How do you measure for a 45-degree miter cut?
Miter cuts are angled crosscuts, which most often measure 45 degrees. For a 45-degree cut, measure to the long end of the miter, and set your combination square or layout square on the mark. Draw the cut line.
How do you make perfect miter joints?
To assure tight fitting corners, set your saw (or miter box) to the desired angle and cut a pair of sample pieces. Put the pieces together and check it with the largest, most accurate square or angle gauge you have. If your cuts are off by only a degree or two, the resulting corner will show a visible gap.
What’s the best way to cut a miter joint?
Cut a back bevel on miter joints that are open in front but touching at the back (acompound miter cut). To create a back-beveled cut on a standard miter saw, place a pencil under the molding. If you have a compound miter cut box, tilt the blade a degree or two to cut the back bevel.
How to close the gap on a miter?
Close a gap on the top of a miter by placing a skinny shim (1/16 in. or less) against the portion of the fence farthest from the blade. Slide the molding tight to the shim and against the fence near the blade. Hold it in this position while you make the cut. Caution: Keep your fingers at least 6 in. from the path of the blade.
What’s the best way to make miters tighter?
Reduce the angle if the cut is open at the back. When the angle is correct, recut each board just to the outside of the marks before nailing them into place. When trim comes to a dead end—on window aprons or chair rail, for example—some trim carpenters just chop it off and nail it up.
What should I do with a compound miter cut box?
If you have a compound miter cut box, tilt the blade a degree or two to cut the back bevel. Occasionally window and door jambs end up slightly recessed, which causes trouble when it comes time to install trim. Correct minor level differences by either bashing in or cutting out the drywall along the edge of the jamb.