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Cross Cut Miter Jig

Cutting the first strip

I'm going to make two miter jigs. The first is just a straight bar for cutting varable angles.  I'll use this jig to make the second jig.  The second jig will be used to cutting 45 degree miters to create perfect 90 degree corners.

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To make the first jig, I will cut off a 2" strip of plywood.

Routing a slot in the strip of wood

Next, I will route a 1/4" slot along the center of the 2" strip.

First jig attached to the T-track

And that's all there is to it. I can fasten the strip to the cross cut sled using a couple of knobs.

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The jig can be positioned at any angle.

Using the first jig to cut the MDF into two triangles

I'll position the jig at a 45 degree angle to cut a rectangular piece of plywood into two triangles.

Cutting the triangle again into two smaller triangles

Then I'll cut one of the triangles in half again to create two more triangles.

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I know that the fence on my cross cut sled is square, so I know that the corner of my triangle will be a perfect 90 degrees.

Pieces that form the basic fence

After gluing up the two triangles to form a 1.5" thickness, I cut into the triangles to create a zero clearance cut for the blade's kerf.

Cutting the edge strips

Next, I attach strips of plywood to serve as the edges of the jig.  This will give me something that I can hold onto with my thumbs, as well as something that I can clamp to.

Cutting a kerf in the jig

And that's it!  

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When cutting mitered joints, it's important to cut one piece on the left side of the jig, and the mating side on the opposite side of the jig. That way I will always have a perfect 90 degree joint.

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