How To Cut A 45-Degree Angle With A Circular Saw Step-by-Step
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Many square joints can be made using 45-degree angles cuts, which not all tools can perform. Its a widely-used technique for different trimming projects, but can you do it using circular saws?
Rather than doing a trial and error by yourself, you should learn how to cut a 45-degree angle with a circular saw properly, which our woodworkers will show in this guide.
Bevel Vs. Miter 45-Degree Cuts
Most circular saws are capable of executing bevel and miter cuts. It is important to be aware of the differences before you begin cutting.
You will need to work with the square side of the board if you are going to perform a miter cut. You must complete the entire cut from the top of the wood to the bottom.
You can also make a 45-degree bevel cut across the face of the wood. If you want accurate cuts, you must only begin cutting when both wood pieces are in a 90-degree cut line.
Tools And Materials You Will Need
- Speed Square
- Clamps
- Measurement tape
- Sanding Paper
- Circular Saw
- Wood Board
- Depth-Adjusting Lever
Method #1: Make A 45-Degree Bevel With A Circular Saw (Length & Width).
Step 1: Draw The Cutting Line
A perfectly aligned circular saw blade will allow you to achieve a straight bevel angle cut. We suggest using a speed square so that you can measure and mark the cut line on the work surface.
Its a pretty straightforward process, so you must carefully line the wood board for a cleaner cut.
Step #2: Clamp The Square
Once you have measured and marked the cut line using a speedsquare, it is time to place the circular saw on the piece of wood. Align the line that you have drawn earlier with the kerf indicator located near the saws‘ shoe.
You can choose from either the 0 or 45-degree options if you look closely. Were choosing the latter if you want an accurate angle.
Next, put the speed square next to the shoe and clamp them together. It will serve as an angle guide to get the perfect cut.
Step 3: Adjust The Depth And Bevel Of Your Circular Saws
To cut 45-degree angles, you must adjust the bevel angle and cutting depth through the adjustment knob. Depending on what kind of circular saw, you can set the blade angle could be set in detents like 45-degree or 22.5-degree.
Once the circular saw is adjusted to a 45 degree angle, adjust the depth adjusting knob. This will allow the saw blade to stick out slightly beneath the wood surface. If you are aiming to make a rough cut, this is not advisable.
Step #4: Cut Away
You can avoid any inaccuracies by ensuring that the shoe is firmly pressed against the straight edge on the speed square.
Carefully guide the circular saw as you cut the wood to prevent twisting tendencies that might cause your tool to stir away from the intended 45-degree angle.
Step #5: Sand The Edges
To prevent splinters, make 45-degree cuts on the woodboard.
Method #2: Making A 45-Degree Miter With A Circular Saw
Step 1: Draw The Trimming Line
To make perfect cuts, use a pencil and speed square as you did in the previous method. Double check the squares edge and ensure that youre marking it at exactly 45 degrees.
Step #2: Clamp The Square
You should not use the beveling method. Instead, place the circular saw on top of the wood surface.
Once thats done, ensure that the squares bottom is against the shoes edge before clamping them. This will serve as an angle guide when you do the miter cut.
Step #3: Set Your Circular Saws Blade Depth
You don’t need to adjust the bevel angles for a mitersaw. The blade will slice the wood perpendicularly, just like a mitersaw. It would be best if you slid the blade guard back before pushing it against the wood.
The blade depth must also extend around -inch over the materials bottom or overall thickness.
Step 4: Take The Scissors Away
Again, dont forget to check the speed squares straight edge alignment before slicing away. You can retract the blade guard from the circular saw to prevent any resistance during the cut.
Step #5: Polish Your Cut
After the material has been cut, sand the edge. This can be done with a standard sandpaper, or a wood file.
Method #3: Making A 45 Degree Compound Miter With A Circular Saw
Step 1: Draw The Trimming Line
It doesnt matter if youre making pieces for a window trim or cupboard-the reality is you need speed squares and pencils to mark the area youll be cutting with the blade.
Step #2: Position The Square
The indicator line will show you if your tools shoe is aligned at 45 degrees angles. To guide the blade when making compound miter cuts, the square edge of the shoe must be against it.
Step #3: Set Your Saws Bevel Angle And Depth
In the front part of the circular saw, you should be able to set the bevel knobs to 45 degrees. Our team also advises changing the blade depth configurations so that it can reach below the woods surface.
Step 4: Take The Scissors Away
Slowly point the blades edge towards the line that you have marked earlier. Keep your focus on the saw base plate, and see to it that it doesnt wobble until the compound miter cut is achieved.
Protective gear should also be worn during the process. Given that a circular saw runs with a sharp blade and produces dust, adding an extra layer of protection is necessary.
Step #5: Sand
Lastly, grab a sanding paper or wood pile to smoothen the wood boards edges. You must first unplug the saw and then set it aside to avoid any accidental blade contact.
You Can Also Make A 45 Degree Cut With Your Circular Saw.
T-Bar
Attach a T-bar to your power saw to adjust the position of the tools so they can align. This method will not produce the best output if it isn’t set at the right angle.
Miter Box
If you have a 210 cm miter box, that could aid you in cutting 45-degree cuts with a circular saw. It lessens the chances of errors when cutting wooden boards and plywood sheets.
Straight Edge Guide
You can’t accurately cut 45 angles without an angle guide, admit it.
To keep the material firm, you can clamp its straight edges.
Tips For Precise And Clean Cuts
- Cut a bit over the marked cut line and sand it down if its too big
- For precise cuts, use both hands to operate the circular saw
- Dont put too much pressure on the circular saw blade
- Ensure that the base plate doesnt wobble during the cut
- If possible, use a circular saw with a LED light and dust collection port
Conclusion
At some point, a good woodworker needs to learn how to cut a 45-degree angle with a circular saw, especially if you have limited tools in the workshop.
However, our woodworkers still urge you to do a trial run with scrap materials, as this could be a tricky cutting technique to execute with this saw blade.
