How to Cut a 15 Degree Angle on a Miter Saw Like a Pro
Are you up to a woodwork project or DIY work with a miter saw? Need variation on it? Well, it’s all about how you use the tool on the wood. Therefore, the angle cuts or miter cuts are significant to bring variation in woodworks now. Significantly, the professionals prefer the angles to do crown molding and small edge furniture. Hence, the 15-degree angle cuts best fit small wood jobs like a 2×4 ramp for your bike’s front or scraps. Now, how to cut a 15 degree angle on a miter saw?
You can have a smoother cut with a 15-degree angle, maintaining some steps. Here, we will help you with all you need to have the cut efficiently with safety. Have a look!
When should You Cut 15-degree Angle
Quick cutting on the angles- it’s the main attraction that made miter saw so popular. Hence the angles create an extra value on making your woodwork more precise. Therefore, a 15-degree angle on a miter saw also has its specialized projects. Here they are-
- Photo frames,
- Ramp for bikes,
- Door frames,
- Window frames,
- Shadow boxes and seals,
- Stand and holders,
- Coasters,
- Scrap boards,
- Bird feeders,
- Seeder planter, etc.
Things You Need to Do Before Cutting a 15 degree Angle
Every woodworking job needs perfection as the edges of the wood. There are some tasks to do when cutting angles on the wood, even for the pros. Here’s the checklist that you have to follow before jumping into the primary process.
The sub tools
A miter saw will be the primary tool on the wood for cutting angles. But you will need some other tools like measuring instruments, jig, etc., for perfect finishing. We will prefer you to use these tools,
- Piece of woods as per your measurements.
- Protractor.
- Pencil.
- Wood glue.
- Shim and jig (if needed).
The miter saw test
When you have all the tools, you can start checking whether your miter saw is ready. Go for a square or 90-degree cut on a board and see any deflection on the end grain. Hence no deflection means the blade has a smoother and straighter cut till the end.
Then have a jointing test on the two boards. Place the boards against each other on a flat platform. If you see any gap on the edges, it means the cut has an error. Because the gap can be two times bigger than what I see there.
The angle test
You can have an angle test if your miter saw passes its test. Firstly, make a 15-degree angle on a wood piece with a protractor and pencil. Have a cut on the wood as before on a flat platform. You can use a jig or shim here to check the accuracy precisely.
Check the edges and adjust the joints like the saw test. If it shows no gap and straight edges, then you are ready for the main process.
How to Cut a 15 Degree Angle on a Miter Saw – Step by step
A Miter saw cuts any angle on wooden pieces if you follow the exact steps to do it. Here’s the process you must follow to have a precise 15 degree angle.
Prepare the miter saw
Turn off the saw for at least half an hour after all tests. Then place it on the dedicated saw stand and lose the lock screws. Put the proper support for the timber or board with blocks or rail boards to make a level with the table.
Prepare the piece
Get an accurate measure of the places in the timber for the angle. Also, have a length measurement for the edges as well. Mark all the areas with a pencil.
Prepare the table
Put the timber with the support on the saw table or turntable. Pull the lever for navigation and grab the handle with a solid hand. Set the angle on the miter scale and turn on the saw table.
Then put the timber placing its end against the fence. Hence, you can use a piece of wood on the wall to avoid wobbling issues.
Start the cutting
Bring the blade closer to the pencil mark while keeping an eye on the miter scale. Move the turntable until it comes to the desired angle, which is 15-degree. Only after that, power on the trigger and slowly squeeze the blade on the timber.
You have to use the full speed of the miter saw to get a good cut. Also, listen to the motor sound carefully, whether it’s loud or not. When the loud sound comes, it means the machine is struggling there.
Finish it off
When you are done with the first piece, put the blade back in its normal position. Use the saw table back and forth for adjustment against the fence if needed. Cut all pieces like the first one and check the joint points after every piece. Lastly, glue the pieces to your desired DIY project length and put them in an airy place.
Safety Measures
In the US, every year a hefty amount of woodworking guys face injuries during their projects. Therefore, you need to maintain an efficient safety guide while cutting with the miter saw. Here it is-
- Always wear gloves and safety goggles when using the saw. Also, use ear protection and a dust mask if needed.
- Check the miter saw and the angle on the miter scale before every cut.
- Inspect the teeth of the blade to see if there is any damage issue in there.
- Clean all debris inside the miter saw and the saw table before setting the angle.
- Go through the surface of the table and the cradling fence if they are plain or not.
- Prepare the working place, especially the setting of the lights and tools needed.
- Do not put extra pressure on the blade when it’s working. It can make the cut inaccurate.
- Always tighten the clumps and the fence against timber so that it remains shake-free.
- Be aware of your position when you start cutting. Keep the hands away from the blade as much as possible.
- Check the angle and measurement every time and adjust the saw according to it.
Final Thoughts
Angle cuts create a versatile look even on the scraps. As we mentioned earlier, it’s easier when you know the proper use of your tool. Therefore, you have the perfect guide on how to cut a 15 degree angle on a miter saw here. Complete all the tests before having the final cuts. Also, follow the precautions during the process to finish it off safely.
So, keep up the angles in the cut!
