How to Make Angled Bevel Cuts with a Miter Saw

A compound miter saw lets you cut just about any angle or combination of angles that you might need for trim or other projects. There are four basic types of cuts that a compound miter saw can make: A straight 90-degree cut; a mitered cut that angles across the face of the wood; a beveled cut that angles through the thickness of the wood; and an angled bevel (also known as a compound miter), in which both the face and thickness of the wood are cut at angles. Compound miters are useful for complex trimwork and take some practice to get right.

Things You'll Need

• Wood
• Pencil
• Tri-square
• Tape measure
• Compound miter saw

Instructions

1. Mark the cut you want on your wood, using your tri-square to put lines on the face and edge of the board. Lay the wood flat on the platform of the saw, with the mark for your cut directly under the blade.

2. Swivel the blade to the miter angle you want by pulling on the release in front of the platform and pushing it either left or right. You can position the miter angle over your line, or use the readings on the saw to set an exact numeric angle.

3. Release the lever that tilts the blade, which is generally is located behind the saw. Tilt the blade in the desired direction and use the readings on the saw to set the desired tilt angle.

4. Hold the wood steady. Squeeze and hold the trigger on the saw and get it spinning at full speed before you bring it down on the wood. Cut in one smooth, steady downward motion.

5. Bring the blade back up out of the wood and release the trigger. Don't attempt to retrieve the wood until the blade has stopped spinning.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear eye protection when cutting with your miter saw. Never put your hand on or under the blade when the machine is plugged in.

References

• Types of cuts.