Whether you’re building a study table or a garage table, frames or fences, one factor always remains the same: a square joint. And, when it comes to making square joints, you’ll almost always need to use a 45-degree angle.
As a result, knowing how to cut a 45 degree angle with a circular saw is required for most woodworking projects at home or in workshops. A circular saw is an essential tool for woodworking, as it allows you to swiftly reach your intended finish.
Creating a 45-degree cut using a circular saw may seem daunting, but with time and effort, anyone can excel at making this cut.
A circular saw can make two types of 45-degree angle cuts: bevel cuts or miter cuts. In this article, we’ll explain how to make both.
This technique can cut anything, like window trim, baseboards, door trim, and more.
Things you’ll require:
- A circular saw
- A sacrificial sheet
- Masking tape
- A level or straight edge
- Speed square
- Pencil
- A couple of clamps
- A sand paper or a rasp
3 Ways of Cutting a 45-degree Angle using a Circular Saw
You can make three different types of cuts using a 45-degree circular saw.
1. A Bevel Cut at 45 degrees (Lengthwise)
Here, we’ll demonstrate how to utilize a circular saw in order to create an angle cut of 45 degrees.
- Begin by putting the sacrificial sheets on the surface to be used. The sacrificial sheets are intended to shield the work area from the saw’s blade.
- Set the sacrificial sheet on top of the wood to be cut.
- Apply masking tape to the area you want to make the mark. This is so that the tape will keep splinters out when you cut the wood.
- With a pencil and a speed square, draw the outline over the tape.
- Measure and indicate the offset length between the edge of the saw shoe and the saw blade once the mark has been made.
- Next, this offset distance should be transferred to the wood to be cut.
- Put a level or a straight edge near the drawn point, and secure it with a clamp. As you make the cut, the straight edge will steer the circular saw in a straight path.
- The circular saw blade will line properly with the mark since the offset distance was copied into the wood.
- Make sure both the edges and middle of the piece are secured and clamped.
- To free the blade and alter the angle, unscrew the screw near the saw’s angle indicator.
- Utilizing the indicator on your circular saw, you can adjust the angle of the blade using the angle indicator provided.
- Here, the angle should be fixed to 45 degrees.
- The depth of the saw blade should be adjusted to the thickness of the wood you want to saw.
- Start cutting using the speed square clamped as a guide. Cutthe wood until the wood piece is separated into two pieces.
- Add finishing touches with sanding paper or a rasp.
2. Bevel Cutting at a 45 Degree Angle (Along the Width)
- Begin by putting the sacrificial sheets on the surface to be used.
- Set the sacrificial sheet on top of the wood to be cut.
- Apply masking tape to the area you want to make the mark. This is so that the tape will keep splinters out when you cut the wood.
- Utilizing a pencil and a speed square, draw an outline on the tape.
- Measure and indicate the offset length between the edge of the saw shoe and the saw blade once the mark has been made.
- Next, this offset distance should be transferred to the wood to be cut.
- After putting a level so that it is aligned to the lines, clamp it down using a clamp along with the wood.
- Make sure both the edges and middle of the piece are secured and clamped.
- To free the blade and alter the angle, unscrew the screw near the saw’s angle indicator until the blade can move fluidly.
- Utilizing the indicator on your circular saw, you can adjust the angle of the blade using the angle indicator provided.
- Here, the angle should be fixed to 45 degrees
- Start cutting using the speed square clamped as a guide. Cutthe wood until the wood piece is separated into two pieces.
- Give the final touches with a sanding paper or a rasp.
3. Miter Cutting at 45 degrees
- Begin by putting the sacrificial sheets on the surface to be used. The sacrificial sheets are intended to shield the work area from the saw’s blade.
- Set the sacrificial sheet on top of the wood to be cut.
- Apply masking tape to the area you want to mark.This is so that the tape will keep splinters out when you cut the wood.
- Now you must mark the miter cut line on the piece of wood.
- Before you start drawing the line, place masking tape on where you want to draw your mark.
- Draw a mark on the tape using a speed square and a pencil along the lines you want to miter cut.
- Make sure you utilize the angled edge of the speed square when marking the 45-degree line.
- Because it is at 45 degrees, you don’t require the aid of a protractor.
- Measure and indicate the offset length between the edge of the saw shoe and the saw blade once the mark has been made.
- Next, this offset distance should be transferred to the wood to be cut.
- After adjusting your speed square in line with the mark, secure it to the wood with a clamp.
- Verify that you can see that the edge of your saw lies within the marking line.
- Make sure both the edges and middle of the piece are secured and clamped.
- The depth of the saw blade should be adjusted to the thickness of the wood you want to saw.
- Start cutting using the speed square clamped to serve as a guide. Completely cut the wood until the point where the wood piece is split into two pieces.
- Give your finishing touches with a sanding pad or a rasp.
Tips for Precision and Safety
- When altering the position of the blade, make sure the saw isn’t plugged in.
- When cutting, use a razor blade. Sharpening the blade is worthwhile for the smoother finish you’ll achieve.
- Before you start altering the depth, make sure it’s down. This will help you determine the cutting point effortlessly.
- To avoid harm from kickback, never stay directly behind or right next to the spinning blade. When the end of the saw blade grabs control of the wood and the saw bounces back, this is known as kickback. Kickback is incredibly unsafe and should be avoided at all costs.
- Masking tape prior to cutting can prevent splinters from occurring.
- When your circular saw is operating, ensure it is steady, but don’t attempt to pull it back onto the line if it drifts off.
- Using too much force on the wood can result in pinch points.
Our Final Thoughts
An angle of 45 degrees is vital to join edges when creating furniture. While a table saw, miter saw, or a jigsaw can be used for this, a circular saw is the best choice. Once you’ve learned how to cut a 45 degree angle using a circular saw, the woodworking experience will become more relaxing and comfortable.
We hope that this guide proved helpful to you!
