How do you cut 45* Corners?

[Steven in Iowa]

How do you guys cut your 45s when the board is on edge?  My miter saw isn't the most trust worthy and doesn't cut a clean perpendicular 45.

 

[mastercabman]

??? ??? ???

 

[Eli]

I use a Kapex, and it works well, but your miter saw should do fine. What saw do you have, and how adjustable is it? What do you use to measure 45 for reference to set it up? If it can cut, it can cut 45. It's all about how much time you spend on setup. How big of a board are we talking about? Also, the board will be perpendicular to the blade whether it's upright or flat, but one may be easier/more accurate than the other depending on size of board, saw, and technique. More info S'il vous plait.

 

[Steven in Iowa]

I'm cutting 45s across the width of 3/4" x 2 1/2" oak (think torsion box frame).  I have an older Delta 12" saw that has a good sharp Ridge Carbide 60 tooth blade.  It seems that the pieces of wood are moving because the 45s don't end up square.  I've tried clamping them to the fence but still not square.  It almost seems as though the blade deflects as it cuts.

 

[johnsonri]

Is this the type of cut that you are talking about?

[attachthumb=#]

If so, since you are cutting on edge, it is imperative that the top and bottom of the piece (bottom edge and top edge) are parallel. If they are not parallel, then you will not end up with a 45 degree cut.

 

[Eli]

I wouldn't be surprised if you were right and the blade is deflecting. Is there any kind of clamping arrangement for the work? That way you could concentrate on moving the blade slowly through the cut and not deflecting as much. As above, must be right hard up against the fence.

 

[Steven in Iowa]

Eli,
  I am going to design and build a permant clamping afair for the miter.  Normally I use my Jessem Mast-R-Slide on my saw, but I had it tied up with other things.  The miter saw is just so convenient for whacking things to length.