If you are adding baseboard or molding in your home, 22.5 degree angles might frequently be required, and in this post, I am here to teach you how to cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter saw.
Also, if you’re wondering how to cut a 22.5 degree angle without a miter saw, it’s not necessary, as cutting a standard corner is simple with a miter saw. Cutting an acute angle, like 45 and 22.5 degrees, with a hand saw can be more difficult.
Miter saws are perfect for projects requiring octagonal features, trim work, or construction of anything requiring fewer acute angles.
Although most walls turn at a 90 degree angle, it is not unusual for walls in some rooms to be at a 22.5 degree angle.
You must cut a piece of wood at a 45 degree angle on the baseboard and cut it into two pieces at a 22.5 degree angle. Cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter box to make these cuts quickly and precisely.
Let’s now discover how to cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter saw.
Why Use a Miter Saw?
Miter saws are useful tools for cutting corners in woodworking.
Having a tabletop miter saw in your toolbox gives you the following benefits:
- It has sharp angles with accuracy and style.
- It is easy to use; even a beginner may use it quickly with the proper precautions.
- It offers performance that saves time.
- A miter saw cuts broadly and can handle massive workpieces more quickly.
- You can save both money and time by not using additional tools like miter boxes and bevel gauges because a miter saw has a wide range of cutting options.
- In addition to cutting wood, miter saws can be used to cut low-carbon steel, plastic, and various metals.
Now, let’s talk about some safety tips.
Preparation & Safety Tips!
Are miter saws built for proper safety?
Absolutely, yes!
However, there are safety measures you must take before using a miter saw to cut angles, such as:
- Use safety equipment to protect your ears (with hearing protection), eyes, face, and airways (with goggles and a face shield).
- Use a clean, well-lit surface. Your working surface should only contain your miter saw and your workpiece.
- Use clean and well-maintained tools. Keep a well-maintained surface of the active parts of your miter saw by regularly cleaning off any dirt, dust, or stains.
- Perform regular checks, keep the blades sharp, and never use the saw if something doesn’t seem right.
- It is not sufficient to just lay the piece flush against the fence. Use clamps to secure it and keep it away from wobbling.
- Put your face, hands, arms, or hair far away from the active blade.
- Do not work on the floor or any surface lower than your waist.
- When the saw is operating, do not make any adjustments.
- Never let go of the grip and trigger switch.
- Do not remove the workpiece before the blade is entirely still.
- Avoid wearing jewelry and loose-fitting clothes.
- Do not work with any parts having visible faults or foreign items, especially near the blade.
These safety precautions are very important, but the list is far from complete. For more details, please consult your miter saw’s manual.
Related article: How to Tighten Circular Saw Blade? | A Step-By-Step Guide!
Things to Collect Before Starting!
Here I have listed a few items to collect before you begin the project.
These materials are necessary since they significantly improve the task’s level of perfection. The supplies you’ll need for the project are listed below:
- A miter saw (10 or 12 inches)
- Suitable woodworking blade of your choice
- A tool for confirming angles
- A piece of wood to cut
Let’s talk about some angles.
Knowing About the Miter Saw’s Angles
Most beginners have trouble determining the proper miter saw angle. You must know how it functions; once you do, you can complete the task properly.
I am here to explain how to use a miter saw to determine the right angle.
You are already aware that the miter saw features a rotating table with adjustable angles. In addition, the table has a knob that locks it, making it impossible to turn it unless you want to.
The typical angles are as follows:
Crosscut:
Crosscut is a straight 90 degree cut made on the workpiece.
How can you make one?
You can make a 90 degree cut by securing the object against the miter saw’s fence before bringing the blade down.
There is no need to tilt the blade because it is already at the right angle.
Miter Cut:
Most polygon shapes, including pipes, moldings, and corners at the right angle, are frequently made using this technique.
Your workpiece is cut along the width with a miter cut.
Put a miter gauge at the necessary angle and lock it. This spins the base instead of twisting the blade (turntable).
Cutting at an angle other than 90 degrees is essentially what a miter cut involves.
Bevel Cuts:
Bevel cuts provide smooth and soft edges for improved aesthetics, safety, or both. Bevel cuts, unlike miter cuts, are deeper under the desired angle than across it.
The top won’t be parallel to the cut’s edges.
How can you make one? By establishing the necessary angle using a bevel gauge this time.
The motor, along with the blade, will now tilt, but the base won’t.
Compound Cut:
The compound cut is commonly used for outward-sloped projects to create complex angles.
This combination is a miter-bevel, as the name would imply.
This cut surely needs some practice, but you’ll ultimately become an expert with the proper equipment.
Where can you find one? You can get it by adjusting the bevel and miter gauges to the appropriate angles.
Be careful that all miter saws cannot do compound and bevel cuts. Look for “complex” versions, with the blade rotating and tilting at different angles.
When the table is unlocked, you can freely rotate it in the required directions and adjust its angle.
Related article: How to Unlock a Craftsman Miter Saw? | 4 Practical Steps!
Draw 22.5 Degree Angle:
Now, to cut a 22.5 degree angle, you need to know about the printed numbers in the face of the turning table.
- These numbers are on the left side of the turning handle, and if you look closely, you will see that they go from zero to fifty.
- You must know these figures and how a miter saw operates.
- The scale’s zero point is a 90 degree angle. The angles will become smaller as you begin spinning the table.
- When you go from 0–5, you drop 5 degree angle. If you change it to 30, you will create an angle of 60 degrees by deducting 30 out of 90.
You can quickly learn how to cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter saw if you know these angles.
For a visual guide, see this:
How to Cut a 22.5 Degree Angle on a Miter Saw?
I hope that by now, you’ve cleared up any questions about the angles in a miter saw.
Let’s learn how to cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter saw.
Step 1: Unlock the Turntable
The first step to take is to unlock the turntable.
You can manage this with the use of your miter saw’s knob. The turntable should move freely without any problems once you have unlocked it.
Step 2: Set the Correct Angle
Setting the proper miter saw angle is the next step. There are various methods for adjusting your miter saw at a right angle.
A 45 degree jig is handy here as it makes cutting acute angles problem-free.
Step 3: Marking a 45 Degree JIG & Clamping it
Use some extra wood to make a 45 degree jig.
You must clamp the piece to the saw once you have it.
You must be wondering why to create a jig for a 22.5 degree angle cut. The problem is that cutting acute angles with a miter saw is difficult. You can find out the desired angle to cut with the aid of the jig.
Step 4: Run the Blade
Power on your saw by pressing the power button, then wait until the saw’s blade reaches its maximum speed.
Make sure the clamped jig and workpiece are both underneath the blade.
Step 5: Begin Cutting
After you run your blade and it reaches its maximum speed, slowly lower it onto the workpiece and start cutting.
Step 6: Rest the Blade
After cutting, wait a moment before removing the saw. Allow the blade to rest fully. It helps to avoid kickback problems in a miter saw.
Important Points to Remember!
A few pointers that can be helpful when cutting at a 22.5 degree angle with a miter saw are listed below.
Follow Suitable Safety
With less safety, cutting at a 22.5 degree angle with a miter saw can be dangerous. So, before starting your project, follow the proper safety precautions.
Secure the Saw’s Position
Most beginners position their saws on tables that vibrate while operating.
Additionally, it can cause the saw to shake, which would reduce your accuracy. So, placing your saw in the proper position is of utmost importance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section discusses the most often asked queries about using a miter saw to cut a 22.5 degree angle.
Continue reading to learn more about the subject.
Why Does a Miter Saw Have a 22.5 Degree Angle?
22.5 degree angles are frequently employed to cut two parts combined to make a 45 degree angle or to create 8-sided woodwork products.
Those can be cut accurately and quickly with a miter saw’s 22.5 stop.
How Can Two Wood Pieces that Are 22.5 Degrees Apart Be Joined?
Join the angled edges of the two 22.5 degree wood joints together to create a 45 degree angle.
To apply pressure and assemble them, use nylon band clamps and super glue. Take the clamp out after the glue has fully dried, then drive a pin nail in each miter joint.
How Is an Angle of 22.5 Degrees Created?
Once you understand how to adjust the miter saw’s angle, this will be simple.
Before putting up your miter gauge, search for a 22.5 degree mark. If you’re a beginner or using a new variant of the material, be sure to make several test cuts.
Final Thoughts!
One of the best choices you can make for your workshop is to spend money on a nice miter saw.
As you have finished reading this article, I hope you now understand the cuts done with a miter saw and know how to cut a 22.5 degree angle on a miter saw.
Knowing how to do your cuts boosts your freedom and helps you make angled cuts.
I hope you enjoyed reading this.