CoveredWagon

I think many people make cuttig mitres too complicated. I use O.D. dimensions only, whether I am doing picture framing or door/window trim. Ascertain the dimension desired for lets say a picture frame by using the picture dimension (example 14" x 20"),add fit tolerance (example 1/16") to each dimension and now here is the most important difference: measure the width of the frame moulding from the rabbet to the outside edge. (Lets use 1" as that example) Now simply add the dimensions to get the O.D.s.
14" sides are: 14"+1/16"+1"+1" = 16 1/16"
20" sides are: 20"+1/16"+1"+1" = 22 1/16"
Now, simply set a stop on the mitre guage fence to get the correct length of the sides. Cut all same length cuts at one stoppd setting. This is very important because proper fitting mitres are contingent on parallel sides being exactly the same length! Cut raw stock pieces to slightly oversize and mitre one end. Then use the stopped method above to cut the other mitre on the opposite end. This is both fast and very accurate, assuming user has an accurate method of cutting a 45 degree mitre. Why does this work? If we break this down, a mitred cut on the end of any stock is simply adding an icosolese triangle to the length of the stock. An icosolese triangle has a 90 degree angle and two 45 degree angles. The length of the two sides adjacent to the 90 degrees are exactly the same length!This works equall well on door or window trim. Just use the full trim width to add to the I.D. of trim size desired, instead of the rabbet to edge used for picture framing.

I use both sizes of the cheapie utility knives both ot cut with and as mini scrapers. The ends make great mini scrapers and if it gets dull, brake off the last segment and it is sharp again. the blade is also flexible when extendeed ... works great to shave off glue squeezout before it sets up hard. I also keep denatured alcohol handy in a squirt bottle. That will remove glue residue if it accidently gets on work surfaces, and it will remove sharpie markings if I change my mind or they become irrelevant. I use peanut butter jars for small parts. They are transparent and won''t break if dropped.