How to Use a Wooden Miter Box

Miter boxes let a carpenter create a precise angle. The box holds the saw in the exact needed position to make the cut. Usually, miter boxes are used to cut 45-degree angles, but can be used to make other angles as well. The angle is called a miter and is usually joined with anther angle to make a corner, like for crown molding or a picture frame. Wooden miter boxes are often made of plywood or hardwood.

Things You'll Need

• Miter box
• Saw
• Lumber
• Cardboard
• Pencil
• Sandpaper

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mark the lumber to cut the angles. Measure the needed angle degree and then mark the cut on the lumber.

   • 2

     Line up the lumber in the miter box by matching the marks with the slots in the miter box.

   • 3

     Secure the miter box with a piece of sandpaper underneath so that the box doesn't slip when cutting.

   • 4

     Place cardboard underneath the lumber to protect the wooden miter box.

   • 5

     Place the saw into the slots and let the miter box guide the cut.