The Genius Miter Trick You Were Never Taught

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The process of mitering two pieces of different widths to create a perfect 90-degree corner can be challenging. Simply cutting the ends at a 45-degree angle will not work, as the pieces will not match up. However, in this video tutorial, Inspire Woodcraft demonstrates a quick and easy way to solve this problem. By positioning the pieces in a certain way, marking a single line, and using a sliding T-bevel to find the complementary angle, the speaker is able to make two precise cuts on a miter saw and create a tight, seamless joint between the two pieces.

Key Takeaways

  • Position the pieces so that the wider one is on the bottom and the narrower one is on top.
  • Use a sliding T-bevel to find the complementary angle and set the miter saw accordingly.
  • Apply double-sided tape to hold the pieces in place and create a safe cutting environment.
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Identifying the Problem

In the woodworking video, the speaker demonstrates how to miter two different width pieces of wood to create a tight 90-degree corner. The problem with this task is that simply putting 45-degree cuts on the ends of the wood pieces will not work because they are two different widths. When the speaker tried this method in the video, the resulting joint did not match up correctly.

To solve this problem, the speaker came up with a quick and easy method that works with any two widths of wood. The first step is to start with the wider piece and cut it to 90 degrees at the end. Then, using a sliding T-bevel, the speaker marked the complementary angle needed to mate the two pieces together.

After finding the angle, the speaker locked it into place on the miter saw and used double-sided tape to hold the wider piece in place while making the first cut. Then, the narrower piece was placed against the cut edge of the wider piece and taped down to make the complementary cut.

The result was a tight and precise 90-degree joint between the two pieces of wood. This method not only solves the problem of mitering two different width pieces of wood, but it also provides a safe way to make the cuts.


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Positioning the Pieces

To create a tight 90-degree corner when mitering two pieces of different widths, it is important to position the pieces correctly. The speaker in the video suggests starting with the thin piece on top of the wider piece. The wider piece should be cut to a 90-degree angle at the end to make the process easier.

The speaker then uses a square to ensure that the thin piece is flush with the end of the wider piece. A mark is made on the thin piece to indicate where the cut will be made. A sliding T-bevel is used to find the complementary angle needed to create a tight joint.

Once the angle is determined, the pieces are taken to the miter saw. The wider piece is taped down to the saw table using double-sided tape. The thin piece is then positioned against the wider piece using the saw table as a fence. The angle is set on the saw and the first cut is made.

The scrap piece is removed and the thin piece is taped down to the saw table using the same double-sided tape. The wide piece is then positioned against the thin piece using the saw table as a fence. The angle is set on the saw and the second cut is made.

After removing the tape, the two pieces can be fitted together to create a tight 90-degree joint. By following this method, it is possible to miter two pieces of different widths together with ease and accuracy.

Marking the Cut

When working with two different width pieces that need to be mitered together, it is important to find the correct angle to cut each piece in order to create a tight 90 degree corner. The first step in this process is to mark the cut on the wider piece.

To do this, start with the thin piece on top of the wider piece, which has been cut to 90 degrees at the end. Use a square to keep it at 90 degrees until it is flush on the end of the wider piece. Then, make a mark on the wider piece where it meets the thin piece.

Next, use a sliding T-bevel to find the angle needed to make the complementary cut on the thin piece. Adjust the T-bevel until it meets the mark on the wider piece and the corner of the thin piece. This will give the correct angle for the cut on the thin piece.

Once the angle is determined, take both pieces to the miter saw and use the sliding T-bevel to set the blade to the correct angle. Lock the blade into place and use double-sided tape to secure the wider piece to the saw table.

Make the first cut on the wider piece, using it as a fence for the second piece. Tape the second piece to the wider piece, using the material itself to determine the complementary angle needed for the cut. Make the second cut at 90 degrees.

When finished, the two pieces should fit together tightly at a 90 degree angle. This method is quick, easy, and safe, and can be used with any two widths of material.


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Using the Sliding T-Bevel

When it comes to mitering two different width pieces, finding the right angle can be a challenge. However, using a sliding T-bevel can make the process much easier and safer.

To begin, start with two brand new pieces of wood, one wider than the other. Place the thin piece on top of the wider piece, ensuring that it is flush with the end of the wider piece. Use a square to keep it at a 90-degree angle and make a mark on the thin piece.

Next, use the sliding T-bevel to find the angle that matches the mark on the thin piece. Adjust the sliding T-bevel until it lines up with the mark and then lock it into place.

With the sliding T-bevel locked into position, use double-sided tape to secure the wider piece to the table of the miter saw. Make the first cut, then use the cut piece as a fence to secure the second piece in place. The complementary angle will be determined by the material itself, so no additional marks are needed.

Make the second cut at a 90-degree angle, and the two pieces will fit together perfectly.

Using a sliding T-bevel is a quick, easy, and safe way to determine the correct angle for mitering two different width pieces of wood. With this technique, anyone can achieve a tight, 90-degree corner without any guesswork or complicated calculations.

Setting the Miter Saw Angle

To set the miter saw angle, the speaker in the video suggests using a sliding T-bevel. The goal is to find the complementary angle of the two pieces being mitered. The speaker emphasizes that it is not necessary to know the exact angle, only to find the correct complementary angle.

After finding the complementary angle, the speaker locks the miter saw into position and uses double-sided tape to secure the first piece to the saw table. This piece acts as a fence for the second piece, which is secured in place with more double-sided tape.

Once both pieces are securely in place, the speaker makes the necessary cuts to achieve the desired miter joint. The speaker notes that the double-sided tape is a safe and effective way to secure the pieces, as it prevents them from shifting during the cutting process.

Overall, the speaker’s method for setting the miter saw angle is quick, easy, and safe. By using complementary angles and double-sided tape, the speaker is able to achieve a tight and precise 90-degree joint between two pieces of unequal width.


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Applying Double-Sided Tape

When it comes to woodworking, one of the safest ways to join two pieces of wood is by using double-sided tape. In the video, the speaker demonstrates how to use double-sided tape to secure a piece of wood in place while making a miter cut.

To apply the double-sided tape, the speaker recommends using a high-quality tape that will stick securely to the wood surface. The tape should be placed on the non-spinning part of the saw table and pressed down firmly to ensure it stays in place.

Once the tape is in place, the wider piece of wood is positioned against the tape, and the first cut is made. The scrap piece is then removed, and the detents are turned back on to lock the saw into a 90-degree angle. The narrow piece of wood is then placed against the tape and cut at a complementary angle, resulting in a tight and precise 90-degree joint.

Overall, using double-sided tape is a simple and effective way to secure wood in place while making cuts. It’s important to use high-quality tape and to press it down firmly to ensure it stays in place during the cutting process.

Making the First Cut

To make the first cut, the speaker starts with two brand new pieces, one thin and one wider. The wider piece has been cut to 90 degrees at the end, making it easy to slide it up using a square to keep it at 90 degrees until it’s flush on the end of the thin piece. Once the speaker has made a mark on the thin piece, they take a sliding T-bevel to find the angle needed to cut the piece.

The speaker overrides the detents on the sliding T-bevel and slides it over until it meets the mark on the thin piece. They then pivot the blade until it matches the angle found on the sliding T-bevel and lock it down so that it can’t move. With the blade locked into position, the speaker takes some double-sided tape and sticks it on the table to hold the wide board in place for the cut.

The speaker then sets the wide board up against the double-sided tape and down just like any other normal cut. This holds the board in place so that the speaker can make the first cut. Once the first cut is made, the speaker removes the scrap piece and turns the detents back on, locking it back down into 90 degrees.

The speaker then uses the wide board as a fence to hold the thin piece in place for the second cut. They take more double-sided tape and lay a strip where they will put the second piece. They then slide the second piece up against the wide board and push down to hold it in place for the cut.

With the second piece taped down, the speaker makes the second cut at 90 degrees. Once the cut is made, they simply pop off the tape and scrap piece and take the pieces back to the bench to see the final result.

Overall, this method is quick, easy, and safe. By using the material itself to determine the complementary angle, the speaker is able to make a perfect 90-degree joint between two pieces of unequal widths.

Repositioning for Second Cut

After making the first cut, the next step is to reposition the workpiece for the second cut. To do this, the speaker in the video uses double-sided tape to secure the first piece in place on the saw table. This acts as a fence for the second piece, ensuring that it is cut at the correct angle to match the first piece.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of using good quality double-sided tape to ensure that the workpiece stays in place during the cutting process. They also note that the tape should be applied to the table, not the spinning part of the saw blade, for safety reasons.

Once the first piece is securely in place, the second piece can be positioned against it, using the material itself to determine the complementary angle. The speaker demonstrates how to use double-sided tape to hold the second piece in place while making the cut.

After making the second cut, the workpieces can be removed from the saw and the tape can be easily removed. The result is a tight, 90-degree joint between two pieces of unequal width.

Overall, the speaker presents a quick and easy method for mitering two pieces of wood together, even if they are of different widths. By using double-sided tape to secure the workpieces in place, the speaker ensures that the cuts are accurate and safe.

Making the Second Cut

After making the first cut, it’s time to make the second cut to complete the miter joint. The second cut is made on the wider piece of the two boards that are being joined together.

To make the second cut, the speaker in the video uses double-sided tape to secure the wider board to the miter saw table. The narrower board is then placed against the wider board, with the cut end flush against the saw blade. The double-sided tape holds both boards in place, ensuring that the narrower board doesn’t move during the cut.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the material itself to determine the complementary angle for the second cut. No additional marks or measurements are needed. The complementary angle is simply the angle that will allow the two boards to fit together snugly and form a perfect 90-degree angle.

Once the boards are secured in place with the double-sided tape, the speaker makes the second cut. The result is a perfectly mitered joint that fits together tightly and looks professional.

Overall, the process of making the second cut is straightforward and easy to follow. By using double-sided tape and the material itself to determine the complementary angle, the speaker in the video shows how to achieve a perfect miter joint every time.

Removing the Tape

After completing the miter cut, the next step is to remove the tape used to secure the pieces in place during the process. The double-sided tape used in this technique is strong enough to hold the pieces in place but also easy to remove without damaging the wood.

To remove the tape, simply pull it off gently from the table surface. If necessary, use a scraper or a putty knife to lift the tape’s edge and peel it off slowly. It’s important to avoid pulling the tape too quickly, as this can cause the wood to splinter or break.

Once the tape is removed, inspect the joint for any gaps or imperfections. If there are any, use wood filler or sandpaper to smooth out the joint and create a seamless finish.

In summary, removing the tape used to secure the pieces during the miter cut is a simple process that requires careful attention to avoid damaging the wood. With the right technique, this step can help create a flawless joint that enhances the overall look of the project.

Examining the Result

After following the steps outlined in the video, the result is a perfectly mitered joint between two pieces of unequal widths. The process involves using a sliding t-bevel to find the complementary angle between the two pieces, and then cutting them accordingly on a miter saw.

The video emphasizes the importance of using a square to ensure that the wider piece is at a 90-degree angle before making any marks or cuts. This step is crucial to achieving a tight and seamless joint.

The use of double-sided tape to secure the pieces in place during the cutting process is also highlighted as a safe and effective method. The tape holds the pieces firmly in place, preventing any movement or slippage while cutting.

Overall, the process outlined in the video provides a quick and easy solution for mitering two pieces of unequal widths. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can achieve a professional-looking joint.

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