How to repeat 45 degree angles

[lwhughes149]

I am cutting molding for frames and running into a problem. I have a miter saw that I am using but don't know how to repeat the angle each time. When you slide from right to left and back again there is no way that I know to always go back to the same exact place. I am only looking at the line. Help would be appreciated. Lorraine

 

[Travis Porter]

Does your saw not have positive/locking stops for 45?

 

[Jim Murphy]

Looking at the line...

on the saw,

or,

on the molding?

 

[DavidF]

If the saw hasn't got index stops, and I would be surprised if it didn't then there must be somewhere on the saw that moves that you can put a stop up against that you can return to each time.

 

[skysharks]

There should be a refrenced stop for 45 degress. I can't think of any in recent years that did not at least have these stops.

But for the sake of arguement, let's say it doesn't. If you can cut 2 pieces in opposing 45 degree angles, use these for a set up block.

Put one or the other up against your fence and swing you blade til it meets it.
Hope this makes sense.

 

[lwhughes149]

Ok, here are pictures of the saw.

 

[DaveO]

That thumb lever about the red twist handle should click into place at specific common angles like 45, 22.5 etc. If it doesn't I would follow Skysharks suggestion, with some test fitting using two cut pieces and a true try square, or something else with a true 45 deg. angle.

Dave

 

[MikeH]

That thumb lever about the red twist handle should click into place at specific common angles like 45, 22.5 etc. If it doesn't I would follow Skysharks suggestion, with some test fitting using two cut pieces and a true try square, or something else with a true 45 deg. angle.

Dave

Yeah what Dave said!

 

[lwhughes149]

Thanks guys, I will check this out. Lorraine

 

[Travis Porter]

One thing you might do is flip the molding over and cut it from the other side so you don't have to reset the saw. Doesn't work with some moldings like crown though.

 

[cpowell]

Lorraine,

A lot of saws aren't set up accurately from the factory. You should be able to adjust the fences (loosen set screws) and adjust to get a perfect cut.

On my CMS, I set the fences so they were perfectly aligned with each other and accurate at the 90 degree miter setting. The 45 degree cuts were then checked and were okay. You should also adjust the stops on your bevel settings. Once done you should be in good shape.

Chuck

 

[lwhughes149]

I have my grandchildren today so I am not in the shop. I did however get the manual out and it shows all the things everyone has mentioned. I don't understand it though until I put it to practice. Thank you all for the help. I have many cross stitch pieces I have made over the years that I am now ready for framing. I have cut amd put together three and I am satisfied with them but the last one had one cut that wasn't good so I came looking help. Thanks again. I will let you know how this plays out and follow it up with pics to include my cross stitch pieces. Lorraine

 

[stoneskippers]

What Chuck said. Tools out of the box may have been set at the factory:eusa_pray but, during shipping, unpacking, and setting up the accuracy maybe lost. They should be checked upon first use and intermittently.

 

[dtomasch]

You could always set up a 45 sled for your tablesaw as well.