When I’m working on a project, ensuring clean and accurate miters is paramount to avoid wasting materials and causing time delays. One of my go-to tools is the miter saw, primarily utilized for trimming and cross-cutting at various angles.
Let me walk you through my expert step-by-step process on how to cut a 135-degree angle using a miter saw.
Steps to Cut a 135-Degree Angle on a Miter Saw
You would often start with determining the spring angle on a crown molding, for example, with a framing square so you can set your miter saw or table saw. 135-degree corners are used when two walls come together with a sharp edge.
Normally, it’s more difficult to create an accurate obtuse angle greater than a right angle, like a 135-degree miter angle, compared to the regular acute angle cuts. However, you can easily cut a corner at a 135-degrees angle and other obtuse angles once you understand the correct procedure explained below by me. You can use a transition piece.
Step #1: Prepare the Miter Saw
In my many projects, the initial move is always to get the saw ready. Start by setting the saw gauge to 22.5-degrees. To achieve this, you’ll need to loosen the knob designated for the angle cut, then adjust it either to the left or right at 22.5-degrees. The side you begin with doesn’t make a difference, just ensure you opt for the opposite direction when you get to step three.
Lock the saw at this angle. Ensure that the tilt angle is 0-degrees. This will make the saw cut straight across the length and not in a bevel formation.
Step #2: Ensure Firm Placement of Wood on the Saw
Clamp your timber, wood, or longboard firmly to the saw in the desired position. Make sure the fence is square. Smaller wood can be clamped firmly against the saw’s fence to prevent moving while performing the cuts. Note that miter saws have a specific indent at 22.5-degrees to help you accurately and quickly lock in at the correct angle when doing miter cuts.
Step #3: Set and Cut at a 22.5-Degree Angle to the Right
Once I’ve made the initial cut, I take the next piece of wood and position it inside the miter saw. Then, I adjust the angle to 22.5 degrees, but in the opposite direction of my first cut. So, if my initial cut was to the left, I’d set the saw to 22.5 degrees on the right, and vice versa. Over the years, I’ve found that drawing a guideline can be a game-changer when aiming for precision.
Step #4: Set and Cut at a 22.5-Degree Angle to the Left
Cut another piece of wood inside and set the miter saw at a 22.5-degree on the left, the same angle as you had on the right. Now, you should have the second half of your cut angles.
Once you have perfectly cut the two pieces of wood, place the two pieces together at the cuts and both should align perfectly if you cut them in the same manner.
Step #5: Measure Angle Alignments
The last step of how to cut a 135-degree angle on a miter saw involves doing an angle measurement. You have to use an angle measuring tool to measure whether your cut is 135-degree. If you had followed the steps correctly, you should have a 135-degree miter corner by now, especially if the module has a sharp edge. A difference of one or two degrees will not affect the design.
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Safety Reminders
From my years of experience in woodworking, I can’t stress enough the importance of safety. When using the miter saw, always remember to follow these safety measures.
- Put on a pair of safety glasses or goggles. You can also use a face shield.
- Put on earmuffs, earplugs, or safety headsets.
- Keep your fingers at least 7 inches away from the saw blade.
- Do not reach for any object above or under the blade while it is spinning.
- Allow the miter saw blade to finish spinning before lifting.
- Remember to stand about a foot or two away and at an angle away from the spinning blade.
- When performing a miter angle cut, always lock the knob at the proper angle you want to cut at.
Advantages of Cutting a 135-Degree Angle on a Miter Saw
Miter saws are not the only tools for cutting corners or a 135-degree angle on the market. However, a good miter saw is often preferred by me because it tends to sit on the top of a frame module and locks itself in that same place. Hence, when cutting with a miter saw, the circular saw cuts across in a straight position, making the process easier.
It offers better stability than other types of saw and the chances of making mistakes with a miter saw are very low. Unlike most other saws, this saw comes with several measurements.
Conclusion
With the correct technique, you now know how to cut a 135-degree angle or any other obtuse angle [1] on a miter saw or table saw including on a crown molding corner. Always observe the safety precautions, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your tools, and thoroughly read the instruction manual to avoid any maintenance or safety-related issues down the line.
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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
