The proper way to make x brace angles for a woodworking project is to calculate the angle for each end of the x brace to fit in the space it will be placed in, as well as the angle of intersection where the boards cross each other. The calculation for angles can be achieved using mathematical formulas.

The easiest way to calculate the angles required on each x brace end as well as where they intersect is by using the Miter Angle Calculator app. The app offers 5 orientations of the x-end positions to choose from.

Below is an example of how the Miter Angle Calculator is used to get a perfect fitting X brace assembly built.

Step 1: Measure the height and width of the space to be filled, down to a 1/16th of an inch, or 1mm. (The app can calculate in imperial or metric measurements)

Step 2: Determine the width of the boards used in making the X brace. Again, down to 1 1/16th or 1mm.

Step 3: Open the Miter Angle Calculator and choose which orientation the X brace will have its ends positioned, which unit of measurement will be used, the width of the space, the height of the space, and the board width. Then press “calculate”.

Step 4: The angles for each side of the ends and intersection are displayed as well as the length of the boards (pre-cuts). It is advised to use slightly longer boards in order to make repeated thin cuts down to a perfect fit.

Step 5: Once the ends are cut to the proper angles and set in place, mark lines on both sides of the boards where they intersect. If your initial measurements were accurate these lines should line up with the miter saw blade after the saw is set to the angle given by the MIter Angle calculator.

Step 6: Set the miter saw to only cut halfway down the board and make a series of thin cuts between the intersection markings. Once complete, the boards should slide together to create the X brace.

For a complete step-by-step guide to building perfect X braces watch the video below.

The post How to Make X Brace Angles and Half Laps appeared first on Miter Angle.

Orienting the Gate Brace Ends

The quickest and most accurate way to determine the angles and board length required for this diagonal brace is to use the Miter Angle Calculator app.

Calculating the Angles of the Gate Brace

Here is an example, with photos, of utilizing this app for the fence gate brace shown in this article.

First. accurately measure the height and width of the space that the diagonal brace will occupy as well as the width of the board to be used. In this example, we’ll use imperial measurements, but the app is capable of using metric as well.

The height is 46″, the width is 39″, and the 2×4 lumber used has a width of 3-1/2″.

Using Miter Angle Calculator

Step 1. open the app and select the fourth option down under “Choose Orientation”.

Step 2. Select either imperial or metric

Step 3. enter the Opening height using the selector wheels. Proceed to the Opening Width and Board Width and enter those figures.

Step 4. Click “Calculate” and all of the angles as well as the board length are displayed. It is advisable to use a little longer board length than listed in the app. This will allow for making thin cuts down to the proper fit in case any of the other measurements were slightly off.

The Miter Angle Calculator is accurate down to 1/10th of a degree. Take care to measure the space opening as accurately as possible (down to a 1/16th” or 1mm) to ensure an accurate calculation from the app.

The post How to Properly Position a Fence Gate Brace ~ Prevent Gate Sagging appeared first on Miter Angle.