How to Make Woodworking Bevel Cut Jigs
Occasionally, a woodworking project may call for a bevel greater than 45 degrees on the edge of a board. This can be a problem, when most table saws will only cut up to a 45 degree angle. The solution is a bevel cutting jig. This jig can be simple or elegant in design, with the angle fixed or adjustable, but the basic premise is to hold the workpiece securely at an angle while it is being cut by the table saw blade.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 3/4" plywood, particle board or other stable, solid sheet material
- 1 board, 2x4, 8 feet in length
- Table saw
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Power drill, with drill bit for pilot holes and screw bit for driving screws
- Safety glasses
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the angle of cut needed on your workpiece and subtract that angle from 90. For instance, for a 75 degree angle cut on your workpiece, your jig will need to be angled 15 degrees from vertical.
-
2
Using your table saw, cut two pieces of plywood (or other sheet goods) to 18 inches by 30 inches in size. Cut the long edge of one of the pieces with a bevel at the angle determined in the previous step (in our case, 15 degrees).
-
-
3
Cut a piece of 2x4 to 30 inches in length, and rip a bevel on one edge using the same angle (15 degrees in our case).
-
4
Butt the angled edge of the beveled piece of plywood into the square, corresponding edge of the other board. Position the beveled piece of 2x4 inside the acute-angled boards and connect all with wood screws.
-
5
Using the remaining 2x4, fashion a brace to support the upper piece of plywood. The brace doesn't need to be pretty; it just needs to support the upper piece of plywood securely, keeping the angle of the jig true.
-
6
Position the bottom piece of plywood (opposite the angle) against the table saw's rip fence. Place the board to be cut onto the angled piece of plywood. Adjust the fence closer to or further from the blade to position the board precisely where the workpiece needs to be cut.
-
7
Pull the jig toward you until the entire apparatus is clear of the blade. Then, raise the saw blade (positioned vertically, at 90 degrees). Turn on the motor, and guide the jig and workpiece through the blade, keeping the base of the jig securely against the fence. When the workpiece has cleared the blade, turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop before removing the jig and workpiece.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear appropriate safety equipment when woodworking, especially safety glasses.
An adjustable jig can be fashioned using hinges at the point of the angle and an adjustable brace. The adjustable brace can be two boards with a movable point of connection, or a single board that slides along and is secured in a track in the bottom piece of plywood.
