Miter Angles and Miter Saws
"Miter saws can create a lot of confusion when cutting baseboards—but when you understand how their gauges are set up, getting the right angle is a lot more intuitive."
Last week, we shared a breakdown of how to properly install baseboards—one of the most basic forms of finish carpentry—from our friend Gary Katz. This week, we're taking a closer look at how to achieve accurate angles when mitering corners for baseboard installation.
Carpenters rely on miter saws for efficient, accurate cuts—but when it comes to doing things like cutting and installing baseboards, using your miter saw gauge to get a precise angle can get a little confusing.
Most miter saws today are made with framers in mind, using gauges that measure angles off the back of a rafter. For finish carpenters who are used to bisecting angles, this can lead to the wrong cut and a lot of head-scratching.
In this post from our friends at THISisCarpentry, finish carpenter Jesper Cook offers a simple explanation for why miter saw gauges today are set up the way they are, and shares tips and tricks for avoiding mis-measurements and inaccurate cuts. From adjusting your frame of reference to tweaking your tools, Jesper's method makes angle accuracy achievable.
As always, we're here as a trusted resource for your carpentry questions. To get more finish carpentry tips and tricks, check out how to install baseboards, how to install crown moulding, and the art of scribing skirt boards.
