how to cut a 2x4 into a wedge

These affiliate advertising programs are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to the specific sites. Even if your woodworking is limited to an occasional weekend project, youll eventually need to cut a narrow piece from a long board or sheet of plywood. Sometimes there will be a band around a new shipment of lumber, and I'll use my car keys to cut the band and pull out all the good stuff. They are made using a premium or "select" grade 2x4 that is 24" long, then very slightly trimmed to length when finished. This will help remove any surface dirt and potential contaminants. Expert home cooks. Onions are a versatile vegetable that provide flavor, color, and texture to any recipe. First, let's talk about the two different types of cuts you can make. strips, but if you have to cut narrow strips often, build the jig shown on p. 32. Floors and ceilings that may (or may not) have been level at one time can present significant problems when it is time for you to install tile orcabinets,or if you just need to level the darned floor. Secure the board for cutting lengthwise by nailing it to sawhorses. If a two-part shim is unacceptable, you can pocket screw the two pieces together to form a one-piece shim. First, you need to make sure that your knife is sharp. Yet another goal was to not put any holes, nail or screw marks into any "finished" side of the board. Time to think like a wood butcher insead of a machinist. faster, quieter and safer. also, when you made the corbels, do you recall what radius of a circle you used to make the arch? The goal is to make evenly-sized slices about 1/4 inch thick or so without going through the skin on the other side. Use the straightedge in the previous video, or make a new one, to cutthe shims. Alex and I use this method when we make our ultimate baked potato wedges! He lives and works in Rapid City, South Dakota. A common method of putting slope on flat roofs is wire cut rigid foam, this allows the roof to be sloped in several ways to help drainage. Use either the "X" and/or the UPC label on the board as you look at the remaining photos if you are confused about which side of the board you are looking at. Nail down the board and use your finger as a guide-carefully! They pass over (or "through" would be okay too) and hold down the block mentioned in the previous step. Position your hand on the wide section of the saw shoe, not on the narrow side near the blade, and grip the shoe with your forefinger and thumb. Onions have a very strong flavor, so if you are planning to cut other items and you dont want them to taste like onions, use a separate cutting board. This makes for 8 wedges per potato. Secure boards less than 6 in. I also confirmed I the desired thickness and ran the 3 foot or so long board through a planer. Next, take a rip of plywood and nail it over the notch,on the flat of the 2x4, covering it completely. Remove the stud. Since all of your 2x4s are exactly the same length, they will now all fit the same way in the jig. If it's shaped like a potato chip, it's cupping! Set rip fence to put the blade at the near side of the line (so that the scribedportion will be the off-cut. Mills were trying to get more boards out of a single log, and charge the same price. holes in the corners and then cutting between them with a jigsaw. There is a separate Instructable for the cabinet itself, and there is a link to that on the first step of this Instructable. We'll cover how to store, wash, and cut your potatoes into wedges. (Extra-crispy? You can make a taper jig for your tablesaw. Clamp or tack the board to sawhorses and slide the saw and jig the full length of the board. We've also got tips on how to bake a potato in the oven! Youll end up with more surface area, which means more of that crispy, golden exterior. If the X is down on the table and I push it down is that going to cut in the taper? Soft and fluffy? Remove the taper screw and reposition the far hold-down stop on the jig to accommodate the longer, 6-foot 2x4. The combination of crispiness on the outside with fluffy softness on the inside is simply irresistible! Mark the location for the anchor centered on the two-by-four stud. The key is to align the straightedge at exactly the right distance from the cutting line (Photo 2) and keep the saw shoe tight to the straightedge as you cut. A premium board has fewer knots, is straighter, and does not have rounded edges. As you cut, direct pressure straight ahead through the handle of the saw, and concentrate on the line. browsing data or IP addresses) and use cookies or other identifiers, which are necessary for its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. Please take one of those halves and cut it in half again so you have four quarters. Measure the cut twice. Manage Settings You can see in the second photo that the UPC sticker for the board is on the outside of the board. Shims are thin pieces of wood or metal used to fill small gaps or spaces. Making long cuts can be dangerous. It be nice to hav plans for tht. Remove the taper screw and reposition the far hold-down stop on the jig to accommodate the longer, 6-foot 2x4. But for the most precise cuts, I recommend making a circular saw jig that you can clamp to the board right where you want it. Run the cruddy 2x4 through the table saw to make a perfectly straight edge. A dull blade will not only make the process more difficult, but it can also be dangerous. You want the 2x4 and the taper jig to move as one, instead of sliding just the 2x4. Then, clamp the shim in place, so it doesnt move around while youre cutting. You can usually tell right away if it's curving off to the side. In case it is not clear, this is what you have made so far. Related: 20Knife Skills Videos: HowtoCutEverything! For extra-crispy potatoes: Slice into thin wedges. To cut a wedge by hand, start by marking out the desired shape on the piece of wood. It can make straight cross cuts as well as angled cuts just by adjusting the blade. Place one of the halves on its flat side on your cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half again. Eventually those two picture hanging sized nails, going through pre-drilled holes, will hold that end of the board in place. You can learn more about predrilling and countersink screws here. Back in the day, each mill cut down their logs into boards that were roughly 2" x 4" (the nominal size) but the surfacing and drying process was different at each location, resulting in an assortment of actual finished sizes. It is not 100% clear, though, so I appreciate your question. wide) with near table-saw precision (Photo 1). Two of these put together, on the 45, make that top piece. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Once the fence is set, leave it in the exact same place while you run HALF of your supply of 24" long boards through. A cross cut severs the fibers across the grain, making the 2x4 board shorter. Step 3: Go old school and use a protractor to mark a 36 degree angle off of the fresh miter cut. I also slightly rounded the inside edge so that the 2x4 would not rest on that edge. One screw at the back (end toward you) of the piece sticking out to the side to act as a stop for your workpiece. If you make potato wedges, you don't want to peel your potatoes and need to leave the skin on. A fancy crosscut sled like this one will allow you to make angled cuts easily. Place the jig piece (the one you want to cut at an angle) with one end resting on the screw head and the other against another scrap piece placed against your rip fence (to save your rip fence from being scratched by the screw head). And thats all there is to it! 4. 2. A and attach it to your circular saw. This isn't a deal-breaker in construction, but a straight board is absolutely necessary for building furniture! After that, I used a router to cut a decorative edge along the bottom of the board. Learn how your comment data is processed. * Offer valid for first order only for Walmart Pickup & Delivery service, at participating stores in the United States. This will make the job go faster, but you still need to be careful not to damage the wood. The side on the deep end will have a gap. To find out more about the categories of personal information collected and the purposes for which such information will be used, please refer to our privacy policy. This will require more accuracy and effort, but it can be done! You accept the use of cookies or other identifiers by closing or dismissing this notice, by scrolling this page, by clicking a link or button or by continuing to browse otherwise. Place each potato quarter cut side up, then slice down the center of the quarter to create a wedge. Well show you how to use a circular saw to quickly and accurately cut long boards and plywood, and give you plans for a handy cutting guide attachment for your saw. Afterward, scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush or kitchen sponge and wash away the remaining dirt using warm water. If you dont have access to a miter or saw, you can use a circular saw set at 5 degrees. Good follow-through is the secret to an accurate finish. Whether oven-baked, roasted, or air-fried - potato wedges are a much healthier alternative to French fries and a perfect side dish, snack, or appetizer for any occasion. Again, it is more important to be consistent than exact, as you can always trim off any excess off the bottom. The miter saw is perfect for making cross cuts, but it's not safe for making rip cuts. As you near the end of the amount, slow down and take care not to overcut otherwise, youll create an opening thats too large for your wedge. through the wood or metal and into the concrete. But if you've never built anything before, there's a lot to learn! To cut wedges, adjust the screws to form the desired wedge shape and size. If you don't have one on your jobsite, cut onewith this jig. Set the base over the fence and align one long edge. I have to say your instructable has been a lot of fun to follow and try to build myself, I'm really enjoying this project. You are lengthening the board on the inside of the curve, and not changing it on the outside, which causes it to bend -- straight. To do this, we use the jig one more time. If cutting the board on the edge like this, the blade height, even when fully raised, is not tall enough to cut all the way through the 2x4, especially if held in a jig. At the end of the cut, keep the back of the shoe tight until the cut is complete. Then mark the board and cut it to width (Photos 2 and 3). If the saw starts to wander from the line, back up to about 6 in. Here is the board next to the cabinet. With these tips in mind, cutting wedges on a table saw can be a safe and easy process. Step 6. Sawing long boards is easy if you own a table saw. Your fingers will be way too close to the spinning blade for comfort. Alex and I are often asked about the best kitchen tools. Then, position your hand saw at the top of the marked area and tilt it until its creating a 5-degree angle. Referring back to what I was mentioning earlier with the photos, this means that you want the "X" side down and the UPC side up. Actually, I cut a couple of extra ones too in case I made a mistake along the way. Place the model's ceiling-side edge on the face of a 24. Pro tip: Dont skimp on the oil, and if roasting, spread out the potatoes on a sheet pan so theres room for the hot air to circulate and crisp them up. My tapered legs are 23.5" tall. Once you have the best 2x4 lumber picked out, you can get it cut down into shorter lengths at the store to make it easier to get it home. Place the potato on its side and using a large chefs knife, slice it in half lengthwise. You should have eight equal potato wedges. Stand beside, never behind, the blade when youre cutting. You can also use an axe or splitting wedges to do the work. To ensure a straight cut, press the saw firmly against the straightedge as you push it along. Remove the 2x4blank from the straight edge jig and set the jig aside. Its essential to make the mark as straight and accurate as possible since this will be the line youll follow with your saw. Now that you know how to select, cut and screw a 2x4, you're ready for your first project! Check out the steps below to get started. You may need to cut your shims if youre doing a home improvement or carpentry project. If you want to create a straight edge on a crooked board, mark the board with a straightedge or chalk line instead. I'm usually pretty picky and will avoid as many knots as possible to save myself some work later on. Plus, you can make sure your potato recipes turn out just the way you like 'em. Stay tuned to get more helpful articles! What are the actual dimensions of a 2x4, the best saw to cut 2 by 4 wood, what screws to use in a 2x4 and project ideas to get you started! Slide the saws shoe against the circular saw rip guide to rip the plywood. Then, apply gentle pressure as you guide the blade through the shim. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you have no obstacles to get around, you may be done now and could be ready to trim to length. Depending upon precision needed, screw either a metal or hardwood strip the same size as the slots on your table (e.g. Nail down the board and use your finger as a guide-carefully! Step 2 Place one of the halves on its flat side on your cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half again. If you have a circular saw, you could make the cut freehand, or use a ripping jig. Set one end down on the floor, and bring the other end up to your eye. Get recipes worth repeating and more from A Couple Cooks, straight to your inbox. In addition to the standard 8 foot length, you can also find 2x4 boards in 10, 12, 14 or even 16 foot sizes. Plus, we've included plans for a handy cutting guide attachment for your saw. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Decision time: Do you want your wedges long, like steak fries, so you can pick them up with your fingers and dunk them? With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Predrilling a hole in your board will prevent the wood from splitting or cracking when you drive in the screw. You will use this circular saw jig over and over again. When you finally find the pile of 2x4s, you'll probably see a bunch of cracked and damaged boards right on top. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,975 times. This is important because the they are not interchangeable. When youre finished cutting, use a chisel or knife to clean up any rough edges around the door. Drop a board into the jig. A premium board has fewer knots, is straighter, and does not have rounded edges. 3D Printed Futuristic Space Age Wall Clock. Not reallypros do it all the time. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. You can get the plans for these shelves here! Use the code SIDECHEF for $10 off your first $50 shoppable recipe order. Most recipes for potato wedges yield 6 to 8 wedges per potato. TO REHEAT: Reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer at 375 degrees F and recrisp for a few minutes. You may have to modify it to fit your saws shoe. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Replace the flat head screw into the same hole at the same depth and insert the six foot 2x4into the jig. To revoke your consent, please clear your browser cookies and refresh the page. Once you have your four quarters, its time to start cutting your wedges. Wood Working Advisor is a blog where I share wood working tips and tricks, reviews, and guides. To learn more, please refer to the cookie policy. This side with the "X" will be the part that glues to your cabinet. Whichever method you choose, ensure you have a steady hand and take your time. % of people told us that this article helped them. You can do this yourself with nearly any cutting tool you do have that's capable of making rip cuts, though the farther you get from the optimal tool (a table saw) the harder it will be. [1] Find the bulb by looking for the pointed ends of the onion that usually have brown spots. First, set up your miter saw with the blade at a 90-degree angle. . Insert a 3/8-inch masonry drill bit into a hammer drill. For long wedges, halve the potato lengthwise; for short wedges, halve crosswise. Then comes the fun part: Once you've done your slicing, it's time to get cooking: Ree Drummond's Roasted Potato Wedges are the perfect side dishaccording to Ree, they dont require an ounce of thought! You can also use a jigsaw to cut a 2x4 the same way! Share it with us! I checked Youtube, Instructables, the web generally, and found nothing on point. Potato wedges can be cooked with various herbs and seasoning combinations, so you can easily play with flavor and heat levels to suit your palette. Pound the nails flush to the surface. ), Determine the wedge size. Its not the ideal tool for the job, but it will get the job done. Thinking ahead, I drilled a hole in the back of the box and one on the side to help "pop out" a board from the jig if it got stuck. Clamp a straightedge to a scrap of lumber for a circular saw rip guide. Meraj is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, ClickBank, and few other sites. Push out the excess pieces with a chisel, then smooth out the insides. Once the pattern is made, set your saw blade into it and cut along the line. To use the jig, put one end of the wedge stock in the notch and push this piece of stock and the notched guide board along the fence until you've cut a wedge. This is not a race; rushing through it will only increase the chances of making a mistake. The length will allow the screw to pass completely through the first board and most of the way through the second, without popping out the other side. You will want start thinking like a manufacturer now. To cut a 12-foot shim, cut a cruddy 2x4to six feet long. The edges of the jig help hold up the router so that it remains level and cuts at a consistent depth. SideChef: 18k Recipes, Meal Planner, Grocery List, Personalization. For me, I had to raise the blade of the table saw as high as it would go, and then I could back off just slightly. Put the nails and screws back in. You can do this by drawing a line from one corner of the board to the other, ensuring the line is at an angle. Place the lemon on a cutting board with the point facing up. Here are some flavor combinations we love: Potato wedges are a foolproof side dish or appetizer everyone loves. 3. Learn how to use a circular saw to quickly and accurately cut long boards and plywood. task. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. 2x4 studs are typically 8 feet long, to match the standard length of a sheet of plywood or drywall. Tip: Sometimes, layers of the actual onion come off with the paper layer. A wedge is simply a thin piece of wood used to hold the workpiece in place while cutting it. I've built almost all my patio furniture out of 2x4 cedar lumber! After I saw this tapered leg look on a photo on the web, I couldn't find out how people were actually doing it. This article has been viewed 33,975 times. After you have the nails in place, test the board to make sure you are comfortable that it is firmly held in place. If one were ripping a 1x4 (or even a 2x4) on its 3.5" side through a table saw, then a taper jig would work. The trick to making your potato wedges extra crispy is soaking them in salted water before cooking.

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