Mitre Blocks & Boxes

About Mitre Blocks & Boxes

Mitre blocks and boxes are essential hand tools that enable precise angled cuts when working with handsaws, particularly tenon saws. These guides feature pre-cut slots at common angles—typically 90°, 45°, and 22.5°—which keep your saw blade perfectly aligned throughout the cut, preventing wandering and ensuring professional results. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of mitre cutting guides suitable for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts.

This category includes specialist options such as coving mitres for ceiling trim work, traditional mitre blocks for basic cuts, mitre boxes offering greater depth and stability, and skirting mitres designed specifically for cutting skirting boards. Whether you're a carpenter working on intricate joinery or a homeowner tackling interior finishing projects, the right mitre guide can significantly improve accuracy and reduce material waste.

Applications

Mitre blocks and boxes are widely used across various trades and applications:

• Carpenters and joiners – Picture framing, door architraves, window casings, and general joinery work
• Plasterers and decorators – Cutting coving, cornice, and ceiling trim at precise angles
• Flooring specialists – Trimming skirting boards and beading to fit corners perfectly
• Plumbers – Cutting plastic pipes and conduit at accurate angles
• DIY enthusiasts – Home renovation projects, picture framing, and craft work
• Shop fitters – Installing display trim and architectural mouldings

Choosing The Right Mitre Blocks & Boxes

When selecting mitre cutting guides from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Material capacity – Ensure the width and depth accommodate your typical workpieces, from narrow architrave to deeper skirting boards
• Construction quality – Look for robust materials like hardwood or durable plastic with metal reinforcement that won't wear quickly
• Angle options – Basic blocks offer 45° and 90°, whilst more versatile boxes may include 22.5° slots for complex joinery
• Slot precision – Well-machined slots maintain accuracy over time; cheaper options may have loose or imprecise guides
• Base stability – Non-slip bases or clamping options prevent movement during cutting
• Specialist requirements – Choose dedicated coving or skirting mitres for specific applications where standard boxes prove awkward

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a mitre block and a mitre box?

A mitre block is typically a simple, flat guide with angled slots, suitable for shallow materials. A mitre box has three sides forming a U-shape, providing better support for taller workpieces and preventing the material from lifting during cutting. Mitre boxes generally offer more stability and accuracy for demanding work.

Can I use mitre blocks for materials other than wood?

Yes, mitre blocks and boxes work excellently with plastic pipes, metal conduit, and various mouldings. However, ensure you use an appropriate saw blade for the material—a fine-toothed blade for plastics and a hacksaw for metal—to prevent damage to both the workpiece and the guide slots.

Do I need a mitre saw if I have a mitre box?

Not necessarily. For occasional use and smaller projects, a quality mitre box with a sharp tenon saw produces excellent results. However, powered mitre saws offer greater speed and consistency for high-volume work or when cutting larger materials repeatedly.