How to Cut Straight with a Mitre Block – Plus a Fun Tower Puzzle Project!
If you’re struggling with cutting straight lines by hand, don’t worry—there’s a simple solution! In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to use a mitre block for precise cuts, and we’ll also create a fun tower puzzle project to help you practice your new skills. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Tools:
- Mitre block
- Panel saw (or tenon saw)
- Combination Square To help with marking precise angles.
- Clamps (for securing timber)
- Measuring tape
- Materials:
- Treated timber (CLS timber is ideal)
- Sandpaper
- Ruler or measuring tape
Support My Work:
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Understand Your Mitre Block
A mitre block helps you make straight cuts with precision. Whether you're cutting at 90° or 45°, a mitre block stabilizes the timber while you saw.
- What it does: It helps cut straight lines at precise angles, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to improve their cutting accuracy.
- Why use it: Just like training wheels on a bike, the mitre block helps build muscle memory and encourages straight, controlled cuts.
πTip: If you’re just starting out, practice with a mitre block before moving on to freehand cutting.
Step 2: Choose Your Timber and Measurements
For this project, we’re using treated timber. We’re working with 3x2 timber (75mm x 47mm), but you’ll need to measure and double-check the actual dimensions of your timber. Here’s how:
- Measure the width and depth of your timber with a combination square.
- Double-check the measurements. For example, my timber was slightly smaller than expected—make sure to verify.
- Once measured, cut the timber into manageable pieces.
Step 3: Set Up Your Mitre Box
We’ll be cutting straight edges with our mitre box. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Place your timber into the mitre block.
- Adjust the saw angle based on whether you want a 90° or 45° cut. The mitre box has guides for both.
- If you're practicing, clamp your timber in place to prevent movement.
Step 4: Cutting the Timber
Now, let’s make those cuts! Follow these steps:
- Hold the saw firmly: Grip the saw with your index finger extended and ensure the blade aligns with the cut line.
- Start cutting at a slight angle: Begin from the far side of the timber and work your way through the cut.
- Focus on smooth motion: Use the weight of the saw to help make straight cuts. Do not force the saw through—let the tool do the work.
- Cut through the timber: When you reach the end of the cut, the saw may catch a little on the timber. Don’t worry—this is normal.
Step 5: Make Repeat Cuts for the Tower Puzzle
The fun part begins! We’re building a tower puzzle, so we need to make multiple cuts of the same length.
- Set up your saw stop: This will help you make repeat cuts without measuring each time. When you slide the timber up against the stop, it will be the same length every time.
- Cut your pieces: Make sure to measure your cuts, such as 21mm, and repeat the process until you have enough pieces for the tower.
Step 6: Sanding the Pieces
Once you’ve cut your timber, it’s time to make those edges smooth:
- Sand the edges: Especially if you’re working with rough-cut timber, sand the pieces to remove any rough spots.
- Round any sharp corners: This makes the pieces safer to handle, especially when playing with the tower puzzle.
Step 7: Assemble the Tower Puzzle
Now for the fun part—putting it all together!
- Start stacking: Place the pieces on top of each other to create the tower.
- Check for balance: Make sure the pieces fit snugly together and form a sturdy structure.
- Test your puzzle: See how high you can stack it without it falling over!
Step 8: Final Touches
If you want to make this puzzle even more enjoyable, here are a few extra touches:
- Paint or stain: Add a finish to your timber for a polished look.
- Add details: You can even add numbers or colors to each piece for extra fun!
Conclusion
There you have it! You've just learned how to cut straight lines using a mitre block, and you’ve built a fun tower puzzle project to boot. This is an excellent way to practice your woodworking skills while creating something enjoyable for all ages. If you found this tutorial helpful, give it a thumbs up and let me know in the comments. And stay tuned for the next tutorial where I’ll show you how to do rip cuts with a panel saw.
Watch the Full Tutorial
For a more in-depth walkthrough of this process, check out my video tutorial on YouTube: How to Cut Straight with a Mitre Block – Plus Tower Puzzle Project.
Happy cutting, and good luck with your tower puzzle! π