Miter box for baseboards: how to use, which one to choose and can you make it yourself?

You can buy a carpenter's miter box with a hacksaw in Moscow through our online store, where, thanks to an intuitive interface and a convenient product catalog, you can easily select a tool that meets all the necessary requirements and make the right choice. Here you will find both professional precision models of miter boxes and consumer versions of plastic miter boxes, the price of which is slightly lower. The assortment includes products from such well-known brands as:

• Matrix;
• Gross;
• stayer;
• Bison RI.

General information

What is a miter box for skirting boards

This word comes from the German word “Stoß” - “joint”. The word "Stoßlade" means "miter box." A miter box is a carpentry tool designed for sawing materials at a certain angle.

It is a tray with oblique slots. This tray resembles an inverted letter “P”. The width of each slot is such that it should fit a hacksaw blade for sawing skirting boards. The slots are made on the side strips, which are placed on a board 150 mm wide. The side strips have 3 or more slots. Use this carpentry tool to cut wood, plastic and polyurethane.

Device and characteristics

The word itself has German roots and is literally translated as “joint”. Many craftsmen are interested in the question of what a miter box is and what it looks like. In appearance, the device is a template and has a simple design. Sides with cuts are attached to the tray, onto which the saw is placed at a specific angle. The angle can be specified constructively or changed at the request of the user. Models equipped with a hacksaw are considered the most convenient for work. Professional tools are capable of making cuts with an accuracy of 1 mm. Often craftsmen call this instrument by other terms: tin or miter box - which is correct? It is clear that it is a miter box, and certainly not a “wort”.

What are miter boxes used for?

The carpentry tool miter box is used for:

1. processing of window and door frames;
2. production of platbands;
3. cornices, glazing beads (for fastening glass);
4. cutting cable channels;
5. for making frames for photographs and paintings;
6. cutting corners of skirting boards.

Classification of miter boxes

This carpentry tool is divided according to design features and material of manufacture.

According to their design features, tools are classified into simple, rotary and electric.

Simple or regular miter boxes are formulaic and not adjustable. The material is cut only at the angle specified in the slots. Basically, such miter boxes have 3 slots, but there are miter boxes that have a larger number of slots - up to 12 pieces. It contains not only angles of 45 and 90 degrees. but also others: 15 degrees,60,135,30.

The width of the miter box is much larger than the size of the material that needs to be cut. Therefore, it is necessary to select a clamp with which the workpiece is attached to the miter box and then sawed off. The clamp helps to secure the workpiece so that it cannot move. If there is no clamp, then when sawing off the baseboard you need to hold it with your hand.

Some miter boxes have a perforated bottom into which pin stops are built in. When choosing a hacksaw for sawing off a workpiece using a miter box, it is important to consider the size of the blade. The width of the blade should correspond to the width of the slot. If the fabric is too thick, the slot will increase in size.

The miter box will be damaged, as will the cutting edge of the hacksaw. It is best to buy a kit that, in addition to the miter box, includes a hacksaw. The set is selected so that the width of the hacksaw completely fits the slot of the miter box. Sometimes there is a pad on top of the hacksaw that prevents the cutting edge from touching the bottom of the miter box and serves as a limiter. Thus, both the miter box and the hacksaw will not be damaged when sawing parts. In addition, the pad increases the rigidity of the hacksaw.

The rotary miter box allows you to shift the direction of the blade relative to the plane of the part, change the angle of inclination. (15 degrees, 22,5,30,90,45,60.) The rotary miter box helps to accurately adjust the cut to a fraction of a degree, ensuring the correct positioning of the cutting tool.

The design of a rotary miter box depends on the purpose, functionality and processing purposes of the product. A classic rotary miter box has a base made of metal or durable plastic, on which a rotating platform is installed. A fixed frame with a hacksaw is attached to it on 4 pins. Using a special scale, the cutting angle is set. The workpiece is placed in the tray and secured.

There are other more accurate rotary miter boxes. This:

• 1. rotary miter box, which can adjust the depth of cut. Thanks to this function, the teeth of the hacksaw are not damaged on the bottom of the miter box and do not come into contact with it;
• 2.a tool that has a movable carriage. This miter box allows you to adjust the cutting angle without moving the workpiece. There are models with an inclined carriage, which makes it possible to give the workpiece a complex shape (pentagon, hexagon, etc.)

An electric miter box helps cut material with filigree precision. This is a tool that is an electric saw mounted on a rotating base. The disadvantage of an electric miter box is its high price and bulky size.

Professionals offer a tool that can replace an electric miter box, but the quality and accuracy of the cut will not be affected. This is a precision tilt-and-turn miter box, a professional hand tool for DIYers. This tool is a precision saw in special guides. The saw is fixed at the desired angle. This miter box comes in metal and plastic.

According to the material of manufacture they are:

• wooden;
• made of plastic;
• metal.

Wooden miter boxes are rare these days. It is difficult to purchase it on the market. Until recently, wooden miter boxes were common, but with the advent of plastic and metal ones they began to be used less frequently. When using them, be careful; careless handling of the hacksaw can damage the miter box. To avoid damaging it, you need to take a special saw that only cuts the baseboard.

Plastic tools are inexpensive, come in a variety of sizes, and are light in weight. But they have one important drawback. They quickly become unusable due to the fact that their width increases each time and finally reaches a size exceeding the permissible norm. As a result of this, the hacksaw takes an unstable position, the cuts are uneven and inaccurate.

Metal miter boxes are a durable material. They are made of steel or aluminum. The long service life and reliability of the tool are reflected in its price: it is high. The cuts on this tool are very accurate. They are used mainly by professionals.

Device and characteristics

The simplest miter box is a tray, the sides of which have cuts for the saw blade, made at common angles relative to the base.

Professional models include a rotary tool that allows you to cut workpieces at any angle with an accuracy of 1 degree.

The structure consists of a base and a rotating part. A guide element is provided for fixing the hacksaw.

Material

In the production of tools, materials with sufficient rigidity are used.

In a hardware store, a buyer most often encounters the following options:

• Wooden – it is rigid and ensures cutting accuracy.

The most common product is made from beech, since this wood has high strength indicators.

The cost starts at 500 rubles.

A homemade tool for infrequent use can be made from plywood within an hour, but it will not last very long.

• Plastic - a common option due to the low cost of 100 - 200 rubles.

The hollow structure of the plastic miter box has a wall thickness of about 1 mm.

The strength of the material is low, which means that the grooves are quickly ground down under the action of the saw teeth.

• Metal.

A characteristic feature is the presence of quick-release clamps for holding workpieces.

There are mainly aluminum miter boxes on the market, which are distinguished by their reliability and durability.

Dimensions and weight of the miter box

Depending on the material and size, the average weight of a classic tool in the form of a tray is from 0.1 to 0.6 kg.

Rotary options weigh 2 – 4 kg.

Average dimensions (LxWxH) of a U-shaped miter box:

• Small: 212x44x42 mm. WxH cut – 35x35mm.

• Average: 290x85x50 mm. WxH cut – 65x40 mm.

• Large: 320x125x70 mm. WxH cut – 90x55 mm.

Dimensions given are approximate only.

The length of most models of classical instruments is in the range of 290 – 310 mm.

There are also tall miter boxes, in which the height is slightly greater than the width.

In this case, to increase stability, manufacturers make the base wider than the tray itself, and predominantly aluminum is used in manufacturing.

Types of miter boxes and their prices

Depending on the functional purpose, there are several types of miter boxes. As you can see in the photo, miter boxes differ in both the type of device, the material used, and the design. Professional and high-precision products include rotary and electric products.

Size

Based on the first feature, there are two standard sizes:

• standard. Designed for working with narrow parts: ceiling plinths, glazing beads, frame strips (for photos and paintings), etc.;
• big. The design of such devices does not differ from standard ones. The only difference is the length and width of the tool, as well as the height of the bars. The corners of the floor plinth, platbands, door frames, etc. are cut into it.

Material

On sale you can find miter boxes made of different materials:

• wood;
• plastic;
• metal, mainly aluminum.

Tree. Wooden models of the tool have good performance characteristics: ease of use and cutting accuracy, which, together with an affordable price, have made this type of device for cutting materials at a given angle the most widespread. Adding advantages to a tool made from boards is the ability to make a miter box for the baseboard with your own hands.

Structurally, wooden tools are made of 3 boards, one of which is the base, the other two are side planks with slots at different angles. They can be dismountable - fastened with self-tapping screws and non-dismountable - the connection of the planks to the base is adhesive with the addition of self-tapping screws for rigidity.

The disadvantages include a short service life - when working with a hacksaw or a saw, the teeth of the cutting tool file down the sides of the slot, as a result of which the groove increases in size. A lateral displacement of 1-2o appears, which immediately affects the quality of the baguette joint in the corners. Therefore, for professional carpenters, tool models made from other materials are preferable. But for doing housework, this is an ideal option.

Plastic. Tools made of plastic, mainly PVC, have a budget price (polyurethane ones are more expensive), a variety of standard sizes and low weight. They are a one-piece construction with slots on the sides. It is used exclusively at home, since the service life is even shorter than that of its wooden counterpart: the slots increase in size much faster, exceeding the permissible standard.

Metal. Miter boxes made of steel or aluminum are tools for professionals. These are durable and easy-to-use products with high cutting precision. The price matches the quality: it is very high.

Design

According to the design features, miter boxes are divided into:

• to simple ones or, as they are also called, ordinary ones. They are templates with predetermined cutting angles. The classic version has three pairs of grooves: for the right and left baguette at 45o and for a cross cut. In some models you can find up to 11 pairs of slots. When working with such a tool, it must be fixed on the workbench using a clamp. The second clamp secures the workpiece, from which you need to cut off a corner according to a given template. Often you have to work without clamps. In this case, the plinth and miter box are held with one hand, and the corner of the fillet is filed with the other. If you work in such conditions carefully and do not rush, you can saw off a corner with the same quality as when using fixing tools;

• rotary _ Such tools are better known as precision miter boxes. It consists of a rotating platform and a disk segment on which degrees are marked, which allows you to cut any angle. A number of models can also be tilted, which makes it possible to cut the part at the end in two planes at once (called universal). It is convenient to work with such a device for a small number of operations - manual sawing is still exhausting.

A miter box for working in two planes at once.

• electric . These are the same rotary tools, but with a circular saw. They are used mainly by professional builders for mass filing of corners, although such a mechanism is also found among household tools.

Normal

This is the simplest and most common modification. If you wish, you can make a miter box with your own hands. It is recommended to buy for household needs, repairs, and a summer cottage. Most manufacturers produce such tools from plastic or wood. The design is a box and has a pair of side holes for a hacksaw. It is necessary to have slots at 45 and 90 degrees. With the help of a miter box it is convenient to work with baseboards, slats, platbands and beams. Pieces of drywall and plastic panels can be easily sawed. In some types it is possible to work with molding widths up to 120 mm.

The estimated cost of the model is 150 – 500 rubles. The advantages include low cost, the ability to fix on any surface, small dimensions and ease of transportation. Among the disadvantages are that:

• the dimensions of the workpiece are limited by the width of the wort;
• the smoothness of the cut is imperfect;
• inability to set the cutting angle;
• the number of slots laid usually does not exceed 7 pieces;
• You have to cut with short movements and the blade often jumps out of the grooves.

Rotary

The wort is equipped with a hacksaw made of metal or plastic measuring 29-60 cm. Thanks to this structure, it is possible to rotate the cutting surface by 15-135 degrees. The product allows you to change the angle in two planes simultaneously. This makes it possible to make a bevel on a workpiece of almost any size. Some craftsmen call the model precision. In addition to the saw, the kit includes an adjustable stand. The cost of the model starts from 2 thousand rubles. It is chosen for work of high complexity.

Electrical

In addition to the turntable, as in the previous model, the miter box is equipped with an electric saw. The most common type is a miter saw on an adjustable stand. This installation is often chosen for industrial enterprises and large production volumes. Non-standard devices include products that can be used to make dovetail fasteners. The models are compact. They are used as a template, located in the place of the workpiece where the groove is cut.

Universal

This miter box looks like a frame. It contains disks connected to each other. They act as guides. A saw is inserted between them and the angle is adjusted in two planes. Professionals rarely use this device. It requires additional configuration, and therefore time.

Magnetic miter box

The operating principle of the device is based on holding the hacksaw at an angle using magnets. On average, such an option will cost 400 rubles. More complex options are equipped with additional elements:

• A latch built into the body.
• Eccentrics. They look like holes into which fingers with tips resembling a rounded wedge are inserted. They press the workpiece tightly against the side.
• Inclined surface of the saw.

Safety precautions

When working with a hacksaw using a miter box, it is advisable to use thick gloves and safety glasses to prevent sawdust from getting into your eyes.

The tool must be fixed on the desktop.

If it is not equipped with any clamps, the workpiece is held in the required position by hand.

To do this, at a safe distance from the groove with the inserted saw, the thumb rests on the material being cut, presses it against the side of the miter box, and the remaining fingers clasp this same side.

When starting a cut, the saw should be inserted into the grooves at least to the height of the teeth.

Marking with a canvas is carried out with slow, even movements, which will protect the master from jumping out of the groove.

Rules for using the device

To cut a workpiece at a certain angle you need:

1. Secure the part by pressing it to the working platform with clamps or clamps that are present on the base.
2. Set the angle at which you want to cut. To do this, use a side graduated scale. The bracket with a hacksaw is moved and secured at the desired angle.
3. Sawing the part.

When working, you need to be careful: often inexperienced craftsmen make mistakes when calculating angles, as a result of which the workpieces have to be thrown away.

Expert opinion Dmitry Konstantinovich Levin To saw ceramic elements, you will need to buy a special string. They are made from hard alloys with a special coating.

How to cut material

When cutting, it is extremely important not to mix up the sides. In order to correctly cut the material at an angle of 90 or 45 degrees using a miter box, it is secured in the body and then rested against the end wall.

And only then the material is sawed. If the tool is professional, then you can adjust the size down to the millimeter.

A template should be made for each section, taking into account a margin of 50 mm. Since the walls in rooms are not always smooth, before cutting the material you should check how they fit together.

The cut should be carried out as follows:

• mark the cut line with a pencil;
• place your product in the miter box body with the front side so that the cutting line mark looks like a continuation of the slot in the tool;
• Press the workpiece from the end of the body wall, insert a hacksaw into the slot, then cut the material according to the mark;
• insert the second blank with the other side into the slot;
• We clean out any unevenness using fine sandpaper.

How to cut an arbitrary angle

Sometimes the walls are not connected to each other at right angles, then the sawing will need to be adjusted. This is done in two ways:

• Using thick paper or a homemade cardboard template. If the plinth is hollow from the inside, it is unlikely to stay vertical. In this case, you will need a homemade corner in which the product is placed, just like in a miter box. The corner is placed on a pre-prepared stencil so that it matches the template, then the product is cut according to the marks.
• Make marks on the material using a pencil. Cut two products at an angle of 90 degrees, then attach them to the wall and mark the junction line. Find the point of contact between the skirting boards, then transfer the markings to the material and make a cut.

Sawing off corners of floor plinths (internal and external)

The rules for sawing off the inner corner of a floor plinth are as follows:

• the miter box must be placed on the table parallel to itself;
• press the product to the side opposite to you;
• place the right plinth on the right, and the left one on the left, respectively, cut from the opposite side;
• align both parts of the plinth, you will end up with an internal corner, the top of which is located away from you.

As for sawing off the outer corner , here you need to adhere to the following rules:

• We place the miter box on the table parallel to ourselves, as in the previous case;
• press the baseboard on your side;
• we install the right product on the right, the left one - on the contrary, we bring it to a diagonally located line, sawing is carried out from the bottom up;
• Connect the parts, we get an outer corner with the vertex towards you.

How to use a miter box?

Brief instructions for using the tool:

• The tool is attached to the work table with clamps or self-tapping screws.

• The workpiece is marked, after which it is placed in the tray.

• Once in place, the workpiece is pressed against one of the sides in such a way as to align the mark with the required groove.

• The hacksaw blade is inserted into the grooves, after which you can begin cutting the workpiece.

NOTE:

To form high-precision cuts, you should use a special hacksaw equipped with a spine.

What to look for when choosing?

Have you ever sawed anything using a miter box with a rotating mechanism? Constantly Not yet

When purchasing, we recommend that you carefully inspect the base: plastic devices are cheap, but they are short-lived, so it is recommended to purchase them for one-time work. For example, if you are going to prepare 2-3 dozen blanks for finishing a room and do not plan to store unnecessary tools after that. But most often, budget devices do not come with a hacksaw, so you will have to purchase it separately.

When choosing a professional tool, check that all moving elements move freely and that the clamps and thumbs rotate. If the threads on them are damaged, then it will be impossible to secure the workpiece and keep the hacksaw from moving arbitrarily.

It is important to inspect the hacksaw that comes with the kit. It is best if it has a backing - this element gives rigidity to the structure. A bow saw is also suitable for cutting various types of materials - from wood to metal.

The quality of the blade determines the cleanliness of the cut and the accuracy of the cut. It is recommended to purchase products from well-known manufacturers: Bahco, Bosh, Stanley.

What you need to know about the miter box?

To perform a specific type of work, something like a miter box is often made, where only one seat is modeled for the task.

Such options include a tool, for example, for cutting soap.

Convenience of work increases with marking, and the cut can be not only straight, but also curly.

To work with specific types of miter boxes, a special hacksaw is required.

However, this does not mean that you cannot use any other sawing tool.

The difference is that in the second case the cut will not be as smooth and clean.

As for the special saw supplied with the miter box, it has a backing that prevents the blade from bending and at the same time acts as a depth limiter.

You can replace it with a hand hacksaw or a bow saw with a medium-sized tooth.

DIY miter box

Professional miter boxes cost a lot of money, and given the rare use in everyday life, this is a dubious waste of money. In this case, the choice should fall on simple troughs, which cost less and are easier to use. But basic models are not always suitable for work in terms of size and cut angle.

In this case, you can make a miter box yourself , taking into account your tasks. Making such a tool is very simple and quick, the main thing is to properly prepare for assembly. The following components are needed:

• saw for wood, metal, it is better if it is a hacksaw with replaceable blades;

• clamps, vices, clamps;

• sanding, correction paper, needle file, grinder with a narrow tape;

• set of confirmants, hexagons;

• drill or screwdriver with a set of drills;

• measuring instruments: rulers, protractors, corner;

• pencil, marker.

All items must be placed on a table prepared for assembly. First you need to assemble the box, namely the bottom and walls. Here you need to think in advance about the parameters of the plinth or other object, because this determines the height of the sides and the width of the bottom.

Craftsmen with extensive experience can make not just a box, but a miter box with sliding thresholds and replaceable sides. This model is very difficult to make, but the end result is a very effective and durable model. But here again we are talking about the frequency of use, if you need a miter box for a couple of times, then there is no point in bothering, but if it is for frequent use, then it is easier to buy a professional analogue.

The height of the side is usually 30 or 50 millimeters, depending on the width of the product. The length can be adjusted as convenient, but more often it is 10 - 30 centimeters. This parameter affects the stability and the number of possible cutting angles (not only 45, 90 degrees ). The width of the bottom is usually no more than 15 - 20 centimeters. Having selected the necessary boards, you need to follow a clear sequence of actions:

1. The bottom and sides need to be sanded, especially the corners with the ends. Make sure the parts fit together.
2. Measure the location of the sides and the places of cuts using a ruler, protractor or corner.
3. Secure the sides to the bottom, taking into account that in the places where the cuts are made the sides will be very vulnerable. The sides are attached not to the bottom, but to the sides. For fastening, it is best to use a hexagon with confirmants; this is the most effective fastening for this. To make it more convenient, with less damage to parts, use a drill.
4. Make cuts according to the marks so that there are even cuts at 90, 45 degrees, there should be two second holes.
5. The width of the openings should be slightly larger than the saw you will be using. And the depth should be to the very foundation, but do not overdo it so that the structure does not lose its reliability.

You can make a collapsible model, but for this use screws or self-tapping screws. You can also make such a structure from metal, but for this it is better to use a ready-made welded iron box and the appropriate tools for working with metal. This design will last much longer, but will be more difficult and expensive to create.

Video on how to make a miter box with your own hands

Top best models

The rating of the best models includes rotary miter boxes that have high-quality assembly, are time-tested and produced by well-known manufacturers.

Gross 22759

Price: 4,500 rub.

For convenience, this model of the tool is equipped with a removable two-plane saw blade made of high-strength Japanese steel 60 centimeters long. The saw blade is equipped with a comfortable handle. The tray is made of impact-resistant plastic and has a scale that allows you to make the most accurate horizontal or vertical cuts. On the working surface there are six limit stops for semi-automatic installation of frequently used horizontal angles. For vertical cuts, they are installed manually.

Santool 030203

Price: 2,700 rub.

The 550 mm miter box is used for cutting materials such as metal, plastic and hard wood. Angles are set in vertical and horizontal planes. The part to be cut and the saw blade are installed securely, resulting in an even and precise cut. The kit includes a sharp hacksaw with a closed metal handle. The tray is made of metal and the stand is made of wood. This model is often used in home workshops.

Gross 22757

Price: 3,500 rub.

The tool of this model has two clamps and a limiting stop, which allows for the most accurate cutting of wood, plastic and metal workpieces at different angles. The kit includes a hacksaw made of high quality Japanese steel. There is a quick installation of frequently used corners. The tray is made of impact-resistant plastic and is securely fixed on a special stand. The maximum cutting height is 10 centimeters, and the thickness is from 8.5 to 13.7 centimeters.

FIT Pro 41315

Price: 2,500 rub.

The cheapest model of the tool is sold complete with a hacksaw made of high-quality steel, which has adjusting screws for changing the tension of the blade. This means that for cutting the material you can select a certain tension of the blade. For a secure grip, the handle is made of plastic and has a comfortable shape. The tool is made in the form of a rotating design, which allows you to saw parts no more than 15 centimeters wide.

FIT Pro 41321

Price: 3,800 rub.

Unlike the previous model, the length of the blade of this miter box is 60 cm. It is used for cutting parts at angles from 45° to 135°. During cutting, the workpieces are securely fixed, which prevents defects. The maximum width of the workpiece is 12 centimeters. Due to the fact that the tool is made of durable and high-quality materials: plastic, aluminum and steel, it can last for several years.

NOBEX Champion 180

Price: 13,000 rub.

The expensive model of the miter box from the rating is a bow saw 63 cm long. The kit includes a hacksaw blade with a pitch of 1.5 mm. It has a high-precision scale that allows you to make the most accurate workpieces. The tray has two clamps that securely hold the part while cutting. Thanks to the presence of an extension, it is possible to saw long parts. The height of the sawn parts is 18 cm, width is from 12.6 cm to 20 cm. For convenient storage, the saw blade can be installed parallel to the miter box.

BISON 15442

Price: 3,100 rub.

The miter box of the domestic manufacturer is a professional device for sawing hard materials in the vertical and horizontal plane. Made from lightweight and durable aluminum. On the working surface there is a high-precision scale in inches and centimeters. The 56 cm long saw is made of high quality steel and heat treated. For a secure grip, the saw handle has a rubberized insert. If necessary, the blade can be replaced quickly. Thanks to the special design with small backlashes, high precision cutting of the workpiece is ensured. If you use a steel saw blade, you can cut metal workpieces.