How to Figure Angles for Cutting Wood

How to Figure Angles for Cutting Wood

Are you having difficulty with cutting angles on your wood? Well, you are not the only person who does not know how to figure angles on wood. This shouldn’t frustrate you though since this task is quite easy to learn.

Most carpenters and woodworkers use a hands-on method for figuring angles, commonly naming them as miter angles. Having an average miter saw can help you cut angles easily. However, you will find it interesting to know that there are a few methods when planning to figure angles for cutting wood.

If you want to know the basic way of figuring angles for cutting wood, this article can lead you to a detailed tutorial. Read on and find out how to start the task. After checking the discussions below, you can say that this is worthy of your time and attention.

What Do You Need to Follow this Tutorial?

Before you proceed with the implementation of the steps featured in the tutorial, there are some things that you need to prepare first:

Tools and Supplies

Obviously, you should be ready with your wood as this will be your main subject in the tutorial. You are free to choose whatever kind of wood you want to use, although, for this tutorial, we have considered that the wood to be used is not cut at 90 degrees.

You will also need some tools and supplies as you go on with the steps. Get ready with a carpenter square, hand saw, and vice. You should prepare a sharpened pencil, and tape measure. Some of these items are already available in your workplace so you do not have to buy a new one. In case you do not have them in your area, you do not have to worry about their costs because they are typically cheap.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Figuring angles for cutting wood can be done through simple steps. As you begin this tutorial, you must carefully review the instructions and make sure that your execution is correct. Don’t worry though because these steps are very easy to follow. Here are the steps on how to figure angles for cutting wood:

Step #1 Label the Measurements on the Wood

URL: https://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2012/11/09/common-rafter-framing/

The first step is to create a marking on the wood with the use of your pencil. Secure the tape measure on one end and label the needed dimension.

You may have noticed that woods that are purchased from a store is commonly a 90-degree cut. However, you might want to confirm it by using a carpenter square. In case you find out that the cut is not 90 degrees, then you need to perform steps 2 to 3. These steps will not take long though.

Step #2 Label the Top Portion while using a Carpenter Square

URL: https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Cut-Wood-Square-by-Hand-or-With-a-Miter-Saw

What is the use of the carpenter square? Your carpenter square will help you create a right-angle marking across your material. You may also want to get a triangle or an engineered square for the task. Firmly hold the handle of your carpenter square against your wood while you are drawing the mark. For the best approach, you must stick the end of the pencil on the initial marking when measuring. Smoothly move the carpenter square until it meets the tip of the pencil, then proceed to mark with the square.

Continue marking the vertical sides of your wood as you will use it later as a guide.

Step #3 Firmly Hold the Wood and Begin Cutting it with your Hand Saw

URL: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-use-a-hand-saw/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90168cad279

In case you have an available vice, use it to firmly hold the wood while you are sawing. Simply follow the marking drawn by your pencil on the vertical sides of the wood when sawing. Keep the blade of the saw straight. You may also want to use your knees to hold down the wood.

For your safety, keep your thumb away just in case the hand saw slides.

Conclusion

Wood is a common material in most interiors and structures. You may have learned already that it is important that we know how to cut woods at angles to limit waste. Learning how to figure angles for cutting wood is quite easy. There are actually several methods you can use when trying to figure angles, but this tutorial focuses on using a hand saw. Checking the step-by-step instructions above, you can say that the task does not require an expert hand. All you need is the right tool and understanding of the steps that are shared in the tutorial.

A nice wooden piece begins with creating the right cuts so that the entire piece can catch up with minimal gaps. Moreover, it is also recommended that you invest in measuring devices and tools so that you can work with your wood easily and have more fun.


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  1. […] cutting wood planks to size using a circular saw, make sure that the blade depth matches the thickness of the […]

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