Angles are critical when it comes to woodwork, you ruin one angle, and you ruin your whole design. Creating a complicated layout requires creative angles that are not easy to cut. While you’ll learn as time passes, getting a grip on the basics is essential.
The first thing to know about is a table saw since it comes in multiple versions. The cutting surface is made from wood or aluminum; the blade is embedded, moving up and down.
If you wonder how to cut a 60-degree angle on a table saw, the angle determines the process you need. Anything less than 45 degrees is easy to cut. For a 60 degree angle, however, follow the steps in the article.
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Cut a 60 Degree Angle On a Table Saw
To cut a 60-degree angle, you need to get the best tools. A hybrid table saw is an excellent option to get the best results. Though a table saw has its limitations, cutting it at 60-degrees is tricky, and cutting a slope at a 60-degree angle requires good knowledge of the tool and its use. Here are the steps you need to follow to cut an angle with a table saw.
Step 1: Identify the right angle
Identifying the right angle is vital. Once you know how angles work and find the right angle, it will be easy to mark the cutting points. To find the correct angle, subtract it from 45. So, with a 60-degree angle, when we remove 45 from it, we get 15, which means your cutting angle will be 15.
Step 2: Adjust to the proper angle
Now you know what angle is right for you, it is time to set the angle on the table saw. It is tricky as every table saw has a lever to change the angle. Usually, a table knob moves the table saw’s blade to the appropriate angle. Once you find it on the table, rotate the knob and set the proper angle. The step is the most crucial one, so pay attention while doing it. If you can’t set the angle accurately, you won’t get the results you want.
Step 3: Wood placement
Once you set the blade angle, it is time to put the wood on the table. Remember that if the piece of wood is the correct size, it will make cutting it easier. Once you know how to shape the wood piece, you can focus on other steps.
The best way is to place the wood vertically against the blade, giving you more room to cut and easily adjust the angle. Moreover, you can also put extra wood on top of the main piece so your blade won’t cut more than needed. Placing a scrap piece on your main wood piece might also save you from cutting it accidentally.
Step 4: Raise the blade
Don’t press the button and start cutting as soon as you place the wood near the blade. Table saw blades are usually lowered down so people won’t accidentally cut themselves. To cut the wood, you first need to raise the blade to a higher level, making it easier to cut it. Use the knob on the saw to control the blade.
Step 5: Cut the wood
When cutting the piece of wood, be careful not you cut yourself. Handling the blade requires precision, and if you are not careful, the sharp blades can do a lot of damage.
Turn on the power and wait to see that the blade is not stuttering while spinning. Push the wood in the direction of the blade. Do this with a slow and steady movement without putting extra pressure on it. Also, be aware that you need to stop instantly when you are done. Don’t push the wood too fast because your hand might touch the blade if you can’t stop it.
How to Deal With Uneven Bevels
There is a chance you’ll make mistakes while cutting the wood. Sometimes even with careful observations and steps, you’ll end up making irregular cuts. It usually happens because of thin wood fins, where the blade won’t reach and fails to cut it.
You can correct it with a trimming plane, which works similar to sharp razors, but you have more control over the exposed part of the blade. You can start with a small exposed area, and as you gain control over it, you can use more of the blade as required.
How to Even Out the Angle
If you struggle to even out the angle and get the wrong orientation after cutting the wood, you can correct it. First, place the base flat against the material, following the wood grain direction. Next, start the planer and check that the blade faces forward when running. Use a smooth and steady motion, following the grain of the wood.
If your movements are correct, you’ll get curl shavings. You can also use hand planers for flat surfaces instead of just using them on corners. They are also handy for leveling high spots.
Left Tilt vs. Right Tilt Table Saw
Knowing which one is suitable for use is essential if you have access to these table saws. While cutting angles, the blade should tilt away from the fence. It prevents the waste from getting trapped between fence, blade, and wood piece, which will slow down your speed. A left-tilt blade is best when you are cutting the wood horizontally, but when it comes to vertical cutting, using either side is okay.
How to Protect Yourself
Working on a table saw is always tricky, and the chances are that you’ll hurt yourself if you don’t take preventive measures. To keep yourself safe, always check the blade before starting the machine. Make sure the blade is not loose and nothing is stuck there that might cause an interruption in your work.
You must wear anti-cut rubber gloves; though they won’t eliminate the chances of getting hurt, they’ll minimize the risk. Anti-cut gloves are not that cheap, but they can keep your hands safe, so always wear them before working with a table saw.
Always wear eye protectors when you are cutting wood. Small wooden chips can fly and hit your face or get in your eyes. Eye protectors are not expensive, and you can buy them from any hardware or convenience store.
Use headphones and listen to some relaxing songs while working. It will keep your attention and focus on the work, and you won’t get distracted. Distraction can cause a lot of accidents, so it is better to turn off the machine and then listen to someone.
Also, keep working slowly and steadily; there is no need to rush and finish your work. If your hand gets too close, the blade won’t stop, and it will hurt you, so slowly push the wood forwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cut a 60-degree angle on wood?
You can start by setting the angle knob to get the desired blade direction; a 15-degree angle of the blade would be preferable. Put the wood in front of the blade and gently push it forward. To get to the 15-degree angle, minus the desired cutting angle from 45, and you’ll get the angle to set your blade.
How do I cut a 20-degree angle with a table saw?
You need to place the piece of wood vertically, adjust the angle knob to 20-degrees and slowly push the wood towards the blade.
How do you cut angles greater than 45 degrees?
For all angles under 45-degrees, you need to set the angle knob to match the desired angle. For example, if you want to cut a 30-degree angle, you should adjust the angle knob to 30-degrees.
To cut wood with an angle above 45-degrees, you should subtract the value from 45. For an angle of 85-degrees, you can deduct 85 from 45, which will give you 40-degrees. You can set your angle knob to 40-degrees to get the desired results.
Conclusion
If you ever want to know how to cut a 60-degree angle on a table saw, this complete guide is for you with clear instructions to get the desired angle. Working on a table saw requires a lot of focus and patience. You need to work slowly if you want to avoid accidents. If you are new to using a table saw, learn the entire procedure, practice first, and then use the table saw.
It would be best if you always had safety measures in place to avoid getting injured. The blade is sharp, and it can cut your hands. A pair of premium anti-cut gloves will protect your hands, and safety glasses will protect your eyes.