A table saw is one of the most versatile and commonly used woodworking tools. With the right blades and setup, table saws can perform a wide variety of cuts, including crosscuts, rips, dados, rabbets, and others. One question that often comes up is whether a table saw can be used to cut angles and miter cuts.
Page Contents
The Short Answer
Yes, table saws can absolutely be used to cut angles and miters. While a miter saw or compound miter saw is often the first tool that comes to mind for angled cuts, a properly equipped table saw works just as well. With the right jigs, sleds, and setup, accurate and repeatable angled cuts can be made on a table saw.
Using a Miter Gauge
The most basic way to cut an angle on a table saw is with a miter gauge. A miter gauge is a guide that fits into the miter slot on a table saw and can be adjusted to different angles. Here are the steps for using a miter gauge to cut angles:
- Adjust the miter gauge to the desired angle using the angle scale.
- Place the workpiece flat against the fence of the miter gauge.
- Feed the workpiece through the blade using the miter gauge to guide it at the set angle.
- Make sure the workpiece remains tight against both the gauge fence and table throughout the cut.
Miter gauges allow you to cut standard angles such as 45 and 60 degrees. For increased accuracy, use a miter gauge with fine adjustment screws for dialing in the angle.
Using a Miter Saw Sled
For frequent angled cuts or compound miters, a miter saw sled is a very useful jig. A sled rides in the miter slot like a miter gauge but has an adjustable platform for holding the workpiece at an angle.
Benefits of a table saw miter sled include:
- More support for the workpiece than a miter gauge.
- Enhanced accuracy with stops and fine angle adjustments.
- Safer to use versus individual miter gauge cuts.
- Capability to cut repetitive angles quickly.
With an adjustable fence and angle scale, a sled lets you dial in angles precisely. Many sleds allow compound miter cuts with angles in both the horizontal and vertical planes.
Using an Angled Crosscut Jig
An angled crosscut jig is another handy accessory for angle cutting. This device clamps to the saw fence and provides an angled channel for guiding the workpiece. Here are some benefits of using an angled crosscut jig:
- Very accurate angled cuts.
- Clean cuts with the workpiece firmly supported.
- Quick setup once the jig is clamped down.
- Safer than using a miter gauge.
Angle crosscut jigs are available premade or can be shop built. Attach it to the fence at the needed angle and feed workpieces through to cut exact angles repeatedly.
Tilt the Blade
Another approach to cutting angles on a table saw is tilting the blade itself to the desired angle. Then feed the workpiece perpendicular to the table through the tilted blade using the rip fence. The advantages of tilting the blade for angled cuts include:
- No accessories needed – uses the standard rip fence.
- Unlimited angle range capacity.
- Cleaner cuts since the workpiece is perpendicular to the blade.
The main downside is that the resulting cut will not be a true 90 degree angle since the workpiece is tilted relative to the blade. But for many non-precision angled cuts, tilting the blade works well.
Considerations for Angle Cutting on a Table Saw
Here are some tips to keep in mind when cutting angles on a table saw:
- Use a fine-tooth blade for clean cuts and minimum tear-out.
- Keep the workpiece securely pressed against guides when cutting.
- Take light passes, avoiding excessive pressure that can twist the workpiece.
- Check the cut angle with a protractor or angle finder to confirm accuracy.
- Use stop blocks to ensure consistent angles when cutting multiples.
- Clamp workpieces in place before cutting when possible.
Cutting angles greater than 45 degrees can put more force against the blade, so take extra precautions against kickback. Also be aware of which way the waste piece will fall away as the cut proceeds.
Example Angled Cuts for a Table Saw
Here are some common examples of angle cuts that can be performed safely and accurately on a table saw:
| Cut | Description | Table Saw Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Miter joints | Cutting wood stock to assemble frames at angled corners. | Miter gauge or sled at desired angles. |
| Bevels | Cutting simple angles along the edge of boards. | Tilting blade or miter gauge. |
| Compound miters | Cutting wood both vertically and horizontally. | Table saw sled with compound angles. |
| Angle splines | Cutting angled grooves to insert splines. | Dado blade tilted or angled jig. |
With the proper accessories and techniques, table saws can handle just about any type of angled cutting task.
Cutting Angles Without a Table Saw
It’s worth noting that while a table saw can cut miters and angles, it is not the only option. Here are some other common tools used for angle cutting:
- Miter saw – The preferred tool for most angle cutting tasks.
- Compound miter saw – Allows for tilting both vertically and horizontally.
- Jigsaw – Cuts tight curves and scrolling cuts.
- Circular saw – Portable angled cutting with a guide.
- Router – Using a chamfer or angled bit.
Even with other tools available, many woodworkers appreciate having the flexibility to cut angles on their table saw. The right jigs and sleds make it almost as convenient as using a miter saw in many cases.
Choosing the Best Table Saws for Angled Cuts
Nearly any table saw can cut basic angles with a miter gauge. But certain models and features make angle cutting safer and more precise. Here are some things to look for if you plan to regularly cut angles on a table saw:
- Large table surface – More support for longer workpieces.
- Miter gauge slots – Ideally both left and right of the blade.
- Precise fence – For accuracy when tilting the blade.
- Easy tilt mechanism – Quick angle adjustments.
- Large tilt capacity – To cut extreme angles.
Other useful features include an adjustable miter gauge, built-in stops, and the capacity to use a crosscut sled. High-end cabinet saws typically have the best combination of these features.
Top Table Saw Picks for Angled Cuts
Here are some excellent table saw options to consider if you anticipate significant mitering and angle cutting:
| Table Saw | Key Angled Cutting Features |
|---|---|
| SawStop Professional Cabinet Saw | – Large table size – Dual miter slots – Smooth bevel adjustment |
| Powermatic PM1000 | – 50 degrees left/right tilt – Digital angle readout – Built-in miter stops |
| Shop Fox W1837 | – 58 degree tilt capacity – Cam lock miter gauge -udget-friendly price |
| Grizzly G0690 | – Parallelogram tilt mechanism – Left tilt model – Compatible with sleds |
Conclusion
While a table saw may not be the first tool that comes to mind, it is more than capable of performing accurate angle and miter cuts. The right jigs and techniques allow a table saw to handle most angled cutting tasks that would otherwise require a miter saw. With a little practice and the proper accessories, cutting angles on a table saw can become second nature.
Focus on safe setups and light passes, and your table saw will be an versatile, angled-cutting machine. By expanding the abilities of your table saw, you can save space and investment in your shop while still achieving professional-quality miters.