How To Cut A 60 Degree Angle With A Handsaw

Handsaws make it easier for you to cut precision angles in the woods without exerting too much effort. While most woodworking tasks and projects usually go for a 45-degree or even 90-degree angles, little did you know that a 60-degree angle is also useful. These projects usually involve trim for walls at a less standard angle and slanted furniture legs. With that in mind, if you wanted to try this, you should at least know how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw.
However, if you usually use a miter saw or handsaw, it can only allow you to have the blades adjusted to 45 degrees. It may seem impossible at first, for you are only familiar with how to cut a 45 degree angle with a hand saw. But knowing how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw is a pretty interesting task. So if you want to know and learn more about cutting a 60 degree angle, then I’ve got you covered. In this article, you will know useful ways on how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw, and understand why it is important.
Why Do People Consider Cutting A 60 Degree Angle With A Handsaw?
At first, it may seem pretty daunting to cut angles more than 45 degrees. But as time goes by, many would want to learn how to cut a 60 degree with a handsaw and feel confident that they have made the angle cuts they need to. A 60-degree angle is useful for case-specific crafts projects, making furniture legs that are slanted, and trimming walls at a non-standard angle.
Ways on How to Cut an Angle
Before we go into the steps on how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw, it is better if you know some of the ways and the tools used in cutting. Here are 3 of the ways in cutting a 60 degree angle that is used nowadays.
Miter Saw
A miter saw is every modern carpenter’s favorite. They tend to use it because of its adjustable blades tht can be set easily up to 180 degrees angle. This is a tool used if you want to learn how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw.
Miter Box
The Miter Box is the predecessor of the miter saw. It has pre-cut angles along the sides, and it can also be used as a handsaw.
Protractor
You can also cut an angle using a protractor to engrave a line onto the piece of wood. Using a protractor will require you great control to achieve the best cut.
Materials Needed in Cutting a 60 Degree Angle
If you want to know how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw, you should first know the necessary materials. Below are the materials you shouldn’t miss.
- Wood Stock
- Miter Saw or Handsaw
- Working Bench
- Protractor
- Carpenter’s pencil
- Safety Goggles
- Ruler
- Gloves
Steps on How to Cut a 60 Degree Angle with a Handsaw
I’m sure you want to know the basic ways on how to cut a 60 degree angle with a handsaw. Take a look at these useful steps in cutting to achieve what you need for your project.
Step 1 – Preparation of Your Jig
Since a handsaw or miter saw can only cut up to 45 degree angle, you’ll need to make a jig before you can perform a 60 degree angle cut. You’ll need a piece of Woodstock to make a jig for working. Anything you have around could work, as long as it’s a decent piece of wood.
You just have to place your handsaw on top of your workbench and just adjust the saw up to 30 degrees. See to it that the fence is locked, for you’ll need a faultless 30-degree jig to achieve a proper 60 degree angle for your project.
Step 2 – Adding 30-Degrees on Top of the Angle
Now that you have created a cut at 30-degree angle, you have to add 30 degrees on top of whatever angle you have set the handsaw to cut. So the 30-degree jig plus another 30 degrees gets you to 60. Take note that you may also create jigs for any angle up to 45 degrees. This allows you to use your miter saw to cut the wood at any angle. This is why handsaw is very versatile, as it can cut different angles.
Step 3 – Making of the 60 Degree Cut
Since you’re done with your jig, you can now make a 60-Degree angle. You must adjust the saw so that it will be set at a 30-degree angle and place the jig against your fence. You can use a clamp to protect the jig against the fence and to ensure that it will not move. These steps are quite critical in achieving a perfect 60-degree cut.
Step 4 – Double Check Your Work
If you followed the Steps 1-3, you should end up with a perfect 60 degree cut in your project. But you can also double check it using a protractor before you proceed with the building process. If the measurement is correct and you made a perfect 60 degree angle, then you’re all set.
Conclusion
It’s always an advantage if you have ideas on how to cut angles at different degrees. You must also be particular about the things to consider when it comes to cutting. Using a handsaw or a miter saw is helpful to achieve that perfect cut.
Fortunately, learning the basics of how to cut a 60-degree angle is just very simple as creating a jig for making your cut. Just don’t forget that before you get to cutting, make sure that you are wearing the right safety gear. The gloves and safety goggles are a must to protect you. Find out more about handsaws.