How to Make a Miter Box

A miter box is a handy tool used to guide your handsaw when making precise cuts. Slots cut in the box at precise angles guide your saw blade to ensure a perfect cut every time. Although you can buy a miter box at any hardware store, you can also quickly make your own with scrap wood. Follow these steps to easily make a miter box.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scrape Wood
• Hammer
• Nails
• Combination Square
• Pen
• Handsaw

1. Find three pieces of scrap wood that at are least the necessary length and height you require for your miter box. A good choice is 1-by-4 inch boards.

2. Cut the three boards the same length. You can cut them any length that is useful for your project. Longer boards will accommodate more guides.

3. Lay one board flat, and stand the other two boards on their long edge. Nail the two upright boards to either side of the flat board, forming a U shape.

4. Measure each desired angle using a combination square and mark the cuts to be made on the miter box. You can measure any angle you need for your project, but 45-degree angles and 90-degree angles are the most common.

5. Use a handsaw to carefully cut each marked angle. Cut through the sideboards to (but not through) the bottom baseboard.

6. Nail small strips of wood across the top opening of the miter box, if desired, to provide additional strength.

Tips & Warnings

• Homemade miter boxes are a great option if you are cutting unique angles or odd-size materials. You are not restricted to the standard sizes and angles of store-bought miter boxes.
• When your miter box cuts begin to widen and wear, simply make a new box with whatever scrap wood is available.
• The cuts made with your miter box are only as good as the first cut. Make sure you measure and cut carefully.

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on 7/30/2009 8 on a 1-10 scale