Bevel, Mitre and Cross Cuts Explained
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 4th Aug 2024
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.
When joining pieces of wood, various cutting options are available to create the desired joint angles. In this Toolstop guide, we’ll explain the different types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw and when to use each one. For more detailed information 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, mitre joints can also be created from other angles. You will most often see mitre cuts used on picture frames.
- Applications: Picture frames, mouldings, and trim work
- Advantages: Provides clean and precise angles for joints
- Disadvantages: Generally weaker than other types of joints
What is a Bevel Cut?
A bevel cut is an angled cut where the top of the wood is not perpendicular to the edges. Bevel cuts can often be made with a circular saw, table saw, or mitre saw. They have an angled edge and are used for applications such as the edge of a table to prevent sharp corners.
- Applications: Edges of tables, decorative edges, and trim work
- Advantages: Provides a smooth and angled finish that can enhance the aesthetics of the piece
- Disadvantages: Can be more challenging to make accurately without proper tools
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 the material. Cross cuts are very popular and are used in many construction tasks to size pieces of wood.
- Applications: Cutting wood to length, framing, and general carpentry
- Advantages: Simple and quick to make with precise right angles
- Disadvantages: Limited to cutting across the grain, not suitable for lengthwise cuts
What is a Rip Cut?
A rip cut refers to any cut made parallel to the grain of the wood or length of the material. Ripping describes cutting a board lengthwise and is used to size wood in different applications.
- Applications: Cutting boards to width, resizing lumber, and general woodworking
- Advantages: Essential for creating narrower boards from wider ones
- Disadvantages: Requires more effort and stability to ensure a straight cut
What is a Compound Cut?
A compound cut is a combination of both a mitre cut and a bevel cut. Compound mitre saws allow you to tilt the blade and head at various angles to the workpiece.
- Applications: Crown moulding, complex trim work, and angled joinery
- Advantages: Provides the ability to create complex and precise angles in one cut
- Disadvantages: More complex setup and adjustments required
Understanding the various types of cuts you can make with a mitre saw will help you choose the right cut for your project, ensuring precise and professional results. Whether you're working on simple cross cuts or more complex compound cuts, knowing the differences and applications of each type will enhance your woodworking skills and outcomes.
For more information and to shop our range of mitre saws, visit our mitre saws category page. To learn more about mitre saws in general, check out our blog on what is a mitre saw.