hey you guys that make your own!!

[WMtaxi]

i want to make a couple bases for a few things i am doing. i want them to be octogon so heres my question i know how long a want the base and the width and the angles but how do i know how long to cut each peice? thanks for any help!

[Sikk]

If you google woodworking octagons, you can find the formula for figuring the lengths. I could try and explain it but the online helps are very well done. paul

[WMtaxi]

ok thank you!

[dmac1175]

I can tell you the joint is cut on a 22 1/2 degree angle, give or take very slight degrees.

[rnviper3]

I might do things backwards, but here goes my way.  I start out by making a template of the inside of the base you want. then cut the wood for that inside part you are going to mount your specimen on.   Then cut the first edge piece so that the smaller inside bevels match the template.  Then keep working around the template till you have all the pieces made.  Hope this makes sense and helps a little.

[roostinridge]

If you are new to it you may also lay it out on cardboard so you know exactly without waisting any wood.

[bearrug]

Thanks for the good info.

[antlerman]

It's simple.  It works off of a circle

Take 360 degrees     there are two cuts to each board, so each board accounts for double angles, so thats 16 cuts     360 divided by 16

8 sides equals 22 1/2 degrees each cut

[roostinridge]

Ah!! but it depends totally on the octagon dimenisions.