So you’re working on a project and the plans call for a 60-degree angle. No problem you think…until you go to your miter saw and realize it only goes to 45 or 50 degrees.
Luckily there’s a simple way to make cuts on a miter saw that are greater than 50 degrees. This method works whether you need 55, 60, 85, or any angle in between!
All you need is a miter saw and some scrap wood. I would also recommend a hot glue gun, but that’s optional.
Alright, let’s dive in and talk about how to cut a 60-degree angle on the miter saw!
We’ll use the 60-degree angle as an example, but remember, you can use this for any angle between 45-90 degrees.
STEP 1: CUT A GUIDE BOARD
Grab a piece of scrap wood, I would recommend a 1×6 if you have one available and chop off the end with a 45-degree miter angle.
STEP 2: SET YOUR ANGLE
If you want to cut a 60-degree angle, you’ll want to set your miter saw to 15-degrees.
To determine this, simply subtract your desired angle by the 45-degrees you cut your guide board to in step 1. Ex: 60-45=15
STEP 3: SECURE YOUR GUIDE BOARD
Using a hot glue gun, we applied a few dabs of hot glue to the back of our guide board and them placed the straight edge up against the fence of the miter saw.
Gluing the guide board in place is an added step I like to take so that I’m not worried about keeping the guide board flush with the fence in addition to keeping the board I’m cutting flush with the guide.
Gluing it in place will prevent you from being able to adjust the angle though, so make sure you have your angle set properly prior to gluing down the guide board.
STEP 4: MAKE YOUR CUT
Line the board you want to cut up with the angled guide board. Now when you make your “15-degree” cut, it will result in a 60-degree angle.
Make sure you’re well aware of your hand placement and that you keep your hand far from the blade! You can also clamp your board in place as you cut it.
STEP 5: REMOVE YOUR GUIDE
Once you’re done making your cuts, pry your guide board off of the miter saw. The great thing about hot glue is that it temporarily keeps things in place, but won’t damage your saw when you remove it.
There you have it! Now you know how to cut an 60-degree angle (or more) on a miter saw!
You might also enjoy this post on how to cut small pieces of wood on the miter saw.
If you’re new to woodworking, check out this woodworking for beginners post. We share how to get started and 7 things we wish we would’ve known when starting out! No need to make the same mistakes we did.
