how to cut a 2x4 into a wedge

Once you have your four quarters, its time to start cutting your wedges. Heres our step by step guide for how to cut potato wedges, including a video of me cutting potato wedges in our kitchen. I also confirmed I the desired thickness and ran the 3 foot or so long board through a planer. A sheet of 1/2" masonite (or phenolic-coated plywood). My woodworking plans always call for 96" long boards, and grabbing the wrong size may mean an extra trip to the store for more supplies! At home, you can find me with my wife and three boys, maybe practicing violin, guitar or piano, in . Shims are thin pieces of wood that are used to level or adjust something. There are already holes there in each board by now. Sawing long boards is easy if you own a table saw. install a couple of DeStaCo clamps as hold-downs. This is more common in wider boards, but it doesn't hurt to check. Privacy policy, You can read more about the history of the 2x4 here. Next, while your fence is in exactly the right place and everything is adjusted properly, you should repeat all of the steps mentioned to cut the desired number of wedges (2 per leg), plus maybe a couple of extras just in case you make a mistake. At the end of the cut, keep the back of the shoe tight until the cut is complete. If a two-part shim is unacceptable, you can pocket screw the two pieces together to form a one-piece shim. Most recipes for potato wedges yield 6 to 8 wedges per potato. Cut all of the 2x4s you are going to need to length first. You will essentially be making a series of small, simple spears . Isn't it funny what interests people? In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by sending us an email via our Contact Us page. Once you have the right depth, tighten the blade into place. Two of these put together, on the 45, make that top piece. This side with the "X" will be the part that glues to your cabinet. Run the cruddy 2x4 through the table saw to make a perfectly straight edge. Notice that in the photo about 1/4 away from the right hand side, the board starts to dip below the surface level. After that, I used a router to cut a decorative edge along the bottom of the board. Slice the potato in half lengthwise so that you have two equal halves. 7 inches from the pivot point to the far edge of the router bit. But if you've never built anything before, there's a lot to learn! . After I saw this tapered leg look on a photo on the web, I couldn't find out how people were actually doing it. First, you need to place the board with the outside up. TO REHEAT: Reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer at 375 degrees F and recrisp for a few minutes. back from uncut wood and start the saw. Dont try to force it let the edge do the work. Draw a guideline parallel to the edge of the board with a combination square and pencil. There are certainly other ways to achieve the straight line shown in the photo with the router itself (and a fence), but for me, I found the initial line cut with the table saw was effective. I used nails to hold the top edge of the tapered leg in place. This is important because the they are not interchangeable. There are so many stacks to choose from! Wedge the saw cut open with a shim if the board starts to pinch the blade and cause it to bind. Measure at both the front and back edges of the blade to align the fence parallel to the blade. Place each potato quarter cut side up, then slice down the center of the quarter to create a wedge. Simply cut the onion in half, peel off its papery skin, and make sure your knife is sharp to get perfect onion wedges every time. 2. It takes about an hour to build this circular saw rip guide. I think I understand your question. If so, those are made from, say, a 3 foot long piece of pine cut to a starting a desired width (height on the piece). Place the two-by-four in its desired location. Dont use this method If the board is splintery or if your finger will be closer than 3 in. Leave the saw set. If you set up a stop block system, you can create a stack of identical 2x4 pieces in minutes! After measuring, you probably would even want to run a few 2x4 test scraps (not your prized-possession wedges) through to verify you are cutting as close to a true 45 as you can. I used these as accents on an aquarium stand, which has its own Instructable here, but you could use them on a cabinet, a kitchen island, an office desk, dresser or other piece of DIY furniture. screws. Turn on the blade, and carefully cut shims out of scrap wood by holding the jig you just created in your right hand and slowly pushing the edge of a piece of scrap wood through the saw blade along the exposed edge of the jig. Curl your fingertips at roughly a 90 angle, with the fingertips pressing straight down to hold the food in place while the bent knuckles "spot" the blade of the knife. This seems to offer more security at first, but it presents a major problem as you near the end of the cut. Step 2: Set the 3/4 plywood scrap flush to fence and make the cut. Cut a piece of plywood or thin material into a strip slightly wider than the width of your door opening. Put each board back in the jig. To cut an onion into wedges, start by cutting the onion in half from bulb to tip. https://www.loavesanddishes.net/how-to-quarter-an-onion/, https://www.taste.com.au/quick-easy/articles/how-to-cut-onions-into-slices-or-wedges/hrxdqx6r, https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/slice-onion, https://12tomatoes.com/blooming-onion-wedges-and-dip/, Find the bulb by looking for the pointed ends of the onion that usually have brown spots. Learn how to use a circular saw to quickly and accurately cut long boards and plywood. To cut wedges, adjust the screws to form the desired wedge shape and size. A rip cut slices down the length of the board with the grain. In fact, its usually easier to cut long pieces of plywood with a circular saw and a straightedge than to wrestle unwieldy sheets through a table saw. Heres a quick way to cut potato wedges that takes no time at all! This article was co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. A wedge is a piece of wood that tapers to a thin point at one end and is used to split logs or boards along the grain. It's hard to tell from the photos, but to me, it appears the "tapered" portion is against the table!?!? Dovetail joints are very strong and resist pulling apart through the use of wedge-shaped interlocking pieces (the wedges resemble a dove's tail). Remove the taper screw and reposition the far hold-down stop on the jig to accommodate the longer, 6-foot 2x4. Measure the cut twice. Here I was running a 2x4 on its short 1.5" side (vertically) through the saw, twice (from top and bottom) so as to compete the cut. 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. Obviously, cutting a very shallow angle like the one used for these legs absolutely cannot be done safely by just sticking the board into the blade. I also made these smaller 2x4 garage shelves in three different configurations to fit the narrow space. That's why you must properly clean them before cutting and cooking. Reply There are probablyas many ways to level a floor as there are out of level floors being leveled by someone, so here's Matt Jackson's take on making precise, extra long shims. Mark and cut as many 2x4s as you need, then nail them to the studs. Measure carefully and record the dimension for reference. You will use this circular saw jig over and over again. A #9 or #10 screw is strong enough to hold 2x4 boards together without snapping under pressure. Remove the 2x4blank from the straight edge jig and set the jig aside. 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! Opposite of what you might think, potatoes should never be kept in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures can cause them to spoil quickly. Take a look at the photo on step 19. Display a Gravatar image next to my comments. As a rule of thumb, the space for the nut and washer is equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used. My goal is to teach people how to fix up their homes and furnish them with custom woodworking projects that are perfect for their space. 3D Printed Futuristic Space Age Wall Clock. For example, if a door is not fitting correctly in its frame, you could place a shim under it to make it work better. You are lengthening the board on the inside of the curve, and not changing it on the outside, which causes it to bend -- straight. 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. You can also use an axe or splitting wedges to do the work. 2. So what are you waiting for? Second, youll need to use a push stick or other safety device to prevent your fingers from getting too close to the blade. 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. Then used a mitre saw to cut off small pieces with one 45 degree angle on each. I'd cut the 2x4s in half before tapering them, much easier ( and safer) to work with. Be sure you understand which side to put against the table. If one of the potatoes in the batch starts sprouting or going bad, it will quickly contaminate the rest, and you will have to get rid of the whole bunch. They are made using a premium or "select" grade 2x4 that is 24" long, then very slightly trimmed to length when finished. It can take weeks or even months for the wood to dry out properly. Insert a 3/8-inch masonry drill bit into a hammer drill. The combination of crispiness on the outside with fluffy softness on the inside is simply irresistible! Cut a piece of scrap wood into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. This content is imported from poll. Now since 2'x4's come in 8 foot lengths, to get four boards out of each board you will have to cut them a little shorter than exactly 24" long. You may have to modify it to fit your saws shoe. Afterward, scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush or kitchen sponge and wash away the remaining dirt using warm water. holes in the corners and then cutting between them with a jigsaw. Practical Machinist is the easiest way to learn new techniques, get answers quickly and discuss common challenges with your peers. You can learn more about how to use a Kreg Jig here! 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. If you have one like mine, don't pay attention to the gauge on the bottom, it only gets me in the ballpark. Position one finish nail at each end near the edge of the board and away from the path of the blade. A cross cut severs the fibers across the grain, making the 2x4 board shorter. Content Creator. You can get the plans for these shelves here! Today we will learn how to cut potato wedges like a pro, using pictures as our guide in four simple steps. This will make your onions cut faster, and it will be more safe. How to Build 4 Different Styles of Path Lights, Create Circular Saw Cutting Guides for Plywood, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), how to make perfectly straight cuts using a circular saw, I Tried a Hands-Free Dog Leash, and I No Longer Dread Walking My Dog, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Keep reading for tips. Dovetail joints are found . In this guide, I'll answer all your questions about the humble 2x4 and help you get started on your next project! We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Place the potato on its side and using a large chef's knife, slice it in half lengthwise. Clampdown the 2 x 4 using c clamps, or bar clamps. Run the jig through the table saw. First, measure the area where youll make your cut and mark it with a pencil. You want to start by slicing off one end of the lemon so that you have a flat surface to work with. Mills were trying to get more boards out of a single log, and charge the same price. To ensure a straight cut, press the saw firmly against the straightedge as you push it along. The wood rides against your fence. In that photo, I am pushing tapered edge toward the table. The thinner the shim, the more easily it can be adjusted. A groove cut is just like the dado cut from above, but instead of cutting across the grain, the circular saw cuts along the grain. I used a router with a square edge bit set to cut at 3/8" deep. Run the cruddy 2x4 through the table saw to make a perfectly straight edge. Place the cut side of the potato down onto the cutting board, and cut it in half again to create quarters. The side that I marked with an "x" in step 16 is laying flat against the table in step 19 as I am running it through for the 45 degree angle. For this method, you must nail the board directly to the sawhorses with finish nails (Photo 1). Once youve made your cut, release the pressure and let the edge come to a stop before moving it out of the shim. Time to make a bunch of mill soft jaws; What features do the rest of you add to them? 2. Then you are ready to sand and cut to length. 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. Holding a speed square next to the base plate will help guide the saw straight. For soft and fluffy potatoes: Slice into thick wedges, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Then, use a sharp knife to cut your onion lengthwise from bulb to tip in one cut. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Saws Circular, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. You can usually tell right away if it's curving off to the side. Or set up a potato wedge bar and let everyone top their own with pico de gallo, guac, the works. To create a consistent and straight line, I put the entire jig on my table saw sled and made a 3/8" deep cut. Alex and I use this method when we make our ultimate baked potato wedges! Here is the board next to the cabinet. Learn how your comment data is processed. Depending upon precision needed, screw either a metal or hardwood strip the same size as the slots on your table (e.g. Here are some of the knives we recommend, as well as cutting boards and the best knife sharpener. Step 2 Place one of the halves on its flat side on your cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half again. Cut the straight 2x4to the length of the required shim. You can withdraw your consent at any time by visiting our. Saw cuts parallel to the "rough" taper, (taper-cutting the 2x4 as desired) except the fence, because it's 3' long, sort of averages out the small variations in the bandsaw-cut guide. Haha! You could use a regular grade 2x4 and run it through a planer to achieve similar results. A jig for narrow strips If youre looking to cut a 2X4 into a wedge, there are a few things youll need to keep in mind. 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! 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. The other side of your onion might also need to be cut off and thrown away, if it has another brown knob on it. Before you squeeze the switch to restart the cut, make sure the saw blade is perfectly aligned in the kerf and maintain a firm grip in case the blade catches and jerks the saw. Clamp a straightedge for super-straight cuts. Anyway, great job on that one Kent. By clicking ACCEPT you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. It be nice to hav plans for tht. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Sound farfetched? Then mark the board and cut it to width (Photos 2 and 3). There have been home made and factory built tapering jigs been around forever. This is a quick way to cut a few 2- to 4-in. The thinner the shim, the more easily it can be adjusted. (So of course, you could make adjustments to the height of the deep spacer on your jig to achieve that desired point). If you make potato wedges, you don't want to peel your potatoes and need to leave the skin on. Thanks for a great posting. Once you have a few woodworking projects under your belt, you're going to want to build this 2x4 workbench to make your new hobby easier! Drive a glued wedge into the saw cut by pulling back on the stud as you insert the wedge. holes in your saw shoe and attach the guide with 5/8-in. Any ugly unfinished tears to the grain of the board needed to be on the inside where no one would see it. You must log in or register to reply here. Video: KnifeSkills, Gear, & How to HoldaKnife! I'm Vineta, otherwise known as The Handyman's Daughter! Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reheat from frozen. You can learn more about how to use a miter box here! Again, it is more important to be consistent than exact, as you can always trim off any excess off the bottom. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,975 times. The "eye" refers to the hole in the axe blade that the handle fits into. Now flip the stock piece over and cut another wedge in the same manner. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Cut-an-Onion-Into-Wedges-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-an-Onion-Into-Wedges-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Cut-an-Onion-Into-Wedges-Step-1.jpg\/aid11369593-v4-728px-Cut-an-Onion-Into-Wedges-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"