How to Use Wooden Miter Boxes

A wooden miter box is a two-sided box with a bottom and slots cut into the sides. Miter boxes are used by carpenters to cut perfect angles, known as miters. These are generally set at 45, 90, and 135 degrees, although the angles available vary depending on the slots a specific box includes. Miter boxes are not always made of wood. They also come in metal or plastic varieties. However, all three types are used in exactly the same way.

Things You'll Need

• Miter box
• Back saw or hacksaw
• Cardboard
• Lumber
• Pencil
• C-clamps (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the angle to cut on your lumber. Mark it with a pencil.

   • 2

     Place a piece of cardboard inside the bottom of the miter box to protect it. Position the lumber on top of this, lining up the pencil markings with the slots on the side of the box.

   • 3

     Insert your saw blade into the slot and cut through the lumber. Hold the lumber in place by pressing it down with your thumb while you make the cut.