Thread: Options for making long bevel cuts?

I'm only a newbie, so take my answer with a fistful of salt! I just had this problem today and changed my project because of it, but have just thought of a simple solution. If you don't need a super-clean cut (and don't have machinery like me - I use hand tools), just a circular saw with a platform that allows sideways angle changes, and clamp a straight board to your piece to act as a fence to slide the saw along. Even buying the saw would cost $50 for a cheapie, providing you have clamps for the fence board.

I'm sure others would have better advice than me, though! I'm just working on my first project (a European workbench in pine)... but nevertheless, hopefully this is one idea that may work. If not, no harm done )

Oh, and Google Sketchup is a free tool a few woodworkers seem to use that you might want to check out )

Daniel

Ideally, you'd use a table saw, but unless you're looking to build up a workshop and make lots of other stuff, the circular saw is probably the least expensive option. If you're careful, it will do a reasonable job.
The easiest way to get the angle is to sketch it up to scale and measure it with a protractor.

Jonesey, cutting the ends of the shelves shouldn't be a major problem. I'd do the sides & base first, dry-join them, then mark out where the shelves are to go & take the angles with a sliding bevel. Once you have your angles worked out and lines nicely scribed, as already suggested, a circular saw, angled for each specific cut (& pre-tested on a bit of scrap!) run along a clmped-on straight-edge will rough it out. I'd use a decent handsaw, which doesn't require any set-up, and would probably be a lot quicker. You can then clean up to your scribed lines with a sharp hand plane, used carefully from either end so you don't cause splitting.

What will be a little more challenging if you haven't tried this before, will be cutting housings for your shelves, in those curved sides, or are you planning on loose shelves sitting on shelf-supports?

Cheers,k

If you only have hand tools , then draw the plan to scale , measure the angle , mark the shelf out and cut out leave an extra 1mm to clean off with a plane .

Make the body of the shelves Ie the hull. mark the shelf positions then place the shelf timber across the hull and scribe from the hull to the shelf timber , you will have your angle,.

you will need to fit support cleats under the shelf , or shelf supports of some kind.

If you take your time you will be fine.

Hope this helps

jeff
vk4

Yes to making a full size drawing, but No to using a protractor. The angle settings on table saws and circular saws are unreliable. Use a bevel gauge and transfer to the saw. For best results, set the angle with the blade at maximum projection, then reduce for cutting the slot - tedious for a table saw with multiple settings, but more accurate. Somewhat less tedious for a circular saw.

Cheers,
Joe