Is it possible to cut an 18 degrees on a miter saw?


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Old 02-26-17, 03:59 PM
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Is it possible to cut an 18 degrees on a miter saw?

I have the DWS780 12 in. miter saw. I was wondering if there is a way/tricks to cut an 18 degree angle on this miter saw.
 
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Old 02-26-17, 04:10 PM
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I'm not sure what the problem would be, set the scale to 18 degrees and cut away. Am I missing something?
 
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Old 02-26-17, 05:08 PM
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I"ll have to agree, John. The dividing marks may not be evenly spaced, but two notches shy of 20 degrees will be awfully close.
 
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Old 02-26-17, 05:41 PM
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I'm trying to cut this 18 degree angle and it seems like it doesn't matter which side I tilt the saw, I could not get the 18 degree.

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Old 02-26-17, 05:53 PM
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You have two 18 degree angles on each end. The other angle is a 72 degree angle... not possible... but you can still cut it easily as a 0 degree angle. Cut your 18 degree angles off both ends. Then cut a 18 degree angle off one side of a large scrap of plywood, say 12"×12". Position that scrap of plywood about 1/2" from the blade and clamp it to the table so it can't move. Then use that as a fence to hold one side of your 2x4 vertically as you make your 0 degree cut. And keep your hands out of the way. It would be a good idea to turn your "sliding lock" off so that the saw can't clip over the work... and always be sure you follow the the instructions in your operating manual... don't cut cross arm with a sliding miter saw. You may need to help lift the blade guard slightly with your thumb to begin your cut.

Other way to do it would be to cut a 12 degree wedge, set the saw to 60 degrees, and put the 12 degree wedge between the fence and the 2x4. But the first way I mentioned is probably more accurate and safer.
 
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Old 02-27-17, 06:38 AM
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Cut

I believe the OP wants to tilt the blade to 18 degrees vertical.
 
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Old 02-27-17, 07:45 AM
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You could cut the ends with an 18 degree bevel but not the 72 degree angle. Easier to stand the board up against the fence and cut everything as mentioned above.
 
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Old 02-27-17, 08:11 AM
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Thanks for all the suggestions, I'd appreciated very much. It's very helpful. Okay, so to cut the top 18 degrees as shown in the picture, I would bevel my saw to the right by 18 degrees, correct?
 
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Old 02-27-17, 08:15 AM
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XSleeper, that is very useful. So, another word, I'll have to guild simple jig to hold my 2x4 vertical for the wider angle cut then, correct?
 
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Old 02-27-17, 08:21 AM
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You can lay it flat and bevel each end but you will need to move the fence to do it. Its easier to stand it up and cut an 18 degrees miter. Yes, you just need an 18 degree jig, hold it vertical, and make a square.
 
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Old 03-02-17, 02:33 PM
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I found this Youtube video. I assumed this jig would give me the 72 degrees I needed, I think.
 
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Old 03-02-17, 04:36 PM
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Cute video. I think it's pretty much what I suggested you do. 90 - 18 = 72.
 
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Old 03-07-17, 03:59 PM
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Okay, I need help stabilize the 2 by 4. I'm using this jig https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mym6tca2s7Q&list=PLS-X3A6Dr2qNlHj1DjvJs4LNiJKcxUHUg&index=8 and it does give me the 72 degree angle cut I need but the problem is that the saw blade will pull the 2 by 4 towards the back and up; therefore, the 2 by 4 hits the back or top of the blade and it stopped. So I need ideas on how to hold the 2 by 4 tighter to the miter saw base on its thin 2" side.
 
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Old 03-07-17, 04:07 PM
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Use one quick clamp to clamp the jig to your saw fence and use another quick clamp to clamp the board you are cutting to the jig... and for god's sake cut slowly!

You could also screw it to the jig if it helps... then take the screw out after you have cut it.
 
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Old 03-07-17, 06:36 PM
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If your board wants to slide forward as you cut, you could also fasten a piece of wood onto your jig to act like a stop... so that it's not possible for your 2x4 to slide forward as its being cut.
 
 

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