Hi everyone! I'm an elementary school STEM teacher, and my 5th grade class has taken on an exciting maker project for the rest of the year. Each student has picked something to create, and one of my students wants to build hexagon-shaped wooden shelves for her room. I've given her the go-ahead, and we've got a 1x5 piece of wood that she plans to cut into 7-inch segments. The tricky part is that she'll need to make a 30-degree bevel cut with a hand saw, which is a bit beyond my woodworking skills. I'd love any advice on how she can achieve this cut straight. Thanks in advance for your help!
4 Answers
Remember, it’s really important to let the student take the lead on this project! Ask her how she envisions making these cuts. You’re there to guide her thinking, not to do the work for her. Encourage her to think through the process or even create a Reddit account to ask for more advice here!
If woodworking feels too advanced for both of you, maybe start with a cardboard prototype! It’s a great way to test ideas without the pressure of cutting wood. Plus, it keeps the weight down, which is important for the shelves. It's a fun and realistic approach given the circumstances!
I think that doing this with a hand saw might be a bit tough for a 5th grader. One option is to make a custom miter box that allows for a 30-degree angle cut. You could take a box with low sides and cut a 30-degree slit in it with a table saw or miter saw. Another way is to use a sanding shooting board with a 30-degree ramp and a square sanding block. That should help her get a straight edge!
You could definitely build a simple miter box for her using some 3/4" plywood and a couple of screws. It would help her get the right angle. Here’s an example: [link](https://imgur.com/a/K3cxcKT). That way, she can safely make those 30-degree cuts!
Great suggestion! A miter box would definitely make it easier!