How to Cut a 45 Degree Angle With a Circular Saw

A circular saw is a very popular tool used for cutting wood and also other materials. You may need to cut wood at different angles to build durable structures or aesthetically pleasing ones. In this article, you will see how to cut a 45-degree angle with a circular saw.

How to Make a 45 Degree Angle With a Circular Saw

45-degree angle cuts are commonly used, and we outline how to do this cut with your circular saw.

Tools Required

• Circular saw
• Safety gear, including glasses, gloves, and ear-guards
• A table or suitable workstation
• Pencil or marker for marking
• Measuring tape
• Clamps
• 45-degree angle guide
• Sandpaper
• A framing square/ a rafter angle square

Safety Measures

• The circular saw should be in proper working condition. All moving parts must be firmly attached, and there should be no exposed electric wires.
• Ensure you are wearing proper safety gear, including a helmet, a pair of gloves, and earmuffs.
• The sharpness of the blades should be tested by making some sample cuts. There shouldn’t be any electric cables in the work area.
• All loose clothing, jewelry, and any material that might get stuck in the blade should be properly tied back.
• The circular saw should have enough space to move freely between the open and closed positions. Stand in a position so that you can avoid any kind of kick-back.
• Make sure to begin cutting only after reaching a stable position. Do not leave the saw till the blades have stopped moving after you have started cutting.
• Keep children away from the work zone to avoid any injuries due to casualness.

The above safety measures must be observed for carrying on the process safely.

Step #1: Choose the Correct Blade

The first step in making any cuts using a circular saw involves choosing the correct blade.

Make sure the blades are carbon-tipped and ensure you know the SFM of the blade. SFM is the speed at which the blade is moving.

The optimum number of teeth on the blade varies according to the blade size, speed of rotation, and application. Some common configurations are:

• 10-inch diameter, 60 and 80 teeth
• 12-inch diameter, 60, 80, and 100 teeth
• 14-inch diameter, 60,80 and 100 teeth

Know more about the structure of a circular saw.

Step #2: Set the Depth

Ensure the circular saw is disconnected from the power supply and begin to set the blade’s cutting depth.

Adjust the saw blade to make it reach about a quarter of an inch below the bottom of the wood. The saw should be fixed to the wooden board.

Use the adjusting knob to access the lever and tighten the circular saw upon reaching the desired depth.

Step #3: Set the Saw Guide

The next step is to ensure the angle guide is precisely set.

Place the saw guide firmly and accurately position the 45-degree angle guide. Use clamps to ensure the guide stays in position throughout the process.

After clamping, use the alignment knob of the saw to check if the alignments are done perfectly. Re-align until a perfect 45-degree angle is obtained.

Step #4: Concentrate and Hold the Saw Properly 

Most of the errors during cutting occur due to concentration lapses. Hold the saw in a manner such that the guidelines are visible.

Periodically check if the saw guide alignment is in position and the blade is as desired. Do not leave the saw before the blade stops rotating completely to avoid rough cuts.

The edge of the base of the circular saw and the cutting square must be assigned. Then carefully slide the speed square up the base plates.

Ensure that both the speed square and the saw plate are in a proper stable position while cutting the wood.

Step #5: Begin to Cut

The 45-degree cuts are the most common type of miter cuts to the extent that it is almost synonymous with them.

There are two kinds of miter cuts:

• Flat Miters
• Case Miters

How to Cut Case Miters

These cuts are generally used to join two pieces of wood that are already cut at an angle. Begin with the following steps only after putting on your safety gear.

• Clamp the wooden piece to the workstation. Ensure the piece falls on the floor when cut. The cut line should be about 3 inches away from the clamped point.
• Ensure that the saw guide is in position. Position the framing square’s 90-degree leg parallel to the line along which you want to cut.
• Use the adjustment screw, or pressure clamp of the circular saw at the bottom to lock the cutting angle at 45 degrees. Unplug the saw before beginning to adjust.
• After the saw’s shoe is aligned, place the bottom plate of the blade against the square and begin to cut along its edge.

How to Cut Flat Miters

These kinds of cuts are used when strong joints are required. Proper safety gear should be worn for this process as well.

• Hold the rafter angle square as a guide against the board you want to cut. Its 45-degree side should be parallel to the guideline.
• Align the shoe of the saw with the guideline and after placing the blade against the rafter angle square, begin to cut in the upward direction.
• Ensure your fingers are away from the blade during the entire cutting process.

Step #6: Smoothen the Cut

Despite all the precautions taken and even after multiple readjustments, the cut edges may still have an undesired rough texture.

The roughness needs to be smoothened using your sandpaper. To begin with, use coarse-grit sandpaper to get a relatively smoother texture.

After this process, begin to use the fine-grit sandpaper. Depending on the kind of finishing needed, be careful to choose the grit of the sandpaper.

How to Cut a 45-Degree Bevel

1. Use a speed square to measure and mark how far your cut will be on the timber. 
2. Line up a 45-degree kerf indicator with the line you marked earlier.
3. Place your speed square next to the saw’s shoe and secure it using a clamp.
4. Adjust the blade angle to a 45-degree position. It’s important that you adjust the saw’s bevel angle.
5. Next, adjust the cutting depth by sliding the blade guard until it sticks out below the wood board. 
6. Once everything is properly aligned, you can start cutting. Make sure to cut slowly to check the accuracy. 

Cutting a Compound Miter

Cutting a compound miter has almost the same steps as cutting a bevel. Here’s how it’s generally done;

1. Using a speed square, mark the 45-degree cutting angle through the diagonal edge. 
2. Place your 45-degree indicator on the mark. Clamp the yard against the saw’s shoe after to secure it. 
3. Tilt the circular saw to 45 degrees by loosening the adjustment knob. Make sure to tighten back the knob before cutting.
4. Adjust the blade depth until it extends just below the bottom of the timber. 
5. You can then start cutting slowly and in accurate angle. 

The same can be done with 45-degree compound miter cuts. The only difference is that you line up the 0-degree kerf indicator.

Other Ways to Make a 45-Degree Cut Using Your Circular Saw

• T-Bar – the T-bar can help you adjust the tool’s position so both components can align 
• Miter box – this can lessen the chance of making errors when you’re cutting for 45-degree cuts. 
• Straight edge guide – the most useful tool for cutting 45-degree angles. 

Cutting a 45-Degree Miter

1. Measure and mark the cut line. Use a speed square to accurately measure the 45 degree 
2. Line up the cut line with the 0-degree indicator and then clamp the speed square in place as it is placed against the edge of the shoe. Make sure that the circular saw is in place.
3. Set your blade depth by sliding the sharp blade guard and butting the blade against the wood. The blade should extend around ¼ inch past the bottom. 
4. Now it’s time to cut. Make sure to do it slowly and gently as you guide the saw through. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A 45-degree cut is often used on wood, and the most conducive tool for the process is a circular saw. Make sure you have a proper functional circular saw and make practice cuts before starting the process. In due course, you will be able to master miter cuts.