Question on measring miters

[sailor55330]

What is the secret to measuring length and taking into account the length of the mitered end?

No matter what I've tried, I always cut the last 2 peices too short unless it is a perfect square. I'm sure there is a very simple way, but it escapes me.

[LCHIEN]

you basically have two choices - measuring the inside or outside.

if you are trying to fit a outer band around a table top, I always find it easier to measure the inside dimension of the miter to exactly match the outside of th table top you are fitting around.

I use a saddle square like those sold by Lee Valley to mark the edge and side of the piece to be cut. When you cut the miter make sure the cut bisects the side pencil line and meets the edge line right at the junction of the side and edge.

You should find the inside of the mitered pieces match the edge of the table top exactly. The corners will match w/o a gap.

[conwaygolfer]

Or

you can do what I do - measure the length and add 1/8in. to it. Then after cutting just "sneak up on it". Takes a little longer but it is never too short.
Hope this helps.

Conwaygolfer

[cabinetman]

Measure the short edge of the miter where it fits the edge of the table edge. If you have a square table, you would think once you have one that fits, you could just set up stops. But, it never seems to work out perfectly.

If the saw is cutting perfect 45's, make up a test piece for both sides of the miter, and have the inside length a determined size...like 10", as examples. Then you can fit the two samples, and make a mark at the 10" length. This will tell you that whatever is the dimension to the next point, add 10". This also works out well if you work alone and installing trim, like base, chair, crown.

It's usually the case that the best fitting joints have been trimmed down for the tightest fit, because, you can't make wood longer by cutting it.
.

[SARGE..g-47]

If you are banding something existing you have gotten your answer with the sneak up.. if you are simply referring to mitering the sides of a small or large box.. etc., whole different story. You really didn't clarify what you were using the miters for.

[Mr__Bill]

and as an added note, the long measurement will be longer than the short measurement by the thickness of the piece.

[LCHIEN]

and as an added note, the long measurement will be longer than the short measurement by the thickness of the piece.

actually, twice the thickness.

[mjernigan]

Actually, that depends on the angle of the miter; you're assuming a 45 degree miter, in which case your answer is correct. Change the angle and twice the thickness is no longer valid.

[Mr__Bill]

actually, twice the thickness.

True, if you miter both ends.

Actually, that depends on the angle of the miter; you're assuming a 45 degree miter, in which case your answer is correct. Change the angle and twice the thickness is no longer valid.

Equally true, I have been replacing the trim on my doors and windows as I reside the house and while nothing else is square on the house the factory made windows are. Thus I have 45's on the brain.

Bill