Set up your saw for bevels

A number of variables come into play when you're ripping bevels that need to mate perfectly. If you're having trouble making a set of bevels align top to bottom, rule out the most obvious causes first. Check your saw alignment by first making the blade parallel with the table's miter slot. Then check the fence to ensure it's parallel with the miter slot, and therefore the blade. Use a drafting triangle (or sliding T-bevel for less common angles) to set the bevel angle of your blade; then lock the bevel handwheel in place. Cut test pieces from scrap to check for joint gaps, and fine-tune the angle. With your tablesaw in order, next make sure you've machined all stock flat, straight, and square.

For controlled bevel cuts, attach a hold-down to your fence, where shown. On each pass, use a featherboard to hold the stock snugly against the fence. On the second pass, the hold-down will help prevent the beveled edge from climbing up the side of the fence.

To keep the workpiece from shifting as you cut, use both a feather-board on your saw table and a hold-down clamped to the fence.

—From the WOOD® magazine shop