Would like your opinion

[MikeSibley]

I am building a few clock housings and these include a door with glass that are mitered on the corners including a decorative pattern. I have not been an expert at mitering these corners to a perfect fit. I saw one video where the guy had a sled for the table saw that cut both pieces at the same time. In you folks expert opinion, what method is the best to get the "best" mitered corners on relatively small pieces?

[DaninVan]

A member over at TPTSNBM swears by his Lion(sp?) miter cutter...not sure of the correct name for it, but he uses it for cutting picture framing moldings.
Something like this...
https://www.diyframing.com/store_viewItem.cfm/ItemID/86
That one will cut up to 4" tall material

[Nickp]

Mike...regardless of the tool you use to cut your miters the most important point is the setup. The miter-cutting device must be set to cut exactly 45deg whether you use a miter knife, shooting board, table saw, RAS, etc...

Determine which is the problem you are having first...is it bad angle or bad cut...?

[MikeSibley]

Thanks guys! I need better skills at mitering and that helps a LOT!

[MikeSibley]

Mike...regardless of the tool you use to cut your miters the most important point is the setup. The miter-cutting device must be set to cut exactly 45deg whether you use a miter knife, shooting board, table saw, RAS, etc...

Determine which is the problem you are having first...is it bad angle or bad cut...?

Probably a little of both. Angle is the most important as I have been using my miter saw and I set it up as close as possible, but it's just not quite accurate enough.

[Nickp]

Mike...regardless of the tool you use to cut your miters the most important point is the setup. The miter-cutting device must be set to cut exactly 45deg whether you use a miter knife, shooting board, table saw, RAS, etc...

Determine which is the problem you are having first...is it bad angle or bad cut...?

Probably a little of both. Angle is the most important as I have been using my miter saw and I set it up as close as possible, but it's just not quite accurate enough.

Are you cutting you angles on the bevel or setting the saw to 45...? If you're making the cut on a bevel it's important to pull down the saw on the same axis as the bevel rather than straight down. If you pull straight down cutting a bevel the saw might deflect a bit.

If you're setting to 45 and cutting and not cutting to an exact 45, check for any side to side play in the saw...tighten accordingly.

If you're having any side to side play check to see if the blade deflects or if the entire arm is deflecting.

I use my compound saw for miters and had to "tighten 'er up" for clean cuts. It also helps a lot to cut VERY SLOWLY...

[Herb Stoops]

I am building a few clock housings and these include a door with glass that are mitered on the corners including a decorative pattern. I have not been an expert at mitering these corners to a perfect fit. I saw one video where the guy had a sled for the table saw that cut both pieces at the same time. In you folks expert opinion, what method is the best to get the "best" mitered corners on relatively small pieces?

Mike, I cut my miters on the table saw and use the Miter Set gauge to set my miter gauge,along with an 80 tooth standard kerf blade.
https://miterset.myshopify.com/?aff=21
HErb

[MikeSibley]

Most of my miters are okay by using the compound miter saw. I have it set as precisely as possible, but when I have these small (3/4 thick, 1.25 width strips that are already routed to a molding on the inside, unless they are extremely precise, it can leave a gap. I think that the blade stabilizer might be an improvement since I am using a 12-inch miter saw. I guess we all strive for absolute perfection, but in repairing these antique clocks, I strive to get the joint as close to invisible as possible.

I did see some youtube video where the guy had a jig for use on the table saw that cut both pieces at the same time which would make any deviation identical on both pieces. I am using a Incra miter 1000 on my table saw if I want to try that option. I am somewhat intrigued by the Miter Trimmer but as usual, quality is pricey!

I have a great friend who was a Vietnam War "Naval Aviator" who was a clock repair guru and I got this "task" helping him. Recently he passed away, so I am taking the antique clock mechanical mechanisms and making clock cases out of mahogany for members of his family. I'd like it to be as good as I can get it.

[MikeSibley]

the "best" mitered corners on relatively small pieces?

the short version is a 12 page rave or will you settle for the better best by far and large is being a Trimmer Knife like Dan shows.... find a lion knife to move to the head of the class...
the other best is a shooting board...

Derek From Perth does a fine article on a shooting boards in his shop made tools blog... (scroll down)
LV/Veritas has plans for a good one too in their newsletter library.... (can't find a link) but they do have a ready made one....
LeeValley's offering for a Miter Trimmer/Knife...

.
Shooting Board.pdfMiter Shooting Board P#1.pdfMiter Shooting Board P#2.pdf

I've never been able to get my planes and hand tools consistently sharp and set right. I could probably use a little mentoring in that aspect of woodworking!