For a number of years I have made children's blocks in various sizes and shapes. However, I've always struggled with the precision of the cuts, primarily the angles. As a perfectionist, I am looking for incredibly precise 90 degree angles, but have found that my well-tuned table saw, along with many different jigs, just hasn't met my standard. Am I using the wrong tool? Should I use a bandsaw, router, or planer? I appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!
-Steve
Beaverton, OR
Our Expert
I make most ninety degree cuts on the tablesaw with an Amana Prestige saw blade #PR1040. As you've already discovered, a well-tuned tablesaw is key. I test the angle of the blade by cutting two pieces of stock and positioning them to test the angle. In other words, to test a forty-five degree angle I miter two pieces of stock and position them within a square. If the joint is not ninety the resulting gap is twice the error. To test a ninety degree angle I simply cut two pieces and position them end-to-end on a straight edge.
