Miter Box Instructions

Miter boxes are used for making angled cuts in wood, plastic and metal. They range from simple hand boxes with angles pre-cut to adjustable power miter boxes. Simple, less expensive miter boxes work well for simple projects that don't require cutting a lot of miters. Circular saw-based miter boxes work best for larger projects that require the cutting of many miters.

Preset Hand Miter Boxes

The least expensive and easiest to use miter box consists of a plastic, metal or wood frame with slots pre-set to various common miter angles. Use the box by placing the item to be sawn in the box. Next, place the saw in the proper slots for the desired angle. Depending on the type of saw used, this type of miter box can be used to cut a variety of different materials, including wood, plastic and metal.

Adjustable Hand Miter Boxes

Adjustable miter boxes can be used for virtually any miter angle. These miter boxes are a little more expensive than simple boxes and most work primarily with wood saws. Some are packaged with a saw optimized to the design of the box. When using this box, calculate the angles for the desired miter, then rotate the blade guide until the desired angle is indicated on the scale. Put the wood in the miter box and cut the miter.

Power Miter Boxes

Power miter boxes include an integrated circular saw. Designed for heavier use, these boxes can be fitted with different circular saw blades for cutting wood, plastic, metal and even masonry, depending upon the model. Use this saw by calculating the angle to be cut and place the material to be cut on the miter. Make sure all shields and guards are in place, then turn on the saw and cut the miter.

References

• Using a Miter Box for Cutting Baseboards
• Miter Box Tips and Use
• Use of the Miter Box

Resources

• How to Use a Miter Box and Saw