Texas Stars: Easy 45 Degree Angles, No Jigs! Easy Woodworking Project

[@savvybuilds]

Updated video with even more detail on how to make these stars, here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouphXqprq-HrLs Useful information about the angles from 5 minutes to 12 minutes. Thanks for watching!

[@cottagecharacters]

Best video I’ve seen on KZbin for explaining in detail the process of making a woodworking project Easy for people to follow explaining all the angles and potential problems 100% respect to you if you don’t already teach woodworking maybe you should give it some thought 👌

[@savvybuilds]

Thank you! I wasn't sure if it was going to be too much detail but it seems like a lot of people are appreciative.😊

[@bobbonner1314]

Watched a few videos on this subject, yours is by far the best.

[@savvybuilds]

Thank you!

[@JAW88]

The same people that have a saw that only goes to 45° can look on KZbin for ways to make angles more than 45° on the same miter saw it’s really simple and has saved me a lot

[@savvybuilds]

But then you would have to build a jig. The goal here was to keep it simple with no jig.

[@richardblackmore527]

Worked a treat! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The only thing I did differently was use an angle of 31.6 degrees which was preset on my mitre saw. All 5 pieces fitted together perfectly - I was so pleased 😀.

[@savvybuilds]

That's great! I was tempted to try that too! I still don't know why miter saws have a preset at 31.6 but if it works, great!

[@markb8954]

@@savvybuilds I asked Mr Google - 31.6 degrees, is the standard miter angle for certain compound rafter cuts in many common stick home roof construction situations. Because it is so common, most compound miter saws feature several quick settings like this, to save time and ensure repeatability over dozens or hundreds of cuts.

[@savvybuilds]

@hankhill4431 Hi! I talk about different sizes in this video at around the 2 minute mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouphXqprq-HrLs

[@MrMeasureTwice]

I LOVE the metal snips to cut the string - seriously, I am not giving you grief, I do LOVE it!! And, nice little project too. Well done, good explanation.

[@savvybuilds]

Haha thanks! I was wondering when someone would say something about that 😆

[@scottstubberud1137]

Very cool project. Described nicely. If you have a bandsaw a Quick way to make 2 out of one is to resaw the pieces in half, (or into 3 maybe). A bandsaw could cut a 1 by into 3, 1/4” thick pieces easily. Could resaw initially on the full length board or after cutting the pieces and then stack them on top of another and cut 2-3 at a time assuming your stop blocks are thick enough. A sacrificial fence is a great idea to support the pieces on both sides of the blade. Will lessen the error caused by small movement of the pieces. 2 face tape it to the miter saw platform. Done correctly it acts as a zero clearance insert at the bottom of the cut minimizing chip out on the bottom. If resawing the pieces in half you could chamfer the edges of each piece on both sides first, while still thick enough for safety, then resaw them in half and go right to glue up. Much thinner star but get a lot more out of your wood. Theoretically you could assemble the star completely making sure both sides are finished and then resaw them if the bandsaw has the capacity and they are sturdy enough after gluing. I resaw my more expensive woods like Purple Heart etc to 1/8” or less quite often and laminate them to other cheaper woods if I need more thickness. Just an idea to save both time and money. Keep up the good work!

[@savvybuilds]

I like your lamination idea. I was thinking about trying with wood veneer over mdf. Could make a really nice star. I am using a zero clearance fence now in my newer videos. Much more accurate...and safer. And a new sharp blade helped too! I don't have a band saw but I did make multiple stars at once in the past by stacking and cutting 4 1x4s at the same time on the miter saw. I had to make a jig for that but it was simple. Thanks for all the tips!

[@cohenhix9612]

I have learned so much from your videos ! Thank you! I wanted to share this tip with everyone that makes stars . The glue ups can be a little tricky. I discovered that if you glue up the star on a tool box liner and use Titebond Speedset glue it is so much easier! The tool box liner forms a suction and it keeps the pieces from sliding around. The glue sets up very quickly and between the both of them the wait time is drastically reduced. Good luck everyone and happy building.

[@savvybuilds]

Great tip! I didn't know about the speedset glue.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Two things I learned. 1) I did 31.6 instead. My saw has a tick mark on that angle. 2) Instead of using 4 7/8 I laid one of my parts out and marked the exact length of my 45 degree cut. It was 1/16” less I believe. My star then was spot on. Oh… and another thing… I did stops pretty much like you did. Your stop for the 45 degree cut is better. I used an off cut that had a 45 degree angle on it. Sawdust gets built up in the little corner and makes the part not seat up against the stop. On your 45 degree cut that’s eliminated. But making sure you clear out that sawdust is important. THanks for the video. This helped a lot.

[@savvybuilds]

Glad to hear it worked out! I also switched to using 31.6 in my more recent videos. It seems to work just the same, sometimes better! Thanks for watching!

[@JohnLecuyer-e5v]

I just want to say Thanks for the video on the texas star using the 45 degree angles. I made two stars and they came out perfect. Maybe in the future i will invest in and newer miter saw with 60 degree angle cut and duel bevels. Would like see more like this with 45 degree angles. Enjoy watching your videos and thanks again.

[@savvybuilds]

That's awesome! I love hearing this. :) I plan on making more stars videos.

[@xxr0se_c1llxx18]

Thanks for this video, I just finished making my first star after watching this video.

[@savvybuilds]

That's Great!

[@xxr0se_c1llxx18]

@@savvybuilds thanks again

[@chrisfr2286]

Thank you for this video. I made some star using a jig to get the correct angle last year but this method is so much quick, and safer….

[@savvybuilds]

I agree! The goal was to keep it simple and safe. I hate having to make jigs.

[@davidjefferds8532]

There's a lot of great tips in this video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@savvybuilds]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers!

[@swampybman7741]

I also use a home made vinegar stain. But, mine isn't involving enough to make a video. I like to clean off rusty steel parts. The more rusted the better. These are old tools and parts that have oxidized outside or outdoor shed. I use discarded plastic jars from the kitchen. After soaking in apple cider vinegar. I soak a day or more. Take out metal and clean with rag and or brush. The liquid solution is what I use to to stain my woods. And, yes, protect your skin. Going to make my stars today! Thanks good info given here.

[@dreamrocker9287]

Hey Man !!! I can't Thank You Enough For Sharing The 31.7 Angle . It Makes My Stars Look Real Good And I'm Using " Old Oak " 1 x 6 Sub Flooring From A House Built In The Early 1950's That Was Being Demolished You're The Best Happy Holidays , Jeff/JD/ DOC Over Here In North Carolina

[@MrTrecutter1]

I have found on my saw atleast that it doesn't give a clean cut. It leaves tare out/wood fibers on each cut so the center points leave same gaps, just a little sanding on the points helps tremendously. Thanks for the video

[@savvybuilds]

The type of blade can help too. 60 tooth blade makes a pretty clean cut but it seems to depend on the type of wood and grain orientation as well. I have not tried an 80 tooth blade yet.

[@MrJaxparadize]

Try putting masking tape on the side that rips bad. Works for me.

[@ladykenja2700]

- Thanx a multimillion for your concise, clear explanations & demos. Luv, luv, luv these stars.

[@savvybuilds]

No prob! Thanks

[@dustinramsey773]

Well done. Finally someone not trying to sell me a plan to build a star.

[@V70170]

Hello, I've learned a lot from your video. Thanks and greetings from the Netherlands.

[@savvybuilds]

Glad to hear that! Thanks!

[@billspencer8156]

just watched your video. went out to the shop and cut two of the stars out. glue is drying. thank you.

[@savvybuilds]

No prob! Glad to hear! I should create a group of some kind where people can post pics of their stars.

[@AllenOxendine]

Cool project, thanks for sharing. Full View and Like 👍⭐️

[@chuckguidry1560]

This tutorial was perfect. The stop blocks is the key to perfect cuts. Thanks so much for doing all the hard work.

[@savvybuilds]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@swishair]

Awesome build, a great staining technic.

[@savvybuilds]

Thank you very much!

[@edwardgardiner2887]

much easier than the 54degree version Addition of a 1x2 sacrificial fence for the 31.5 cuts stops the little movement of the peice on the flip cut and eliminates the gaps. Great project. Same technique and angles also works for 2.5 inch stock and produces a 8 inch star.

[@savvybuilds]

Thank you! I agree, I have since been using a sacrificial fence and it's much better.

[@robertsmith3518]

Both videos are stellar! You’re the man! Thanks Cheers

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks! 🍻

[@MichaelaBolton-xo2gs]

I love your videos! I learn so much! Thank you

[@patricksalter5412]

As a lifelong fan of the 49ers (born and raised in San Francisco) I have always disliked anything related to Texas (I blame the Cowboys)😊. But I have say that I enjoyed your video. Was thinking of making a star and stapling a string of lights along the outside edge to make a lit up star for Christmas! And, yes. I will subscribe!

[@savvybuilds]

Right on! Thank you

[@squarelevelplumb]

My only suggestion on the 45 degree star , is that the twine be attached lower on the back so that the loop can be bigger, still unseen to make it easier for hanging. Good job.

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Janetgreen64]

This is great! Thank you for sharing

[@juliovillavicencio296]

Thank you very much for your information. It will be my next project. Julio

[@larrystone5749]

Great job thx for sharing enjoyed it

[@Wolfe_Metals_Stacking]

This randomly popped up in my suggested videos. Love the project and I am looking forward to the stain video. I have quite a few Christmas projects that it would look great on. Subscribed.

[@dianerose121]

thank you! All the details and descriptions really help me conceptualize the process...even as a green beginner 😊

[@suegomez241]

Thank you for making this video !

[@ryanm2214]

Neat project! My mind would struggle to ignore the loose joints so I am wondering if there is a way to clamp up. Thanks for the vid!

[@cindymiller3892]

Very nice. I love it

[@lindayorke8108]

Thanks for the videos, so easy to understand. Could I use 1x3”

[@savvybuilds]

Yes smaller will work just the same. The angles stay the same and the pieces don't need to be cut as long.

[@JohnLecuyer-e5v]

The 1x4 that you used, is it true 1x4 . When I buy 1x4 it really is 3.5 inches. I was just wondering if you are using dress or undress lumber. Thanks for time. Enjoyed watching your video.

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks! Yes it's 3.5 inches wide. I made another video with 4 inch wide boards. Here is the link if you are interested:kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLde5x6pZZ6d9E

[@dryerthackston7088]

Great video. Have you considered using a template and router with a template cutting bit?

[@savvybuilds]

That would be an interesting thing to try.

[@HouseScraper]

I finally made the star yay

[@savvybuilds]

Right on! Glad to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@birdmananyweather1681]

you're amazing! seriously! cheers!!!

[@randombroncosfan8095]

Take one of the cutoffs and flip over to use as your stop block. More accurate than the straight board. ;-)

[@reptilefrenzyllc3721]

That wood looks so good that its one of those boards you put on the wall as trophy find 😂

[@savvybuilds]

Haha I know! So hard to find spf like that!

[@YoupiePlaat]

Nice idea, what type of Bosch is that, and do you also have the dimensions of the star in cm. Thx

[@thehawkc]

Nice job! Thanks

[@JGanes]

One thing about the movement messing with the angles, your fence is too short. If you attach a sacrificial fence, it will hold the piece securely and limit movement.

[@savvybuilds]

On hindsight, I think that would help.

[@jodijuneallen512]

Hello Mr. Savvy! Your instructions have helped me tremendously! My saw only goes to 45°. To use larger wood, would you mind sharing with me the measurements? Thank you for sharing your talents!!!

[@savvybuilds]

Hello! I have yet to make a larger one with the 45 degree method but the good news is, all the angles stay the same. You just need to cut them longer. What size stock are you thinking about trying?

[@jodijuneallen512]

@savvybuilds oh my goodness!! Thank you for your reply. I thought the degree cuts might stay the same, but wasn't sure, so I thought I'd ask. I was wanting to try a 1x8 stock. Thank you again for your time! ♡

[@TaySC1969]

@@savvybuilds I was hoping to use a 2x6 like in your other video. The angles would be the same, but not sure how much longer I should make it. 🤔

[@savvybuilds]

@@TaySC1969 Hello, here's a link that might help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouphXqprq-HrLs Watch from 1-44 to 4-33. I explain how to figure out how long to cut the pieces with different sized lumber.

[@dusankekic9654]

Wow man these videos are gold

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks!

[@lestarisanmiardjo7891]

Very nice 👌 👍 👏 😀

[@savvybuilds]

Thank you!!!😄😄😄

[@Belg1970]

Been looking for a video to make the Bethlehem star version would love to see you produce that version.

[@savvybuilds]

I think I might be up for the challenge. I'm writing it down on my list of videos to make :).

[@freedomfam6]

Just a question…have you squared your saw? Sometimes from the Factory is off a bit.

[@JohnLecuyer-e5v]

Good Afternoon. I made the texas star from your video and came out perfect. I was just wonder, can I add more cut out to the star to make it larger? I was thinking 3 to 4 times the original size and hang it on the wall. Thanks. Enjoy watching your videos.

[@savvybuilds]

Hi! I just made one that is quite a bit bigger. You can use the same process but with a 2x6. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGavhKKMfLZ6nKssi=fwIMYLOibTGvDjZG

[@TheSuncatcher1]

Excellent! Thank you so much!!!!

[@chuckbell2949]

Use a cutting platform for your saw, this will help prevent errors & set the depth stop .

[@klashnacovak47]

Great video

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks!

[@larrybud]

6:40, remember, there are 10 faces trying to line up in the inner glue joint. If your miter is off 0.1 degrees, that's a total of 1 degree. If your miter is off 0.2 degrees, that's a total of 2 degrees!

[@savvybuilds]

You explained this better than I did! Thank you :)

[@imsowright90]

Good details.

[@jimclark6256]

On another of your video, you recommended the 31.6 setting.

[@savvybuilds]

Yeah they both work fine. Most saws have a pre set for 31.6 so it made sense to use that setting since it's so close to 31.5. I only use the 31.6 now and haven't have any issues (since filming this video). Thanks for watching my vids!

[@jimclark6256]

Thanks love your web site, I will attempt to make a couple of stars and see what happens. Keep up with the great ideas.@@savvybuilds

[@19570219]

I LIKE THE 54 DEGREE ONES...GOOD ON YOU...

[@davidsecker5161]

Is there a correlation between the width of wood and length of first cut. I just did it with 3 inch wood and i did 5.5 inch and when i put them together I've got a huge gap.

[@savvybuilds]

@@davidsecker5161 take a look at the video link in the description. That might help. Smaller board, smaller star.

[@damianluby8973]

You did a great job explaining the complete process. I noticed you did your initial measurements in Imperial (inches) and when discussing small gap measurements you used metric (used by most of the world).

[@savvybuilds]

Ah yes! I'm from Canada lol. We seem to use every unit of measurement here for some odd reason.

[@brianmcgrevey9832]

I like your interest and explanations! Great.

[@brw3079]

Very listenable voice!

[@brianboreham1369]

Hi, great video, but do you have to change the angles depending on width of board .Mines not working out on 3” board

[@savvybuilds]

Hi! The angles would remain the same. The only thing that would change is the measurement for the 2nd cut. It would be less than 4- 7/8 inches. Measure the length of the facet of the 45 degree cut and that would give you the measurement for the location of the 31.5 degree cut. Hopefully this helps.

[@brianboreham1369]

@@savvybuilds yea did do that but still didn’t work out..perhaps it’s my mitre saw .

[@jameslangston7642]

so did you re-cut all pieces are just the one

[@savvybuilds]

All of them

[@jameslangston7642]

@@savvybuilds thank you i'm just starting woodworking and i'm a little slow at catching on I didn't hear if you said all or not so thank you for your reply and the video is great

[@savvybuilds]

@@jameslangston7642 Thanks! Have fun making them! :)

[@KevinSanchez90156]

Can I use a 2x4?

[@savvybuilds]

Yes, works exactly the same.

[@86abell]

I have a brand new Metabo 10" sliding miter saw. It cuts perfect angles. I have burnt through 20-star pieces and NONE of them are even close to fitting together. I even had a friend make one and his came out just like mine. How many cuts did it really take to get yours to fit together?

[@savvybuilds]

What part isn't fitting exactly? As you see in the video I cut the pieces once and then did a test fit. I then readjusted my saw and cut them once more and I had perfect angles. You might be orienting them the wrong way when making the 2nd cut. Or your saw is out of alignment. Not sure. What angles are you using?

[@robertwood657]

Thank you very much!

[@savvybuilds]

No prob! enjoy :)

[@jojolepicard6607]

Bonjour à vous, pouvez vous m'indiquer la largeur de la planche avant les coupes. Merci à vous et bien le bonjour de France !!!

[@savvybuilds]

Bonjour! The board is 3.5 inches wide.

[@scottgloster3601]

Could you please share the math you use to come up with the angles? If it's a 1x3 you would use x but if it's a 1x4 you would use Y etc .etc.

[@savvybuilds]

The great thing about this method is that no matter how wide the board is, you set the saw at the same angles as in the video. The only thing that would change is the length of the pieces when you are cutting the 45 degree angles. In the video I use a 1x4. If you use a 1x3 you would cut them shorter, and a 1x6 longer. I don't have those measurements but you could figure it out through trial and error.

[@sawmilldan]

If you use oak boards, you can skip the tea bath, oak already has tannin in it.

[@matthewdavis6741]

I have a 1x4 that I cut from pallet wood. When I cut at 45o angle on the 4 inch piece of wood, my cut side is 5.5” inches on all four sides not 4 7/8” Not sure what I did wrong. Watched the video multiple times

[@savvybuilds]

Sounds like your 1x4 is 4 inches wide, is this correct? My 1x4 was only 3.5 inches wide (standard SPF 1x4 stock) which means your cut side will be longer than mine. You can continue as is and just end up with a larger star. The goal is for both facets to be the same size. The wider the board the bigger you can make the star. Just continue to the part where you make the 31.5 degree cut and cut just at or under 5.5. Everything will still work out but you will end up with a larger star. Or you can still make the cut at 4 7/8. Up to you.

[@matthewdavis6741]

@@savvybuilds I figured that out after I posted it, but still wanted feedback anyway incase I was wrong.

[@matthewdavis6741]

@@savvybuilds since you’re around I mind as well also ask.. because I couldn’t quite figure this out even though I followed the video step by step: When you get to the 31.5o cut, you said to measure out 4 7/8” inches, and then cut but what confused me is your measurement is on top. I don’t know where to measure to connect the line to the bottom to guide my saw. You have a straight line on the board but didn’t share the measurement to connect that line. I just want to make sure I have everything correct (when I attempted to do this, something was wrong because when I measured out 4 7/8, and came up from the bottom of the board to the dot, it didn’t make a clean cut with a sharp corner, it missed some how and caused an oblong five sided piece).. that’s why im verifying where that line connects.

[@savvybuilds]

@@matthewdavis6741 I see what you mean. I have made a better process since this video. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mouphXqprq-HrLs Watch from 5 min to about 12 min. I talk a lot about setting up those angles. Hopefully that helps.

[@keithwilliamson236]

Is that a true 1x4, or is it 3/4 x 3 1/2?

[@savvybuilds]

Standard SPF, 3/4 x 3.5"

[@christianslater8980]

To not waste all your scraps, get yourself a 5/8 sheet of plywood. Then use your scrap pieces to make abstract wall art. Paint or stain them all different colors. All my scrap pieces in my shop get used to make wall art on plywood.

[@obi-juantacobi8552]

Ok Im completely new to buildinf things and may be a complete idiot but i cannot get the flip on cut 2 to work. Did you cut 2 45s on the block already? Because im getting almost wonky coffin shapes not star points

[@savvybuilds]

Try this video at the 6.50 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmGthYeIm69-aKs

[@obi-juantacobi8552]

@savvybuilds thank you so much!

[@obi-juantacobi8552]

@savvybuilds bright side i discovered if i put the 45s together on the miscuts they form a near perfect heart, so they saves some Christmas shopping

[@byfordbarnard2264]

I like the 45 degree

[@JanEggert-u6o]

Can you show how to make a 8 pointed star

[@savvybuilds]

Yes, here is a link to an 8 point star I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJLEmHSmpLOsbtU

[@kerynwoods6068]

Mate you use metric when talking about fluid which is awesome, why not use the length measurements in metric also?

[@savvybuilds]

I'm Canadian, we use both interchangeably for some reason. Sorry aboot that eh ;)

[@squirrel78704]

Question, why can't you just trace the shape for each piece?

[@savvybuilds]

Mostly for accuracy and repeatability. This way I don't need to trace or measure. Just start chopping.

[@dreamrocker9287]

Thanks

[@jackpotscratchoffs5663]

Throw those scraps together in a circular pattern for a "Texas Windmill" - boom* another product

[@davebowers9526]

the 54 degree star produces less scrap because you can make 1 smaller star from the cut off of each big star

[@savvybuilds]

Basically the 45 degree star is an option for people who don't have saws that go to 54 degrees. I actually have a better video that goes into that with the 54 degree stars, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLde5x6pZZ6d9E

[@danieldibiaso9342]

Doesn’t the stain prevent the glue from adhering properly?

[@savvybuilds]

You are thinking about varnish. This is homemade stain, not varnish. Varnish would create a film that the glue might not adhere to. This stain is okay to glue.

[@marvinhicks4477]

On my saw it reads 31.6 for some reason…….oh well it works

[@lindayorke8108]

For a smaller star I mean

[@savvybuilds]

Hi there, I've got more detailed videos on my channel but all the angles remain the same regardless of length. Hope this helps!

[@jasonfurl7207]

It’s called “propagation of error” in engineering terms

[@savvybuilds]

Thanks!

[@jameshibbert9813]

I still cannot get the angles correct, even with reviewing your video. The flip part is not clear to me. You know what you are doing, I do not.

[@savvybuilds]

Try this video at the 6.50 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmGthYeIm69-aKs

[@GT_1307]

Not one angle is 45degrees. Jeez

[@savvybuilds]

I set my saw to 45 degrees to make a star. This makes it easier to explain. That's what really matters here.

[@pazu8728]

That is not a texas star. The specs. requires the shoulders to be a straight line. Look up five-pointed star. Only the 54 degree star is a texas star.

[@savvybuilds]

Did you miss the intro? If you want to get technical, the points of a geometrically correct star are actually 36 degrees not 54. However, becasue the mitre saw's zero degree setting starts at 90 degrees instead of zero, you subtract 36 from 90 and cut at the 54 degree mark. Some people don't have saws that cut more than 45 degrees. That was the whole purpose of this video.

[@pazu8728]

​@@savvybuildsI watched the intro. To me, it is like saying the bear on the California flag can be any type of bear. That is all.

[@savvybuilds]

@@pazu8728 Don't worry about it. It's just a star.