Bevel, Mitre and Cross Cuts Explained
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 26th Aug 2021
In this Toolstop guide, we'll explain the different types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw and when they should be used.
Different types of cuts you can make with a Mitre Saw
When joining pieces of wood, there are a number of cutting options available to create the angle of the joint required.
In this Toolstop guide, we'll explain the different types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw and when they should be used. To find out more on mitre saws, you can refer to our mitre saw buying guide.
What is a Mitre Cut?
A mitre cut is an angled cut made across the face or width of a board. A true mitre joint requires two pieces of material to be cut at a 45 degree angle so that when they are joined together, the corner created will be 90 degrees. However, a mitre joint can also be created from other angles. You will most often see mitre cuts used on picture frames.
Mitre cuts can be made along the width of the material at different angles but will always have a straight edge. You will often see mitre cuts used in mouldings. A disadvantage of a mitre joint is its weakness.
What is a Bevel Cut?
A bevel cut is an angled cut in which the top of the wood is not perpendicular to the edges. Bevel cuts can often be made with a circular saw, table saw or a mitre saw. They will have an angled edge and are used for things such as the edge of a table to prevent sharp corners.
What is a Cross Cut?
A cross cut refers to any 90 degree cut made perpendicular to the grain of the wood or length of material. Cross cuts are very popular and are used in many construction tasks to size out pieces of wood.
What is a Rip Cut?
A rip cut refers to any cut made parallel to the grain of the wood or length of material. Ripping is the term used to describe cutting a board lengthwise. Again, this technique is used to size wood in different applications.
What is a Compound Cut?
A compound cut is essentially a combination of both a mitre cut and a bevel cut. Compound mitre saws allow you to tilt the blade and head at a variety of angles to the workpiece.
What cuts do you make with your mitre saw or circular saw?