how to cut/measure angles

[eggplant]

Hi all,

current project needs some angles cutting as per the pictures

I have a chamfer bit for my router but thats a set angle of about 45, how would I measure this angle to mark it? Its mdf, can I plane it?
Im not laminating it so that bit doesnt matter.

Thanks

 

[big-all]

use a mitre saw or chop saw
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/sea...et=UTF-8&q=mitre+saw&pn=1&pd=1&pi=1&cn=1&cd=1
the router reference is for the mouldings

 

[Scrit]

You really need an accurate table saw to length cut some of those angles. Whoever supplies your MDF (?) might be able to do this.

Scrit

 

[eggplant]

Hi,

Thanks for the sugestions, I have a mitre saw but it will only cot up to about 5" for skirting boards and such.
I got the mdf from Clays in Blackburn, went to holdex as suggested previously but it was shut. I figured because its only a small piece I could maybe plane it but its a long time since I worked out any angles and wouldnt have a clue how to measure. Now you mention saws, I have a table saw which I used to cut the mdf, I didnt even give it a thought, it does angles as well. I'll give it a go on some scrap over the weekend, the problem with my saw is its not 100% accurate on the scale (if the length scale is anything to go by), a classic case of getting what you pay for.

Thanks

 

[Scrit]

I got the MDF from Clays in Blackburn, went to Holdex as suggested previously but it was shut. I figured because its only a small piece I could maybe plane it but its a long time since I worked out any angles and wouldnt have a clue how to measure. Now you mention saws, I have a table saw which I used to cut the MDF, I didnt even give it a thought, it does angles as well. I'll give it a go on some scrap over the weekend, the problem with my saw is its not 100% accurate on the scale (if the length scale is anything to go by), a classic case of getting what you pay for.

You must have gone on Saturday afternoon! Holdex is a trade place and only opens Saturday mornings.

You could try measuring the angle using a cheap W H Smith plastic protractor as you make some test cuts. You can plane MDF with a sharp plane iron, but the iron doesn't stay sharp for long! A circular saw is about the best method, even if you have to sand it afterwards (using a piece of sand paper wrapped round an MDF offcut to avoid dubbing over the chamfers).

Good luck!

Scrit

 

[eggplant]

Hi,

It was indeed last Saturday PM, I recall you saying that its not a good idea to ask them to do loads of cuts on a Saturday, I didnt realise their opening hours, and since allthe marking and cutting is part of the enjoyment I just had Clays cut the sheet in a few places so it would fit in the car.
I have plenty spare so I'll have a play, the angle is where 2 panels fit together on the front and if its a bit out I suppose I could sand it to "make it look right" but I'd rather get it right rather than do a cover up.

Thanks

 

[Scrit]

I have plenty spare so I'll have a play, the angle is where 2 panels fit together on the front and if its a bit out I suppose I could sand it to "make it look right" but I'd rather get it right rather than do a cover up.

I was thinking more in terms of sanding after you cut it on the saw to get an acceptable surface finish as the saw will leave quite a coarse surface finish. The reason for using a solid sanding block is that it will leave your edges nice and crisp when you are sanding, rather than dunbbed over (i.e. rounded) which may well happen if you hand-hold the abrasive without a support.

Scrit

 

[joe-90]

Try on a bit of scrap with a sliding bevel set to your angle, and a number 5 plane (very sharp). I think it would give you the results that you are looking for and will keep the edges sharp.


joe