Make a simple jig to get 45° corners without tilting the saw
I don’t take credit for this one, but it is a genius idea. Making 45 degree corners with my table saw was always scary. Never sure if the blade is tilted precisely, and running the stock through was uncertain and scary.
This simple jig solves that by holding the stock firmly and at the perfect angle every time.
The larger pieces are just simple 1/2″ birch plywood. The secret sauce is in the two 45 degree wedges mounted between them. While I don’t have any plans for you, it comes down to this:
- Cut your two flat pieces (about 7″ wide and then 10″ for the bottom and 12″ for the angled piece
- Optionally, trim the bottom of the angled piece to 45 a rough degrees to match the surface of the saw table
- Now, cut a square of wood into two 45 degree wedges
- Attach the boards to the wedges as you see above
- Now add your hardwood runner to fit your saw channel
- Be very certain it is the right distance from the blade, and perfectly parallel to the point of the jig that faces the blade
To use it, place your stock on the incline, make SURE the bottom is flat on the table from end to end (if it is lifted at one corner, you won’t get a good angled cut) Then clamp it in place and you can make your cut. I actually use two clamps, but only showed one here, for clarity.
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