Basic Lessons: How to Cut a 60 Degree Bevel on a Table Saw?

When we talk about woodworking or woodturning, angles play a pretty important role, right? Often in making different cuts, we use various kinds of angles. Sometimes it’s pretty simple and plain to even the beginner in this field.

However, with passing time and increasing projects, you are surely going to face shapes that are complex than basic angles. So, while you are on learning angle cuts, make sure to get that part pretty well. Because it’s going to shape your ability to deal with more complex shaped cuts in near future.

How to Cut a 60 Degree Bevel on a Table Saw:

​The Tricky Part Cutting Trick Using an Irregular Tool.

There are usually bevel cutting tools that are used for the purpose. A hybrid table saw is a good option for the task as well.

With a table saw, there’s a limit you need to follow for angle cutting. And so, the part of cutting a 60-degree bevel is often considered tricky.

Let me talk about this topic and you’ll soon start to realize the other type of angle cuttings easily. Just like how solving one math problem leads to understanding other similar ones from the same chapter.

So, I hope my intention is clear and if it’s, let’s go for the further knowing below.

General Idea of Bevel Cut

It’s useless to start without knowing what actually is bevel cut. Well, when you make angled cuts, usually it is 90 degrees. However, when you need to make a cut with an angle other than 90 degrees, it’s called a bevel angle.

Maximum dimensional lumber has the square edge set up. This denotes that angle within the edge and face of board is usually 90 degrees. There could be a need for changing the angle that is other than 90 degrees. And to make that possible bevel cuts are invented.

Apart from a table saw there are other tools also that can perform the cut. You can use a jigsaw, router or even circular saw for this task. However, jigsaws usually fail to give expected accurate cuts.

Usually, the need to make bevel cuts pops out for decoration purposes. These cuts can work for tasks such as interior moldings or cabinet trims. Also building picture frames can be elegant with beveled edges.

Apart from being decorator’s passion, bevel cuts are often a necessity. To complete procedures such as fit moldings, the bevel cut phase appears. It’s seen in a common method known as joinery.

The operation of French cleat also entirely depends on bevel cut. These are useful to handle huge objects on the wall.

Cutting 60 Degree Angle-How I Do It

Using a table saw for cutting angles is not actually too daunting or tricky. You just need to understand the entire process well before attempting it. I suggest you read the steps a couple of times. Hopefully that way you won’t miss out on any important point while working.

No matter what measurement is available, there’s actually no bigger angle than 45 degrees. Table saws usually can only cut up to that portion.

This is usually the main reason why table or miter saw makes an adjustment and reach this angle as maximum. Since we need to make a cut which is greater than 45 degrees, there are necessary adjustments that should be made. We’ll learn the math of making such adjustments below.

Identifying Right Angle

First, you need to figure out the proper degree of angle. To make that happen, simply subtract 45 from the target angle. Here we are dealing with a 60-degree bevel cut. So, we need to set an angle that is 60 minus 45 equal to 15 degrees.

Adjusting to Proper Angle

There should be a knob or handle for making adjustments in the table saw. The next step involves using these handles to bring proper angle on table saw. Here the right angle to set is 15 degrees which we would set accurately.

Wood Placement

Now it’s time to place the material on table saw. You should put it onto the saw vertically. Use another scrap piece of wood. Now simply put it adjacent to the main material. Make sure the position is opposite with blade.

Raising Blade

Now it’s time to bring the blade to a higher position. By raising the blade height, you will allow wood to cut at a greater angle. Using a spinning handle or knob you can control this height. Usually, the knob is placed on front of your table saw.

Cutting

Now simply turn on machine and push the material. Don’t ever apply too much force. This will bring uneven cuts and surface later. Also, make sure you are firmly holding the material with both of your hands. Using clamps will give even better results.

Dealing with Uneven Bevels

Mistakes are not surprising and this is no different when cutting at bevel angles. Sometimes even with the most careful observation and steps, you might end up making irregular bevel cuts.

Usually, it is due to thin wood fins. This is the part that saw blade fails to reach and make a cut. You can easily resolve the problem by using a tiny trimming plane. The plane comes with a flat and level bottom. There’s also a tiny notch cut that forms a blade protrudes.

The functionalism is quite similar to sharp razors. The only difference is with a plane, you can decide on exposed blade part and control it accordingly. Usually starting with little blade works better. Gradually you can expose more parts of the blade depending on your requirement.

Conclusion

So that was the process of how to cut a 60 degree bevel on a table saw. You can use the same technique to cut at any degree this way using a table saw.

I just tried to demonstrate an example case to explain better. Hopefully, my writing will be helpful enough for future projects and you’ll make a lot of bevel decoration glamming your final pieces.

Additional Questions

How do you cut a 60 degree bevel on a table saw?

To cut a 60-degree bevel on a table saw, you first need to adjust your table saw’s blade angle to the desired 60 degrees. This might not be possible on every table saw as some only go up to 45 degrees. If that’s the case, you can use accessories such as a taper or bevel cutting jig to achieve the desired angle. The key is to ensure precision and safety while making the cut. Having a proper setup, keeping the wood steady, and following safety procedures are crucial steps in this process.

How do you cut a 60 degree angle?

To cut a 60-degree angle, you may utilize a miter saw or a table saw with adjustable blade angles. The process involves setting the blade to the desired angle, marking the piece of wood to be cut, and then making the cut cautiously. Remember, accuracy is paramount when cutting at such angles, so take your time in setting up and executing the cut. I’ve been woodworking for many years, and the emphasis on precision in angle cuts is something I firmly believe in.

Can you cut a 60 angle on a table saw?

Yes, it is possible to cut a 60-degree angle on a table saw. However, due to the typical design of table saws, many have a limit of 45 degrees. If your saw is limited, use a bevel-cutting jig, or a taper jig to achieve the 60-degree cut. Always follow safety guidelines when using a table saw, especially when making angled cuts. From my experience, the right setup and consistency in the cut are vital in successfully achieving this angle.

How do you cut a bevel greater than 45 on a miter saw?

Cutting a bevel greater than 45 degrees on a miter saw can be achieved by utilizing a jig. Most miter saws have a maximum bevel cut of 45 degrees, so by using a jig, the wood is held at an angle to the blade, allowing for a greater bevel cut. Always ensure that the jig is secure before beginning the cut. In my years of working with miter saws, using a jig has allowed me to make quite a range of complex cuts that would be otherwise impossible.