This tip and technique guide was created by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a smart walkthrough showing two easy methods for making miter cuts beyond the limits of a standard miter saw—perfect for adding more complex angles to your woodworking projects.
Many miter saws max out at 45 to 60 degrees, but some designs call for sharper angles. Jodee shares simple ways to achieve cuts like 65 degrees without needing expensive specialty tools.
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Why Extreme Miter Cuts Matter
Miter cuts are essential for frames, moldings, furniture, and other precise joinery projects. Having the ability to make extreme angles opens up more creative design options and allows for stronger, better-looking joints.
Most off-the-shelf saws aren’t built to handle these cuts easily. Instead of buying new equipment, Jodee shows how to work smarter with tools you already have.
Method 1: Quick and Simple Setup
The first method focuses on a straightforward, low-risk approach. This method keeps everything easy to set up and minimizes the chance of error.
To make a 65-degree cut, you first subtract the target angle from 90. That means setting the miter saw at 25 degrees (90 – 65 = 25).
An auxiliary fence made from MDF is attached to the fixed fence of the saw using double-sided tape. This provides a temporary surface that better supports the workpiece during the cut.
Once the auxiliary fence is attached, place the workpiece flat on the table against the auxiliary fence. After cutting at 25 degrees, reset the saw to 90 degrees for the next pass.
Adding a strip of tape along the auxiliary fence helps hold the offcut in place. With the workpiece firmly supported, the second cut completes the 65-degree miter safely and accurately.
Method 2: Using a 45-Degree Reference Fence
The second method introduces a bit more setup but offers even more flexibility for different angles.
Start by creating another auxiliary fence as before, but this time, tilt the saw to 45 degrees and make a cut into the fence. This creates a permanent 45-degree reference point.
After making that 45-degree cut, reset the saw back to 0 degrees. Moving forward, the adjusted auxiliary fence allows you to achieve a wide range of angles easily.
To make a 65-degree miter cut using this method, subtract 45 from 65, leaving 20 degrees. Set the saw to 20 degrees and make the cut with the workpiece placed against the angled auxiliary fence.
If needed, a second auxiliary fence can be built and placed on the opposite side of the saw to make cutting from either side easier and more efficient.
When to Use Each Method
The first method is ideal when you need a quick setup and are only making one or two specialty cuts. It’s simple, fast, and effective for occasional use.
The second method is better if you plan to make a lot of extreme angle cuts or need maximum versatility. Once the 45-degree reference fence is made, adjusting for different cuts becomes faster and more repeatable.
Both approaches work with standard equipment and don’t require additional expensive jigs or fixtures.
Tips for Success
Jodee shares a few important reminders for getting the best results:
- Safety First: Always wear goggles, hearing protection, and avoid loose clothing when operating a miter saw.
- Double-Check Your Setup: Verifying angles and measurements before cutting can save both time and materials.
- Use High-Quality Tape: A strong double-sided tape is critical for securing the auxiliary fence firmly.
- Practice First: If you’re trying a new angle, use scrap wood to fine-tune your process before moving to your project material.
- Keep Your Saw Tuned: A clean, properly aligned miter saw will produce more accurate results and make these extreme cuts safer.
A Simple Way to Expand Your Skills
Learning how to create extreme miter cuts is a valuable skill that improves the quality and variety of your woodworking projects. These two simple methods allow you to work around equipment limitations and create professional-looking results without major investments.
Jodee’s techniques are straightforward and practical, giving you a reliable way to tackle more ambitious designs. With a few small adjustments to your normal setup, you can achieve angles that would normally be out of reach with a standard miter saw.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.