How do you cut an angle on a table saw?

Cutting angles on a table saw is a useful woodworking skill that allows you to make angled cuts for projects like picture frames, sloped surfaces, and much more. While it may seem daunting at first, cutting angles on a table saw is actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. In this article, we’ll walk through the entire process step-by-step.

What You Need

Before you can start cutting angles, you need to make sure you have the right tools and setup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Table saw – A standard table saw with an adjustable blade.
• Miter gauge – This attaches to the table saw and holds the wood at the desired angle.
• Test wood – Use scrap wood to test out your settings before cutting your final wood piece.
• Safety gear – Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and avoid loose clothing.

You’ll also need to know the exact angle you need to cut. This may be specified for a project, or you’ll need to figure it out yourself with some simple geometry. Having the right tools and knowing the angle is key before you can start cutting.

Adjusting the Blade Angle

The first step is setting the table saw blade to the required angle. Here’s how:

1. Make sure the saw is unplugged during adjustments.
2. Locate the blade tilt adjustment on the front of the saw. This control raises and angles the blade.
3. Loosen the tilt lock so the blade can be adjusted freely.
4. Set the blade tilt angle to match the desired angle you’ll be cutting. Use the angle gauge on the saw to help.
5. Lock the blade back in position once set.
6. Double check the blade angle with an angle finder tool.

This adjusts the blade so it will make the angled cut you need as wood passes through it. Most table saws allow you to tilt the blade up to 45-60 degrees, which covers most standard angled cuts.

Setting the Mitre Gauge

With the blade now angled correctly, you need to set up the miter gauge:

1. Loosen the miter gauge bar and slide it into the T-slot on the saw table.
2. Set the miter gauge to the angle you need. Most miter gauges allow up to 60 degrees left or right.
3. Secure the miter gauge angle by tightening the locking screw or knob.
4. Place the miter gauge near the front of the saw blade for safety.

The miter gauge will now guide the wood at the right angle through the blade to make the angled cut. It’s extremely important for safety to use the miter gauge when cutting any angle on the table saw.

Cutting the Angle

With the saw setup complete, you’re now ready to make the actual cut:

1. Turn on the saw and allow it to get up to full speed.
2. Position your test wood snugly against the miter gauge at the desired width.
3. Hold the wood firmly against the gauge as you gently push it through the blade.
4. Make slow, steady passes for best control and cleanest cuts.
5. Repeat with your final wood piece when satisfied with the test cut.

Remember to always feed the wood with the miter gauge, keep your hands at least 6 inches from the blade, and use a push stick for narrower pieces. Go slow for the safest, best results.

Tips for Great Angled Cuts

Follow these tips to master angled table saw cuts:

• Use a stop block – Clamp a block to the miter gauge to ensure all cuts are the exact width.
• Check for blade drift – Blade angles can sometimes cause the wood to drift. Adjust fence if needed.
• Support long boards – For longer wood pieces, use rollers and support stands to prevent sagging.
• Use a backing board – When cutting all the way through wood, position a board behind to reduce tear-out.

Common Angled Cuts

Here are some of the most common angled cuts and their uses:

Cut	Angle	Use
Mitre	45 degrees	Picture frames, trim, boxes
Bevel	30-60 degrees	Table aprons, sloped surfaces
Compound Mitre	Varies	Crown molding, complex frames

With some practice and testing on scrap material first, you’ll be able to cut any type of angle successfully on the table saw.

Safety Tips

Cutting any angles on a table saw comes with some inherent risks. Follow these tips for maximum safety:

• Use push sticks and featherboards to keep hands away from the blade.
• Make sure the wood is stable and flat on the saw table before cutting.
• Don’t force the cut or remove wood before the blade fully stops.
• Pay attention and don’t get distracted when cutting.
• Keep your saw maintenance up to date and blade sharp.

Rushing through angled cuts or ignoring safety measures can easily lead to kickback or binding and increase your risk of injury. Take your time and focus for best results.

Troubleshooting Issues

Here are solutions for some common problems when cutting angles:

Blade Leaves Burn Marks

The blade is likely moving too slowly or dull. Increase blade speed and sharpen or replace blade.

Rough Cuts

Feed wood slower, check blade sharpness, use a riving knife, or reduce blade tilt angle slightly.

Wood Pulls to One Side

The fence may be misaligned. Check closely for parallel and readjust as needed.

Miter Gauge Slips

Clean the T-slot, lubricate it, and tighten miter gauge appropriately.

Conclusion

Cutting angles on a table saw requires careful setup, the right tools, and practicing safety habits. Adjust the blade angle and miter gauge correctly, make test cuts first, and feed wood slowly. With patience and experience, precise angled table saw cuts will become second nature.