely with a nail or staple. Hold the material firmly against the wedge while cutting.

Resources

• Join discussions about woodworking projects.