Angled Cuts

Note: This angled cuts exercise will allow you to practice controlling the saw and the direction of cut.

Equipment needed:

• Wood

• Pencil

• Dovetail Template or

  Sliding Bevel

  and

  Square

• Tenon Saw or Dovetail Saw

To view a video showing the sawing technique, click here.

Marking out using a dovetail template

• Use a dovetail template to mark multiple angled lines across the end grain of the wood, about 3/16” (5mm) apart. To see how to mark out using a sliding bevel and a square, click here or to make your own dovetail template, click here.)

• Use the straight edge of the dovetail template to continue these lines onto the face of the wood

• Use your thumb alongside the saw plate as a guide to start off the cut

• Once you are 4 or so strokes in, you should feel confident to remove your thumb

• Switch between a dovetail and tenon saw and practice cutting at an angle.

• Keeping to the outside of the pencil line, cut adjacent to it. We recommend practising until you have achieved consistent and accurate cuts.

Marking out using a sliding bevel and a square

• Turn the wood end for end and use the square to mark straight lines on the end grain

• Set the sliding bevel to just over 90°, this doesn’t need to be exact as it’s just for the purpose of practicing your angled cuts. Use the sliding bevel to continue these onto the face of the wood.

• Use your thumb as a guide to start each cut

• Hold the edge of the wood to minimise vibrations, this will make the cut easier.

Sawing Technique Video: