\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Select your cutting method. Believe it or not, there's actually a method to the madnesskeep reading to find out how to cut potato wedges the right way. If the saw starts to wander from the line, back up to about 6 in. How to make the perfect wedges A. The board in the jig now will look like this. If you want the screw head to sit below the surface of the wood, drill a countersink hole and use flat head screws. Heres a quick way to cut potato wedges that takes no time at all! Measure and mark the desired width of the cut board. How to make a simple jig to cut wood wedges super fast, plus my great grandfather's original tools. Make the slots and the hole for the blade and blade guard by first drilling 3/8-in. Secure boards less than 6 in. Heres how to cut shims on a miter saw. To learn more, please refer to the cookie policy. Yours are long! boards. screws. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Slowly guide the blade along your marked line, careful not to veer off course. strips, but if you have to cut narrow strips often, build the jig shown on p. 32. Tie long hair back. Step 1. You are using an out of date browser. Most recipes for potato wedges yield 6 to 8 wedges per potato. 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. Guide the saw beyond the end of the board as if the line continued. Ensure your marks are level so your shim will be level when installed. Alex and I are often asked about the best kitchen tools. Drill 5/32-in. Push out the excess pieces with a chisel, then smooth out the insides. P.S. . A rip cut slices down the length of the board with the grain. To do that, I need to show you how I cut the 45 degree angles. Secure the board for cutting lengthwise by nailing it to sawhorses. You will use this circular saw jig over and over again. It's hard to tell from the photos, but to me, it appears the "tapered" portion is against the table!?!? You should have eight equal potato wedges. If you think that through, you'll know that there is some exposed end grain with that method. Dovetail joints are found . Remove the taper screw and reposition the far hold-down stop on the jig to accommodate the longer, 6-foot 2x4. Slip the concrete sleeve anchor into the hole. through the wood or metal and into the concrete. You can learn more about predrilling and countersink screws here. Additionally, it's wise to check your potato storage periodically to ensure they haven't gone bad or started sprouting. This post will go through the key points you need to know to make the best potato wedges. 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. Clamp a perfectly straight board or metal straightedge to a sheet of plywood to make cabinet-quality straight cuts. He lives and works in Rapid City, South Dakota. At the end of the cut, keep the back of the shoe tight until the cut is complete. Or do you want them small, so its more of a spear-em-with-your-fork kind of thing? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It's pretty easy to make a straight cut across a 2x4 with a circular saw just by lining up the blade with the cut line. Drive a flat head screw into the push block at the end of the straightening jig. Line up one end flush with the 24's edge; make a mark on the 24 at the model's opposite end. Now that you have done this to one board, go test it on your cabinet or other project, then if you like it, repeat this step with the remaining boards. A premium board has fewer knots, is straighter, and does not have rounded edges. You can get the plans for these shelves here! A sheet of 1/2" masonite (or phenolic-coated plywood). Attach a clamp board to the other end of the notched board and clamp the assembly to your saw's fence. 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. Once your potatoes are clean, prepare a cutting board and a sharp knife and start cutting your wedges. Decision time: Do you want your wedges long, like steak fries, so you can pick them up with your fingers and dunk them? And thats all there is to it! These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook! I then used this to route out the notch, trying my best to avoid too much damage to the edges of my jig. Set rip fence to put the blade at the near side of the line (so that the scribedportion will be the off-cut. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Soft and fluffy? My base frame is 5 1/2 inches tall. Place the strip of plywood horizontally on top of your door opening. All other sides (the back and the two sides) are made from premium or "select" grade 1x4 pine. Move the hand that's holding the knife forward to cut the food, leaving the tip of the knife in contact with the cutting board the entire time. Check out the steps below to get started. 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. Place each potato quarter cut side up, then slice down the center of the quarter to create a wedge. You can remove the top layer of the onion with the paper, if it is easier. Now its time to start cutting. (Extra-crispy? to 6 in. It comes up to 3/16" inch from the top. To cut an onion into wedges, start by cutting the onion in half from bulb to tip. Share it with us! If you have a circular saw, you could make the cut freehand, or use a ripping jig. 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. Cutting the block into a wedge shape and creating a cover over the cavity where I will place the weights. Reply An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Replace the flat head screw into the same hole at the same depth and insert the six foot 2x4into the jig. Set the jig aside and cut the opposite edge of the 2x4 on the table saw to get two straight edges. I've built almost all my patio furniture out of 2x4 cedar lumber! Cut a piece of scrap wood into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Put each board back in the jig. Next, we want to achieve a corner by placing two of these together side by side. If you dont own a table saw, you can build the guide shown in Fig. 2. 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. 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. And thats all there is to it! 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. Connect the fence to the base with carriage bolts and attach the saw shoe to the base with small screws. This method results in a board of consistent width and parallel sides whether the board youre cutting from is straight or crooked. Privacy policy, You can read more about the history of the 2x4 here. I have a bunch of 2x4 project ideas to get you started! Clamp a straightedge for super-straight cuts. Matt Jackson is a master carpenter,remodeler, SketchUp Wiz,YouTuber,and contributing editor to ProTradeCraft. This isn't a deal-breaker in construction, but a straight board is absolutely necessary for building furniture! fancy-pants segments). ;-), Here's some pictures of a unit which cuts compound angles in wood which is used to make a cone shaped barrel thing. If you want to create a straight edge on a crooked board, mark the board with a straightedge or chalk line instead. Set the jig aside and cut the opposite edge of the 2x4on the table saw to get two straight edges. behind where you first strayed from the line and start again. use 3/4x1/4 inch stock, with holes drilled and countersunk), onto the bottom of your masonite. With more than 10.6 million unique visitors over the last year, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. Building a Band Saw Hydraulic Downfeed with Lift Function. Place the blade on the wood and align it to create a 5-degree angle. Place the lemon on a cutting board with the point facing up. you want a wedge 6' long, 1 1/2" wide, tapering from 1/8" to 1" thick. This will protect you from accidentally cutting yourself while you chop. TO FREEZE: Freeze potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Another reason to make the jig is consistency. TO REHEAT: Reheat leftover potato wedges in the air fryer at 375 degrees F and recrisp for a few minutes. Heres our step by step guide for how to cut potato wedges, including a video of me cutting potato wedges in our kitchen. You can get the plans for these shelves here. Pay attention to the lengths listed on the lumber bin when buying 2x4s for a project! that's the way I wanted to do it at first. As you cut, direct pressure straight ahead through the handle of the saw, and concentrate on the line. These 15 Substitutes Actually Work, 10 Heavy Cream Substitutes to Use in Any Recipe, Everything to Know About Mardi Gras King Cake. Bitten by curiosity bug. To split larger pieces of log without an axe or a proper wedge, you will need to carve a series of wedges out of slender staves. Then, apply gentle pressure as you guide the blade through the shim. Heres how to cut your shims: 1. Keep the blade perpendicular to the wood as you work; if it starts to tilt, you risk making an uneven cut. This is not a race; rushing through it will only increase the chances of making a mistake. 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. For this method, you must nail the board directly to the sawhorses with finish nails (Photo 1). In addition to the standard 8 foot length, you can also find 2x4 boards in 10, 12, 14 or even 16 foot sizes. To achieve a good placement for the fence, I cut and made a couple of adjustments until the top edge of the blade intersected the top outside corner of the 2x4. In this guide, I'll answer all your questions about the humble 2x4 and help you get started on your next project! Photo 1 shows how to make a test cut and measure the distance from the edge of the shoe to the edge of the blade. Hey, first off, BEAUTIFUL STAND!Now, Im not trying to be an internet know-it-all but rather am genuinely curious why you opted for a jig such as this versus using the more commonly seen standard taper jigs?Im sure it's going to be one of those "DUHH!" You will essentially be making a series of small, simple spears . When it comes to cutting wedges by hand, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The completed fence assembly should fit snugly and slide easily. This side with the "X" will be the part that glues to your cabinet. Most homeowners have a circular saw gathering dust in their garage (or if you're like me, you store it on this handy circular saw rack!). You can learn more about how to use a miter box here! For long wedges, halve the potato lengthwise; for short wedges, halve crosswise. When you begin a cut, barely nick the plywood with the blade to make sure the blade just touches the outside edge of the cutting mark. Use a wooden stick to prevent the cut away part of the wedge from flying into your eye. Actually, I cut a couple of extra ones too in case I made a mistake along the way. Place the potato on its side and using a large chef's knife, slice it in half lengthwise. 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. This article has been viewed 33,975 times. 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. Installing Rockwool Insulation: Rigid Boards in the Walls and Batts in the Attic, Model Remodel Show: 4 MORE Energy Efficient Construction Tips, How to Cut Super Shims for Leveling an Uneven Floor, Ceiling, or Wall, Framing a Deep Roof Overhang on the Gable Ends, A Correct Subfloor Deck: Floor Framing and Subfloor Installation Process, Installing Common Rafters For a Gable Roof, CEUs for Contractors: The What, How and Why of Thermal Envelope Improvements, ptc@home: Exterior Insulation Retrofit and Siding Replacement. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. As a rule of thumb, the space for the nut and washer is equal to the diameter of the wedge anchor being used. Dovetail joints are very strong and resist pulling apart through the use of wedge-shaped interlocking pieces (the wedges resemble a dove's tail). deeper than the woods thickness. 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. To make a second shim, just run the 2x4through the table saw squaring off the tapered edge. Cut off the bulb end and discard that too. Next, measure and mark the shim where you need to cut. If youre in a bind and need to make a shim quickly, you can do so with a circular saw. A premium board has fewer knots, is straighter, and does not have rounded edges. For tips on how to store onions so they last longer, keep reading! we are following part of your plans, but with our own "modifications ". . If you have no obstacles to get around, you may be done now and could be ready to trim to length. Use the code SIDECHEF for $10 off your first $50 shoppable recipe order. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Nail a board to the 2x at the angle you want and use it against the fence. Two Ways to Make Wedges Popular Woodworking 250K subscribers Subscribe 476 Share 59K views 7 years ago In this video from 2010, Christopher Schwarz of Popular Woodworking discusses a couple of. Im the main publisher of this blog. All in all, potato wedges offer a filling yet healthy option when it comes to side dishes that everyone can appreciate. Step 2 Place one of the halves on its flat side on your cutting board and cut it lengthwise in half again. Now flip the stock piece over and cut another wedge in the same manner. Over time, the size of a 2x4 shrunk in order to compete with other building materials. link to Where to Buy Mdo Plywood in Canada, Terms And Conditions of Wood Working Advisor, Set the blade on your table saw to the desired depth, Measure and mark the piece of wood you want to cut into wedges, Place the marked part of wood onto the table saw with the blade lined up where you want to make your cut, Use a push stick or other device to hold the piece of wood against the fence while you make your cut, For a standard amount, start the blade and then push the wood through at a steady pace, For a miter cut, create the edge and then slowly bring the wood down onto it at an angle, holding it flush against the fence as you do so (this will give you cleaner, more precise cuts), Remove any wedges that have been cut from the main piece of wood and repeat steps 2-5 until all desired wedges have been cut. Inside one end of the box, I placed and screwed in a larger block to be used as a spacer. Hope that helps! Align the straightedge with the second set of marks and clamp it tight. Tip: Curl the fingers of the hand that are holding the onion so that your knuckles face the knife instead of your fingertips. Mark the kerf of the new handle with a pencil. This makes for 8 wedges per potato. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Now - Cut your wedge stock 6' long, slide it into the notch, underneath the plywood, and rip it. also, when you made the corbels, do you recall what radius of a circle you used to make the arch? One option is to use a hand saw. We'll cover how to store, wash, and cut your potatoes into wedges. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Doesn't needing this justify a tool purchase? You can see from the photo that I did not have the depth quite high enough, so I had to actually run it through again this time. They should also be stored in a breathable container such as a paper bag or basket where air can circulate and moisture doesn't get trapped. Set one end down on the floor, and bring the other end up to your eye. You have now made the "left" pieces of each leg. Assuming you would like to know how to make a 5-degree angle cut with a saw: The most common way to make this type of cut is by using a miter saw. Place the potato on its side and using a large chefs knife, slice it in half lengthwise. You have another piece to fit still. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 33,975 times. Using sandpaper on the inside of the axe will ensure that all of the old handle has been properly removed. Measure at both the front and back edges of the blade to align the fence parallel to the blade. Peel away the paper outside of the onion and put it in your garbage or compost. To make the "right" pieces, you will need to run the the remaining 24" boards through the table saw, but in such a way as to safely cut 45's on the other side of the board. To cut a 12-foot shim, cut a cruddy 2x4to six feet long. Afterward, scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush or kitchen sponge and wash away the remaining dirt using warm water. Find a straight board. Dont use this method If the board is splintery or if your finger will be closer than 3 in. The most important thing to remember when cutting wedges is always to use a sharp blade. Clear the hole of all debris using compressed air, a. You now have a sled. I also confirmed I the desired thickness and ran the 3 foot or so long board through a planer. Once you have your four quarters, its time to start cutting your wedges. faster, quieter and safer. The miter saw is perfect for making cross cuts, but it's not safe for making rip cuts. Insert a 3/8-inch masonry drill bit into a hammer drill. First, you need to place the board with the outside up. Measure carefully and record the dimension for reference. To make a 15/16 to nothing taper over 12 feet, cut twosix-foot shims that taper 15/32 to nothing. Here's a link for a how to: Sure! At this height, it barely cuts half as high as the jig.